Bahamas Boating and Fishing Guide

The Islands Of The Bahamas

BOATING & FISHING GUIDE

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A Message From the Minister of Tourism & Aviation

Welcome to The Islands Of The Bahamas, a perennial paradise for boaters and all sea-lovers.

As a region of 16 major islands plus numerous cays, these islands offer 100,000 square miles of the world’s clearest waters. More and more boaters discover the wonders of our waters each year. Last year, a record-high 3.96 million boaters and cruise passengers enjoyed the turquoise wonderland that our seas provide.

Our country has been blessed to be comprised as an archipelago of more islands than the rest of the Caribbean. In fact some of our islands are larger than many nations of the Caribbean. In addition, The Islands Of The Bahamas boast more beaches than all other Caribbean islands combined.

Without question, all these attributes make for a special boating experience, and one that can be enjoyed repeatedly.

With this in mind, we look forward to warmly welcoming you to our islands as often as your schedule allows.

We remain your eager hosts as you explore the incomparable seas of The Islands Of The Bahamas.

The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012 • 1

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Table of Contents 3 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23

Procedures For Entering The Bahamas Bahamas Ports of Entry Bahamas Customs Offices Marinas Procedures For Returning To U.S. Ports Summer Boating Fling Schedule Bahamas Boating Fling - A Road Trip On The Waters Yacht Services, Repair Yards & Parts Provisioning Bahamas Charter Services Regattas Fishing Regulations and Bag Limits Special Requirements For Exporting Seafood From The Bahamas Official Gamefish Chart Crooked Island Blue Marlin by George Poveromo 2012 Fishing Tournaments Fly Fishing Lodges

Front cover photo courtesy of David K. Witty davidkwitty.smugmug.com 2 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012

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Procedures For To Enter The Islands Of The Bahamas Private Vessels need the following: • One (1) copy of The Bahamas Customs Clearance Form • One (1) Bahamas Immigration Card per person • Proof of Citizenship—Passport Arriving By Boat Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Only the captain is permitted to leave the boat until your vessel has been cleared.

In certain situations Customs & Immigration will come to your vessel. Everyone on board must have a

ENTRY FEES: All boaters entering The Bahamas are required to pay an entry fee.

For boats up to 35’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 150 For boats over 35’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$300 THE FEES WILL COVER: • Cruising Permit • Fishing Permit • Departure Tax for up to three (3) persons. Each additional person over the age of 6 will be charged a $25 departure tax (from Grand Bahama Island this tax is $28 for each additional person above three departing). This fee is good for a second re-entry within a 90-day period. Original stamp copy of your cruising permit (transire) is required, must be the same vessel in which you enter The Bahamas, but not necessary the same passengers or crew.

• If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration. Bahamas Customs and Immigration office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Officers are on call during holidays and weekends. There is no overtime charge.

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

Entering The Bahamas

*Information subject to change The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012 • 3

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BAHAMAS PORTS OF ENTRY ABACO Green Turtle Marsh Harbour Spanish Cay Treasure Cay Walkers Cay ANDROS Fresh Creek Mangrove Cay Morgan’s Bluff San Andros BERRY ISLANDS Chub Cay Club Marina Great Harbour Cay Marina BIMINI/CAT CAY Alice Town Cat Cay Club Marina CAT ISLAND Bennett’s Harbour Smith’s Bay

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

ELEUTHERA Harbour Island North Eleuthera Powell Pointe at Cape Eleuthera Rock Sound Spanish Wells EXUMA Black Point Staniel Cay George Town GRAND BAHAMA Freeport Bell Channel Marina Freeport Harbour Old Bahama Bay Port Lucaya Marina Village Sunrise Resort & Marina Xanadu Marina INAGUA Government Docks at Matthew Town LONG ISLAND Stella Maris Marina MAYAGUANA Government Docks at Abraham’s Bay NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND The Marina at Atlantis, Paradise Island Hurricane Hole SAN SALVADOR Cockburn Town

Bimini Big Game Club, A Guy Harvey Outpost Resort

passport as proof of citizenship and fill out an immigration card. Before leaving The Islands Of The Bahamas, be sure to surrender your copy of the immigration card at the last Bahamian port you visit.

If you have a firearm on board (shotguns and handguns only) you must declare it with Bahamas Customs. You must provide the serial number, name of the manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition.

While you are allowed to have a firearm on your boat, you should not remove it. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. In cases of emergencies, which require your departure by air, you must notify Bahamas Police or Customs. They will accompany you to retrieve the firearm and present you with a

receipt. Upon your return to the island, Bahamas Police or Customs will escort you to your vessel and return your firearm. Any infraction of this law will be dealt with severely.

Bringing Your Pet An Import Permit is required for all animals being brought into The Islands Of The Bahamas. These are available in advance for a $10 fee for each animal. Dog and cats must be six months of age and have current proof of vaccination and a health certificate. A request must be made in writing to the Director of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, P.O. Box N-3704, Nassau, Bahamas. For more information please visit: www. bahamas.gov.bs or www.bahamas. com/bahamas/pets.

*Information subject to change 4 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012

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BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, BAHAMAS EMBASSY, CONSULATE AND HIGH COMMISSION OFFICES: THE BAHAMAS Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Section Norfolk House, Frederick Street P.O. Box N-3746 Nassau, Bahamas (242) 323-5578/5565 Fax: (242) 326-6186 USA/WASHINGTON, D.C. Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas 2220 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20008 (202) 319-2660/7 Fax: (202) 319-2668 bahemb@aol.com

Entry Formalities: Arriving

by Air, Returning by Boat Travelers are advised to purchase return tickets even when they are confirmed to return via private boat.

Upon arrival in The Bahamas, the traveler will be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which will be required at departure.

All visitors are required to be in possession of a return ticket.

U.S. Citizens: A valid passport is required. A visa is required for stays exceeding eight months.

U.S. Residents (non-citizens): An Alien Registration Card (Green Card) AND a valid passport from country of citizenship is required.

Canadian Citizens: A valid passport is required for proof of citizenship. Voter registration cards, birth certificates and photo identifications are no longer accepted as proof of citizenship. A Bahamas visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days.

United Kingdom Citizens: Citizens of the United Kingdom and colonies require a valid passport.

A visa is required for stays exceeding eight months.

All Other Countries: For entry formalities, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Bahamas Embassy Consulate or High Commission.

Visit www.Bahamas.gov.bs.

