(International) Bimini - Bahamas
🎣 Fishing Destination: Bimini Islands – The Sport Fishing Capital of the World
🏝️ About Bimini
The Bimini Islands, just 50 miles east of Miami in the Western Bahamas, represent one of the most legendary fishing destinations in the Atlantic. This small cluster of islands—North Bimini, South Bimini, and East Bimini (the cays)—has earned the prestigious title "Sport Fishing Capital of the World" through decades of record-breaking catches and its pivotal role in big game fishing history.
In the 1930s, Ernest Hemingway lived on Bimini for several seasons, trolling the Gulf Stream aboard his beloved boat Pilar for giant blue marlin and bluefin tuna. His experiences here directly inspired The Old Man and the Sea and established Bimini as the birthplace of modern Atlantic big game fishing. Pioneering captains developed the Bimini twist knot, the haywire twist, and the first ballyhoo rigs in these waters, while Fin-Nor field-tested their revolutionary lever drag reels offshore.
What makes Bimini extraordinary is its proximity to the Gulf Stream—the legendary "river" of warm water that acts as both a highway for migrating pelagics and a conveyor belt of food. In just a few boat lengths, depths plunge from 60 feet to 600 feet, with the 100-fathom curve only two miles offshore. This creates unparalleled access to blue water species while maintaining pristine flats teeming with bonefish, permit, and tarpon.
Today, Bimini offers complete fishing diversity: world-class flats fishing for tailing bonefish on crystal-clear sandbars, technical permit stalking where IGFA world records were set, explosive tarpon action in summer months, and offshore battles with blue marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and mahi-mahi—all within minutes of Alice Town's historic docks.
🌟 Why Bimini Is Special
-
Hemingway's Legacy
Walk the same docks where the literary legend developed big game techniques, visit the historic Compleat Angler site, and fish the waters that inspired The Old Man and the Sea. -
Deep Water Close to Shore
The Gulf Stream edge lies just 2 miles offshore—meaning you can be trolling for blue marlin in 600+ feet of water within 15 minutes of leaving the marina. -
World Record Waters
Over 50 IGFA world records set in Bimini's waters, including four bonefish records (including the 16-pound all-tackle record) and the only "grander" bluefin tuna caught in the Bahamas (1,000+ pounds). -
Legendary Bonefish Flats
Gin-clear shallow waters produce average bonefish of 5-7 pounds—far above typical Bahamas averages—with double-digit fish encountered regularly. -
Premier Permit Destination
Considered one of the best places in the Bahamas to catch permit on fly, with 40+ pound fish following rays across pristine flats. -
Complete Fishing Diversity
Few destinations offer such variety: stalk bonefish at sunrise, catch wahoo mid-morning, reef fish for grouper at lunch, and battle blue marlin by afternoon—all in one day. -
Miami Proximity
Under 2 hours by boat from South Florida in calm conditions; accessible by seaplane, commercial flights, or private boat—no extended travel required. -
Year-Round Action
Something always bites: winter wahoo runs, spring/summer billfish migrations, summer flats grand slams (bonefish/permit/tarpon), fall mahi-mahi madness.
