Grand Bahama
Capt. Billy Black is preparing the lures on “Duchess” for large wahoo, mahi-mahi, and occasional hookups with black fin and yellowfin tunas. His gear will include 50 wide two-speed reels, 32-ounce trolling leads 20 feet forward of the lure, a spread consisted of black and purple, and black and red lures on the flat lines. Short riggers will be dressed in green, yellow and pink, and blue and pink lures. Long riggers will have blue and white and solid pink lures. Zig zag on the drop off from 150 to 600 feet at a speed of 9-to-12 knots depending on wind and sea chop. Remember not to slow down your speed on the first bite. If everything goes as planned, you’ll need your sushi fixings!
South Eleuthera
Capt. Calvin “Cali” Johnson, who fishes out of Davis Harbour Marina at Cotton Bay Club in South Eleuthera, tells us the wahoo arrived in Exuma Sound late October with numerous reports coming in from both Davis Harbour Marina and Cape Eleuthera. “The mahi bite is improving as the cooler water travels south with the fronts coming off the states. South Eleuthera will only see improving fishing conditions with a focus on wahoo through the holidays. The Bridge will be the place to be for the next couple of months, and when the wind blows, fishing just north of the Bridge along the western walls of South Eleuthera will offer protected waters with deep ledges. Find the wahoo from 150 feet to 300 feet, and when you do find one, you can count on there being more, so pay attention when the bite hits.”
On the Horizon
AIM Marine Group has announced the dates for the 2016 Bahamas Billfish Championship series. Here they are. Mark your calendars!
2016 BBC Series
Guana Cay Championship May 2nd – 6th Nassau Championship May 16th – 20th Harbour Island Championship May 29th – June 3rd Cape Eleuthera Championship June 13th – 17th For more information, visit www.bahamasbillfish.com.