USA/NEW YORK Bahamas Consulate General Bahama House 231 East 46th Street New York, NY 10017 (212) 688-5926 Fax: (212) 688-5926 bahamasconsulate@bahamasny.com USA/ATLANTA Bahamas Consulate General 2970 Clairmont Rd. NE#690 Atlanta, GA 30329 (404) 214-0492 Fax: (404) 214-0497 bahamasconsulatega@bahconga.com CANADA Bahamas High Commission Metropolitan Life Centre 50 O’Connor, Suite 1313 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1 6L2 (613) 232-1724 Fax: (613) 232-0097 ottawa-mission@bahighco.com UNITED KINGDOM Bahamas High Commission 10 Chesterfield Street London, W1J 5JL, England (011) 44 207-408-4488 Fax: (011) 44 207-499-9937 information@bahamashclondon.net *Information subject to change

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

Cape Eleuthera Resort & Yacht Club

USA/MIAMI Bahamas Consulate General 25 S.E. Second Avenue Ingraham Bldg., Suite 600 Miami, FL 33131 (305) 373-6295 Fax: (305) 373-6312 bcgmia@bellsouth.net

The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012 • 5

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Bahamas Customs Offices

ABACO

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

Green Turtle Cay (242) 365-4077 Fax: (242) 365-4078 Marsh Harbour (242) 367-2308 Dock: (242) 367-2525 Fax: (242) 367-4050 Sandy Point (242) 366-4150 Spanish Cay (242) 365-0814 Fax: (242) 365-0345 Treasure Cay (242) 365-8602 Fax: (242) 365-8603 Walkers Cay (242) 353-1211 Fax: (242) 353-1409

ANDROS Congo Town (242) 369-2640 Fax: (242) 369-2608 Fresh Creek (242) 368-2030 Fax: (242) 368-2086

San Andros (242) 329-2140 Fax: (242) 329-2544

Harbour Island (242) 333-2360 Fax: (242) 333-3602

LONG ISLAND

BIMINI/BERRY ISLANDS

North Eleuthera (242) 335-1068 (242) 333-2360 Fax: (242) 335-1381

NASSAU

Chub Cay (242) 325-5788 Fax: (242) 326-0649 Great Harbour Cay (242) 367-8566 Fax: (242) 367-8115 North Bimini (242) 347-3100

Rock Sound (242) 334-2183 Fax: 1(242) 334-2112 Spanish Wells (242) 333-4760 Fax: (242) 333-4760

South Bimini (242) 347-3101 (242) 347-3100 Fax: (242) 347-.3466

EXUMA

CAT ISLAND

GRAND BAHAMA

George Town (242) 336-2072 Fax: (242) 336-2243

(242) 338-2012 Fax: (242) 336-2017

Administrative Office (242) 325-6550/1 Comptroller Of Customs (242) 326-4401/6 Fax: (242)322-6223 John Alfred Dock (242) 322-4897 Fax: (242) 326-2286 Prince George Dock (242) 322-8791 (242) 322-8193 Union Dock (242) 322-8017 Fax: (242) 323-3712

Bennet’s Harbour (242) 354-6001 Fax: (242) 354-6005

Freeport (242) 352-8500 Fax: (242) 352-3580

New Bight (242) 342-2016 Fax: (242) 342-2150

West End (242) 346-6566 Fax: (242) 346-6567

Seaboard Marine (242) 322-5460 (242) 323-2991 Fax: (242) 322-5452 Fax: (242) 323-2993

ELEUTHERA

INAGUA

SAN SALVADOR

Governor’s Harbour (242) 332-2714 Fax: (242) 332-2730

(242) 339-1254 Fax: (242) 339-1883

ARAWAK CAY

(242) 331-2131 Fax: (242) 331-2431

6 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012

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Restaurant/Bar

Boat/Elect.

Charter/Boat

Channel Monitored

Motel/Hotel

Wet/Dry Storage

Tackle/Bait

Internet/Wi-Fi

Sanitary Pump Out Service

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

W

Y

Y

Y

Y

N/A

16

N/A

Y

N/A

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N/A

16

Y

W N/A

Y N/A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

Y

Y

NA

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/82

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

N/A N/A

Y N/A

10’

30/50

Y

N/A

Y

Y

N/A

Y

16

Y

W N/A

Y N/A

Y

7’

50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

W N/A

Y N/A

$1.25/ft

N/A

10’

30/50

Y

W/D

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

N/A N/A

Y N/A

45

$1.00/ft.

N/A

11’

30/50

Y

S

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

W

Y

Y N/A

28

$1.00/ft.

N/A

7’

30/50/100

Y

Y

N

N

Y

Y

16

N

N

N

Y N/A

6

$1.00/ft

G/D

6’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

Y

Y N/A

29

$1.50/ft.

N/A

7’

30/50

Y

Y

N/A

Y

Y

N/A

16

Y

28

$1.75/ft.

Y

8’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

W

Y

Y N/A

Marsh Harbour Marina Marsh Harbour (242) 367-2700

68

$1.05/ft.

G/D

6’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

W

Y

Y N/A

Orchid Bay Yacht Club & Marina (242) 365-5175

66

$1.95/ft

G/D

9’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

YA

N/A

16

Y

N/A

Y

Y N/A

The Other Shore Club, Green Turtle Cay (242) 365-4338, (242) 365-4226

15

$0.80/ft.

Y

8’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

W

B

Y N/A

Rosie’s Place, Grand Cay (242) 1233/1355 (242) 727-4477

15

$1.00/ft.

Y

5.5’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N/A

B

Y N/A

Sea Spray Resort & Marina Elbow Cay (242) 366-0065

60

$1.90/ft.

Y

7’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

W

Y

Y N/A

Spanish Cay Marina (954) 213-6161 Spanish Cay (242) 365-0083

81

$1.50/ft

G/D

9’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

14/16

Y

W

Y

Y N/A

Treasure Cay Resort & Marina Treasure Cay (242) 365-8250

150

$1.30

G/D

6’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

W

Y

Y

Slips

Rates

Fuel

Depth/Dockside

Electric-Amps

Water/Ice

Showers Wash/Dry

Marine/Groc. Supplies

MARINAS

Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour (242) 367-2158

198

On Req.

Y

9’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Abaco Yacht Services, Ltd. Green Turtle Cay (242) 365-4033

10

On Req.

N/A

6’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Baker’s Bay Marina Great Guana Cay (242) 365-5802

158

$5.00/ft

G/D 12.5’

50/100

Y

Y

Y

Black Sound Marina Green Turtle Cay (242) 365-4531

15

On Req.

Y

7’

30/50

Y

Y

The Bluff House Resort & Marina (242) 365-4247

40

$1.50/ft.

G/D

8’

30/50/100

Y

Conch Inn Marina & Hotel Marsh Harbour (242) 367-4000/4004

80

$1.40/ft

N/A

8’

50/100

Green Turtle Club & Marina (242) 365-4271

40

$1.75/ft.

Y

10’

Guana Beach Resort, Guana Cay (242) 365-5133, (800) 227-3366

22

$0.75/ft

Y

Harbour View Marina (242) 367-3910

40

$1.90/ft

Hope Town Hideaways Hope Town (242) 366-0224

12

Hope Town Inn & Marina (242) 366-0003 (10 moorings) Leeward Yacht Club & Marina Green Turtle Cay (242) 365-4191 Lighthouse Marina Hope Town (242) 366-0154 Mangoes Marina (242) 367-4255, (242) 367-2957 Man-O-War Marina, Man-O-War Cay (242) 365-6008 (Moorings Available)

ABACO

RY - Repair Yard T - Tackle Y - Yes D - Diesel Only

G/D - Gas/Diesel L - Limited Number M - Marine Supplies W - Wet Storage

N/A 16/18

W/D - Washer/Dryer N/A - Not Available, N/B - Nearby N - No

Y N/A Y

N/A N/A

Y

Y N/A

Y

*Prices may vary seasonally.

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

Code Key: S - Showers B - Bait C - Charter

N/A N/A

*Information subject to change The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012 • 7

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Fuel

Depth/Dockside

Electric-Amps

Water/Ice

Showers Wash/Dry

Marine/Groc. Supplies

Restaurant/Bar

Boat/Elect.

