BERMUDA fishing guide

BERMUDA
fishing guide
GoToBermuda.com
FISHING GUIDE
Behold Bermuda
THE ATLANTIC ARCHIPELAGO IS A FISHING WONDERLAND.
F locating fish around Bermuda’s worldishermen have never had a problem
MARLIN
famous cluster of islands. Situated 640 miles
east of Cape Hatteras, Bermuda earned its
spot in the big-game fisherman’s playbook
decades ago by providing easy access to
exceptional offshore fish species. In the
world of big-game fishing, three species
take the cake in terms of size, power and
mystique: marlin, tuna and wahoo. Visitors
to Bermuda will find all of them just a short
run offshore.
TOPS FOR MARLIN
those monster blues sometimes show up a
bit early. And while not quite as many blue
marlin are caught in May or early June, they
make up for it in size.
BONEFISH
WHAT ABOUT WHITES?
Local boats also encounter the largest number of white marlin during the early portion
of the season. The smallest of all the marlin
species, white marlin put up acrobatic fights
marked by high-flying aerial displays. The
current IGFA-record marlin weighs 181
pounds, 14 ounces. Anglers identify the species by the characteristic rounded tips of its
pectoral fins, first dorsal fin and first anal fin.
As for seasons: You may see two white marlin
for every blue in May, but late in the season,
boats tend to see more blues than whites.
BANK ON IT
The Bermuda charter fleet targets two
famous hot spots when looking for marlin: the Challenger and Argus banks. These
banks — located 12 and 20 miles offshore,
respectively — were formed by the same
volcanic activity that formed Bermuda itself.
Challenger, the closer of the two, rises from
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TOP: DAVE FERRELL; BOTTOM: CAPT. IAN LINNELL
Bermuda is perhaps best known for its blue
marlin, and these powerful billfish grow to
enormous size. In May 2012, Rich Davies
landed a 1,289-pounder while fishing the
southeast side of Argus Bank. The 15-foot
fish died during a four-hour fight and was
brought back to the docks. But Davies’ catch
is still overshadowed by a 1995 catch. On the
charter boat DeMako, Capt. Allen DeSilva
caught the largest blue marlin ever recorded
in Bermuda — it weighed 1,352 pounds.
Well-known Capt. Alan Card has caught a
half-dozen marlin exceeding 1,100 pounds.
For the best chance to tangle with a
blue, plan your trip during the peak season,
which runs from June through August. But
FISHING GUIDE
6,000-foot depths to just 180 feet at the
crown. The strong currents push the baitfish against the steep banks, and the marlin,
tuna and wahoo are never far behind. In
December 2013, James Adams speared a
70.2-pound wahoo near the banks, a sling/
pole spear record.
Marlin have been caught every month of
the year in Bermuda, but the fishing is best
during summer, when the water warms
up to at least 80 degrees. During the peak
of the marlin season, boats commonly see
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WAHOO
PHOTOS: CHRIS WOODWARD
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an average of five blue marlin a day, but
don’t expect every fish to be more than
1,000 pounds. When chasing blue marlin,
it’s best to maintain realistic expectations,
especially if you’re a novice angler. Most of
the Bermuda blues average between 400
and 600 pounds. They won’t all resemble
small submarines, but even a 400-pounder
is nothing to look down upon.
For those anglers who are new to blue
marlin fishing, Bermuda has expert and
patient crews who will walk you through the
basics and give advice on what to do. Don’t
forget there is a small chance that you could
always come up empty-handed — that’s just
how fishing goes — but for that reason, it’s
usually a good idea to break up the day with
a little wahoo and tuna fishing in the morning
to learn the ropes.
Although blue marlin represent the
mountaintop of big-game fish, catching
wahoo and tuna is fun for the whole family. Every year, the Bermuda charter boats
begin their season by chasing wahoo in late
spring. By May, the action can be downright
frantic, with boats catching 200 or so fish
a month.With their torpedo-shaped bodies,
wahoo are among the fastest fish in the ocean.
