[dropcap]B[/dropcap]ahamas fishing action is firing up with reports of wahoo, dolphin, and yellowfin being caught. Here’s a quick run down. For more detailed reports visit our Bahamas website.
Bimini
Bonefish Ebbie on North Bimini reports in December water temperatures will continue to fall, which will result in the bonefish spending more time in the shallow and flats, and that larger schools will congregate as the spawning season approaches. These gray ghosts will be in the 8- to 10-pound range. “Besides the bonefish, look for some nice permit, tarpon, barracuda, jack and shark to bend your rod.” Ebbie promises natural baits, like shrimp and conch, will work best.
Exuma
Capt. Doug Rowe of Fish Rowe Charters in Exuma tells us with December’s cooler temperatures, a strong push of cooler water which will bring even more wahoo and dolphin into Exuma offshore waters. “Expect wahoo to 70 pounds intermixed amongst schools of smaller fish in the 20 to 30 pound class. High speed trolling, speeds up to 12 to 14 knots, and dark colors mixes with some flash should do the job.” For dolphin, Capt. Rowe says to slow down and run a few skipping ballyhoo with a blue and white Sea Witch. He also reminds anglers that grouper fishing will be closed for the next few months, so to be cautious if bottom fishing, and to remember to release all Nassau grouper. Capt. Rowe said deep dropping will also be very good this time of year and that anywhere from 400 to 1200 feet using squid will put fish in the box and on the table.
Long Island
Capt. Luke Maillis says, “Rig up your high speed lures and fuel up your tanks, December is here and the wahoo are running thick off Long island.” Simms Bar always seems to pay off nicely with a few wahoo, and Capt. Maillis reports some loner yellowfin tuna are still in the area and have been caught while high-speed trolling. Capt. Maillis favorite lure and tackle this time of year are the Islander Flash lures rigged with double skirts and double 11/0 size hooks. “These lures with their nylon hair hold up good for multiple bites so you get more bang for your buck.” If jigging is more your sport, Capt. Maillis recommends mooring a FAD (fish attracting device) made with palm fronds and a wood pallet in an area 400 to 500 feet deep. “Leave it for a few days and come back to a school of wahoo ready to hit your jigs on the first drop. We have had fun catching half a dozen wahoo this way as well as numerous mahi-mahi with pitch baits.”
South Eleuthera
Chad Melton of Ocean Fox at Cotton Bay reports “Surprisingly, we have dolphin, wahoo and kingfish running. Plenty of bait showing up on the new moon but not as much on the full.” He reminds anglers that the right moon and tide are a must to fish by in the Bahamas. “If the moon is not right and the tide is not right, don’t waste the time and gas, go diving until it is.” His recommendation for tackle are deep diving lures, red/black, or any combination of color with black will produce large wahoo. “Keep the bait deep and close to the back of the boat for greater success. Dolphin are still biting all their favorite colors. I have found that if you want a large bull try a Stubby Bubbler that is pink, blue and has a yellow strip on the skirt. Don’t know why but they love it anywhere in the spread.”