🐟 Fish Species of Bimini
FLATS & INSHORE SPECIES:
| Species | Seasonal Activity | Average Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonefish | Year-round (best Mar–May, Oct–Nov) | 5–7 lbs (up to 16 lbs) | Average size significantly larger than most Bahamas; 4 world records; cooler months produce double-digit fish |
| Permit | Year-round (best May–Aug) | 15–30 lbs (up to 40+ lbs) | Best Bahamas permit destination; follow rays; fly fishing holy grail |
| Tarpon | May–July | 40–120 lbs | Summer residents; spectacular jumps; harbor and channel areas |
| Barracuda | Year-round | 10–40 lbs | Aggressive strikes; excellent sight-fishing targets |
| Sharks (multiple species) | Year-round | Varies | Lemon, nurse, blacktip, bull sharks; exciting flats predators |
| Jacks (Bar, Crevalle) | Year-round | 5–30 lbs | Hard-fighting reef and flat runners |
OFFSHORE & REEF SPECIES:
| Species | Seasonal Activity | Average Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Marlin | Mar–Jul (peak May–Jun) | 200–600+ lbs | Atlantic's premier big game fish; "Marlin Alley" location |
| White Marlin | Mar–Jul | 50–80 lbs | Acrobatic billfish; excellent light tackle action |
| Sailfish | Mar–Jul, Nov–Dec | 40–80 lbs | Multiple hookups possible; spectacular aerial displays |
| Wahoo | Nov–Mar (peak Dec–Feb) | 30–80 lbs (up to 100+) | Blistering speed; high-speed trolling productive; major tournaments |
| Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin) | Apr–Sep (peak May–Jul) | 10–40 lbs | Schools under weed lines; excellent table fare |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Apr–Sep | 20–100 lbs | Summer schools; troll or chunk; shark competition during feeding |
| Blackfin Tuna | Year-round (best spring/fall) | 10–30 lbs | Consistent action; excellent eating |
| Bluefin Tuna | May–Jun | 100–500+ lbs (giants possible) | Historic Bimini species; numbers down but still present |
| Grouper (multiple species) | Year-round | 5–50+ lbs | Reef residents; black, Nassau, yellowfin varieties |
| Snapper (Yellowtail, Mutton, Lane) | Year-round | 2–15 lbs | Reef staples; yellowtail peak Feb–Apr; excellent table fare |
| Amberjack | Mar–Dec (peak summer) | 30–80 lbs | Powerful reef predators; Great Isaac Cay reefs |
| King Mackerel | Sep–Apr | 10–40 lbs | Fall arrivals; trolling and live bait |
🌤️ Seasonal Fishing Overview
❄️ Winter (December – February)
- Prime Wahoo Season — Monster wahoo patrol Gulf Stream; tournament central; high-speed trolling productive
- Big Bonefish — Cooler water temperatures attract largest bonefish; double-digit fish most likely
- Bottom Fishing Strong — Snapper (mutton, lane) and grouper consistent on reefs
- Weather Consideration — Northeast trade winds can create sporty conditions offshore; flats still fishable
- Water temperatures: 72-76°F
🌸 Spring (March – May)
- PRIME TIME — Considered best overall season for Bimini
- Billfish Arrive — Blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish migrations begin; March-May excellent
- Peak Bonefishing — March-May = prime bonefish months; fish eager after winter
- Permit Ramp Up — Permit activity increases; excellent sight-fishing opportunities
- Yellowtail Snapper — Peak yellowtail action late Feb-April
- Mahi-Mahi Begin — Late April sees first mahi schools; big fish arrive first
- Weather Perfect — Calmer seas; comfortable temperatures
- Water temperatures: 76-80°F
☀️ Summer (June – August)
- Billfish Peak — June-July = peak blue marlin season; best trophy opportunities
- Grand Slam Season — Bonefish, permit, AND tarpon all present on flats; slam possible
- Tarpon Run — June-July best months for tarpon; harbor and channels produce
- Mahi-Mahi Madness — Abundant dolphin under weed lines; great for families
- Reef Fishing Hot — Grouper, snapper, amberjack all active; spearfishing excellent
- Heat Factor — Hottest months; early morning and late afternoon most comfortable
- Tuna Schools — Yellowfin and blackfin tunas schooling; sharks active (compete for catches)
- Water temperatures: 82-86°F
🍂 Fall (September – November)