Charter/Boat

Channel Monitored

Motel/Hotel

Wet/Dry Storage

Tackle/Bait

Sanitary Pump Out Service

Rates

8

$3.00/ft

Y

5.5’

30/50

Y

N/A

N/A

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

N/A

Y

Y N/A

Lighthouse Yacht Club & Marina Fresh Creek (242) 368-2305

31

$1.30/ft.

G/D

13’

30/50

Y

Y

N/A

Y

Y

T

16

Y

N/A

Y

Y N/A

The Berry Island Club, (Private) Fraziers Hog Cay (242) 357-2229

12

$1.50/ft.

Y

8’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

N/A N/A

Chub Cay Club Marina (242) 325-1490, (242) 322-5199

110

$4.35/ft.

Y

12’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/68

Y

W

Y

Y N/A

Great Harbour Yacht Club & Marina (242) 367-8005, (561) 391-7737

85

$1.20/ft.

G/D

10’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/68

Y

W

Y

Y N/A

Bimini Bay Resort & Casino (242) 347-2900, (866) 344-8759

230

$2.00/ft.

N/A

12’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

68

Y

W

Y

Y N/A

Bimini Beach Club Bimini (242) 347-4500

45

$0.90/ft.

Y

15’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

68

Y

Bimini Big Game Fishing Club Alice Town (242) 347-3391

75

$1.50/ft.

Y

9’

30/50/100

Y

S

Y

Y

Y

Y

9

Y

W

Y

Y N/A

Bimini Blue Water (242) 347-3166, (242) 347-3291

32

$1.00/ft.

G/D

10’

30/50

Y

S

Y

Y

Y

Y

68

Y

N/A

Y

Y N/A

Bimini Sands South Bimini, (242) 347-3500

60

$1.10/ft.

G/D

8’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

68

Y

Y

Y

Y N/A

Brown’s Marina & Big John’s Hotel (242) 347-3117

20

$1.75/ft.

N/A

8’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N/A

68

Y

Y

Y

N/A N/A

Sea Crest Hotel & Marina Alice Town (242) 347-3071

18

$1.00/ft

N/A

6’

30/50

Y

S

Y

Y

Y

Y

68

Y

N/A

Y

N/A N/A

Weech’s Dock Bimini (242) 347-3028

20

$1.00/ft

N/A

10’

30/50

Y

S

Y

Y

Y

Y

18

Y

Y

Y

Y N/A

108

$3.25/ft.

Y

9’

50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

N/A

Y

Y N/A

28

$2.50/ft

D

8’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

N/A

Y

16

Y

N/A

Y

Y N/A

Cape Eleuthera Yacht Club (242) 470-8242, (888) 270-9642

55

$2.50/ft

Y

9’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

Y

Y

Davis Harbour Marina@Cotton Bay (242) 334-6303, (800) 255-4539

24

$1.25/ft

Y

8’

30/50

Y

Y

N/B

Y

Y

N/A

16

N/B

Y

Y

Y N/A

Harbour Island Club & Marina Harbour Island (242) 333-2427

50

$2.50/ft

Y

10’

30/50/100

Y

Y

N/A

Y

N

N/A

16

N/A N/A N/A

Romora Bay Resort & Marina Harbour Island (242) 333-2325

40

$2.50 /ft

N/A 8-10’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/9

-

N/A

Y

Spanish Wells Marina & Hardware Spanish Wells (242) 333-4122

10

$1.00/ft

G/D

10’

30/50

W

N/A

Y

N/A

Y

N/A

16

Y

Dry

T

N/A N/A

Spanish Wells Yacht Haven Spanish Wells (242) 333-4255

40

$1.50/ft.

N/A

10’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

W

Y

Y N/A

Internet/Wi-Fi

Slips Kamalame Cay, Staniard Creek (Private) (242) 368-6281, (800) 790-7971

ANDROS

BERRY ISLANDS Y N/A

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

BIMINI

N/A N/A

Y N/A

CAT CAY Cat Cay Yacht Club (Private) (242) 347-3565 CAT ISLAND Hawk’s Nest Marina (242) 342-7050 ELEUTHERA & HARBOUR ISLAND Y

Y N/A Y

Y

*Information subject to change 8 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012

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Depth/Dockside

Electric-Amps

Water/Ice

Showers Wash/Dry

Marine/Groc. Supplies

Restaurant/Bar

Boat/Elect.

Charter/Boat

Channel Monitored

Motel/Hotel

Wet/Dry Storage

Sanitary Pump Out Service

Fuel D

10’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

N/A N/A

Exuma Docking Services (242) 336-2578

52

$1.00/ft.

Y

8.5

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

N/A

Y N/A

Farmer’s Cay Yacht Club & Marina (242) 355-4017

15

$1.50/ft.

Y

9’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

N/A

Y N/A

February Point Resort & Marina (242) 336-2693, (877) 839-4253

38

$1.65/ft.

N/A

5’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

N/A

Y N/A

Highborne Cay (242) 355-1008

26

$2.75/ft.

Y

8’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y N/A

Marina at Emerald Bay (242) 336-6100/4

150 $2.25-$3.25 G/D

15’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/11

Y

W N/A

Minns Watersports (242) 336-3483

36

$2.00/ft.

Y

6.5’

N/A

Y

N/A

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

Sampson Cay Marina Sampson Cay (242) 355-2034

60

2.75/ft.

Y

8’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

N/A

Y

Y N/A

9

$2.00/ft.

Y

12.5’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

Y

Y N/A

Bell Channel Club & Marina (Private) Lucaya (242) 373-2673 / 3801

25

On Req.

N/A

-

N/A

N/B

Y

Y

N/A

-

N/A

N/A

Y

Blue Marlin Cove (Private) (242) 349-4101, (561) 662-4256

Internet/Wi-Fi

Rates $2.75/ft.

Tackle/Bait

Slips 50

ELEUTHERA & HARBOUR ISLAND Valentine’s Yacht Club & Inn, Harbour Isl. (242) 333-2142, (800) 848-4073

Y N/A

EXUMA

Staniel Cay Yacht Club Staniel Cay (242) 355-2024

N/A N/A

71

N/A N/A

Y

Y

N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A

Y N/A

30

On Req.

N

3.5’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N/A

16

Y

Y

N/A

Bradford Marine Bahamas (242) 352-7711 (Mega-Yachts & Commercial Boats Only) RY

$1.25/ft

G/D

25’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/14

N

Y

N

Deep Water Cay (242) 353-3073

4

$2.00/ft.

Y

7’

30/50

Y

L

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina, Taino Beach (242) 373-4682/(800) 824-6623

25

.50/ft

Y

7’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/23

Y

W

Y

Y N/A

Grand Bahama Yacht Club (242) 373-8888

150

$1.70/ft.

Y

7’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

W

B

Y

Knowles Marine & Yacht Services Freeport (242) 351-2769/(242) 359-4222

17

On Req.

G/D

6’

N/A

-

-

Y

N/B

Y

Y

16

N/B

Y

Y

Y N/A

Ocean Reef Yacht Club (242) 373-4661/2, (954) 727-5770

50 $45/$55/day N/A 6.5’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/71

Y

N/A N/A

Y N/A

Old Bahama Bay (242) 350-6500

73

$2.00/ft.

