Grand Bahama
Offshore: Capt. Billy Black at Old Bahama Bay, West End, shared, “The season is cranking up for the annual migration of blue marlin, yellowfin and giant bluefin tuna. Break out your 80 wides and 130’s because the big fish are around the corner. You will want to troll lures in green, yellow, and pink, which resemble dolphin and also black and purple to resemble skip jack tunas. You will want to cover a lot of territory in search of birds and schools of bonitos and t
unas. If you have a good radar be sure to use it to spot the birds.”
Inshore: Capt. Whitney Rolle at Firefly Bonefishing, East End, tells us May is a great month for bonefishing in Grand Bahama since many of the fish are in large schools to spawn, and especially a good time for those who want to learn how to. For those anglers who aren’t bonefish fanatics, Capt. Rolle shared the flats, reef and channels have been providing good shots at permit, as well as barracuda and mutton snapper.
Long Island
According to Capt. Luke Maillis, Reel Addictive Charters, May is the best month for yellowfin tuna. The wahoo action has slowed down, but ‘hoos can still be caught. Long Island waters boast a strong blue marline bite in May, with most boats catching a few each day. For marlin, Capt. Luke suggests simple lures, like Black Barts, and a trolling speed of 10 knots. He recommends having some pitch baits ready, like whole bridle rigged mackerel or mullet, and to slack them back when you see a marlin swimming into your spread.
Exuma
Capt. Doug Rowe, Fish Rowe Charters, says big blue marlin and billfish take center stage down in Eleuthera during May. “Flocks of birds will be the dead giveaway for the next two months. And, good size schools of mahi and tuna will fill Exuma Sound. Small skipping baits on the surface will grab you some mahi, green and blue are always good, as well as the blue and white. Find some birds and toss a couple cedar plus way back and when you get your limit throw on a couple bigger lures and mix it up. The marlin are here so be ready for a show.” Bottom fishing enthusiasts will find a nice mixed bag of reef dwellers in the 60 to 80 feet range and deep dropping will remain strong as well in the 400 to 1200 feet range. A box of squid will be all you need.
