OFFSHORE
Abaco
Kevin Sawyer from Island Boy Tackle in Marsh Harbour reports the fishing in February has been fantastic. There are still plenty of wahoo around, but the big news is that the dolphin have shown up early this year. Plenty of fish in the 12 to 15-pound range, with many in the 35 to 45-pound range. Mixed in with the mahi are blackfin tuna, and under those, some yellowfin. Most of the fishing has been from Man-O-War Cay south to Cherokee Sound. Michael Sawyer, marina manager at Treasure Cay Resort and Marina, confirms the same is happening off of Treasure. Forecasters expect the same hot fishing action for March.
Bimini
Capt. Skipper Gentry, fishing out of the Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort, reports wahoo are still hanging around Bimini, but they are also starting to see sailfish in good numbers, and some dolphin. A blue marlin was recently caught. Could be a great billfishing season shaping up. If deep dropping is your game, look for yelloweye and queen snapper between 750 and 1,200 feet of water.
Grand Bahama
Nathan Moody, owner’s representative at Old Bahama Bay, reports some wahoo and an uptick in the dolphin bite.
INSHORE
Abaco
The flats of Abaco will be alive with more schools of smaller bonefish, Northern Bahamas Fishing Forecast with the bigger fish tailing. The warmer water will also bring more permit onto the flats, and may get you a chance at a tarpon, barracuda or shark. Capt. Leroy Lowe from Bonefish Heaven, recommends an 8 weight rod with 10 pound test. Either artificial or live bait will work equally well.
Bimini
Spring has arrived in Bimini, and the longer days and more sunlight means the bones will start reaching out to the shallows. Bonefish Ebbie says his favorite tide is the incoming. For those of you who may want to chase a tarpon or two, there are some giants along the edge of the main channel. March will be a great month to spend some time on our closest island neighbor.
Grand Bahama
With a warmer than normal February, the bonefish are back in the outer flats and creeks. Capt. Whitney Rolle, of Firefly Bonefishing, in East Grand Bahama, reports plenty of permit and mutton snapper. His recommended flies to bring along are the Crazy Charlie, Flat Fly, Mantis shrimp and Gotcha. If targeting permit with spinning gear, live or artificial crabs are driving them crazy right now.
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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