G/D

8’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

N/A

Y

Y

Y

Port Lucaya Marina Freeport Lucaya (242) 373-9090

100

$2.20

G/D

12’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N/A

Y

Y

Y

Sunrise Resort & Marina Freeport/Lucaya (242) 352-6834

70

$1.00/ft.

N/A

13’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

Y

Y N/A

Xanadu Beach & Marina Resort Freeport (242) 352-6782, (561) 282-6913

49

$1.70/ft.

Y

6.5’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

Y

Y N/A

N/A 16/17

N/A N/A

Y N/A Y

Y

Y N/A

Y

*Information subject to change

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

GRAND BAHAMA

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Depth/Dockside

Electric-Amps

Water/Ice

Showers Wash/Dry

Marine/Groc. Supplies

Sanitary Pump Out Service

Fuel Y

8’

N/A

Y

N/A

Clarence Town Dock

L

NONE

Y

12’

Y

Y

N/A

Y

Y

Flying Fish Marina (242) 337-3430

18

$1.95/ft

Y

7’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

N/A

Y

Y N/A

Harding Supplies Center Salt Pond (242) 338-0333

L

NONE

Y

-

110/220

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N/A

N/A

Y

N/A

Y

N N/A

Stella Maris Resort & Marina (242) 338-2051, (800) 426-0466

15

$1.50/ft.

Y

6.5’

110/220

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

Y

Y N/A

Albany Marina Nassau/Lyford Cay (242) 676-6020

71

On Req

G/D

16’

100/200

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N/A 16/74

Y

N/A

Y

Y

Brown’s Boat Basin Nassau (242) 393-331

60

$1.00/ft.

Y

15’

30

Y

N/A

Y

N/A

Y

N/A

16

Y

Y

Y

Y N/A

East Bay Yacht Basin Nassau (242) 394-1816

35

$.60/ft.

Y

14’

30/50/100

Y

Y

N/A N/A N/A N/A

16

N

W N/A

Y N/A

Lyford Cay Club (Private) Nassau (242) 362-4131, (242) 362-7499

74

$4.00/ft.

Y

9’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16

Y

Y

Y

Y

Nassau Harbour Club Nassau (242) 393-0771

65

$1.75/ft

G

13’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/12

Y

N/A

N

Y N/A

Nassau Yacht Haven Nassau (242) 393-8173

120

$2.00/ft.

Y

18’

30/50

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/72

Y

W

Y

N N/A

Palm Cay (Private) Nassau (242) 324.5132

194

On Req.

G

-’

-

Y

N/A

N/A

Y

Y

N/A

15

Hurricane Hole Marina (242) 363-3600 1, 2, 3

70

$4.00/ft.

Y

10’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/11

Y

Paradise Harbour Club & Marina (242) 363-2992, (800) 594-3495

20

$2.50/ft.

N/A

8’

50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N/A

16

Y

The Marina at Atlantis Paradise Island (242) 363-6068, (242) 363-6008

63

$4.00/ft.

Y

12’

30/50/100

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

16/10

Y

$1.25/ft

G/D

12’

30/50

Y

Y

N/A

Y

N/A

Y

16

Y

N/A N/A

Y N/A

$0.80/ft.

G/D 6.5’

30/50/100

Y

Y

L

Y

N/A N/A

16

Y

N/A

Y N/A

Internet/Wi-Fi

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Tackle/Bait

N/A

Wet/Dry Storage

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Motel/Hotel

N/A

Boat/Elect.

N/A N/A N/A N/A

Restaurant/Bar

Channel Monitored

Rates N/A

Charter/Boat

Slips N/A

INAGUA Matthew Town Dock (242) 339-2143 LONG ISLAND N/A N/A

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

NEW PROVIDENCE/NASSAU

N/A N/A N/A

Y

Y

Y N/A

PARADISE ISLAND Y

Y

N/A N/A N

Y

Y N/A Y N/A Y

Y

SAN SALVADOR Riding Rock Inn & Marina, Cockburn Town (242) 331-2631, (800) 272-1492 25 RUM CAY Summer Point Marina Rum Cay (242) 331-2823

30

Y

Emergency Services: Sea, Search & Rescue Services BASRA Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (242) 325-8864 Emergency line only: (242) 322-3877 VHF: Channel 16 www.basara.org admin@basra.org 10 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012

BM.fishing guide 2012.indd 10

R.B.D.F: Royal Bahamas Defence Force (242) 362-1818 ext. 2017/8 www.rbdfmil.com hq@rbdfmil.com

*Information subject to change

10/13/2011 4:06:13 PM

W

hen a private vessel arrives at a port of call in the United States, the Master or Captain of the vessel must report their arrival immediately upon first landfall to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by calling the following toll free numbers: (800) 432-1216 or (800) 451-0393. The Captain will be directed to the nearest Port of Entry and must physically present himself/herself and passengers for admission to the U.S. Please visit www.cbp.gov and www.dhs.gov for more information.

When you call for clearance, have the following information available: *Information subject to change

• Vessel name and registration/ document number • Vessel owner name and citizenship • Vessel commander/master name, date of birth and citizenship • Passengers’ names and dates of birth • Foreign ports or places visited and duration of stay • Total value of all acquisitions and purchases made • Customs User Fee decal number, if one has been issued U.S. Customs officials will issue a clearance number for the vessel if clearance is granted. If not, the vessel’s captain/owner will be

instructed to await further action, such as an inspection or examination. Captains or boat owners of the vessel who fail to report immediately to U.S. Customs will be liable for a civil penalty. Any vessel utilized in connection with such violation will be subject to seizure and forfeiture.

Please note rules and regulations are always subject to change. For more details visit: www.cbp.gov/xp/ cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/boats/ or write the Port Director of Customs, U.S. Customs service, Miami International Airport, P.O.Box 592061 AMF, Miami, FL 33159; (305) 869-2720, (305) 869-2720 or Seaport (305) 536-4758.

Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS) New and faster service now available for boaters entering and returning to U.S. ports. Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS) enables boaters to report in easily and quickly. Implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

For more information and how to enroll visit: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/boats/svrs.xml

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

Procedures For Returning To U.S. Ports

The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012 • 11

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Boating Flings

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

B

oating Flings are the Bahamian equivalent of a road trip, but instead of cars we use boats. A lead boat and captain pilot the way for a caravan of pleasure boaters on a journey across the Gulf Stream to our beautiful islands. After the simple crossing, you can relax on our white powder beaches or enjoy an itinerary filled

with exciting activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving or fishing or just lay back and read a book.

Flings begin on Thursdays and Wednesdays is our mandatory Captain’s meetings. Fling trips ends on Sundays during the months of June and July.

Departure Points Bahia Mar Marina 801 Seabreeze Boulevard Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33004 (954) 627-6309 Sailfish Marina Resort 98 Lake Drive Palm Beach Shores, FL 33404 (561) 844-1724

NOTE: There is a $75 non-refundable registration fee per boat, per fling. Please make your check or money order payable to: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism 1200 South Pine Island Rd., Suite 750 Plantation, FL 33324

2012 Summer Boating Fling Schedule June 6-10 13-17 20-24

Bimini Big Game Club, Bimini Bimini Big Game Club, Bimini Bimini Big Game Club, Bimini

June 27-July 1

Port Lucaya Marina, Grand Bahama

July 11-22

Grand Bahama and Abaco (Extended fling/10 day) Grand Bahama, Port Lucaya Marina/ Treasure Cay, Treasure Cay Resort & Marina/Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Boat Harbour/Green Turtle Cay, Green Turtle Club & Marina/West End, Grand Bahama, Old Bahama Bay.

