Set the Drags for Pelagics October 2008 webXtra coverage. Tropical Roundup: Big blue marlin run in the Pacific. Wahoo return to Bahamas waters. Galapagos tuna. ... [+] Full Article
Get Out There! Tropical Sportsman Online Exclusive
What goes on in The Bahamas after the summer cruising season ends? Plenty. Well-traveled FS editor Jeff Weakley highlights some of the important fisheries and islands which host anglers from around the world, November through April.
Mutton snapper are perhaps most familiar for the early summer spawn, but the truth is they feed year-round on all islands. This one was taken off Bimini in September.
Many of the islands--Bimini again—feature oceanic depths almost within casting distance of bonefish flats. Perfect setup for when winter winds plague bluewater fishing.
These anglers are fishing a Bahamas wahoo tournament out of Bimini. The lady ended up reeling in a small yellowfin tuna, and the crew enjoyed fresh sashimi on a calm, clear winter day.
Wading is productive on almost all islands. Here a fisherman scouts the high-tide zone for bonefish south of Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
This bonefish was released in the same area as the preceding photo. A small bucktail fly did the trick.
Beach scenes are unforgettable in places like Elbow Key.
Blackfin tuna are generally agreeable at any season. This one was hooked along the northern Abacos chain.
Candy-striped lighthouse at Hope Town, Abaco.
Lucaya, on Grand Bahama, has become an important fishing center in recent years, hosting wahoo tournaments and many visiting anglers through the winter.
Bahama islands aren’t generally known for nightlife, but Grand Bahama has its market place, shown, and Nassau (particularly Paradise Island) has its casinos.
A small rental boat fishes well inside the barrier reef on the northern Abacos. This yellowtail—and dozens like it—fell for cut ballyhoo right outside Spanish Key, an island with well-attended marina and customs and immigration services.
Sunset at Spanish Key.
Satellite view of Tongue of the Ocean, with Andros at left and Exuma chain at middle right. Some serious reef fishing is done in this region each winter.
Chub Cay wahoo fishing on a Florida-based center console. Windy season crossings aren’t generally recommended for boats under 30 feet, and even then, you’ll have to watch those fronts.
Rigged and ready for high-speed wahoo trolling on a full-fledged tournament battlewagon, Chub Cay.
Small, beautiful red hind will make a great sandwich—and in fact they’re often called sandwich grouper for that reason.
The holy grail of winter trolling: A substantial wahoo.
You just have no idea how beautiful those southern Out Islands are. . . oh wait, now you do. Southeast Cape, Eleuthera.
Bonefishing Governour’s Harbor, Eleuthera, with local guide Paul Petty.
Staniel Cay Yacht Club, on Staniel Cay, Exuma, is an important stop for long-distance cruisers, and a great place for families to fly in for a few days of authentic Out Islands fun.
The dolphin bite in Exuma Sound is unreal following a few days of southeast wind.
Close to Florida but hard to get to, Andros generally requires a connecting flight through Nassau. But the bonefishing is worth it. Winter can be excellent here, as there are many small creeks in which to escape wind.
Fishy shoreline on south Andros.
The guide releases a bonefish, south Andros.
My favorite island of all Acklins, as far south as you can get.
Bonefish guide on Acklins. This guy had calf muscles the size of bowling balls, from wading the flats 300-plus days a year.
Crooked Island—jumping off point for Diana Bank, Hogsty Reef and dozens of other world-class trolling and bottom-fishing destinations. You need a big boat to run there this time of year, but with a little research you might find a suitable charter in the area.
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