OFFSHORE
Grand Bahama
Marvin Roberts of Blue Marlin Cove Resort and Marina says some of the best yellowfin tuna fishing around will be happening during the month of August. The fish will be in the 40 to 60 pound range. There was even a report of a 70 pounder caught during the latter part of July. Also, nearshore snapper fishing has been great. The fish can be found in 30 to 60 feet of water. Many are being caught right from shore! The billfish bite has slowed as expected but the tuna fishing will certainly make up for it!
Abaco
According to our good friend Kevin Sawyer at Island Boy Tackle & Marine in Marsh Harbour, the yellowfin have slowed and August will be about blackfin. You may still get a shot at a yellowfin and occassional mahi-mahi along weedlines. Best bet according to Kevin is bottom fishing and deep dropping. There will be all types of grouper and snapper. Suggested depth for deep dropping is 500 to 1,200 feet. Squid, barracuda and skip jack baits seem to be the most productive.
Bimini
Says Skipper Gentry “weedlines should be holding the dolphin especially after a couple of days of westerly winds”. The marlin bite continues, especially for the two weeks leading up to the full moon. Blackfin tuna should be in good numbers around South Bimini to Cat Cay.” Thanks for the update Skipper!
INSHORE
Grand Bahama
Look deep, deep, deep, that is where the bones will be hanging due to the hot water temperatures on the flats. Besides “deep” (five to eight feet), look for moving water near the mouths of creeks and tidal inlets. Capt. Whitney Rolle from Firefly Bonefishing in East Grand Bahama, with the fish in the deeper water primarily feeding on crabs, clams and other crustaceans your best bet is using live bait fished deep. Besides the usual bones, there will be plenty of permit, barracuda, mutton snapper and more to keep you busy ‘mon!
Abaco
What can you say? Summer is here and the fishin’ is easy. According to Abaco inshore forecaster Leroy Lowe from Bonefish Heaven, fish early in the day, fish late in the day and relax in between. With so many flats to choose from North Abaco to South Abaco you will certainly be able to find you “secret spot”. Deeper water, live baits, will get you hooked up.
Bimini
Summer peaks in August and as Bonefish Ebbie from Ebbie’s Bonefish Club says, “like everyone on island, the bonefish are looking for cool.” Bones typically prefer water in the mid 70’s to the mid 80’s and the Point on North Bimini has the deeper and cooler water they are looking for. Bones will still surface in schools to feed, and they will feed on the bottom (look for stirring water). Fish will range in size from 7 pounders to smaller fish. Live bait is your best shot during this warm water month.
Compiled by CAM Staff with contributions from our Bahamas “on island” fishing forecasters. For complete forecasts and those from the Central and Lower Bahamas, visit www.coastalanglermag.com/bahamas.
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