July 25-29

Bimini Bay Resort & Marina, Bimini

*Note: Schedule subject to change. For actual dates, please call (800) 32-SPORT or visit www.bahamas.com/boating for more information. *Information subject to change 12 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012

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Bahamas Boating Fling— A Road Trip On The Waters

O

n a clear moonlit night, the lights from South Florida are visible on Bimini, a small Bahamian Island located a mere 50 miles east of the coast of South Florida, and the first landfall within the archipelagic chain of the 700 Islands of The Bahamas. The proximity and ease of crossing have drawn thousands of pleasure boaters to The Bahamas annually to enjoy the excitement and adventure of the beautiful collection of Islands.

Islands that boast a unique culture along with unparalleled opportunities for water activities and escapades.

With a view to creating a fun way to demonstrate the ease of charting a course to The Islands, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism created a program called “Bahamas Boating Flings.” Over the past 30 years the camaraderie, the lure of the ocean, dreams of great fishing and deep sea diving have spurred boaters to be a part of this Bahamas adventure.

Typically our flings depart early morning during June and July with Thursday departures and Sunday returns.

Described as the Bahamian equivalent of a road trip, instead of cars, pleasure boats are led in a caravan across the Gulf Stream from the U.S.A. to The Islands of The Bahamas.

On the morning of the Flings, all of the boats are organized into groups or pairs to establish an accountability/ buddy system. Many of the boaters are veterans looking forward to recapturing the excitement while our “first timers” are adventurers looking forward to a package of new experiences. For many the journey will be one to cross off their “bucket list,” and for others it will be the fulfillment of a dream.

For the past 20 years Richard Treco our boating, fishing, diving specialist, with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, has been the lead boat captain for our flings. Captain Treco has been chartering The Bahamian waters since early childhood and he claims a special affinity for water activities—anything on the seas!

In addition to his years of boating in The Bahamian waters, Captain Treco is a licensed boating captain.

Having a qualified Bahamian lead boat captain escort the Flotilla is a major advantage for boaters wanting to venture beyond the U.S. Coast to the nearby Bahamian Islands.

The registration cost of the Fling includes a Bahamas/ Caribbean Yachtsman Guide (a comprehensive reference guide to navigating the waters of The Bahamas). Also included are T-shirts, and a bag of giveaways.

Our core flings are four days to either Bimini, Grand Bahama or Abaco. There are two 11-day extended Flings; islands visited could include The Berry Islands, Andros, Exuma, Eleuthera and even Nassau (the capital).

An informal itinerary is included in the information packet with activities, sightseeing and things to do on the Island/Islands to be visited. Fling activities include swimming, fishing, diving, snorkeling, sightseeing, all at leisure, or our adventurers can just simply relax on a remote beach!

Once on-Island, there are only two functions boaters are expected to attend, a welcome cocktail reception and a mandatory Captain’s meeting the night before departure. The closing night captain’s meeting also serves as a night of fun for prizes, and fish stories.

Cruise the clearest water in the world! Explore all the natural beauty and activities our islands have to offer.

For information and registration details visit our website at www.Bahamas.com/boating.

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

Ministry of Tourism’s Boating Fling Captain has escorted thousands across the Atlantic Ocean

The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012 • 13

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FLORIDA BAHAMAS MARINE CENTERS

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

Bahia Mar Marina 801 Seabreeze Boulevard Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (800) 755-9558/(954) 627-6309 www.lxrluxurymarinas.com/Bahia_Mar/ Harbour Towne Marina 801 Northeast Third Street Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 926-0300 www.harbourtownemarina.net Sailfish Marina Resort 98 Lake Drive Palm Beach Shores, FL 33404 (561) 844-1724 www.sailfishmarina.com Tarpon Point Marina 5971 Silver King Blvd.

Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 541-5025 www.tarponpoint.com Roland & Mary Ann Martins 920 E. Del Monte Ave. Clewiston, FL 33440 (863) 983-3151 / (800) 473-6766 www.rolandmartinmarina.com Black Point Marina 24775 SW 87th Ave. Homestead, FL 33032 (305) 258-4092 www.miamidade.gov/parks/parks/ black_point_marina.asp

YACHT SERVICES, REPAIR YARDS, PARTS & PROVISIONING ABACO Abaco Yacht Services Black Sound (242) 365-4033, Channel 16

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND Bradford Marine (242) 352-7711 www.bradford-grand-bahama.com

Dolphine Marine White Sound (242) 365-4262 VHF 16

LONG ISLAND Sea Farer Marine Store Salt Pond (242) 338-0094 Fax: (242) 338-0093

Edwin’s Boat Yard Man-o-War Cay Boat Yard #1 (242) 365-6006 Boat Yard #2 (242) 365-6007 Marsh Harbour Boat Yard Marsh Harbour (242) 367-5205 Fax: (242) 367-5306 Roberts Marine Black Sound (242) 365-4249 ELEUTHERA Bahamas Mobile Marine Service Cape Eleuthera Marina (242) 470-8048 www.bahamasmobilemarine.com EXUMA George Town Marina & Repair (242) 345-5116 Fax: (242) 336.2528

NASSAU Brown’s Boat Basin East Bay Street (242) 393-3331/3680 Fax: (242) 393-1868 Gourmet Market Caves Village, West Bay Street (242) 327-1083/67 www.gourmentmarketnassau.com gourmetmarket@coralwave.com Harbourside Marine Sales & Services East Bay Street (242) 394-7659 / 393-3461 Fax: (242) 394-7659 www.services@hbsmarine.com sales@hbsmarine.com Lightbourne Marine (242) 393-5285 Fax: (242) 352-7695 *Information subject to change

14 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012

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ABACO Cruise Abaco (242) 577-0148 (242) 475-8756 www.cruiseabaco.com info@cruiseabaco.com Sailing, cruising, excursions & sightseeing Donny’s Boat Rentals (242) 365-4119 242) 365-4173 Power boat rentals Florida Yacht Charters Ltd. (Florida Yacht Group ) (242) 367-4853 (800) 537-0050 www.floridayacht.com info@floridayacht.com The Moorings (242) 367-4000/3, VHF 16 & 82 themoorings@batelnet.bs Power boats & sailboats, catamaran rentals Sunsail (888) 350-3568, (242) 727-5380/5424 www.sunsail.com bahamas@sunsailbet.com Charter, sail boats, Catamaran Island Maine Boat Rentals (242) 366-0282 (242) 577-0519 www.islandmarine.com info@islandmarine.com Power boats rentals Abaco Multihull Charters (242) 366-0552 www.abacomultihull.com info@abacomultihull.com Bareboat chartering, captain charters Sea Horse Boat Rentals (242) 366-0023 (242) 367-5460 www.seahorseboatrentals.com info@seahorseboatrentals.com Power boats 17’ to 26’

