Notable Features
The Bluefin is the largest of all tuna and has unique characteristics. It is the only warm-blooded tuna, which means it must consume a large amount of food to survive in cold ocean waters. They also are known to swim for thousands of miles, sometimes crossing the ocean multiple times each year. This only increases their nutritional requirements, which can work into anglers favor. Knowing where to find the big fish and tempting them with the right bait is the key to a successful catch. For those who are considering deep sea fishing Bahamas offers excellent access to western Atlantic migration routes.

These fish have become harder to find and more elusive due to their drastically reduced numbers, but also because of their natural speed. Bluefin Tuna have been observed swimming more than forty miles per hour. Considering the distances they travel for feeding and spawning, it is necessary for their survival to be able to move fast. The tuna have a different physiology from other fish as they do not use their whole bodies when swimming. They have an interesting set of muscles and tendons that control their tail fins and make it possible to reach amazing speed. The awesome power and of these fish means anglers have to be ready and react quickly if they get one on the line.

Unique Characteristics
Those who actually hook one of these fish will have a long fight and an amazing trophy, if they can get it in the boat. Since most of these fish are over six feet in length and five hundred pounds, they represent a substantial challenge. The largest of these fish ever caught weighed nearly 1,500 pounds and was in the cold water off the coast of Nova Scotia. They are aggressively migratory, but this can help predict where they might be found.

A variety of tactics can be used when fishing for Bluefin as they are carnivorous and have a huge appetite. They expend a lot of energy during their travels and must gorge when possible. They are known to feed on fish near the surface as well as fish that are in deeper water. Small fish, like sardines and mackerel, and crustaceans seem to be their favorite food.

Sport fishing For Tuna
When it comes to deep sea fishing Bahamas are an excellent place to organize a charter. It is possible to organize a charter in search of the Bluefin. They can be found in the nearby waters from March to October, but they are more likely to be found from April to July, and are most common during May.

Bluefin Tuna are prized for their tender and flavorful meat and is considered a rare delicacy in Japanese sushi. A single 500 pound fish can be sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars in Japanese auctions. This makes them an incredibly valuable resource and competition among commercial fisheries can be intense.

Description
This species is a slim, long fish designed to travel at record-breaking speeds underwater. Capable of reading up to 50 mph, it is one fish that professional and amateur fishermen alike hope to hook – though the feat often proves difficult for even the most experienced fishermen.

This particular species can grow up to eight feet long and weigh over 100 pounds. Its coloring is an iridescent blue with stripes along the side. A true oceanic beauty, this fish resembles certain breeds of Mackerel. You will be able to discern the Mackerel from this fish, however, after evaluating its large tail which resembles a sharp, pointy blade. Once you see this distinguishing feature, be ready: it will be a wild ride! It is not uncommon for a hooked Wahoo to go off on a long run – making catching this fish a true trophy for any avid fisherman.

Habitat and Feeding Pattern
You will find this fish in tropical climates and catching this breed is often a surprise for many who are out for a leisurely Bahamas fishing trip. Once thought to feed sporadically on its own and without a discernable pattern, this fish is now known to feed in groups, resulting in large catches off the Southern coasts of Florida. Unlike many other species, a small chop or 20 knot-per-hour winds will not make a difference in the feeding pattern of this fish.

This fish has extremely well-developed eyesight and prefers to lunge upon prey in an unexpected, surprising manner. In terms of its tastes, it prefers squid and various baitfish.

Most reported catches of this elusive fish have occurred either near wreckage sites in the Gulf of Mexico or within the Atlantic Ocean. Many with experience in catching this breed have compared the pursuit to that of a Yellow Fin Tuna or Marlin – a truly exhilarating experience you won’t soon forget!

How to Catch
To catch this fish, Bahamas fishing experts recommend starting early in the morning. Experienced fishermen report the most success in reeling this breed right around daybreak. It is also helpful to turn off your engine and let the fish come to you. This fish, while often feeding in groups, tends to team up with several other types of fish prone to tropical waters, which is why many who fish Bahamas are surprised to reel in this fish when it happens. The Hawaiian word for this fish is “Ono” which means “tasty.” If you are lucky enough to make this catch, serving Ono filets to your guests is sure to be a real crowd pleaser!

