The Cayman Fishing Scene

 

Fishing is an incredibly popular activity in Cayman, with most participants going after Tarpon, Permit, Wahoo, Tuna, Blue Marlin and Bonefish. Tourists can try out deep sea, bottom, in-shore, bone and reef fishing at many sites; Little Cayman, in particular, offers Tarpon Lake, as well as great opportunities for in-shore fishing. The best time of day is typically early morning, shortly after sunrise. While both visitors and locals are permitted to fish from boats in deep water, non-Caymanians must have a license to fish from the shore if they intend to keep their catch. The Cayman Islands Angling Club hosts 5 fishing tournaments per year, including the International Fishing Tournament, which is well-loved and takes place in April or May. If you'd like to experience it for yourself, book a fishing trip with one of the following charter companies.

 


Bayside Watersports Ltd.


 

Bayside Watersports is Cayman's top destination for charter boat fishing. They offer half and full-day deep sea and reef fishing excursions for groups of up to 9. Boat captains and staff are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to sport fishing of all kinds; guests will spin, troll and drift like experts by the time the day is done. Private charters are available and large groups can be accommodated on a number of boats, including the renowned Happy and Lil' Hookers. A family-run company, Bayside Watersports participates in all island fishing tournaments and supplies all of the necessary tackle and bait. They also offer exciting snorkeling excursions.

 

 

Cayman Luxury Charters Ltd.

 

Cayman Luxury Charters Limited offers tourists and islanders the choice of experiencing island fishing aboard a 42 or 29-foot sport yacht. The former is called the Cayman Elusion and can hold up to 12 people and the latter, the Cayman Evasion, comfortably holds 6. Experienced captains escort groups of all sizes to the best spots in the islands to catch a variety of fish and these excursions are always private and fully customizable. In addition to fishing, exciting watersports like snorkeling, jet-skiing, tubing and wakeboarding are available.

 

 

Captain Shelby's


Captain Shelby's Charter Boat Operation caters exclusively to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, Grand Cayman's sister islands. A small company, Captain Shelby himself takes small groups out on the water to enjoy fishing, snorkeling and diving. Born in the islands, this captain knows all of the best secret spots for catching the most fish. This charter company is a fantastic option for tourists looking for an intimate, personal fishing experience.

 

 

Captain Marvin's

 

With over 60 years in the industry, Captain Marvin's is one of the best in the business. Established by Captain Marvin, who is considered the founder of island snorkeling trips, this company is now run by some of the most talented fishermen in Cayman. Half-day and full-day deep sea and reef fishing charters are available and all gear and bait is provided. Tourists are likely to catch species such as Tuna, Wahoo, Grouper and Snapper, and both reefs and deep waters can be found close to shore. Charters are available for groups of up to 5, and captains can arrange for shared charters if desired. Captain Marvin's also offers Stingray City snorkeling, dolphin and shipwreck snorkeling tours, as well as private excursions. They have a fleet of boats that range in size from 32 to 60 feet long.

 


Native Way Watersports



Native Way Watersports specializes in offshore fishing and snorkeling trips and their exclusively Caribbean crew members know all of the best spots. Full and half-day fishing charters are available, with the latter lasting 5.5 hours and the former lasting 3.5 hours. Groups of up to 12 can be accommodated, with additional people permitted at a set fee. Lunch is available on full-day charters at a rate of $10.00 per passenger. Native Way Watersports also offers snorkeling tours to Stingray City, Rum Point, Coral Gardens and many other popular sites.

 

 

Frank's Watersports


 

Frank's Watersports gives tourists a true island experience. Guests have a choice of several fishing tours, all of which include complimentary pick-up and drop-off as well as all of the necessary equipment, including bait, tackle, coolers and refreshments. Those who opt for the first tour get to choose between reef, bone and Tarpon fishing, and the length of time ranges from a half to a full day. Priced for up to 4 people, additional passengers are permitted at an extra charge. Lunch is included on full-day excursions. The second tour takes guests deep sea fishing in the Caribbean waters, and these charters are designed for private groups. Another option is a combination reef fishing and snorkeling charter, which is available for groups of up to 4 and includes snorkeling equipment.

 

 

Black Princess Charters

 

Black Princess Charters boasts a 40-foot, fully equipped fishing boat that's ready to take passengers on the adventure of a lifetime. Deep sea fishing for species such as Blue Marlin and Tuna is available in full and half-day charters and reef fishing, for species such as Snapper, Squirrel Fish and Parrot Fish, is available in half-day excursions only. Black Princess Charters can also arrange Tarpon and bone fishing with either spinning or fly tackle for those who are interested. This charter company offers full and half-day snorkeling trips, sailing charters and submarine rides as well.

 

 

Stingray Watersports

 

Stingray Watersports is a top island destination for diving, boat charters, snorkeling and fishing. Their full-service fishing department provides tackle and bait, and excursions are embarked upon aboard a 42-foot boat with over 400 square feet of deck space. Half and full-day deep sea, sport and reef fishing trips are available to the best spots in Cayman, such as the 12 Mile Banks, East End and North West Point. Combination excursions are also offered, such as half-day deep sea and sport fishing, and full-day deep sea and reef fishing with a delicious barbecue lunch in between. Charters are designed for 8 people, but additional passengers, up to a count of 12, are permitted for an extra fee. Stingray Watersports works alongside Cayman Vacation to offer furnished townhouse accommodations to tourists for reasonable rates.

 

 

Captain Asley's Watersports

 

Captain Asley's Watersports makes Cayman vacations memorable with their professional fishing and snorkeling excursions. Tourists who choose this company have the opportunity to catch many different species of fish, such as Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Swordfish, Amberjack, Shark and Grouper, during deep sea, in-shore reef and off-shore reef fishing trips. Unique to Captain Asley's is that guests have the option of having their catch of the day cooked up for them at Morgan's Harbour, a popular island seafood restaurant. Family-owned and operated, Captain Asley's Watersports was founded over 60 years ago and supports catch and release.