North America
Fishing in
Bahamas 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Bahamas25.03°, -77.40°
🎣 Live catches in bahamas
1 verified catches
Not enough data (1 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Trip types in Bahamas
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- No
- Where to apply?
- No fishing license required for tourists. Charter boats and lodges have commercial permits.
- Cost
- Free. Charter boats and lodges charge their own fees.
- Validity
- Not applicable
- Available online?
- No
The Bahamas is one of the most straightforward fishing destinations in the world. Tourists do NOT need a license. Spearfishing is only allowed with Hawaiian Sling (no spear guns). Special rules apply in national parks.
Book fishing tours in Bahamas
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- Nassau Grouper: December-February protected. Crawfish (Lobster): April-July.
- Catch limits
- Bonefish: Catch-and-release recommended. Game fish: 6 per person/day. Crawfish: 10 per person.
- Prohibited methods
- Spear guns prohibited (Hawaiian Sling only). Nets, dynamite, bleach prohibited.
- Catch & Release
- Standard for bonefish and permit. Actively promoted.
The Bahamas actively protects its flats fishery. Bonefish guides practice catch-and-release without exception.
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Andros Island (Bonefish-Capital in the world!)
- —Bimini (Big Game, Hemingways Revier)
- —Exumas (Perwith, Bonefish, Sharks)
- —Abaco Islands (Flats + Offshore)
- —Grand Bahama (Bonefishing, leicht erreichbar)
Freshwater
No significant freshwater bodies in the Bahamas.
Saltwater
700 islands with endless flats, reefs, and deep water. Unparalleled bonefish paradise!
Starting from700 USD / day
Best season: Year-round! Bonefish: October-June optimal. Big game: May-September. Wahoo: Winter.
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Lodges and charters provide equipment. For flats: Own 8-10wt fly rod recommended.
- Fishing guides
- Bonefish guides: 500-700 USD/day (boat + guide). Big game charter: 800-2,000 USD/day.
- Transport
- Flights to Nassau or direct to Andros, Bimini, Exumas. Small prop planes to the Out Islands.
- Safety
- Intense sun! Sunscreen and polarized glasses mandatory. Sharks possible on the flats.
- Customs & taking fish home
- No special restrictions for fishing equipment. Simple and straightforward.
05
Cost Overview
License fees
NO license required — completely free!
Guide prices
Bonefish guide: 500-700 USD/day. Big game charter: 800-2,000 USD/day.
Daily budget
Budget difficult (island): 150-300 USD. Premium lodge: 600-1,200 USD/day (all-inclusive).
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Bahamas
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
View equipment for Bahamas →
Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to Bahamas with Kiwi.com
Compare flights →
Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
Book transfer →
Mobile Data
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