Bimini Offshore Fishing Report & Forecast: January 2015

Wahoo being weighed in the Bahamas.
‘Hoo’s coming in for weigh-in during the Bimini Big Game Club’s Wahoo Smackdown V in December. Photo credit: Kent Krebeck.

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ahoo will continue to take center stage in January, but anglers will also find a wide variety of other fish species this time of year in Bimini waters, including sailfish and dolphin.

Live bait fishing is the best bet for sails and live bait can usually be found in the channel.

High-speed or slow-speed trolling will work for wahoo. For high-speed, use heavy lures, shock leaders and additional trolling weights and keep the speed between 12 to 17 knots. For slow-speed trolling, pull natural baits topped with lures just below the surface, as well as diving plugs and planers to get baits down deep. This strategy covers all the water column and gives a good chance of catching dolphin and sailfish as well.

Reef fishing will provide plenty of yellowtail and a variety of grouper for a change of pace.

Next month, Bimini Big Game Club will host its sixth installment of the Wahoo Smackdown February 5-7, 2015. The entry fee is $1,500 per boat (4 anglers). For more information or to register, visit www.biggameclub.com or call (242) 347-3391.