They are also among the best eating fish you
can find, so make sure to get a few fillets
for the grill. Don’t forget to be wary of the
wahoo’s jaws — their razor-sharp teeth can
inflict serious damage. The wahoo here can
grow to more than 100 pounds, and on good
days, the local boats will haul in as much as
600 pounds of fish.
TACKLE TUNA
Yellowfin tuna, which show up each spring
and fall, are another mainstay of the Bermuda fishery. The yellowfin caught here
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PHOTOS: CHRIS WOODWARD
TUNA
NA
FISHING GUIDE
of species, turning the water into a veritable
aquarium. You can literally pick and choose
which fish you want to catch and go after it.
If for some reason you miss the spring run
of wahoo and tuna, don’t fret; the action
picks up again come September. Toward
the end of the summer, just as the marlin
action begins to taper off, the wahoo and
tuna fishing is back on fire. Now the lighter
tackle comes back out on boats around the
island, and the fish boxes are filled up again.
REEF RULES
If you can’t get offshore for whatever reason,
you can always count on some action along
Bermuda’s many reefs. The island also supports many vessels that offer four-hour trips
out to the inshore hot spots for great bottom
fishing. When fishing bait on the reef, you
can catch a range of snapper species, triggerfish, porgies and more. If you’re after
the elusive bonefish, try the beaches on the
north side of the island. Bonefish average 8
to 10 pounds out here, but plan on chasing
bones in summer — all the bonefish move
off for the winter months. Anglers who
spend some time poking around the edges
of the island will discover not only firstclass bonefishing, but perhaps the world’s
only flats fishing for hogfish as well.
No matter your experience level or desire,
there’s always something biting in Bermuda!
HOGFISH
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CAPT. IAN LINNELL
weigh as much as 200 pounds and can put
up quite a fight, so be ready to invest a little
muscle to get these bad boys to the boat.
Chumming for tuna — a favorite technique
— always gathers a crowd. In May and June,
and then again during the fall months of
September and October, you’ll find boats
anchored on the bank with a chum bag
hanging over the side to attract a wide range
CHARTER DIRECTORY
An Angler’s Paradise
BERMUDA’S FINEST CHARTER BOATS ARE READY TO GO FISH
ALBATROSS FISHERIES & CHARTERS
Owned and operated by captains Peter and Hans Olander, this air-conditioned vessel is equipped with the latest electronics and a
full range of world-class tackle. Based at St. George’s on the east end of Bermuda, it’s just 20 minutes from fishing the best blue
marlin waters in Bermuda. For rates and more information, call 441-331-8089 or 441-334-9478 (boat), email
[email protected] or visit fishwithalbatross.com.
BERMUDA BANGER CHARTERS
Enjoy the comforts of home on board Bermuda Banger, a 50-foot Bertram sport-fishing yacht specializing in hunting marlin, tuna,
wahoo and dolphin. Daily rate includes beer, soda, bait and tackle. Capt. John Whiting is an experienced fisherman and has
mastered the art of deep-sea fishing. Take this opportunity to experience a real Bermudian fishing adventure second to none. Call
441-534-8590 or email [email protected].
CHALLENGER SPORTFISHING CHARTERS
This 40-foot Gamefisherman, owned and operated by Capt. Alan Card and his son Ian, is fast, clean and well kept. The Challenger
has captured, in Bermuda waters, six blue marlin weighing from1,130 to 1,195 pounds (winner of the World Cup in 1993).
Challenger won the inaugural Bermuda Big Game Classic in 2001. Call 441-234-0872 or 441-337-2109 (cell), email
[email protected] or visit bigfishbermuda.com.
EQUALIZER CHARTERS
“Let’s just go fishing” — that’s our motto. Fish Bermuda’s crystal-blue waters for blue marlin, wahoo, yellowfin tuna and more, all
aboard Equalizer, a 38-foot Henriques sport-fisherman. The crew has been fishing these waters for more than a decade. Contact
Capt. Reggie Horseman at 441-296-9158 (home) or 441-537-3474 (cell), or email [email protected].
