Whether you’re experienced or not, fishing in the Bahamas is a must.
Strapped into a seat in the back of the boat, it is an incredible sight to see the reflection of a giant fish as it breaks the surface of the ocean. It is even more incredible to reel it in, especially if you are with close friends, family or a loved one. The picture opportunities are priceless.
And yet, most people that come to the Bahamas will never try it.
Renowned as one of the top fishing destinations in the world, this archipelago draws both serious and casual anglers year after year for half or full day fishing charters.
Try your hand at game fishing and catch a glimpse of the magnificent blue marlin, or test your angling skills with a day of fly fishing (also known as bone fishing); whichever way you go, you won’t be disappointed. Beyond picking the best company for you, there are a handful of things you can do to ensure your experience is a successful one.
If you have never fished before or even been to the Bahamas, keep these tips in mind to ensure you are happy and satisfied with your adventure.
TIP #1: ANSWER THE QUESTION – WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS?
Before you decide on a charter company, it is a good idea to have an idea of what you are looking to get out of the experience. There are plenty of fish in the sea, so to speak, and therefore numerous options that all provide a different trip. From trolling for yellow tail, barracuda and mackerel to looking for big game, such as shark, blue marlin or tuna, it is helpful to have a game plan.
TIP #2: DO YOUR RESEARCH
Once you know what type of experience you are in the market for, it is a good idea to do some online research. While you can’t always rely on the Internet, it may shed a little light and help steer you in the direction of a charter that you will feel comfortable with.
TIP #3: CONSIDER THE CAPTAIN, NOT THE BOAT
It is a good idea to choose your fishing charter based on the captain, not the boat. The captain is the one in charge of your experience. He or she ensures safety and sets the tone. Being on a big fancy boat with an inexperienced captain is no fun, no matter how you look at it.
TIP #4: ASK ABOUT THE PREFERRED FISHING TECHNIQUES
Before you book your charter, be sure to ask the company about what techniques and types of tackle you will be using. This goes back to knowing what you are looking for, such as game fishing or bone fishing. You don’t want to be disappointed to book a charter just to find out they only offer bone fishing when you were hoping for game fishing.
TIP #5: ASK ABOUT CATCH AND KEEP, OR CATCH AND RELEASE
Once again, it is a good idea to understand what you are signing up for before you get on board. Some outfits kill all the catch and sell it. Some allow you to keep it, while others are catch-and-release only. The only way to prevent disappointment is to be proactive and ask ahead of time.
TIP #6: IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER, TRY A HALF-DAY CHARTER
It might be hard to resist diving in headfirst and booking a full-day fishing charter, but if this is your first time, it may be a good idea to test the waters before committing to an entire day. If you decide you enjoyed it and wish you had longer, you can always sign up for a full day on your next trip.
Fishing in the Bahamas can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it takes planning and preparation. Do your research and you’ll have a fish story to tell in no time.
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