Wild boar roam the pine forests of Abacos, and the rare Abacos parrot can be found there too, sometimes nesting in limestone caves, far below it all. And in the green-blue waters that surround these cays really big fish move quietly under the surface, like Blue Marlins, White Marlins, Sailfish and Wahoo.
You can remember reading about the Blue Marlin as a child, how it can weigh up 2000 pounds and travel up to 60 mph, and, man, do you want to feel its force at the end of your line. Or it could be the feisty Wahoo or the majestic Broadbill Swordfish that has found its ways into your dreams.
At Air Unlimited, we know a little bit about game fishing off The Abacos. And we like to share.
I was in the right place at the right time
Be good to yourself. If you want to reel in one of the big fish that swim the seas of the Abacos, make sure that you arrive when you have the best chance of doing so. The blue marlin may put in an occasional appearance in February, but he is hanging out quite frequently in May. And the broadbill swordfish vanishes for the winter months. Poof.
Click on this link to find out when you have the best chance of catching the big fish you are after in the Abacos: The Game Fish Chart.
I could not have done it without ————
The Abacos calls fishers from all over this planet, and you will find some highly skilled guides who will stick with you, showing you hot spots, advising you on technique and doing all they can to set you up for a good catch.
We are giving a shout-out to three worthy establishments here, but just as a sampling of what is on offer in The Abacos.
The Blackfly Lodge is a fine lodge where you will feel at home – as the Mahi-Mahi, tuna, wahoo, marlin and sailfish do. And I quote directly from the official Blackfly Lodge website: “Some say it’s the best blue water fishing in the Bahamas right at the doorstep of Blackfly Lodge.” (And the word is that their fried lobster sandwiches are sublime.)
Fishers of bonefish are drawn to The Abaco Lodge like lemmings to a cliff, though they fare much better, languishing in the high comfort of this popular lodge in between bouts of fishing, chilled drink in hand.
It is possible to book experienced captains for one- or two-day trips; they will lead you offshore in your quest for marlin, wahoo, tuna, dorado and sailfish. Booking early is advised.
The Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina
The prolific travel writers at Frommers give the nod to The Green Turtle Club as having some of the best guides in The Bahamas: “Green Turtle Cay also has some of the best fishing guides in The Bahamas, weather-beaten men who’ve spent a lifetime fishing the surrounding waters.”
Along with the weather-beaten guides, you’ll find the deep-sea fishing to be remarkable here, with the in-season big fish showing up in big numbers.
Now that you’ve read about when the different species of big game fish are in The Abacos, and about some of the excellent resorts that stand ready to support you as you head out on the high seas, you should, perhaps, read gripping book to inspire you as you eagerly await the day your flight leaves for The Bahamas. The Outdoor Life put together this list of books that capture the thrill of the hunt: Top 20 books for hunters and anglers.