Natural Habitat

The Blackfin is native only to the western Atlantic ocean. Anglers can find them living as far north as off the coast of Massachusetts and as far south as the coast of Brazil. This particular tuna species is more comfortable in warmer waters of at least 68 degrees F. Schools of Blackfins hunt in both surface water and deeper ocean, depending on their spawning season and on available food sources. When hunting, they can sometimes mix with schools of skipjack tuna. Their main diets consist of shrimp, small crabs and squid.

Feeding Patterns

As with other tuna species, Blackfin tuna are opportunistic feeders and follow the various migration patterns of their natural prey. Depending on their geographic location and available main diet staples, they can hunt in the early mornings, afternoons or at sunset. In the Bahamas and off the coast of Florida, Blackfins hunt and feed mainly in the mornings as well as early afternoons. All fishing parties are to abide by local Bahamian fishing laws and only keep a maximum of six caught tuna species per boat. Any extra fish are to be returned unharmed into the ocean.

Catching Blackfin Tuna in the Bahamas

Freeport charter boats offer fishing tours during the best times for catching Blackfins. Schools of these fish are easiest to find during June and July, but chances of catching a large Blackfin are good right up until the end of September. Hiring a Freeport charter boat comes with the choices of both light tackle and deep sea fishing. Freeport Grand Bahama is one of the most popular spots for chartering fishing boats during the height of Blackfish season.

Reservations for Blackfin fishing are recommended, and several boat sizes are available for different fishing expeditions. Due to an excellent location and beautiful year-round weather, anglers who opt for Freeport charter boats have the first tries at schools of Blackfins before the fish have time to migrate far. For newcomers to deep sea or light tackle fishing, experienced captains are also available to help them get started.

Blackfins are favorite game fish in the Bahama, and the area provides no shortage of prime fishing spots from early spring to late summer. Our fishing guides have years of experience in these local waters and can accommodate anglers of any skill level. To reserve fishing expedition dates, clients are encouraged to contact FishintheBahamas.com via phone or email.

Habitat
Gag Groupers are native to the Western Atlantic Ocean and can be found near Bermuda, Florida, and the Bahamas. They are bottom dwellers, occupying holes and ledges near coral reefs and wreckage sites. With their large, powerful mouth, some species can dig in the sand a to build a shelter for itself under large rocks. When threatened, the fish can extend its gill muscles, locking its body in a cave. Preferring shallow waters, these fish can be found as close as ten to fifteen miles offshore in waters twenty to 120 feet deep.

Feeding Patterns
These solitary hunters of the Bahamas, ambush their prey during daylight hours. Gag Groupers use a powerful sucking system made with their mouth and gills to inhale their meal. Prey of choice for this fish include other fish, octopuses, and crustaceans, like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Using their tails, groupers can pound on the sand, digging out their prey. Its color and patterns allow it to hide from its prey until the target swims by for the attack.

Fishing
Since large sized groupers can be fished successfully in the Bahamas, they make an excellent choice for the sport or vacationing fisherman. These fish can be easily tempted with live bait in shallow waters. Although harvest fishing of groupers is banned during spawning season, offshore fishing for groupers can be accomplished with heavy tackle, jigs, and slow-trolled lures. The battle with a large specimen can be rather exhausting, yet satisfying when the catch is finally made. Another option when fishing for grouper is light tackle fishing Bahamas. Without the need for harnesses or fighting chairs, light tackle fishing can be for anyone, even the novice fisherman. Aimed at catching these fish in its shallow, reef environment, light tackle fishing Bahamas marries the proper tackle with the fish you are after. The bait size, rod, reel, and line are all selected for the particular target fish and size. This method increases your likelihood of a successful catch. Being able to cast and reel in a trophy fish with your own hands is a very rewarding benefit of light tackle fishing.

Habitat
The Red Snapper is a type of fish that is ordinarily found on the Atlantic Coast of both North America and South America. The farthest north that they are usually found are off the coasts of the Carolinas.

They are usually found in the bottom edges of rocks, ledges, reefs, and wrecks. This is because they are bottom feeders. Red snappers are most commonly located at depths of 33 feet and 620 feet. The younger fish are found in shallow pools whose bottoms are either sand or mud.

