Fishing in the Cayman Islands offers an exciting opportunity to target a variety of fish species in a single day. Anglers can start their morning with thrilling Marlin trolling and switch to fly fishing for Tarpon. With year-round availability of species like Blue and White Marlin, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and more, the islands are a haven for fishing enthusiasts.
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant reefs, enjoying deep-sea fishing adventures, or casting from the shore, the Cayman Islands provide diverse fishing experiences for all skill levels. Join us as we dive into the best fish to catch in this tropical paradise!
Best Fish to Catch in the Cayman Islands
One of the highlights of fishing in the Caymans is the opportunity to target various fish species all in one day. You can kick off your morning with some thrilling Marlin trolling and then switch to fly fishing for Tarpon once you’ve explored the deep blue waters. Before you make your selection, let’s review our top catches in the Caymans.
Blue and White Marlin
When you plan a fishing trip, there’s always a chance to catch a Marlin. Both Blue and White Marlin are available year-round, but they tend to bite more actively during the spring and summer months.
Grand Cayman is an excellent starting point for your Marlin search, especially from May to July. Locals often seek these bluewater giants between Northwest Point and the Cayman Bank.
The northern part of the island is also ideal for Marlin fishing, particularly around the drop-off areas. Some anglers venture to the weed lines to target Mahi Mahi, where they are likely to encounter Blues as well.
Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna
All anglers, particularly those who enjoy light tackle fishing, won’t want to miss the chance to pursue Tuna during their fishing trips. In the Cayman Islands, there’s no closed season for Tuna fishing, allowing you to target these impressive fish year-round. The prime time for Tuna fishing is from April through the end of summer, especially between March and June.
In addition to light tackle techniques, anglers can also troll with feathers or use live and strip bait to catch Yellowfin Tuna. Chunking is another popular strategy among local fishermen.
Wondering where to find Tuna? Fishermen typically set their sights on the waters off the East End of Grand Cayman and 12 miles west on the Cayman Bank. Alternatively, you can seek Tuna on the West End of Cayman Brac, an island located northeast of Grand Cayman.
Mahi Mahi and Wahoo
If you enjoy trolling for bluewater fish near the shore, you’ll love targeting Mahi Mahi and Wahoo in the Cayman Islands. These fish are often found along weed lines very close to the islands, sometimes less than a mile offshore.
For those willing to venture further out, trolling the 12-Mile Bank can yield some stunning catches of these vibrant species. Anglers often start in shallower waters and then head to depths of up to 700 feet around the islands later in the day.
Wahoo, like Mahi Mahi, can be caught year-round, with the peak season running from October to March.
Bonefish and Tarpon
What could be better than targeting Bonefish on the flats? Adding Tarpon to the mix, of course! For those eager to hook a nice Bonefish, the Sister Islands and the Bonefish Muds in the North Sound are prime locations. If you’re not focused on size, explore the mangroves, bays, docks, canals, and beaches to find baby Tarpon.
Anglers can enjoy Bonefish year-round, with peak season from May to July. Tarpon season is a bit longer, beginning in April and lasting until August. However, both Bonefish and Tarpon can be caught at any time of the year.
How to Go Fishing in the Cayman Islands
Most anglers visit the Cayman Islands not in search of massive trophies, but for the thrill of adventure. They look forward to honing their skills, evolving as anglers, and soaking in the stunning scenery.
Depending on your location, you can explore various fishing techniques, including trolling in offshore waters, jigging and bottom fishing around the reefs, and spinning and fly fishing near the shore. In this section, we’ll highlight some of the most popular fishing methods in the Cayman Islands.
Deep Sea Fishing
Experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing in the Cayman Islands, where you can target highly prized species like Blue and White Marlin, Blackfin and Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi. Exciting big game fishing opportunities await just a quarter-mile from shore, with the remarkable 20,000-foot Cayman Trench nearby.
With fish biting year-round, deep-sea fishing is a fantastic experience at any time. However, summer is particularly ideal for pursuing your tropical catch.
Shore Fishing
Many anglers bring along their favorite fishing rods when vacationing in the Cayman Islands, eager to see what they can reel in from the shore. Both locals and tourists can fish from various flats, docks, and beaches throughout the islands. Many gas stations and grocery stores offer frozen bait for shore fishermen.
What can you expect to catch while fishing from the shore in the Cayman Islands? While landing a Marlin or Tuna may be overly ambitious, you can definitely target Snapper and Barracuda from the docks and boat ramps. Additionally, you might find baby Tarpon; just look for a quieter spot to cast your line.
Flats and Reef Fishing
Flats fishing excursions focus primarily on Bonefish and Tarpon, while the reefs are abundant with Groupers, Snapper, and Jack Crevalle. The North Sound and Grand Cayman are widely regarded as premier locations for exploring vibrant coral reefs and their diverse ecosystems, though there are many other areas throughout the islands that can challenge your fishing skills.
Remember, catch and release is highly encouraged during both flats and reef fishing trips. It’s also wise to utilize safe fishing techniques to protect the reefs and prevent damage from dragging along the ocean floor.
Charter Fishing
Booking a trip with a local captain is always a wise choice. They have an intimate knowledge of the waters and can share invaluable insights with anglers. Cayman captains provide a variety of packages tailored to all types of fishing trips, ranging from half-day outings to full-day adventures.
Your experience will largely depend on your chosen fishing location. Grand Cayman, the largest island, hosts most of the charter boats. You can either book a charter with a professional crew from there or hire a guide from Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. This way, you can explore many of the islands’ prime fishing spots in a single trip!
Conclusion
The Cayman Islands are a premier destination for anglers seeking a diverse fishing experience. With opportunities to catch a wide range of species, from Marlin to Tarpon, and various fishing techniques available, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you choose deep-sea fishing, shore fishing, or exploring the vibrant reefs, the thrill of the catch combined with the stunning scenery makes every trip memorable. Book a local captain to enhance your adventure and discover the rich fishing culture of these beautiful islands!