- Wahoo Return — September starts wahoo season buildup; peak Nov-Dec
- King Mackerel — September arrivals; trolling and live bait productive
- Mahi Continue — Early fall still excellent for dolphin
- Reef Fishing Strong — Grouper (black, Nassau) and snapper excellent
- Fresh Flats Fish — October-November sees "fresh" bonefish return to flats in big numbers
- Less Crowded — Lower fishing pressure; excellent value season
- Hurricane Season — September = peak Atlantic hurricane season; monitor weather
- Water temperatures: 80-84°F (cooling)
🎣 Best Months by Target:
- Bonefish: March-May, October-November (all year possible)
- Permit: May-August
- Tarpon: June-July
- Blue Marlin: May-July
- Wahoo: December-February
- Mahi-Mahi: May-August
- Yellowtail Snapper: February-April
🪶 Fishing Techniques in Bimini
| Technique | When to Use | Best Target Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flats Fly Fishing | Year-round (tides critical) | Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon | 8-10 wt rods; Crazy Charlies, Gotchas, Mantis Shrimp, woolhead crabs for permit |
| Flats Spin Casting | Year-round | Bonefish, Permit, Barracuda | 10-20 lb line; small jigs and skimmer jigs; easier for beginners |
| Sight Fishing (Wading) | Low tide flats | Bonefish, Permit | Limited wade access; most flats require boat; hard sand bottoms |
| Offshore Trolling | Mar–Jul (billfish), Nov–Mar (wahoo) | Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi | Ballyhoo spreads; lures; 30-50 lb tackle for marlin; 80 lb for big blues |
| High-Speed Trolling | Nov–Mar | Wahoo | 13-16 knots; 2-4 rods; electric reels common; multiple hookups possible |
| Live Bait Drifting | Year-round | Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi, Kings | Pilchards, goggle-eyes; kite fishing productive |
| Chunking/Chumming | Apr–Sep | Tuna, Sharks, Mahi | Cut bait chunks; creates feeding frenzy; shark competition |
| Reef/Bottom Fishing | Year-round | Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack | Drop jigs, live bait; Great Isaac Cay, wrecks, ledges |
| Jigging | Year-round | Amberjack, Grouper, Tuna | Vertical jigs on reefs and dropoffs; exhausting battles |
| Spearfishing | Year-round (best summer) | Grouper, Snapper, Lobster | Victory Reef, Bimini Barge, Sapona wreck, Atlantis Road; Hawaiian sling allowed |
⚖️ Regulations & Permits
FISHING LICENSES (Updated July 2025):
IMPORTANT: Bahamas implemented significant fee increases effective July 1, 2025. Always verify current rates.
| Permit Type | Vessel Size | Cost (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recreational Fishing Permit | Under 50 ft | $100/month | NOW SEPARATE from cruising permit; monthly renewal required |
| Recreational Fishing Permit | Over 50 ft | $300/month | For larger vessels |
| Day Fishing License | Individual (no boat) | $15/day | For anglers on charter or shore fishing |
| Weekly Fishing License | Individual | $20/week | DIY anglers |
| Annual Fishing License | Individual | $60/year | Best value for frequent visitors |
CRUISING PERMITS (If arriving by private boat):
| Permit Type | Vessel Size | Cost (2025) | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruising Permit | Under 34 ft | $500/year | Two entries within 30 days; valid 12 months if staying |
| Cruising Permit | 34-100 ft | $1,000/year | Significant increase from previous $500 |
| Cruising Permit | Over 100 ft | $3,000/year | Superyacht rate |
| Anchoring Permit | Under 50 ft | $200 | Additional fee if anchoring vs. marina |
| Anchoring Permit | 50-100 ft | $350 | Added fee structure |
| Passenger Tax | Per person (over 3) | $30/person | Ages 6+ |
CHARTER FISHING:
- Flats Guides: $400-600/full day (typically includes permits, equipment, boat)
- Offshore Charters: $800-2,000+/full day (6-8 hours; depends on boat size and target species)
- Half-Day Trips: $500-1,200 (4 hours)
- Shared Charters: $150-300/person (when available)
- Multi-Day Packages: Better rates; contact Bimini Big Game Club or Bimini Bay Resort
Charter fishing licenses typically INCLUDED in charter price—verify when booking.