GRINGO CHARTERS
Just one hour away from the fishing grounds, this 31-foot custom JC is fully equipped for offshore fishing. Chum for yellowfin
and blackfin tuna, or troll for wahoo, dolphin and blue marlin — whatever baits your hook. The season runs from April through
November, with the marlin bite peaking in June, July and August. Contact Capt. Joey Dawson at 441-295-3500 or
441-704-3474 (boat).
JUMP DEM BONES
Bermuda’s premier fly- and light-tackle fishing guide for bonefish, hogfish and other inshore species. Capt. Ian Linnell has 35-plus years
of fishing expertise from light tackle to marlin, and will give you a truly Bermudian experience around the island’s clear waters on Jump
dem Bones, a custom-built 18-foot Dolphin skiff. Tackle and soft drinks are provided; just bring a love for fishing. Open year-round. Full- or
half-day trips at competitive prices. Pickup at various spots around the island. Nonfishing partners welcome. Call 441-747-6911, email
[email protected] or visit bermudabonefish.com.
LONE STAR CHARTERS
Fish for tuna, wahoo, mahimahi and marlin with the exceptional team of Capt. Dean Jones and first mate Don Boys on Lone Star, a
42-foot Bruno Stillman. The crew are proven winners, placing second in the 2004 Bermuda Big Game Classic. Capt. Jones is Bermuda’s blue marlin record holder (1,352 pounds) and has caught 44 yellowfin tuna and 32 wahoo in one day and five blue marlin
in one day, and successfully tagged/released three blue marlin at the same time. Call 441-799-0122, email bdafish42@
gmail.com or visit lonestarfishingbermuda.com.
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CHARTER DIRECTORY
MAKO CHARTERS
Fish on Mako, a 56-foot Sunny Briggs custom-built for Capt. Allen DeSilva in 2009. The boat is “fast and first class,” with a top speed
of 40 knots and a comfortable air-conditioned cabin. Mako specializes in big blue marlin and currently hold the island record of 1,352
pounds. It is a strong supporter of the Billfish Foundation and has released many granders. Bermuda also offers some tuna and wahoo
fishing. DeSilva and son Jeffrey would love to show you! Call 441-295-0835 (office) or 441-505-8626 (boat), email mako@
makobermuda.com or visit fishbermuda.com.
MATTANZA SPORT FISHING
Fish Bermuda’s big blues aboard Mattanza, a 2008 51-foot custom Carolina sport-fish. With a 28-knot-plus cruise and a smooth
Carolina ride, you’ll be fishing sooner and getting there comfortably. Capt. Brooks Rans has fished Bermuda most of his life, and has
fished professionally in most of the world’s top big-game spots. Mattanza won the 2012 Bermuda Billfish Blast. The world-class crew
consistently produces great results and good fun offshore for clients. Call 441-737-0265 or 954-401-7355 (U.S.), email info@
fishmattanza.com or visit fishmattanza.com.
MEGA BUCKS
If you’re planning a trip to Bermuda, get hooked up on board Mega Bucks, a 43-foot Torres. Mega Bucks is fast, spacious and airconditioned. It offers full-, three-quarter and half-day trips for deep-sea fishing, including marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin and shark.
It also runs reef-fishing and night-fishing trips. For more information, contact Capt. Sinclair Lambe at 441-234-3081, email
[email protected] or visit megabucksfishing.com.
MESSAROUND
Fish with Willard Joe Kelly aboard Messaround, a 40-foot downeast-style sport-fisherman with the latest electronic and safety
equipment. It offers half- and full-day charters out of St. George’s, just minutes from Bermuda’s best fishing grounds. Call
441-297-8093 (office) or 441-334-8953 (cell), email [email protected] or visit fishandfun.bm.
OVERPROOF CHARTERS
Capt. Peter Rans is an accomplished captain and runs one of the top operations in Bermuda. Overproof is a 42-foot custom
Carolina fishing machine. The fast, comfortable boat is equipped with top-shelf tackle. Overproof won second place in the 2008 Sea
Horse, and in 2007 won the Bermuda Triangle Billfish Tournament. In the 2005 and 2003 Classics, Overproof won top Bermuda
boat, and won third overall in the 2005 Classic with an 850-pounder. Call 441-238-5663 (home) or 441-335-9850 (cell), email
[email protected] or visit overprooffishing.com.
