Fishing
Offshore Fishing
The waters of Abaco are a fisherman’s paradise. Offshore fishing offers opportunities for such fighting fish as marlin, sailfish, dolphin ( also known as mahi-mahi and not to be confused with the mammal ), wahoo, tuna and more. Reef and bottom fishing provide the chance to catch delicious grouper, snapper and yellow tail.
Bonefishing
Or, you can test your skills and patience by flyfishing for bonefish on the flats. No matter what your preference, there are local guides with considerable knowledge of the Abaco fishing grounds. Guides typically offer both full and half day excursions for groups and private charters. Rates include bait, tackle, boat and may also include lunch and drinks! For those looking to fish on their own, bait and tackle can be purchased at the marina. You may fish from any beach, mangrove flat or dock without a license.
You will find one of the most accessible flats right next to the guard entrance to Treasure Cay. But if you want to improve your odds, hiring a bonefish guide may help you explore the western side known as the “Marls.” The Marls, considered the world’s best bonefish destination, consists of 400 square miles of pristine flats teeming with trophy size bonefish. One of the local bone fisherman will happily guide you to Abaco’s “Wide Open Spaces.”
Some Treasure Cay and North Abaco guides are:
Orthnell Russell: 365-0125
Alexander Rolle: 365-0120
Edward Rolle: 365-0024
O’Donald McIntosh: 477-5037
Ronnie Sawyer: 357-6667
Crawfish (Lobster)
The season lasts from August 1– March 31 and the minimum size “tail” is 6 inches. The penalties for taking under-sized tails are severe and enforced.
Conch
Any conch taken from Bahamian waters must be well formed with a prominent, flared lip. As a rule of thumb and to stay on the safe side of Bahamian law, conch should be a minimum of 7 to 8 inches ( lengthwise ). “Rollers,” the immature conch found in many tidal waters or shallow sea grass areas, should be left alone.
Diving
If you plan to try diving for fish, make sure you know the following rules:
For recreational divers, it is illegal anytime to catch, spear or otherwise capture fish or any other type of marine life using anything other than a snorkel.
The Hawaiian sling is the only approved spearfishing device. Spearguns are illegal in The Bahamas.
Use of scuba gear or an air compressor to harvest fish, conch, crawfish and other marine animals is prohibited.
Spearing or taking marine animals by any means is prohibited within national sea parks.
