Fishing and Charters in Bermuda

While vacationing in 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.  Spear fishing is illegal within one mile of the shore, and only pole spears are allowed (no spear guns).  No more than two types of any one fish may be caught by spear fishermen within one 24 hour period.

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."

 

Best Catched by Time of Year TimeCatch Fall/Winter Wahoo
Yellowfin tuna
Billfish Spring/Summer Yellowfin tuna
Blackfin tuna
Wahoo
Blue marlin
White marlin
Almaco Jacks
Amberjack
Rainbow Runners
Barracuda
Mahi mahi
Sharks
Grouper
Rockfish
Snapper

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 places 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 the fish you'll find.

Shore Fishing

Along with great deep-sea fishing, Bermuda has some excellent fishing locations 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

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.  Contact the Bermuda Sport Fishing Association for more information on choosing a fishing charter.

Atlantic Spray Charter offers fishing tours seven days a week in half day, 3/4 day, and full day increments.  The company's signature boat is "Tenacious" a 40-foot Luhrs convertible luxury fishing yacht. 

In Excess is a 36-foot Runaway, stocked with a GPS navigating system, safety equipment, and fishing equipment.  Half day, 3/4 day, and full day charters are available for between $400 and $1,000(USD).  Tackle, bait, and drinks are included.

The Jolly Roger takes groups of individuals out daily for four hours of fishing fun.  The boat is outfitted with two restrooms and a snack bar.  Private fishing charters are available on Fridays and Sundays.

Jump dem Bones is a custom made 18-foot dolphin skiff owned and operated by Captain Ian Linnell.  Chartered fishing tours are available in the half and whole day; whole day tours will pull into a seaside restaurant to pick up lunch.

To ensure you get the big catch of your dreams, you'll want to charter with a company that has a known track record for returning with substantial catches.  Mako Charters holds the record for largest Bermuda blue marlin (1,352 lbs), and has caught the most blue marlin in Bermuda for the past 21 years. 

Comfortable seating, air-conditioned cabin, and drinks are the amenities provided by Overproof Charter Fishing.  Trips are available in half, 3/4, and full day increments for between $400 and $1,450(USD).

A fighting chair, two fishing chairs, outriggers, downriggers, kites, and tackle are the amenities available aboard the Playmate.  The Playmate is a 43-foot Torres Sports Fisherman available on a daily basis for up to nine hours. 

Captain "Curly" Cragin of Reel Addiction is quite the accomplished fisherman, having won first place in the Bermuda Billfish Tournament twice.  His boat, a custom 48-foot Carolina, is outfitted with top-of-the-line amenities, including a plasma television and DVD player.  Fishing trips are available for between four and 11 hours.

Originally from Texas, the Sea Scorpion is a 35-foot custom built Beal Sports Fisherman.  Artificial lures and teasers, kites for tuna, and live bait are all used during fishing trips aboard this vessel, which offers game and reef fishing tours.

If you want to be sure you're fishing with someone who knows how to find that big catch, hiring a chartering service whose captain has one every major fishing tournament in Bermuda is your best bet.  David "Bounce" Barnes of Shake Down Charters claims such a title.  Shake Down Charters offers both half and full day deep sea fishing tours; drinks are provided, and snacks and meals are available upon request.

Bermuda Fishing Charters CompanyRatesLocationContact Atlantic Spray Charters Departing from St. George's
Half Day: $650(USD)
3/4 Day: $850(USD)
Full Day: $1,000(USD)
Departing from Hamilton
Half Day: $750(USD)
3/4 Day: $950(USD)
Full Day: $1,100(USD) St. George Hamilton
Phone: 441-735-9444 In Excess Charters Half Day: $800(USD)
3/4 Day: $900(USD)
Full Day: $1,000(USD) Hamilton Phone: 441-232-8171
Cell Phone: 441-335-6248
E-mail: inexcess@northrock.bm Jolly Roger Group Tours
Adults: $100(USD)
Children Under 12: $60(USD)
Private Charters
Half Day: $1,000(USD)
3/4 Day: $1,200(USD)
Full Day: $1,500(USD) Smiths Phone: 441-70JOLLY
E-mail: jollyroger@logic.bm Jump Dem Bones Charters Half Day: $450(USD)
Full Day: $675(USD) Hamilton Phone: 441-747-6911
E-mail: jumpdembones@hotmail.com Mako Charters 3/4 Day: $1,800(USD)
Full Day: $2,200(USD) Pembroke Phone: 441-295-0835
Boat Phone: 441-505-8626
E-mail: makocharters@gmail.com Overproof Charter Fishing Half Day: $900(USD)
3/4 Day: $1,100(USD)
Full Day: $1,300(USD)
Marlin Fishing
Full Day: $1,450(USD)
Inshore Fly/Spinner Fishing
Half Day: $400(USD)
Full Day: $700(USD) Somerset Phone: 441-238-5663
Cell Phone: 441-335-9850
E-mail: overproof@northrock.bm Playmate Charters Half Day: $900(USD)
3/4 Day: $1,100(USD)
Full Day: $1,300(USD) Pembroke Phone: 441-292-7131
Cell Phone: 441-335-5172
E-mail: playmate@logic.bm Reel Addiction Half Day: $1,000(USD)
3/4 Day: $1,250(USD)
Full Day: $1,450(USD)
Extended Day: $1,600(USD) N/A Phone: 441-799-9927
Boat Phone: 441-799-9928
E-mail: info@reeladdictionbermuda.com Reel Hot Charter Fishing Half Day: $950(USD)
Full Day: $1,350(USD)
Tournaments/Marlin Fishing
Full Day: $1,500(USD) N/A Phone: 441-297-2871
Boat Phone: 441-537-6040
E-mail: reelhot@logic.bm Sea Scorpion Game Fishing
Half Day: $900(USD)
Full Day: $1,100(USD)  N/A Phone: 441-295-0140
E-mail: info@seascorpioncharters.com Shake Down Charters 5 Hours: $750(USD)
10 Hours: $1050(USD) N/A Phone: 441-297-3635
E-mail: shakedowncharters@hotmail.com

The waters of the Atlantic are home to a multitude of fish, including the popular blue marlin, so vacationers are sure to find the waters of Bermuda to be the perfect place to reel in the catch of the day.