PARADISE ONE
Paradise One is a fabulous 54-foot sport-fishing CAT that is luxurious, spacious, comfortable and very fast, and is fully equipped
with the best fishing tackle and gear. Brothers Allan and Delvin Bean have fished Bermuda waters, as well as Florida and the
Bahamas, for more than 25 years. They take great pride in all they do. You’ll never be dissatisfied! Contact Delvin Bean at
441-734-9409 or Allan Bean at 441-705-6134, email [email protected] or visit paradiseonefishingcharters.com.
PLAYMATE CHARTERS
Fish with Bermuda’s tuna specialists on Playmate, a 43-foot custom-built sport-fisherman with large open flybridge, air-conditioned
cabin and spacious fishing cockpit. Join the crew for the best chunking action available. Playmate supports tag-and-release for all
billfish and sharks, and is Bermuda’s No. 1 releaser of tuna — its tags have been recovered worldwide, providing valuable information
to stock-management scientists. Playmate has also guided clients to 25 world records! Call Capt. Kevin Winter at 441-799-8862,
email [email protected] or visit playmatefishing.com.
A REEL ADDICTION CHARTERS
Discover Bermuda’s deep-sea action on Reel Addiction. Whether fishing for wahoo, chumming for tuna or trolling for marlin, Reel
Addiction has what it takes. There is no better way to experience the very best of Bermuda’s sport fishing than on Reel Addiction!
Call 441-799-9927 or 441-799-9928, email [email protected] or visit reeladdictionbermuda.com to
make a reservation.
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CHARTER DIRECTORY
REEL HOT CHARTERS
If you’re fired up to catch big fish in Bermuda, book a day on board Reel Hot. This 43-foot Torres was built specifically for
fishing in Bermuda, with a spacious flybridge, air-conditioned cabin and huge cockpit with three fighting chairs for when
the action gets “reel hot!” Top-shelf tackle, the latest equipment and the newest techniques complete the package. Capt.
Nick New has been fishing local waters for more than 25 years. Call 441-537-6040 , email [email protected] or visit
reelhotcharterfishing.com for rates and photos.
SANCTUARY
Sanctuary is a 2008 47 Riviera SII built in Australia to a very high standard, including watertight bulkheads. Riviera yachts can be
found all over the world and have a reputation for being a true offshore blue-water boat. She is equipped with twin 710-horsepower
Caterpillar C12 diesel engines and a full complement of equipment, including a water maker, Raymarine electronics and all the
comforts of home, including a Bose Lifestyle surround-sound system and three flat-screen televisions. Call 441-707-2753, email
[email protected] or visit sanctuary.bm. Also available for charter is “Solace” a 31 Bertram Bahia Mar 1969 with tower
and Cat 3116 330 hp engines.
SHAKE DOWN CHARTERS
“We find ’em; you wind ’em” is the motto on this fully equipped 35-foot Bruno charter boat, operated by Capt. David “Bounce”
Barnes. For more information, write us at 8 Clark’s Hill, St. David’s, Bermuda DD 01, call 441-335-1779 (cell) or
441-297-3635 (home), email [email protected] or visit shakedowncharters.com.
WOUND UP
Spend a day offshore with Capt. James Robinson aboard the Wound Up - a custom 37’ Duffy. Winners of the 2009 Blue Marlin World
Cup, 2009 & 2011 Bermuda Billfish Blast, 3rd Place in the 2014 Big Game Classic, and biggest marlin jackpots in the 2009 & 2010
Triple Crown and 2013 Sea Horse. Wound Up weighed a 1,049 lb blue marlin in 2008 and holds the Bermuda record for catching 51
wahoo in one day! Tournament proven and family approved. To book call 441-737-9985, email [email protected] or visit
woundupbermuda.com.
