Grand Bahama
Inshore – Capt. Whitney Rolle of Firefly Bonefishing Lodge in East Grand Bahama wants everyone to know that July is a great month on Grand Bahama for catching snapper, barracuda, bonefish and more. “Fish are still in spawn mode, which means they are in larger schools and hungry, giving you a good chance for a hook-up.” He reports the temperature of the water is cooler this year in comparison to prior years, so the bones are still on the flats, happy and accessible.
Abaco
Inshore – Capt. Tony Bain from South Abaco Adventures shares that although July can be warm, the waters are a beautiful, calm and range from 70-to-78 degrees, and the winds light. “We will be targeting bonefish that will be in big schools from the very big ones to the very small ones. On the flats, we will also meet our main guest of honor with his toothy critters and sweet taste of meat that we call by the name ‘the barracuda, and we’ll trolling the inshore waters for cubera snappers, amber jacks and yellowtails.”
Bimini
“While July always gives you the best opportunities for tuna, blue marlin and dolphin, the inshore wrecks seem to be the best bet for yellowtail and grouper”, reports Capt. Chase Camacho of Chase N Dreams Charters based at Bimini Big Game Club. “Deep drop continued to dominate the month of June and with temperatures in July expected to heat up, the deep drop seems to be a no brainer and has been very steady with great catches every time out. Electric reels are a must, as is fresh barracuda and squid.”
Nassau
Capt. Teddy Pratt, of the Reel Deal reports, “July is here, the heat is on, and the tuna bite too.” Skipjack, blackfin and yellowfin tuna are showing up, and while the morning bite has been pretty decent, afternoons are better; as the sun goes down, the bigger fish come up to feed. Some mahi, and marlin are still being caught so Capt. Teddy says to be prepared for anything that shows up in your spread. “You can use any lures and baits of your choice but ballyhoo works good and cedar plugs are a must to have in your tackle box”.
Long Island
Capt. Luke Maillis of Reel Addictive Charters shares that July is the beginning of the dead season for pelagic fishing off Long Island. “Almost all of the fish have migrated through, with the exception of some large yellowfin tuna in the old Bahama Channel between Crooked Island and Long Island. If you are crossing the passage, make sure your radar is well calibrated for birds, which will often find you a good school of fish. Many small blackfin tuna are still around and can make for a fun day out just targeting them with vertical jigs.” July, August and September are the deep drop months. “We like to target misty groupers in 1,300 to 1,400 feet of water and sometimes we get adventurous and drop down 2,000 feet in hopes of a swordfish or escolar.” Muttonfish are still around in small numbers and Capt. Maillis there is a big yellowtail school that spawn on the south side of Long Island where a lot a commercial fisherman fish—an excellent spot to target smoker kingfish.
For more reports and July fishing forecasts from across the Bahamas, visit www.coastalanglermagazine.com/bahamas.