If you've ever dreamt of apparent turquoise water plus a rod in your hand, fishing in exuma is actually the gold standard for any kind of saltwater angler. It's not just concerning the massive variety associated with fish you may hook; it's regarding that insane color of blue water that follows a person everywhere you move. Whether you're a seasoned pro or even someone who simply would like to drink a cold Kalik while waiting for a tug at risk, there is something special regarding these waters.
The Exumas are a chain associated with 365 cays, even though most people come for your swimming domestic swine or maybe the luxury resorts, the real magic happens as soon as you get away from the shore. You've got the shallow flats on a single side and the deep, dark blue from the Exuma Audio around the other. It's just like a playground with regard to anyone who enjoys the ocean.
Stalking the Silver Ghost for the Houses
If you talk to any travel fisherman about this area, the first thing they're going to mention is bonefish. Bonefishing is almost a religion right here. These fish are usually called "Silver Ghosts" for a reason—they are incredibly fast, spooky, and blend straight into the sandy bottom part so well they're practically invisible to the untrained attention.
The houses around Little Exuma and the western side of Great Exuma are world class. You'll spend your own morning sitting on the particular bow of a flat-bottomed skiff, squinting in the water whilst your guide points out a "tail" or even a "shadow. " It's high-stakes hide-and-seek. When you finally hook one particular, hold on restricted. A small bonefish will peel series out of your reel such as a freight teach. It's all about the finesse, the toss, and that heart-pounding moment when the fish decides in order to run.
Going Deep in the Exuma Sound
If you choose a heavier fishing rod and a larger boat, you'll want to head out straight into the Exuma Sound. This is exactly where the best boys play. The depth falls from about 60 feet to 6, 000 feet pretty much instantly, developing a perfect road for migratory pelagic fish.
Based on when you go to, you're looking from Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin), Wahoo, Tuna, and even Marlin. Wahoo season is usually throughout the cooler several weeks, roughly November via March. They are some of the fastest fish in the ocean and hitting one from 15 knots is an adrenaline rush you won't soon forget. Throughout the springtime and early summer time, the Mahi display up in huge numbers. They're colorful, they jump, and honestly, they taste better than almost something else you may pull out of the ocean.
Saltwater Fishing for the particular Whole Family
Deep sea fishing isn't for everyone—sometimes the swells may get a little bit much, and no one desires to spend their own vacation sea-sick. That's where reef fishing comes in. It's much more laid back again and perfect in the event that you've got children with you. You're usually just a short boat trip from the shore, and you're almost assured to catch some thing.
You'll mostly be bottom-fishing with regard to Snapper, Grouper, and Triggerfish. There's something really satisfying about dropping the line with some conch bait and sensation that immediate "tap-tap" of a snapper. Plus, if a person catch a good sized Strawberry Grouper or a Yellowtail Snapper, most nearby restaurants will become pleased to cook your own catch for a person that evening. There's nothing that can compare with eating fish that was swimming in the ocean just a few hours ago.
Do You Really Need the Guide?
We get asked this a lot. Are you able to just rent a boat and go fishing in Exuma on your very own? The short response is: you can, but you probably shouldn't—at least not initially. The waters here are beautiful but challenging. The tides proceed fast, and individuals shifting sandbars may make you high and dry before a person even realize what's happening.
The local guide knows the "holes" in which the fish congregate plus understands the complicated movements of the tides. More significantly, they understand the rules. The Bahamas takes its marine conservation seriously, and a person don't want in order to end up on the wrong side from the law because you kept a fish which was out associated with season or undersized. If you're seriously interested in catching fish, hiring a local for a minimum of a day will be the best expense you'll make.
What to Provide (and What in order to Leave Behind)
You don't need to pack your kitchen sink, but several things are non-negotiable. First and most important: polarized sunglasses. You literally cannot see the fish on the flats without them. It's the between staring at a shiny white glare and seeing the real movement under the particular surface.
- Sun protection: The Bahamian sun is not any scam. Bring a hooded sun shirt (fishing hoodie), a wide-brimmed hat, and a lot of reef-safe sunscreen.
- Light-weight clothing: It's humid. You desire stuff that breathes and dries quick.
- A camera: Even though you're a "catch and release" person, you'll need proof of that bonefish.
- Seasickness meds: Even if you think you have iron guts, the Exuma Sound can be unpredictable. Better to have got it rather than need it.
A good time of Year to visit
The excellent thing about the Bahamas is that will you can be fishing year-round, however your target species will change. If you're after Bonefish, they are presently there all year, although they can be a bit more elusive in the heat of mid-summer or during an especially cold front in January.
With regard to big game, wintertime is the prime time for Wahoo. If you're searching for Mahi, aim for April through June. Just keep an eye on the particular wind. The "Christmas Winds" in Dec and January may sometimes make the ocean a bit as well rowdy for smaller boats to head out deep.
Respecting the neighborhood Seas
One thing you'll notice quickly is how much the locals care about their environment. Fishing in exuma is really a way associated with life, and durability is a large a part of that. Generally there are strict bag limits on issues like conch plus lobster (crawfish), and certain areas are usually protected land and sea parks exactly where no fishing is allowed at all.
If you're fly fishing intended for bonefish, it's almost strictly catch and release. These seafood are much more useful to the local economy alive than upon a plate. Deal with the fish with respect, use barbless hooks when you are able, plus always follow your guide's lead on what to keep and exactly what to let go.
Relaxing After the Capture
After a long day upon the water, there's a specific practice you have to follow. You head back to the dock, clean the fish (or watch the guide perform it while the sharks hang around for that scraps), and then look for a beach club.
George City is the main center, and spots such as Chat 'N' Cool on Stocking Island are legendary. A person can grab a conch salad—made right there on the beach—and talk store along with other fishermen. This doesn't matter in case you caught a record-breaking Marlin or even just a few of small snappers; everyone has a "the one that will got away" story to talk about.
With the end of the day, that's what it's all about. It's the silent moments on the flats, the chaos of the reel screaming in the deep sea, and the particular cold drink in your hand since the sun sets within the water. It's a slow-paced, beautiful way to experience the islands, and once you've completed it, you'll end up being planning your following trip before you decide to actually leave the pier.