Appearance
A Red Snapper's body is usually a color that approximates pink. It has a white underbelly and red eyes. Its snout, which is a prominent feature, tends to be pointed. Beneath the snout is a mouth that is filled with very short teeth that closely resemble needles. It also has a pointed anal fin. The average fish of this kind is between 1 foot and 2 feet long and will weigh less than 10 pounds. However, they are able to reach up to 40 inches long and 50 pounds. The largest Red Snappers can live for extended periods of time, for up to 20 years.

Diet
Red Snappers eat meat, usually in the form of very small fish and crustaceans. The patterns of eating of the fish will change as the fish gets older. When this fish is considered to be a juvenile fish, they usually eat plankton. As the fish gets older, it will eat shrimp, small squid, and small octopi. The diet of Red Snappers change with the environment, which supports smaller sea life that the fish uses for food.

Reproduction
This fish is considered to be sexually mature when they are two years old. They usually reproduce between June and October and can do so multiple times within this time frame. The best spawning time for the Red Snapper is when it reaches the age of 10 years old.

Fishing in the Bahamas
It's no secret that the population of the Red Snappers have declined in recent years, due to their popularity as a commercial fish, as well as a game fish that is usually sought during fishing trips in Bahamas. Bycatch mortality is an issue that this species of fish faces. Smaller, juvenile red snappers can be caught by shrimp traps and subsequently die. Another problem that is threatening the population is discard mortality.

As a result of the population decline, limits have been placed on how many Red Snappers are allowed to be caught during a certain time frame, limiting the areas in which they are allowed to be fished, and reducing the amount of time that their season extends to. Tools have also been developed and required that will reduce the amount of the bycatch that this fish experiences, which will allow juvenile Red Snappers to live and grow to their full size.

In state water, in the Atlantic, there are two fish allowed of this type per person per day in the Atlantic ocean. In federal waters, however, the number of fish that are allowed to be caught of this type are limited to one.

Essentially, these fish can only be caught for a very short period of time while on fishing trips in the Bahamas. Check the dates for the waters that you are in before you go to make sure that you are staying within the guidelines set by the government.

• Wear polarized sunglasses to help you spot fish shimmering in the water.
• Small fish need at least a 15-pound line for spinning gear, 11-13 pound line for fly-fishing.
• Big game will require an 8-foot rod, and 30-50 pound saltwater reels.
• Use a sharp hook; these fish have hard mouths.
• Let them run for a few minutes, and then dip your rod when the fish jumps to keep it from breaking the line.
• Prepare to give them plenty of choices. Some days they only eat crabs, while other days mullet is their food of choice.
• You will likely use a different bait depending on the speed of the current. Your guide will be able to suggest the right bait for the conditions you are fishing in.

Catching these explosive fighters is a thrilling experience, and the waters off of the Bahamas are a favorite among hunters of the Silver King.

Physical Description
Sailfish are fast growers, able to reach lengths of 4 ft to 5 ft in one year of growth. Female eggs have been known to hatch after only 36 hours. The fish is known for its tall sail that starts just behind the head and continues to the tail. The sail can fold down to aid in increasing swimming speed and occasionally raises when they are excited or threatened which give them a much larger appearance. They can reach a length of 10 ft and this includes the prominent spike or bill that protrudes from the nose. They can weigh up to 200 pounds, while anything over is considered a record catch. Colors range from light hazy browns to bright purples to grays, sometimes showing solid silver. Their bodies are often adorned with iridescent blues with silver dots which gives them a camouflage-like appearance. It has the ability to change colors at a moment’s notice when confronted by other predators, changing to light blue with yellow stripes—a tactic used to confuse other fish. The upper jaw juts out over the lower jaw, which forms the solid bill.

Habitat
There are two subspecies of this billfish, the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic version which are actually the same species, but only defined by their geographic location. The Atlantic species ranges in the Gulf region off the coast of Florida and in and around the Keys where the warm Gulf waters reside. They prefer to live in temperatures of about 79 degrees Fahrenheit. They exist in abundant numbers within their habitat range, exhibiting a stable population that is under no protection status. They have been found and caught as far north as Cape Cod. They congregate in schools primarily near the ocean’s surface usually a considerable distance from land.