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT
Capt. Michael Jones
41-foot Morgan
441-236-3653 (home)
441-735-2442 (cell)
captainmikebermuda.com
[email protected]
ATLANTIC SPRAY
Capt. Sloan Wakefield
38-foot Luhrs
441-735-9444
atlanticspray.net
[email protected]
BLUE CHIP
Capt. Eugene Barnes
42-foot sport-fisherman
441-297-8015 (home)
441-335-1779 (cell)
441-799-4931 (cell)
CAPT. JOSEPH
ROBINSON
Specializes in reef fishing
441-335-1343
[email protected]
ELLEN B
Capt. Michael Baxter
32-foot Shoreline
441-234-2963 (home)
441-334-9722 (cell)
[email protected]
FISH CAKES
FOUR REEL
JOLLY ROGER
KNOCK DOWN
LAST CHANCE
Capt. Craig Soares
38-foot Lobster Sportfisher
Deep-sea and reef fishing
441-734-5211
[email protected]
Capt. Dean Soares
36-foot BHM
Deep-sea and reef fishing
441-505-7786
[email protected]
Family & party fishing boat
56-foot Chesapeake
441-234-2193 441-333-2204
jollyrogerbermuda.com
[email protected]
28-foot Henriques Express
deep sea trips for up to 4 people
1/2 and full day charters
441-535-0792
[email protected]
Capt. Robert J. Lambe
35-foot Bruno & Stillman
Deep sea & reef fishing
441-734-9244
R & D TIME
TIGHT LINE
THE OTHER WOMAN
TROUBADOR
Capt. Derek Exell
40-foot Luhrs
441-236-9464
441-333-9912
[email protected]
Capt. Peter Lewis
38-foot Legnos
Deep-sea fishing
441-516-1980
[email protected]
Capt. Vernon Bridgewater
46-foot Bertram
Deep-sea and reef fishing
441-334-7127
[email protected]
Blake West
42-foot double-ender
Deep-sea and reef fishing
441-293-0813
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Tournament Calendar
Bermuda’s Exciting Big-Game Events
JUNE
BERMUDA ANGLERS CLUB INTERNATIONAL LIGHT TACKLE TOURNAMENT • www.bermudaanglersclub.com
Experience world class light tackle fishing for tuna, wahoo, almaco jacks, barracuda, blue and white marlin in a fun filled atmosphere.
The ILTT is a qualifying event for the Offshore World Championship.
BERMUDA BILLFISH RELEASE CUP • www.bermudareleasecup.com
The Bermuda Billfish Release Cup kick-starts the Bermuda billfish tournament season with a fun, family-oriented, charity, all-release billfish
tournament that also features awards and prizes for game fish. The Bermuda Billfish Release Cup is a qualifying event for the OWC.
JULY – BERMUDA TRIPLE CROWN BILLFISH CHAMPIONSHIP
BERMUDA BILLFISH BLAST • www.bermudabillfishblast.com
The Blast is designed to provide a fun Bermuda competition that works in concert with the July 4 Blue
Marlin World Cup. The World Cup has been won in Bermuda several times, giving anglers a great
chance of winning both competitions. The Blast serves as the first leg of the Bermuda Triple Crown
Billfish Championship. Teams and their vessels fishing in the Blast earn valuable points and compete for
cash and prizes. The Bermuda Billfish Blast is a qualifying event for the OWC.
2015
T R IP L E
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For tournament information contact Dan Jacobs at 407-571-4680; e-mail [email protected]
BERMUD
IF
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The Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament is the oldest Bermudian billfish event and the final leg of
the Triple Crown. Teams competing in the tournament will enjoy a fun kickoff party and laid-back Yacht
Club awards presentation. All teams will be trying to increase their points in hopes of taking home the
Triple Crown Championship rings, incredible prize package and earn an invitation to the OWC.
DA
WN
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SEA HORSE ANGLERS CLUB BILLFISH TOURNAMENT • www.seahorseanglers.com
QUALIFYING EVENT
VE
The Classic is the centerpiece of the Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship. Teams fishing the
Classic enjoy nightly parties, great people and the largest purse of the series. The Classic is the series’
largest tournament and a qualifying event for the OWC.
BE R M
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BERMUDA BIG GAME CLASSIC • www.bermudabiggameclassic.com
OFFSHORE WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIP
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Bermuda Tourism Authority
22 Church Street
Hamilton HM 11
Bermuda
Tel: 441-296-9200
GoToBermuda.com
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