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AS SEEN IN THE JAN/FEB 2008 ISSUE
January / Febuary Northern Bahamas Fishing Forecast:
Captain Chris Agardy – Conch
Tales Charters
You may be asking
yourself, “Who is Captain Chris Agardy?” As a South Florida
native, Chris was born on the water. His father operated a full-time
charter business which means that at an early age, Chris was
fortunate enough to experience many of the great fishing throughout
the Sunshine State and nearby Bahamas’. Chris tells us his favorite
island memories include battling bruiser yellowfin tuna off Harbour
Island, trophy wahoo on the famed Diana Bank and fooling wary
bonefish on the vast Exuma flats. Currently residing in Boynton
Beach, Captain Chris is currently booking Bahama trips on the Conch
Tales. His ultimate goal moving forward is to keep you
well-informed of the angling activity taking place on the other side
of the ‘Stream. Welcome aboard Chris.
Northern
Bahamas: Grand Bahama, The Abacos, The Berry Islands and Bimini.
Over in Grand
Bahama, Captain Harryo Beavans (242.353.3960) reports that
bonefishing is excellent for average sized fish as long as you can
find shelter from the wind. He suggests stalking ghosts on a rising
tide in one of the many tidal creeks in the area. Two specific areas
that have produced during past winters are Harbor and Rumor Creeks.
While it can be a nuisance, he says that a little extra wind this
time of year can make bonefish less wary and more willing to eat your
offering.
As far as the
offshore fishing goes in Grand Bahama, Peter Watson at Old Bahama Bay
(242.530.6500) says that the wahoo bite should be gangbusters. He
suggests trolling north off West End, zig-zagging over the ledge from
200-500 ft. The farther north you go, the more high-speed action you
should encounter as you hit popular areas like Memory Rock and
Matanilla shoals. Those heading south across Northwest Providence
Channel will find the toothy speedsters chewing near Great Isaacs.
While you are in that area, you can find excellent bottom fishing for
snapper on the shallow reefs around the Hens & Chickens. For an
exciting chhange of pace, and thanks to the relaxed Bahamina fishing
regulations, try trolling deep-diving plugs for black and yellowfin
grouper. remember that Nassau grouper are off limits and must be
released to fight another day.
Towards Abaco,
excellent bonefishing is in the forecast by Nettie Symonette of
Different Bonefishing. She reports the southern Marls behind
Great Abaco offer unbelievable wintertime bonefishing. During breezy
conditions, small fish stack up in the tidal creeks meandering the
region. These creeks present the opportunity to fish along stretches
protected from the wind. Look for the biggest bonefish of the year to
be found on hard- bottom oceanic flats and outer cays that border the
Marls. A great place to shoot for big bones is Cherokee Sound. The
wade fishing their can be fantastic!
For blue-water
buffs, Captain Henry Sands (242.365.5140) says the offshore fishing
can be out of control as long as seas remain relatively calm. Sands
pointed out that the winter wahoo bite fishing off Guana can be just
as hot as anywhere else in the 700 island archipelago during this
time of the year. For truly monster 'hoos, Captain Henry suggests
making the 12 mile trek to "The Table.” This is one of the
most consistent spots to catch early season blue marlin as well, and
let's not forget fair numbers of early season dolphin. Lastly, Sands
mentioned that mutton snapper fishing is excellent year-round off
Guana in 50ft. His favorite bait is fresh goggle-eye.
Anglers
traveling to the Berry Islands can expect action from a multitude of
species. Derron Webb of Chub Cay Marina (242.325.1490) forecasts that
cooler weather will bring in the largest bonefish of the year. Fish
the leeward shorelines of Longfish, Cockroach or Cormorant Cays for
large fish traveling alone during flooding tides. The scoop here,
too, is that you can count on offshore fishing to be phenomenal for
wahoo around The Pocket and at various other points where the Tongue
of the Ocean meets the Grand Bahama Bank. Fish during an outgoing
tide as schools of bait get pushed off the bank and into the clear
blue sea. Both blue and white marlin are also a possibility as long
as strong winds don't murk up the water from too much silt spilling
off the Bahama Bank. Drag small lures as most blues will be males
under 300 pounds.
Closer to the
reef edge, anchor up near Mamma Rhoda Rock and tie off a chum-bag.
This will result in a mixed bag of cero mackerel and yellowtail
snapper that provide great sport on light tackle.
Reporting from
the northern end of the Berry Islands is Percy Darville at Great
Harbour Cay (242.464.4149). Percy is excited because he knows that
the cool winter breeze means big bonefish! He likes to concentrate
his fishing to the leeward shorelines of Fanny and Soldier Cays. He
says that you shouldn't expect to encounter summertime numbers but
expect quality. .
Heading to
Bimini? Expect the fishing pressure to increase as boaters take
advantage of pleasant days between fronts to make the short run.
Ashley Saunders of Big John's Hotel (305.423.3213) says most anglers
make the crossing this time of year in search of wahoo. The week
before and after the full moon are great times to troll for these
speedy gamesters. Saunders suggests fishing the drop-offs in 150-600
feet during outgoing tides.
For a break from
the high-speed action, chum the shallow reefs around the tip of North
Bimini near Moselle Shoal or Three Sisters Rock off Bimini Bay and
chances are you will find yourself up to your ears in ceros, 'tails
and triggers.
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