This month will bring good numbers of wahoo strikes on the wall. Fish should average 20 to 50 pounds so 30 pound class tackle is still sufficient. Down riggers are a must this time of year. Bite ratios will go way up on the down rigger baits. Horse ballyhoo with a big-eyed high speed trolling lure will do the trick for sure. Just bring lots of extra baits since the ‘cuda bite will also go up in a split second if you venture into waters too shallow. Anyone who fishes the walls of the Bahamas will know what I mean. Black and green worked well for us the last couple of years, but don’t be afraid to go with a solid bright pink skirt on a weighted lure head, you may be surprised! Decent sized dolphin will make a brief appearance this month in Exuma as well. It is most likely to happen as you slow down to bring in a wahoo and there they are, so keep a spinner pitch bait close by. If billfish are what you want, work the cuts of the cays on the outgoing tide. An increase in sailfish over the last ten years has made this productive with slow trolled ballyhoo or live bait. There will also be white marlin around as well but not in sufficient numbers to target.
Remember that fishing between the boundaries of the Exuma Land and Sea Park is strictly prohibited. Even trolling offshore is a no, no. The best way to ruin your trip to Exuma is by meeting the park wardens with tackle around the boat. So just bring in the rods and scoot to the other side of the boundary line and resume fishing. Check your cruisers guide for the boundaries and more details about the Exuma Land and Sea Park. Make sure to check fishing laws and limits while in the Bahamas as well.
FORECAST BY: Capt. Doug Rowe
Fish Rowe Charters
George Town, Great Exuma, Bahamas
Tel: (242) 336-3440 • Cell: (242) 357-0870
Email: drowe@batelnet.bs
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