August 15, 2013
Hail to the Hogfish!
The Hogfish, often mistakenly called the Hog Snapper, is a member of the wrasse family. It posses a very long elongated snout which it uses to search for crustaceans buried in the sand. A prominent black spot behind the pectoral fins differentiates males from females. The males can also be identified by a longer snout and a darker more prominent stripe on their forehead. The hogfish is what is called a sequential hermaphrodite, which means it changes sex during its life cycle (kinda like a few guys I know once they got married!). Juvenile fish start out as female and then mature to become male. This change usually occurs at around 3 years of age and about 14 inches in length. You will note that there are always a lot of hogfish pictures in our reports. They are very easy fish to spear as they usually turn sideways when approached underwater making them an easy target. The meat is very delicate and light. It is great in anything from tacos to fishing fingers to soups and even ceviche.
Fishing Report
Nassau: Captain Adam Russell reports catching mahi up to 35 lbs off of the western end on new Providence. There have been a few skipjack, smaller blackfin and yellowfin tuna up to 35lbs also caught.
Adam Russell captadamr@hotmail.com
Teddy Pratt fishwithteddy@yahoo.com
Mark Kooskalis northshorecharters@gmail.com
Dwayne Treco www.morninridecharters.com
North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: The offshore fishing in the Exuma Sound was reported as being slow this week. Anglers have opted to go bottom fishing.
Highbourne Cay Marina info@highbournecaybahamas.com
North Eleuthera: It has been slow offshore at the Dutch Bar with only smaller yellowfin being caught.
Devon Sawyer daddyd24@hotmail.com
South Eleuthera, Cape Eleuthera: No reports.
Leon Gibson lgibson@capeeleuthera.com
Andros: There have been lots of small mahi caught at the bouy at the end of last week.
Abaco: There are no reports for offshore fishing this week. Most anglers have been reef fishing with success.
Long Island, Clarence Town: The marina has been slow this week so there is no report.
Flying Fish Marina flyingfishmarina@batelnet.bs
Grand Bahama, Freeport: The fishing offshore has been decent this week with decent size mahi (15-25lbs) being caught off shore. There has been limited success for yellowfin tuna offshore in the early evening under he birds.
Cat Island: Hawks Nest: No reports.
Hawk’s Nest Resort and Marina info@hawks-nest.com
Bimini: No reports.
Jerome Stuart captjerome@yahoo.com
Captain Stephen Knowles www.BigGameClubBimini.com
Berry Islands, Chub Cay: No reports.
Many thanks to Nick Rademaker, Harbourside Marine, for sharing his weekly Bahamas fishing report!