Beaches & Watersports

Fishing Nassau Paradise Island

By Greg Johnston

Whether you're a first-time angler or an experienced sportfishing enthusiast, The Bahamas is well known among fishing circles as one of the great sportfishing destinations of the world. The calm, warm waters allow for minimal travel time to get to prime fishing grounds. Less than a quarter mile off Nassau's north shore you could be fishing on a pristine coral reef in 30 feet of water and a few miles further, you are fishing more than a mile deep. Along the south coast of Nassau Paradise Island, the shallow waters and mangrove shores create the perfect combination for world-class fly-fishing. With so many fish in the sea, don't know where to start? Here are some ideas.

If you have half a day, try:

Test your fishing knowledge with some light-tackle fishing. Take a half-day boat charter to the reef lines and shallow coral heads that provide some pole-busting thrills. You'll find the reefs plentiful with snapper, hogfish and grouper. You never really know what will strike your bait. Fly-fishing, also known as bonefishing, is a test of every angler's skill. It's best to hire a guide for a half-day excursion as they will have the keen eye to spot the school of what are often referred to as the "gray ghosts." The south coast of Nassau has perfect flats and cays that are teeming with bonefish, permit and more. Deep-sea fishing is the ultimate in sportfishing. If you want to try your hand at some serious game fishing, half-day charters are available for catching big fish such as sailfish, wahoo and yellowfin tuna. The waters off Nassau are also famous for trolling for blue marlin. Bringing one of these incredible fighting fish into the boat is really a team sport between angler, captain and mate. It could take several hours and a lot of sweat to land one of these big critters.

If you have a full day, also try:

Offshore fishing charters mean there will be several guests on board. These boats will usually fish between the reef line and the deeper Tongue of the Ocean. The most prized catch of charter fishing in Nassau is the mahi mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado. It is one of the best-tasting fish and whether you like it grilled, baked or blackened, many of the island’s restaurants and resorts will prepare your catch for some mouth-watering dining. A Bahamas specialty called shark fishing is sure to test your skills in a challenging fight with a hammerhead, tiger, bull or black-tip shark. These large toothy denizens of the deep range in size from six to 14 feet in length and weigh more than 200 pounds. Half- and full-day trips are available, but I recommend a full-day charter as you may cruise close to 20 miles offshore for some really great shark fishing experience. As always, bring your shark to the boat, take its picture and release it for another day of fishing.

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