Flats are shallow areas of water. Because of the Bahamas’ clear waters, anglers can stand in the water and catch large numbers of fish with relative ease. Flat fishing is very popular among both amateurs and experienced anglers. On Andros Island, 150 miles east of the Florida Keys, many kinds of fish can be found in flats if one knows the right locations. While local fishermen may share that information, there are companies that take anglers to the best flat fishing areas for a fee. Anglers can wade amid schools of barracuda, dolphin, grouper, jacks, permit, sharks, snappers, tarpon and wahoo. Deeper flats that are typically three to four feet deep also provide excellent fishing.
The Bahamas is home to mangroves, which are trees and other shrubbery that grow in tropical waters. Mangrove roots are home to many fish that hide there from bad weather, larger predators and, of course, anglers. Nevertheless, with the appropriate bait, fishing enthusiasts can attract and catch small and large fish. Mangrove Cay on Andros Island is renowned for its mangroves full of fish, as is Grand Bahama Island. Bimini Island, also home to many of the Bahamas’ mangroves, is the subject of much controversy as the mangroves are being removed for construction of a large hotel and other development.
Deep sea fishing provides an opportunity to find especially big fish species. Grouper, mackerel, marlin, sailfish, tuna, yellowtail and wahoo are commonly found in the coastal waters surrounding many of the Bahamian islands. Deep sea fishing in the Gulf Stream alongside Bimini is world-recognized for its yield of large and diverse fish. In the waters surrounding Bimini, grouper can be found at depths exceeding 500 feet.
In addition to traditional fishing grounds, shipwrecks near many of the islands that make up the Bahamas harbor large schools of fish. Shipwrecks, like mangroves, provide shelter for the fish that dwell there. Smaller fish attract larger fish and make the wrecks a prime fishing location. Fish at these locations typically can be found at depths between 80 and 300 feet. Closer to the surface are bonito, kingfish, sailfish and wahoo. Grouper, jack, shark and snapper tend to run deeper.
