Bimini Inshore/Nearshore Fishing Report and Forecast: May 2015

Bonefish Ebbie and Rhonda Yex, from Spartanburg, South Carolina, with a Bimini wahoo. PHOTO SUPPLIED by Rhonda Yex.
Bonefish Ebbie and Rhonda Yex, from Spartanburg, South Carolina, with a Bimini wahoo. PHOTO SUPPLIED by Rhonda Yex.

Phenomenal is the best way to describe fishing the Bimini’s in May. It is considered the start of the “Summer Flats Season” by most. Water temperatures continue on the upswing as does the air temperature. The sometimes gusty winds of April’s last cool fronts all but diminish turning the flats into glass – great for sight fishing and spotting those tailing fish. Bones will typically be in the 6- to 10-pound range with some larger. The fish will be spending more time on the flats feeding versus the deeper water. As always a rising morning tide is your best bet or early evening with the days being longer. Crab and shrimp are always your top natural baits. Do not overlook your chances for a nice permit or two, zesty barracuda or occasional tarpon. There are some large tarpon hanging out in the basins of some of the marinas. Nearshore the muttonfish bite will continue to be hot, as will grouper and snapper. Offshore, the wahoo will all but disappear and the mahi-mahi will be the main “catch of the day” along with kingfish. Also, there will be the occasional blue marlin or two, so be prepared. May is one of the best months to visit Bimini so we hope to see you on island soon!

Rhonda Yex with a wahoo caught fishing with Bonefish Ebbie in Bimini, Bahamas. PHOTO SUPPLIED by Rhonda Yex.
Rhonda Yex with a wahoo caught fishing with Bonefish Ebbie in Bimini, Bahamas. PHOTO SUPPLIED by Rhonda Yex.