Feeding Patterns
These fish are highly skilled predators and work in teams to surround certain masses of schooling fish, like small tunas, mackerels, flying fish, squid and jacks. They often raise their sails in an effort to wall-off or trap the escape of smaller fish, concentrating them into thick batches. They have been known to wildly thrash their bills in the water, striking and stunning fish into submission. Their body colors often change radically when excited or feeding.

Catching Techniques
This species is known for its fantastic leaps out of the water and its ferocious fighting capability. It can dive, back-track, leap and turn on a dime with great force. This has made it popular with trophy fishermen who often mount the heads or abide by the “catch and release” mode of fishing. It is not primarily a popular eating fish since the meat is regarded as a bit tough, but it has appeal to many fishermen when smoked, grilled or broiled.

They are often found off the Florida coast and during fishing trips in Nassau in close proximity to the warm Gulf Stream. The preferred method of catch is trolling at slow to medium speeds. Baits that have had the most success are frozen ballyhoo that can be dressed and attached to an artificial lure. The Islander lure, which has a froth of purple feathers, also attracts strikes. Kite fishing and flat-lining have been used, but they are relatively new methods. The fish typically strikes with force accompanied by a large splash, followed by a moment of stillness—an indication that it has taken the bait and is deciding on a swimming direction. Once the hook is set, the fish will panic and begin a number of confused but powerful maneuvers. It takes some time to coordinate the position of the boat to reel in slack at times of rest or idleness. It may take several hours to wear the fish out and properly land it. Heavy tackle of 30-pound test and above is advised to avoid line breakage since huge pressures are encountered during the fight.

Physical Description
The king mackerel ranges in size from a young five to 30 pounds, but adults may average around 40 to 65 pounds and exceed 90 pounds in some cases. The body is torpedo-shaped, slightly flattened on the sides and contains very minute scales that are loosely attached. It has a spiny, double dorsal fin that is translucent and folds back into a body groove, as does the pelvic fins. It has a row of smaller fins that extend from the dorsal and anal region to the tail. Coloration ranges from an iridescent to an olive green on the back that fades into a silver on the sides, sometimes having a pinkish hue between the darker and lighter contrasts. The belly is predominantly white. Fish under 10 pounds may show yellowish-brown spots on the side flanks. The teeth are sharply pronounced and uniformly spaced with flattened profiles on each side.

Habitat and Distribution
The king mackerel is common in the subtropical-type waters of the Atlantic Coast in the Americas. Its northern reaches start at North Carolina and range as far south as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It has been caught and observed as far north as the Gulf of Maine, but the sightings are few and inconsistent. It is especially prolific in the Key West and Bahamas island chains and prefers water temperatures ranging from 66 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They commonly seek depths of between 40 to 150 feet in and around inlets close to shore, although the larger, more robust individuals may travel at depths approaching 600 feet in the Gulf Stream zone.

One migratory group of king mackerel resides in the Gulf of Mexico off the Texas coast during the summer and extends to the middle-eastern coastline of Florida from November through March. The Gulf Coast variety typically spawns in the summer in the northern Gulf Coast.

The Atlantic King Mackerel is prolific off North Carolina during the spring and fall. They migrate southeast to Florida and spawn from May to August, and then begin to return to North Carolina for winter. They are never found off the coast of Florida in the winter, according to tagging research.

Feeding Habits
King mackerel are opportunistic, aggressive feeders. Their prey items depend upon their size, season and location, but they primarily have favorites, like sardine-type fishes, striped anchovies, shrimp, squid, herring, jacks and ribbonfish. They may also resort to weakfish, cutlassfish, threadfin, cigar minnows and northern mackerel.

Catching the Kingfish
Offshore fishing in the Bahamas presents the most thrilling and accessible means to catch and land the king mackerel. Once hooked, they make spectacular runs and lofty leaps out of the water. Their speed matches that of the wahoo and their fight may last for hours if the fish is very large and healthy. They can be taken with live or dead bait on line gear and hook while trolling, from a boat at anchor or drifting, or from a pier or shoreline.

Trolling for king mackerel is the preferred method, using swimming bait, although they have been caught successfully with jigs, spoons, plugs and other artificial lures. Two hooks are often used; one hook (single or treble) is hooked through the bait’s mouth while a second treble hook is attached through the back. The double hook arrangement insures that the fish will hook up when it bites from the tail section, which it often does. Suggested tackle requires a heavy-duty open sport fishing reel or spinning reel with no less than 20-pound line, preferably 30-pound and up for the largest fishes. A mono leader with heavy wire insures that the fish will not bite through the line and be lost. Proven baits include thread herring, pogies, ballyhoo, Spanish sardine and mullet.

