OFFSHORE
GRAND BAHAMA
Grand Bahama Island may be the Bahamas “Industrial Island” but it is none-the-less a great “Fishing Island” too! Capt. Keenen Baldwin from Reef Tours in Port Lucaya reported November proved strong for large dolphin, some in the 40 to 50 pound range. Although there is a “peanut” season, he said it sure is not now! Th ere have been many reports of king mackerel catches. These fish are averaging in the 15 to 25 pound range. What is working on both the dolphin and kings is a trolled ballyhoo with bright skirts. Most of this reported action has been on the south side of the island averaging 5 to 15 miles off shore. For those anglers still hoping for some tuna one must make the effort to head out to approximately 25 miles to Tuna Canyon. Th ere has not been a lot of “bird action” so finding them can be a little difficult.
ABACO
There is no doubt that wahoo season has arrived and it will only get better and better!” According to Local Boy Charters, Capt. Justin Russell, “yellowfi n tuna are still biting”. Recently, with four rods, out he had a quadruple hit! There are still mahi-mahi catches being reported as well. For bottom fi shing enthusiasts, mutton snapper and strawberry grouper are being caught in good numbers. Best baits are a variety of cut bait including squid. Chumming will produce your share of yellowtail snapper. Chris Higgs, Harbour Master at Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour reports a similar overall picture but has also seen some blackfin catches. Indications are December in The Abacos should be awesome.
BIMINI
December is the start of the peak season for wahoo fishing. Capt. Skipper Gentry on the Carolina Gentleman out of the Bimini Big Game Club reports November has shown some excellent catches of large wahoo in the 40 to 60 pound range with some fish even bigger. Fishing the “Ledge” in waters 200-to-400 feet in a zig-zag format has proven to be the best. Artificial baits in dark colors such as red/ black or purple/black down deep seem to be working the best. Most boats are going 14 knots pulling the large artificial baits. For leader material, he suggests using #9 wire with a 9/0 hook. Besides weighted rigs on the riggers, many sportsfisherman use diving plugs off the transom on one side and a planer rod on the other side to get baits further down in the water column. By doing this you will have baits being presented at all depths with many different presentations.
INSHORE
GRAND BAHAMA
Whether you visit East End or West End, Grand Bahama Island (or anywhere in between) this December, you are going to find some unreal flats and inshore fishing. Plenty of big bones in big schools, permit, barracuda, tarpon and more will accommodate your fishing pleasure. With Grand Bahama Island’s miles and miles of flats on the island’s north shore you can always find “virgin” areas to explore. Both natural and artificial baits should prove to be successful.
ABACO
Capt. Leroy Lowe at Bonefish Heaven in Abaco says the cooler water and air temperatures are just right in December bringing in plenty of fish all over, both large and small. With cooler water temperatures, he said to fish flats that are closer to the deep water. You will see schools of fish but at low tide, they will be tailing and feeding. At high tide you will see more single and double bonefish together. On the flats December means you’ll also have a chance to snag mutton snapper, tarpon, permit, barracuda and sharks. If your target is barracuda or sharks, Leroy recommends using a heavy rod with at least a 25-to-30 pound test line and a wire leader.
BIMINI
Cacique award winner Bonefish Ebbie from Ebbie’s Bonefish Club on North Bimini thoughtfully reminds us, the winter season brings challenges and opportunities to the inshore angler. Th e challenge is the increased potential for wind. The ability to cast to your target in windy conditions will enhance the catching. If this is not one of your strengths, he said to look for the lee side of mangrove areas and other protected locations which are plentiful around the island. The opportunity is that bonefish will be spending more time on the flats and less time in the deeper channels. You can expect Bimini Bones to be in significant size schools and averaging in the 9 to 11 pound range. There will be plenty of permit to target as well. Looking for tarpon? There have been huge tarpon see and caught on The Bank recently. Other nearshore species that will be plentiful will be kingfish and mutton snapper. Bonefish Ebbie promises fishing the bottom will yield amberjack, grouper and yellowtail.