Fishing in Exuma
Though officially the Abaco in Bahamas is known as the fishing capital of the world, Exuma comes a close second. Nearness to the Exuma Sound and Tongue of the ocean gives it great allure and great bone fishing capacities. Because of its extensive miles of completely wad able flats and so many hungry bonefish populating the waters many fishermen opt for the DIY route here.
However the flats and the mangrove zones that surround Exuma are separated from the main islands by water channels so a guide is needed unless you know the waters very well. The most popular Bonefish flats around here are Airport, Channel Cut, Rolle town, Bonefish and White Bay. You can expect to catch yellow tail snappers, jacks, Barracudas, Nassau Groupers, Triggerfish, Porgy and even reef sharks by the traditional method of tackle, jig and bait.
The waters between great Exuma and Little Exuma are great for bonefishing and you can also get Barracudas, groupers, needlefish etc. in this zone. Many areas like the entire
Exuma Land and Sea Park is a “no take” zone i.e. you cannot take out anything from the park.
If you are interested in spearfishing then know that the use of scuba gear is not permitted. You will be free diving in 10 to 35 feet water depth with Hawaiian slings and spears and will need a guide and boat to take you to the best spots.
Operators
If you want to hire a fishing charter then Out Island Explorers Fishing on Stocking Island are a good option…choose from half a day to full day charters. They also provide food, drinks and swimming gear plus masks. Phone: 265-365-5686.
Fish Rowe Charters are another popular option in Great Exuma…this is run by Captain Doug and Wendy. The couple have great knowledge about the Exuma waters and will guide towards the best catch areas. Phone: 242-357-0870.
Exuma Bone fishing Association in Great Exuma has a collaboration of the finest fishing guides on the island. They offer half a day/ full day and customizable fishing packages. You can contact
[email protected] for making bookings.
If you are specifically coming for a fishing holiday then a good accommodation option will be Peace and Plenty Bonefish Lodge in downtown Georgetown near Elizabeth Harbor.
Another good option is Coral Gardens in Great Exuma on Hooper’s Bay. Both these places offer fishing packages that include bed and breakfast plus fishing guides and boat charges.
In case you have never fished on the out islands here then do familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations that govern these areas. You need to have a valid fishing permit to fish in these waters and one person can only fish 20 pounds of scale fish, 10 conch and 6 pieces or crawfish in one session. Any other migratory fish that you have caught must be returned safely to the water. Spearfishing can only be done via a Hawaiian sling by a free diver and needs to be done deep in the ocean i.e. 200 yards away from the Exuma island land. Taking away sea fans, tropical fish and coral are not allowed.
You can also contact Department of Marine Resources for more details
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 By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures.
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