BIMINI

NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND

Sea Crest Marina (242) 347-3477/ 3071 www.seacrestbimini.com Power boat rental

Barefoot Sailing Cruises (242) 393-0820 Sailing, snorkeling, cruising, excursions & sightseeing

Bimini Adventures (242) 347-3033 www.biminiadventures.com alsweeting@gmail.com

Born Free Charters (242) 393-4144 www.bornfreefishing.com bornfree@coralwave.com Fishing charter, beach picnic, snorkeling, site seeing, shark fishing

ELEUTHERA Bare Boat Charters Boat rentals, sport fishing, cruising, sailing, snorkeling, island excursions, weddings & sightseeing tours Cape Eleuthera Charters (242) 334-8500

EXUMA Minns Watersports (242) 336-3483 www.mwsboats.com info@mwsboats.com Small Power boat rentals Exuma Watersports Ltd. (242) 336-3422 (242) 357-0100 www.exumawatersports.com ray@exumawatersports.com info@exumawatersports.com Private charters, Eco safaris, sightseeing, snorkeling, short excursions in the Exuma chain

GRAND BAHAMA Ocean Reef Yacht Club (242) 373-4661/2 www.oceanreefyachtclub.com oceanreef@coralwave.com Small boat rental Paradise Watersports (242) 373-4001/2 Snorkeling trips, deep-sea fishing, charters, day cruises & glass bottom boat sightseeing Reef Tours Ltd. (242) 373-5880/5891/2 Snorkeling trips, deep-sea fishing, charters, day cruises & glass bottom boat sightseeing

Chubasco Charters (242) 324-3474 www.chubascocharters.com chubasco@coralwave.com Sportfishing, snorkeling, sightseeing, island picnicking, sharkfishing First Class Charters (242) 393-0771 (242) 422-6358 Snorkeling, sunset cruise, deep sea fishing, Nassau Harbour Club half & full day charter Flying Cloud (242) 394-5067 (242) 363-4430 Sailing, snorkeling, cruising, excursions & sightseeing Hunter Charters (242) 364-1546 Sport fishing, reef fishing, snorkeling & sightseeing cruises Marine Adventure Company Ltd. (242) 328-2917 (242) 457-2629 marineadv@batelnet.bs Sportfishing, snorkeling, picnicking, sightseeing Powerboat Adventures (242) 363-1466 Cruises, excursions, sight seeing tours & weddings Seahorse Sailing Adventures (242) 363-5510/5507 Sailing, snorkeling, cruising, excursions & sightseeing Yellowtail Charters (242) 364-4316 (242) 436-7817 www.yellowtailcharters.com koren@yellowtailcharters.com Deepsea fishing, sportfishing, sightseeing

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

BAHAMAS CHARTER SERVICES

The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012 • 15

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Regattas

T

he sea can be a cruel mistress. Just ask all the captains of the sunken ships found on or near our shores. Maybe that’s why regattas in The Bahamas are such challenges. For over half a century, amateur captains from all over the world have been gracing our waters every year to take part. They come to see if they have what it takes to master the wind and conquer whatever the sea throws at them, all in the hope of standing

tall on the winner’s podium. Of course you don’t have to be an old sea dog to compete; regattas in The Bahamas have many different experience classes. Or if you don’t have sea legs, there are lots of exciting activities and festivities to enjoy before, during and after the regatta begins. At our regattas, there’s something for everyone because… It’s Better In The Bahamas.

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating

Regatta Schedule EVENT Bulla Regatta Farmers Cay St. Valentine Massacre Defence Force National Family Island Regatta (NFIR) 2012 Star Western Hemisphere Championship Mangrove Cay South Andros Long Island Regatta Grand Bahama Youth Sailing All Andros Cat Island Regatta Black Point Rolleville Acklins/Crooked Island All Abaco Regatta Bahamas Sailing Association (BSA) Opti San Salvador North Eleuthera

ISLAND Exuma Exuma New Providence (Nassau) New Providence (Nassau) Exuma Montague Andros Andros Long Island Grand Bahama New Providence (Nassau) Andros Cat Island Exuma Exuma Acklins Abaco New Providence (Nassau) San Salvador Harbour Island

DATE(S) OF EVENT January February February April April April May June June June June & July July July July July July August September October October

For further regatta information visit us at: www.regattabahamas.com • www.bahamas.com/boating *Information subject to change 16 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012

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Bag Limits

T

he boat you fish from must have a sporting permit aboard. Individual permits are not required. Permits are ob-

tained from Customs officials at ports of entry. Fishing gear is restricted to hook and line and you may not fish with more than six rods at a time. Bag limits are as follows: Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish/Tuna:

Migratory species such as Kingfish, Dolphin, Tuna or Wahoo shall not exceed 18 fish per vessel at any time.

Stone Crabs: Closed season is June 1 to October 15. Minimum harvestable claw is 4”. Harvesting of female is prohibited.

Turtle: Illegal to export. No vessel shall have on board any marine turtles.

Lobster or crawfish: No more

than 10 tails at any given time.

Annual closed season is April 1 to July 31. Minimum size limits are 3-3/8 inch carapace length or six inches tail length.

Egg-bearing female crawfish are protected.

Conch: Harvesting and possession of conch without a well formed lip is prohibited. Bag limit at any given time is no more than 6 per boat.

Vessel Bag Limit: Demersal species (groupers , snappers, etc.) not in excess of sixty (60 lbs.) pounds or 20 scale fish. *Information subject to change

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing

Fishing Regulations

The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012 • 17

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800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing

Special Requirements For Exporting Seafood From The Bahamas

T

he Department of Marine Resources regulations allow persons to export a limited amount of marine resources as part of their personal baggage. The maximum allowed limit for passengers traveling by air are the maximum allowable limits for all persons traveling both by air and sea.

Seafood Export Limits carried as part of personal baggage by air: • Six Dolphin, Wahoo or Kingfish • Ten (10 lbs.) pounds of Conch • Ten (10 lbs.)pounds of Crawfish • Twenty (20 lbs.) pounds of Demersal fish

Further information on marine resources export limits may be obtained from the Department of Marine Resources, (242) 393-1777, or (242) 393-1014; Fax: (242) 393-0238 or via email at fisheries@ bahamas.gov.bs.

*Information subject to change

18 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012

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Official Gamefish Chart Fish

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

June

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Amberjack Baracuda Blackfin Tuna Bluefin Tuna Blue Marlin Bonefish Broadbill Swordfish Dolphin Kingfish Sailfish Mackerel Oceanic Bonito Permit Tarpon Grouper Snapper Shark Wahoo White Marlin Excellent

Good to Excellent

Good

Fair

Occasional

None

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing

Allison Tuna

The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012 • 19

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800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing

Crooked Island Blue Marlin Story and photos by George Poveromo

F

rom seemingly out of nowhere, a blue marlin appeared underneath the teaser, which had been churning across the calm, royal blue ocean some 20 feet behind the vessel’s port outrigger. Captain Bob Balut, up on the bridge, saw the fish first and screamed

so loudly, I was surprised the fish didn’t hear him and bolt for Bermuda.

In a pandemonium-like fashion known so intimately well by big game anglers, we scrambled off our butts and raced for the pitch bait rods. Trey Rhyne grabbed the one with a Horse Ballyhoo, while I dropped back a Spanish Mackerel. This marlin was hot and all over the teaser as it was being retrieved—yet showed no interest in the pitch baits that were now swimming and splashing right in front of it. My bait, however, did earn one brief look from the marlin before it faded into the depths. With the teaser now out of play, the fish had lost interest.

