Fishing in Bermuda

Chances are, your first association with “Bermuda” is “Triangle”, a legendary area where aircraft and ships are said to mysteriously disappear. On close examination, this proves to be only a legend, but there does exist a factor around the Bermudas that might explain the temporary disappearance of some people. It's called fishing. An archipelago with nearly two hundred islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean way away from any other land, Bermuda has been a popular tourist destination with Americans, Canadians, and Brits for over a century. Tourists are drawn by warm climate and sand beaches, as well as snorkeling, sailing, and other water sport opportunities. And of course no trip to Bermuda is complete without fishing. Deep blue waters offshore and the flats of the Bermuda Platform, straits and bays, coral reefs and ancient wrecks, Bermuda has everything for an unforgettable saltwater angling adventure. The island's subtropical climate ensures excellent fishing conditions year-round, with different seasons offering various fishing opportunities. The summer months, from May to October, are particularly favorable for offshore fishing, while that’s where the marlin and yellowfin tuna visits the waters. But even during the cooler months from November to April, when the sea may be too rough for offshore adventures, Bermuda’s crystal-clear waters and rich marine biodiversity inshore ensure a great time fishing. Fishing in Bermuda is regulated by the Bermuda Government’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which ensures sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of marine resources. Anglers are encouraged to obtain the necessary permits and follow local guidelines to help preserve Bermuda’s rich aquatic ecosystems. Certain areas, especially marine protected areas, have specific regulations to protect delicate habitats and fish species.

Bermuda is a volcanic archipelago, and if the waters of the Atlantic were drained, you’d see that the islands make the tops of a great mountain. Immediately around the islands there is a flat area, known as Bermuda Platform, where the sea is not more than 20 meters deep, and to the southwest there are Challenger and Plantagenet Banks with depths about 50 meters. At the edges of the platform the depths drop rapidly, and go below 1,000 meters less than 10 km. from the shore of the main island if you sail south-east. This makes Bermudas an excellent starting point for an offshore, deep sea fishing trip. However, you don’t have to sail offshore to have a good time fishing on Bermuda. Nearshore and inshore fishing is excellent near and between the islands, while extensive coral reefs are home to a variety of species, including snapper, grouper, and parrotfish. The wrecks of the ships that fell victim to the reefs also provide excellent habitat for fish and offer great fishing opportunities.

Bermuda is located on the migration routes of the largest pelagic species, including the blue and white marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi (dorado) in the deep sea. There is, of course, also mackerels, bonitos, and other species that the big game fish feed on, and a great diversity of sharks. Sandy flats around Bermuda are home to bonefish, an iconic species for saltwater flyfishing enthusiasts. Reefs, wrecks, and bays are teeming with species like snapper, grouper, and jacks, as well as barracuda and various types of parrotfish, providing diverse and exciting fishing opportunities.

Trolling is a widely used technique in the offshore waters, particularly for targeting big game fish like marlin, tuna, and wahoo. Spinning is popular for inshore and reef fishing, and jigging, both vertical and with jigs used as spinning lures, is also very effective. Bottom fishing is widely practiced, especially on the shallow areas near the islands, and near reefs and wrecks. Kite fishing and spearfishing opportunities are also there. In short, from sophisticated saltwater fly-fishing to simple handlining, Bermuda has something to offer to all fishing enthusiasts, whatever their preferred technique.