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While vacationing on Bermuda, anglers can visit some of the most amazing fishing spots in the Atlantic. With all the species of fish found in the waters of the Atlantic, game-fishers can try their luck at hooking a variety of exotic game fish.
You don't need a license to fish Bermuda's waters, but you must be careful about the kind of fish you keep, as the fishing of certain aquatic animals, such as lobster, is regulated.
There are three main types of fishing in Bermuda: deep-sea fishing, shore fishing, and reef fishing. Charter boats will take you to the deeper areas of the ocean, where you can find large game fish, as well as to coral reefs in more remote locations. You may fish from the shores of Bermuda at docks and other near-land fishing holes.
Into the Depths
Bermuda's fishing season starts in April when the waters begin warming up from the cold winter season. Although you can fish the waters off of Bermuda year-round, the best times for fishing are between May and November. Fisherman refer to the months between April and the beginning of June as the spring run, when more yellowfin tuna and wahoo are caught than any other time of year.
As summer grows near and the tropical temperatures warm up, marlin of both the blue and white species, dolphin fish, barracuda, and amberjacks are often brought in by fishermen angling off Bermuda's coasts. Even in the wintertime, the Atlantic yields great fishing opportunities for the avid saltwater fisherman. Other fish species, that call the waters surrounding Bermuda home, are blackfin tuna, grouper, rainbow runner, rockfish, and snapper. In Bermuda, you will have plenty of game fish to choose from in your search for"The Big One."
A popular method of fishing in deeper waters is trolling off the side of fishing boats. Charter boats will take you to some of the best fishing spots around the reefs and also provide some fishing equipment for your excursion. The coral at the southwest and northwest ends of the island mark the best spots for fishing.
Reef Fishing
Bermuda is surrounded by three different coral reef formations. The farthest reef is called Argus Bank and lies about 30 miles off of Bermuda's shores, while the closest is five miles from the coastline. In the middle is Challenger Bank, which is approximately 12 miles offshore. These spectacular coral reefs are home to a number of exotic fish, including barracuda, tunny, chub, gray snapper, gray triggerfish, coney, yellowtail, and lane snapper. The farther out you go, the bigger fish you'll find.
Shore Fishing
Along with great deep-sea fishing, Bermuda has some excellent fishing spots just off the coast that are popular among the local fishermen. The docks at Hamilton Harbor and on the island's north shore are prime angling areas where you can catch medium-sized fish. You don't need a permit to fish off of Bermuda's docks.
The main kinds of fish you can expect to hook when fishing off the shore are pompano, bonefish, and snapper. The best spots for fishermen to find sporty bonefish are around Great Whales Bay and Spring Benny's Bay. Fishermen can also find some great fishing holes on Bermuda's south shores.
Bermuda Fishing Charters
There are a number of charter companies on Bermuda, where you can get either half or full-day charters from most operators. Here are some fishing charter companies available on Bermuda:
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Atlantic Spray Charter
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Bermuda Sport Fishing Association
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Big Game Charters
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Jump dem Bones Charters
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De Mako Fishing Charters
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St. George's Game Fishing Association
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Windjammer Watersports
The cost of your fishing trip depends on the length of the charter you arrange. Half-day trips cost approximately $650(USD), and full-day trips are about $1,000(USD). These prices generally cover everything except for food and beverages. Check with the captain of your chartered craft about the company's policy on brining your catch back to shore. Some charters will let you take all of your catch, while others will allow you to take back only a percentage or nothing at all, especially if your fish is particularly large. Most charters encourage their patrons to participate in the catch-and-release program, so that fisherman don't contribute to the depletion of the ocean's fish supply.
To get more information on game fishing and charters contact Keith Winter at telephone number 411-292-7131 or John Barnes on the island at 441-234-2070 in the evenings. They are the International Game Fish Association's representatives on Bermuda, and can assist you with your fishing related questions.
The waters of the Atlantic are home to a multitude of fish, including the popular blue marlin, so game fishermen are sure to find the waters of Bermuda to be the perfect spot to reel in the catch of the day.