Appearance and feeding
Amberjacks are fairly large fish with the average weight being between 30 to 60 pounds. However, they tend to grow larger in the waters surrounding the Bahamas. These fish enjoy a good game of hiding go seek. They like to hide in old shipwrecks as well as any objects at the bottom of the ocean. They also can be found swimming the reefs. It is, however, not surprising to find these fish swimming in the shallow waters. The species tend to swim in schools.

These fish are fairly easy to identify. They are usually a brownish or gold in color. There is a distinguished dark color stripe that runs their entire body. Their fins are long in size. They tend to spawn throughout the year.

The younger amberjacks tend to go deeper into the water. However at times, they can be found in waters only 25 feet deep near other objects that are in the water. The younger fish range in color from a dark green to brown with a touch of silver on their sides. They also have dark, thick lines underneath their eyes.

Amberjacks are known to be a high energy fish. As much as fishermen love to pursue them, they also enjoy the pursuit and are known as a predatory fish. They love to feed on everything from other fish to squid and crustaceans.

How to catch Amberjacks when fishing in the Bahamas
The clear blue waters that is home to a lot of debris and shipwreck, makes the Amberjacks a popular fish in the Bahamas. Because they are a highly active fish and their large size, they make for a sought out once in a lifetime trophy fish. A fisherman is going to need a heavy rod and lines that can handle over 50 pounds. If fishing around any shipwrecks, the Amberjacks will follow hooked fish to the boat side. They also will surface under their own will, so keep a look out.

You will need to bait your hook with a live fish that has almost as much energy as the fish you are trying to catch if you want to get any Amberjacks to pay attention. Experienced fly fisherman can also snag these fish, but you better be ready for a long fight because they will not give in easily. Large jigs, spoons, poppers, and big flyrod streamers are all things that an angler can use to try to catch this deep swimming fighter fish. These fish are not spooked by noise and love to eat, so they are a great fish to try to catch with a group of people.

Description
This particular fish species is shaped long and lean. Its dorsal and anal fins are uniquely set apart and, as far as fish are concerned, it has a sharply keen eyesight – especially for shiny objects. This is an intelligent breed with a knack for evading the lure, so specialized technique may be necessary to reign victorious over this cunning creature. This particular fish can grow up to 6 feet 6 inches in length and weigh well over 100 pounds. As you will soon learn, it is known for putting up a fight when caught and does not give in easily. This fish belongs to the family known as Sphyraenidae, which includes other varieties like the Northern and Southern Sennet and the yellow-striped Guaguanche.

Habitat
This fish breed is known to inhabit both the Atlantic and Pacific, as well as several seas across the globe. As a traveler to the Bahamas, you will mostly likely find packs of smaller-bodied fish closer to the shore, which are relatively easily captured using a light bait from a boat or shoreline. The larger variety, which requires trolling with a medium tackle, can be found in deeper water. The ultimate catch – the Great Barracuda – is found exclusively in tropical waters including the Mediterranean, Black Sea and warmer areas of the Atlantic.

Feeding
This fish does not have an atypical feeding pattern and generally preys upon smaller fish species traveling in packs. What is unique about this fish is that it tends to target prey with a silver or shiny hue. Once caught, any prey of this fish stands little chance of escape. Its jaw contains razor-sharp canine-type teeth in the front to secure food and a second set of smaller teeth designed to pulverize its victim.

Fishing in the Bahamas
One of the best ways to catch this squirrely fish and avoid escape is to schedule one of the Nassau fishing charters available daily for guests and residents of the Bahamas. This breed is best caught using spinning or trolling methods along with bait including bright, shiny spinners or whole small fish like sardines.

Trolling for this fish usually requires a 12-30 pound class rod. You will also need a 4/0 or 8/0 hook and 12-30 pound nylon line. For the fisherman who prefers spinning, a medium spinning rode should do the trick when coupled with 12 to 30 pound class rod and wire leader. We recommend a 4/0 or 8/0 hook size for spinning as well.