Thinking our opportunity had just slipped away, my adrenalin rush had instantly dissipated into a sickening “funk!” We had presented two meticulously rigged natural baits to the fish, and it turned up its snoot at both offerings. Suddenly, the fish reappeared and piled on the dolphin-hued, Bluewater Lure (model Rick’s Fancy) that was some 50 feet beyond where the teaser had been. The

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Where The Blues Play I was fishing off Crooked Island, Bahamas, aboard Over-Under Adventures’ 54-foot Bertram, and shooting an episode for my television series. The afternoon before, I fought and released another mid 200-pound class blue marlin. And the day prior to that, we hooked three blues—and lost all three! What’s most interesting about the three fish we dropped was that every one crashed the lures with such authority, you’d swear they were hooked for good; Trey’s fish dropped the hook during the initial run, whereas I got two jumps out of mine before it tossed the lure back. The third hit that day belonged to Trey, but the marlin somehow missed getting hooked on the strike.

Crooked Island, in the far southeastern Bahamas, lies 375-miles by plane and some 425 miles by boat from Ft. Lauderdale. Boat traffic is light down here, and fishing pressure even scarcer. The closest marine facility—Flying Fish Marina on Long Island, is 35 miles away, so anchoring off Crooked Island during the evening is really an appealing option to maximize your fishing time here.

Migratory fish, including blue marlin, travel with the northbound current flowing along the Island’s western side. They frequent the precipitous shelves and drop offs paralleling this land mass. Furthermore, many of these marlin “funnel” through the 26 mile “gap” between Long Island’s easternmost point and the northernmost tip of Crooked Island, concentrating good numbers of them within a reasonably small passage.

Crooked will surely become one of The Bahamas premier blue marlin hot spots, as word spreads. How good is the blue marlin fishing? The Over Under crew —which specializes in fishing Cat Island, Rum Cay and Crooked Island in spring and early summer, devotes a good portion of June down here. One season, between June 9th and June 27th, they saw 26 fish—13 of them in just four days. Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider that the boat specifically targeted blue marlin on just 12 of those days.

Most of their fish averaged around 200-pounds, with their two largest ones—an estimated 400 and 475 pounder—comprising a trio of blue marlin they caught on June 18th (the smallest fish was estimated at around 275-pounds). In between the marlin, there’s big dolphin and occasional schools of yellowfin tuna.

George Poveromo is a renowned angler, producer and host of Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series. He also serves as Editor-At-Large for Salt Water Sportsman Magazine and producer of his popular Saltwater Fishing Show “George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing”.

He has fished along the entire U.S. coastal seaboard area, The Caribbean and The Islands Of The Bahamas.

He is a fishing legend in his own rights, a respected and trusted name in the boating & fishing community. To read the full article, visit: www.bahamas.com/fishing

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing

strike was violent—jerking the fishing line from the short, port outrigger clip, and the hook up solid. I grabbed the rod and basically held on, waiting to reclaim line either once the fish stopped or when the captain started to back down. The latter came first and we were after our quarry.

Our emotions now rocketed back to the other extreme, prompting one to wonder if these sudden and drastic mood swings are really healthy for the body and soul? I can’t answer with any certainty, but I sure do like the euphoria that overwhelms me when things are going our way. That’s a major part of the marlin fishing game, indeed, and I truly believe that if someone doesn’t experience similar feelings when they encounter a fish as powerful, exciting and graceful as a blue marlin, they should trade in their fishing rods for a set of golf clubs; They’re definitely in the wrong sport.

All charged up, we closed the gap on the blue and regained most of the 80-pound test line. I felt great at this point, knowing the fishing line was straight and tight to the fish. Furthermore, the fish had now sounded and began sulking in the depths; Once I get to this stage during a marlin encounter, I feel extremely confident that the hook is planted solidly, and will remain so. It’s a very comforting feeling.

After a spirited 20-minute battle, Trey Rhyne wired the estimated 275-pound fish and Joe Trainor tagged it.

The hook was plucked from underneath the blue’s upper bill, and the fish turned loose in excellent shape.

The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012 • 21

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2012 Fishing Tournaments DATE

EVENT

ISLAND

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing

Bahamas Wahoo Championship Nov 7-12, 2011 Bimini Big Game Club Dec 7-10, 2011 Old Bahama Bay West End Feb 2-4 Old Bahama Bay West End March 11-16 Port Lucaya Bahamas Billfish Championship April 24-28 Guana Cay Championship at Orchid Bay Yacht Club & Marina May 8-12 Cape Eleuthera Championship at Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina May 22-26 Harbour Island Championship Valentines, Harbour Island & Romora Bay Marina June 5-9 Marsh Harbour Championship June 19-23 Treasure Cay Championship at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina 33rd Annual Bacardi Rum Billfish Tournament March 11-16 Port Lucaya Hawk’s Nest 7th Annual Wahoo Tournament Feb 5-8 Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina Hawk’s Nest 1st Annual Hang ‘Em High Tournament!

April 22-25 Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina Hawk’s Nest 12th Annual Billfish Blast!

May 13-16 Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series April 12-15 Deep Water Cay Bonefish Classic (Spring) May 28-June 1 Boat Harbour Round Up Series I June 13-16 Boat Harbour Round Up Series II Bertram Hatteras Shootout May 1-5 Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour Custom Shootout May 16-19 Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour 2012 Billfish Invitational May 30-June 2 Bimini Big Game Club 25th Annual Green Turtle Club Fishing Tournaments May 8-11 Green Turtle Club 4th Annual Lionfish Derby June 15-16 Green Turtle Club 29th Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament June 10-15 Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort Howard Flint 7th Annual Fishing Tournament May 14-18 Riding Rock Resort & Marina

Bimini Grand Bahama Island Grand Bahama Island Grand Bahama Island Great Guana Cay, Abaco Powell Pointe, Eleuthera Harbour Island, Eleuthera Marsh Harbour, Abaco Treasure Cay, Abaco

Grand Bahama Island Hawk’s Nest, Cat Island Hawk’s Nest, Cat Island Hawk’s Nest, Cat Island Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas Deep Water Cay, Grand Bahama Island Great Guana Cay, Abaco Marsh Harbour, Abaco Marsh Harbour, Abaco Bimini Green Turtle Cay, Abaco Green Turtle Cay, Abaco Treasure Cay, Abaco San Salvador, Bahamas

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Photo courtesy of Capt. Carlos Rodriguez

Fly Fishing Lodges Abaco Lodge* Bustick Bight (242) 367-5909 www.abacolodge.com info@nervouswaters.com Black Fly Bonefish Club Schooner Bay (242) 366-2048 www.blackflylodge.com Delphia Club South of Marsh Harbour (242) 366-2222 www.delphi-bahamas.com delphi.bahamas@gmail.com Oeisha’s Resort Sandy Point (314) 664-4106 (242) 336-4139 www.oeishasresort.com islandlife@oeishasresort.com Rickmon Bonefishing Lodge Sandy Point (800) 628-1447 www.angleradventures.com info@angleradventures.com

