|
 AS SEEN IN THE JAN/FEB 20008 ISSUE
January / Febuary Central
Bahamas Fishing Forecast:
Andros Island, New Providence, Eleuthera, Cat Island and The
Exumas.
Rupert Leadon of
Andros Island Bonefish Club (242.368.5167) says that cold weather
doesn't do too much to slow down the fishing around this piece of
paradise. Like other areas of the Bahamas, Rupert claims five to ten
pound bonefish can be found on the flats searching for worms and
crustaceans. He says that there are literally countless secluded bays
and shorelines that offer protection from the wind, but perhaps the
most productive flats are those around Fresh Creek and North Bight.
If its tarpon you are after, the Blue Hole up Stafford Creek offers a
world-class winter fishery with 'poons in the 20-60 pound class.
Heading east
toward Nassau, Captain Mike Russel of Chubasco Charters
(242.324.3474) reports that white marlin begin to show up in February
while wahoo remain the main draw for anglers fishing the
Nassau/Paradise Island area. Most of the offshore action takes place
on the north and west sides of the island along the 1000 ft.
drop-off. This is the same area where you might find scattered
'phins. Captain Mike also reports that if the weather is warm,
yellowfin tuna will begin to show up by the end of February, so
always keep your eye out for working birds.
Even farther to
the east in Eleuthera, legendary Captain Stanley Johnson
(242.333.3205) reports flats fishing remains strong near Harbour
Island. The Inside Flat at Whale Point and James Bay offer excellent
sight-fishing opportunities for those seeking shelter from brisk
north winds. Stanley reports wahoo fishing should be excellent from
the ledge out front of Harbour Island all the way down to James
Point. White marlin and the occasional dolphin will be roaming the
region as well, especially around Dutch Bar and Shallow Grounds.
Heading South to
Cat Island, Captain J.R. Holder (242.342.7050) recommends focusing
your efforts around the southwest side of Columbus Point. When the
seas are too rough to make the run, steady wahoo fishing can also be
found closer to port around Tartar Bank and Devil's point in 150-700
feet of water. With warmer than average weather patterns, look for
shots at decent blue marlin while trolling between Columbus Point and
Tartar Bank.
If it's bonefish
you are after, the man you want to talk to is Nathaniel Gilbert at
Devil's Point (242.422.2877). Nathaniel says that light-tackle
fishing should be phenomenal out front of Hawk's Nest Marina. He says
its hard to beat live crabs or fresh conch, but artificials take
their fair share of fish in this area as well.
In the Exumas,
Captain Reno Rolle (242.345.5003) forecasts steady fishing despite
cooler weather. He suggests the north side of White Bay and the
Airport Flat to avoid the nasty north winds that plague the region
during the coming months. While it will be tough to get out of the
wind completely, a little surface texture makes for less wary ghosts.
Offshore,
Captain Doug Rowe with Fish Rowe Charters (242.357.0870)
reports that around the Exumas, dolphin and wahoo rule the offshore
scene. Captain Doug concentrates his efforts along "The Wall"
and says that most strikes come at low tide during full moon phases.
He says another extremely effective tactic this time of year is
trolling for grouper around the shallow reefs with the same trolling
lead rigs he drags for wahoo.
Save and Share this Article:
|
