OFFSHORE
Abaco
For those headed to the Abacos during May, our “boys” are all forecasting great fishing. Michael Sawyer, at Treasure Cay Resort Hotel and Marina says that the usual dolphin run should be great. Everyone is also expecting the blue marlin bite to pick up as we (as of this writing) are ready to start the first leg of the BBC. Bottom fishing continues to be good with lots of snapper and grouper. In Central Abaco, Chris Higgs, Harbour Master at Abaco Beach Resort tells a similar story, with many blue marlin sightings and hook ups; most fish are in the 400 pound range. There are also reports of yellowfin tuna. In South Abaco, Glen Lindroth of Schooner Bay is forecasting an upswing in the dolphin bite, with lots of yellowfin and blackfin tuna being caught. Go, go, go to the Abaco’s!
Bimini
Like in Abaco, the folks in Bimini are getting into the blue marlin and sailfish time of year. Skipper Gentry of Carolina Gentleman is taking fish “right out front”. Where is that? It literally means the waters in front of the red and green buoys to the center of North Bimini, with all of the action in the 100 fathoms to 350 fathoms range. They will be hitting any combination of natural bait or artificial lures. Looking for dinner? Tasty strawberry grouper can be found right out front in 160 feet of water.
Grand Bahamas
The strong northeasterly winds during April reduced the number of “fishable days” in the Northern Bahamas, but with the arrival of May the winds should begin to lie down. The strong showing of dolphin in the 15 to 25 pound range should continue in May. The best bite should be trolling the edge north of West End; rigged ballyhoo with blue/black skirts have worked well. Also, May will be excellent for yellowfin and blackfin tuna. As the month wears on, don’t be surprised to see (and hear) about a good blue marlin bite.
INSHORE
Abaco
Excellent bonefishing is the way that Donnie Lowe is describing what is in store for May. Lots of schooling fish, with the daily catch averaging 10 to 20 fish per day. Permit are also being seen on the flats, but have been elusive. Increasing water temperatures will also increase the number of barracuda and muttons. An 8-weight fly rod, with a 10-pound leader at least 10 to 12 feet long, outfitted with #6 flies, is recommended.
Bimini
Bonefish Ebbie, our “key guy” on North Bimini, prefers to head south to Cat Cay. Why? Because the bonefish there tend to be large! On a recent trip, Ebbie’s client caught and released a 13.5 pounder and a nine pounder and had 15 fish for the day! Mutton snapper and yellowtail are also in abundance. The winds of April should start to die down.
Grand Bahama
East Grand Bahama is spectacular during the month of May according to Capt. Whitney Rolle of Firefly Bonefishing, located in East Grand Bahama. The schools of bonefish are very large at this time of year, making this a good time for the novice. Many other species will be cruising the flats, such as permit, barracuda, mutton snapper and sharks; all fun to catch and fight in their own special way. With literally miles and miles of virgin flats you will feel that you have the whole island to yourself!
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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