FLATS FISHING REGULATIONS:
- Catch and release strongly encouraged for bonefish, permit, tarpon
- No commercial fishing allowed on flats
- All anglers over age 12 require license
- No limit on bonefish (catch & release recommended)
- Respect tidal closures and spawning areas
GENERAL REGULATIONS:
- Spearfishing: Requires special authorization on fishing permit; specify use of Hawaiian sling or pole spear on application
- Lobster: 6 per vessel maximum; must have well-developed flaring lip (mature size)
- Conch: 6 per vessel maximum; size limits apply
- Grouper/Snapper: Seasonal closures for spawning; size limits vary by species
- Billfish: Catch and release encouraged; check current regulations for keeping billfish
WHERE TO OBTAIN PERMITS:
- Customs & Immigration upon arrival at Port of Entry (Bimini)
- Online via Click2Clear system (advance purchase recommended)
- Marinas: Bimini Big Game Club, Bimini Bay Marina can assist
- Charter operators: Usually handle all permits for clients
⚠️ CRITICAL: The July 2025 fee increases have caused significant controversy. Verify all current costs before travel. Many charter operators include permits, so clarify what's covered when booking.
🧭 Summary
Bimini is where legendary fishing history meets world-class action—a place where Hemingway battled tuna that inspired The Old Man and the Sea, where the Bimini twist was invented to land giant marlin, and where more than 50 IGFA world records prove the caliber of fish that swim these waters.
What makes Bimini exceptional is its complete fishing package: crystal-clear flats where 10-pound bonefish tail in 18 inches of water, permit cruising sandy bottoms that challenge even expert fly fishers, and the Gulf Stream's edge just two miles offshore providing instant access to blue marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and tuna. This is fishing diversity that few destinations can match—morning bonefish, afternoon marlin, evening reef snapper, all within sight of Alice Town.
The proximity factor cannot be overstated: 50 miles from Miami means you can have breakfast in Florida and catch bonefish for lunch in the Bahamas. Yet despite this accessibility, Bimini maintains its authentic island character—family-run fishing lodges, legendary guides like Fred "Eagle Eyes" Rolle and Bonefish Tommy Sewell, and a fishing-first culture where the next world record might be one cast away.
Whether you're a fly fisher pursuing the flats grand slam, a big game angler chasing your first blue marlin, or a family wanting to experience the magic that captivated Hemingway, Bimini delivers. The ghosts of bonefish and the giants of the deep await.
"There is no place like Bimini for fishing. Deep water is so close to shore that you can almost cast into it." — Ernest Hemingway
📍 Quick Reference
FLATS FISHING (INSHORE)
Location: Bimini Islands, Western Bahamas (50 miles E of Miami)
Main Towns: Alice Town (North Bimini), Port Royale (South Bimini)
Season: Year-round (prime: March-May, October-November)
Main Species: Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon (summer), Barracuda
Best Methods: Fly fishing (8-10 wt), Spin casting, Sight fishing
Average Bonefish Size: 5-7 lbs (significantly above Bahamas average)
World Records: 4 bonefish world records including 16 lb all-tackle record
Guide Cost: $400-600/full day
Special Features: Legendary guides, Big bones, Premier permit destination, Grand slam potential
OFFSHORE FISHING (BIG GAME)
Location: Gulf Stream edge, 2 miles offshore
Season: Year-round (prime: March-July billfish, November-February wahoo)
Main Species: Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna (yellowfin, blackfin, bluefin)
Best Methods: Trolling (ballyhoo, lures), High-speed trolling (wahoo), Live bait, Chunking
Depth Range: 60-2,000+ feet (100-fathom curve at 2 miles)
Charter Cost: $800-2,000+/full day
Special Features: "Birthplace of Atlantic big game fishing," Hemingway's waters, Deep water close to shore, 50+ IGFA world records
ACCESS & LOGISTICS
From Miami/Florida: 50 miles (under 2 hours by boat in calm seas)
Airports: South Bimini Airport (international), North Bimini seaplane base
Marinas: Bimini Big Game Club, Bimini Bay Marina, Bimini Cove Resort
Peak Season: March-July (spring/early summer)
Best Value: October-November (less crowded, fresh fish, lower rates)
Hurricane Season: June-November (peak September)
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