From April to June every year, anglers from around the world cruise into the Bahamas’ crystal-clear waters to hook the finest big-game fish in all of the world. From 500-plus-pound blue marlin to schools of bonefish swimming across the flats, the bountiful waters of the central and southern Bahamas are an anglers dream. Here are three of the central and southern Bahamas’ most tranquil, abundant and unique fishing spots.
Rum Cay
Anglers looking for a surefire spot teeming with big-game fish can count on the water off Rum Cay’s coast to deliver. With the shortest travel time to hulking tuna and wahoo, this placid island courts the best fishermen from around the world. Put some time in and you might even attract a blue marlin into the spread. Despite the formidable chance at catching a trophy fish, Rum Cay’s biggest prize is its solitude. The island and the surrounding waters are peaceful and quiet; the absence of tourist bustle translates to superb, undisturbed fishing for serious anglers.
Long Island
Thousands of travelers flock to Long Island every year to lounge on the island’s world-famous beaches, but for sport-fishing anglers, it’s all about Long Island’s cliff-cragged north side. Some of the Bahamas’ most magnificent big-game fish frequent these untouched waters along the island’s northern tip. You can drop your outriggers soon after leaving the harbor to take advantage of the warm currents that wind past Long Island for a chance at white and blue marlin, wahoo, tuna, and a variety of other pelagics. Long Island also offers the perfect fuel stop for boats heading down to other Caribbean destinations, so stay a while and see what this hot spot has to offer.
The Acklins
The Acklins’ turquoise shallows offer some of the most peaceful and secluded flats in all of the Bahamas. And with it, the shallow waters offer one of the Bahamas’ largest untapped bonefish fisheries. The Bight of Acklins stretches for nearly thirty miles out to sea before it drops off into Diana Bank — a popular marlin fishing spot. But back up on the flats, the water rarely exceeds 18 inches (even 5 miles from shore) and makes it an ideal location for anglers looking to get away and chase the popular silver ghost.
In October 2015, Hurricane Joaquin ripped through the central and southern Bahamas. The Stop Off and Drop Off Campaign is a way for anglers traveling through the Bahamas, or on their way to other Caribbean destinations, to donate supplies and relief items with local volunteers on the islands impacted by the powerful storm. Here’s how to make a difference.