ACKLINS

Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn Grey’s Point (242) 344-3210 (242) 375-2632 www.greyspointbonefishinn.com greyspoint@hotmail.com

Bonefish Bay Camp Kemp’s Bay (242) 368-1608 rahmingsent@hotmail.com

ANDROS

GJ’s Resort & Fishing Lodge Nicholl’s Town, North (242) 329-2005

Andros Bay Cottage Fishing Lodge Cargil Creek (242) 368-5266 www.androsbaycottagebahamas.com

Glato’s Bonefish Lodge Johnson Bay (242) 369-4669

Andros Island Bonefish Club Cargil Creek (242) 368-5167 www.androsbonefishing.com androsbonefish@batelnet.bs

Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn Pine Fields (242) 344-3210 (242) 375-2632 www.greyspointbonefishinn.com greyspoint@hotmail.com

Andros Rod & Gun Club Flamingo Cay (954) 495-4915 (954) 812-9569 www.flamingocay.com info@flamingocay.com

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing

THE ABACOS

Kamalame Cay* Kamalame Cay, Andros (242) 368-6281 (800) 790-7971 www.kamalame.com info@kamalame.com

Andros South Bonefishing Lodge Congo Town (242) 369-1406 (800) 344-3628 www.androssouth.com

Acklins Island Lodge Mason Bay (242) 344-3678 Fax: (242) 344-3180 www.acklinsislandlodge.com

Bair’s Lodge* South Andros (866) 333-6437 www.bairslodge.com info@nervouswaters.com

Chester’s Highway Inn & Bonefishing Lodge Northern Acklins (242) 344-3114 (800) 688-4752 www.chesterhighwayinn.com info@chesterhighwayinn.com

Big Charlies & Faith’s Fishing Lodge Behing Point (242) 368-4297 www.bigcharlieandros.net bigcharlieandros@yahoo.com

Kemps Bay Club South Andros (242) 369-1797 www.kempsbayclub.net kempsbayclub@aol.com Mangrove Cay Club Mangrove Cay (242) 369-0731 (242) 379-0732 www.mangrovecayclub.com mcclub@batelnet.bs Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge Mars Bay (242) 369-5091 www.androsbonefish.com marsbaybonefishlodge@yahoo.com

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Mount Pleasant Lodge Mangrove Cay (242) 368-5171/5183 www.mtpleasantfish.com mtpfl@hotmail.com

Bimini Big Game Club (242) 347-3391 (800) 867-4764 www.biggameclubbimini.com sales@guyharveyoutpost.com

The Duck Inn Cottages Governor’s Harbour (242) 332-2608 www.duckinncottages.com duckinn1@gmail.com

Nathan’s Lodge Kemp’s Bay (242) 369-1707 www.nathanslodge.com

Ebbie’s Bimini Bonefish Club Porgy Bay (242) 347-2053 www.biminibonefishclub.com

North Andros Fly Fishing San Andros (242) 329-2661 www.northandrosflyfishing.com info@northandrosflyfishing.com

CROOKED ISLAND

Valentines Resort Harbour Island (242) 333-2142 /2135 (800) 848-4073 www.valentinesresort.com reservations@valentinesresort.com

Pleasant Bay Bonefish Lodge South Andros (242) 369-5551 www.pleasantbaybonefishlodge.com charlene@pleasantbaybonefishlodge.com

Crooked Island Lodge Pittstown Point (242) 344-2507/2430 www.pittstownpoint.com info@pittstownpoint.com

Small Hope Bay Lodge* Fresh Creek, Andros (242) 368-2014 Fax: (242) 368-20115 www.smallhope.com shbinfo@smallhope.com

GRAND BAHAMA

Stafford Creek Lodge Fresh Creek (242) 368-6259/6050 US (954) 676-4158 www.staffordcreeklodge.com staffordcreeklodge@gmail.com

800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing

Swains Cay Resort and Bonefish Lodge Mangrove Cay (242)369-0296 www.swainscaylodge.com fish@swainscaylodge.com Tarlex Lifestyle & Fishing Resort High Rock, South Andros (242) 369-3888/9 (954) 990-0763 www.tarlexresort.com reservations@tarlexresort.com Tiamo Resorts South Andros (242) 369-2330 www.tiamoresorts.com ellie@tiamoresorts.com Tranquility Hill Bonefish Lodge Behring Point (242) 368-4132 www.tranquilityhill.com tranquil@batelnet.bs Two Boys Inn Behring Point (242) 368-4067 www.twoboysinn.com info@twoboysinnandros.com

BIMINI Bimini Bay Resort & Marina (888) 891-2263 (242) 347-2900 www.biminiresort.com reservations@bimnibayresort.com

Crooked Island Bonefishing (242) 344-2409 www.cribonefishing.com info@cribonefishing.com

Bishop’s Bonefishing Resort High Rock (242) 353-5485 www.bishopsresort.net info@bishopsresort.net, bishops@batelnet.bs Bootle Bay Fishing Lodge West End, Grand Bahama (242) 349-4010 www.bootlebayfishinglodge.com bootlebay@batelnet.bs Grand Bahama Bonefishing Freeport (336) 817-7395 (242) 373-1896 www.grandbahamabonefishing.com jmvogler@triadd.rr.com H20 Bonefishing* Pelican Bay Hotel & Suites Freeport (242) 359-4958 (954) 364-7590 www.h20bonefishing.com info@h20bonefishing.com North Riding Point Club North Riding Point (242) 353-4250 www.northridingpointclub.net northrpc@aol.com Old Bahama Bay @ Ginn Sur Mer (242) 350-6500 (888) 800-8959 www.oldbahamabay.com info@oldbahamabay.com

DEEP WATER CAY Deep Water Cay Club (242) 353-3073 www.deepwatercay.com

info@deepwatercay.com ELEUTHERA Cape Eleuthera Resort & Yacht Club Powell Pointe (242) 470-8242 (888) 270-9642 www.capeeleuthera.com info@capeeleuthera.com

EXUMA Bonefish Exuma Great Exuma (Hermitage) (242) 336-2299 www.bonefishexuma.com rentals@greatexumacays.com Staniel Cay Yacht Club Staniel Cay (242) 355-2024 www.stanielcay.com info@stainelcay.com

LONG ISLAND Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort & Fishing Club Cape Santa Maria (242) 338-5273 (800) 663-7090 www.capesantamaria.com reservations@capesantamaria.com Gems at Paradise Clarence Town (242) 337-3016-9 (800) 668-4752 www.gemsatparadise.com Greenwich Creek Lodge Cartwright’s (242) 337-6278 Lazy Hour Fly Fishing Lodge Deadman’s Cay (242) 472-2609 (242) 535-9466 www.lazyhourflyfishing.com info@lazyhourflyfishing.com Long Island Breeze Salt Pond (242) 338-0103 US (954) 605-1826 www.longislandbreezeresort.com higginsjlynn@aol.com Stella Maris Resort Club (800) 426-0466 (242) 338-2051/2050/2053 www.stellamarisresort.com reservations@stellamarisresort.com

NASSAU Secret Soul Fly Fishing Adventures (242) 327-4320 (242) 376-0321 www.secret-soul.com blackfly.clint@gmail.com

*Orvis Certified Lodges Bonefishing charters can be arranged at any major resort in The Islands Of The Bahamas

24 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012

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