Fishing in the Bahamas

hanapaa · 02-08-2010, 07:22 AM

I'm planning a trip with friends (guys trip)

to Bimini in April. Pulling the boat down from Charleston, SC to Miami and making the run across.

I understand the risks with the trip across, including watching the weather reports. I have a 31' Fountain TE and I've got a lot of experience in big seas with it. I'm more interested in the fishing when we get there.

We're planning on going for wahoo, marlin, yft, blue and/or blackfin tuna, and perhaps swordfish. We've thought about hiring a local guide to ride along with us the first day to provide pointers. This is going to be our first trip, and we'd love any and all recommendations from anyone that's got any experience down there.

Thanks in advance.

SplashFL · 02-08-2010, 08:31 AM

That's about the time of two tournaments I used to fish from Bimini. The Bacardi, and the Franky Brown. Not the best time for Wahoo or Tuna but there were usually a good number of both White and Blue Marlin caught. No one that I knew or heard of ever fished for Swords there then; now many fish for them off Florida. My 448 1/2 lb Blue was caught "off the Pines" as they say there; would have been the first place fish in that Bacardi tournament had a not a 502 lb Blue been brought in just before the clock ran out on the last day.
I used to live on South Bimini 3 months a year for about 5 years and we many times noted that winning boats most always had a local mate onboard. As familiar with the waters as we were, we too always hired on a local. My friend that owned the home there had just over 100 Marlin "under his belt" over his years there but he said as the years passed there was typically more time per fish needed in raising them. He was witness to (not 100% on the exact weight) a 1050 lb Blue caught there one Summer when I was up north. That was a story of frustration as the fish, up on the surface, didn't eat any of his baits, but did nail one from the next boat that made a pass. He suspected the fish was sick or something cause it put up very little fight but of course was the winning fish in whatever tournament that was; maybe the Summer Blue, as I think they called it.
Passport books or cards are now needed to clear Customs there and I would recommend you check on the Bahamas Gov. web site for clearing rules as well as their gun laws. Your allowed to bring them but make sure you disclose them and EXACTLY how much amo you carry. We always heard the Nasau Jail was a nasty place to wind up.

NoFearEyes · 02-08-2010, 08:37 AM

Best Place to launch and store car/truck/trailer is--

http://www.harbourtownemarina.net/

they have full security, great parking and ramps and reasonable fees. FTL is best place to depart from for Bimini--

Also--call US Customs and get an LBO (Local Boaters Option) card--makes is super easier to re-enter USA--requires just a phone call--here's a link to info about program

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/...6/11082006.xml

Made trip several times and this info reflects my experience--

hanapaa · 02-08-2010, 09:18 AM

Thanks to both of you. That's exactly the type info that I was seeking.

NoFearEyes,
We were planning to use the Crandon Park Marina because it was so close to the ocean and it was a straight shot across to Bimini. Is it just easier getting in and out of Harbor Towne?

SplashFL,
Do you have contact info for a good mate that we could hire for a day or two in Bimini?

r.waddill · 02-08-2010, 09:17 PM

buy a large chain and a big lock and chain your boat to the dock at night if you want to keep it

SplashFL · 02-08-2010, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanapaa

Thanks to both of you. That's exactly the type info that I was seeking.

NoFearEyes,
We were planning to use the Crandon Park Marina because it was so close to the ocean and it was a straight shot across to Bimini. Is it just easier getting in and out of Harbor Towne?

SplashFL,
Do you have contact info for a good mate that we could hire for a day or two in Bimini?

My buddy sold the south Bimini house yrs ago and I've not been there more then a few times since. A Chalks Airline seaplane heading to Bimini lost a wing and crashed just after takeoff in Miami a few yrs ago and onboard was a great guy who's name I would have given for you to look up but nobody survived. Everyone there always knew everyone else as small Islands go so just ask around your marina.

NoFearEyes · 02-09-2010, 06:35 AM

The times I've gone I was part of a thing called the Bahamas Bimini Fling that was sponsored and organized by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. We used that marina becasue we departed from Ft Lauderdale sea buoy which is only 48 miles from Bimini.

Harbortowne has the best launch ramps, truck parking and security around that area it seems. They also have a ships store and service facility for last minute stuff.

The ride from Harbortowne was up thru part of Pt everglades and some really ritzy residential area's to the sea buoy.

Again make sure you get an LBO card--

slickster · 02-09-2010, 06:11 PM

Head west out of Bimini to where the water gets blue....2-3 hundred yards, and drop your spread.....

triplenet · 02-10-2010, 02:06 PM

Gingerbread grounds to the NE for bottom fishing... If winds out of the SE cross the bank (70 miles) and fish the pocket for the day.... BIG fish... Worth the run...