Fishing in The Bahamas
Source: https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/fishing
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:11
Fishing in The Bahamas
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Fishing in The Bahamas
Fishing has always been an integral part of Bahamian history and culture. In earlier times, the Arawaks and Caribs used bone hooks to catch fish and were known to use remoras (suckerfish) to catch sea turtles. Many accounts written by the first Europeans to come to what they called ‘The New World’ credit fishing with the survival of those who dared to cross the Atlantic. In the modern Bahamas, a weekend does not go by when the local ‘fish fry’ on a number of islands is peppered with Bahamians in search of fresh snapper or conch salad (cerviche).
Fishing in The Bahamas can be split into three major categories. These are subsistence, recreational, and commercial fishing. On a number of Family Islands, many eat fish to supplement their diet with high quality protein from the sea. Farming in The Bahamas still has some limitations and it is the sea that provides people with the food they need.
Recreational fishing is the backbone of the economy of a number of Family Islands in the Bahamian Archipelago. Bimini, in the northern Bahamas, is world renowned for big game fishing in offshore waters as well as bonefishing on the flats. Ernest Hemingway spent time on the island and many say it was Bimini that inspired his novel ‘The Old Man and the Sea’. Many come to islands like Bimini, New Providence, Long Island, and others to catch their dream blue marlin or do battle with the bonefish of the flats. The Bahamas is the recreational fisher’s paradise.
Commercially, Bahamian marine resource exports are in the tens of millions each year. Blessed by a geology that includes both highly productive shallow banks that are home to a number of commercially lucrative demersal species, and deep water passages that allow for the migration of more ocean going animals, the country is coveted by local commercial fishers. Commercial fishing in The Bahamas is an enterprise reserved for Bahamians.
Related fisheries information:
Permits
(on
forms.bahamas.gov.bs
)
Fisheries Resources
(on
laws.bahamas.gov.bs
)
Marine Mammal (on
laws.bahamas.gov.bs
)
Quick Useful Links
The National Honours Society 2026 Call for Nominations
Budget Performance Reports
Budget Documents
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Hurricane
General Orders
Request for Expression of Interest
Hurricane Shelter Listing 2025
Install the BNEA APP
COVID-19 Frequent Asked Questions
Department of Labour’s Jobseekers Portal
Celebrate Bahamas
Load More
For Website Technical Support
Call and speak to a DICT Customer service agent.
+1 242 604 4688
Need to reach the DICT? Send us an email.
support@bahamas.gov.bs
Get in touch with our DICT support team.
get in touch
Explore frequently asked questions.
ask question
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Accessibility Tool
Content Adjustments
Adjust Font Size
-
Default
+
Highlight Links
Letter Spacing
Dyslexia Font
Color Adjustments
Monochrome
Tools
Mute/unmute
Big Cursor
Reading Guide
Fishing
Home
Fishing
Non-Residents
Permits and Licences
Visiting The Bahamas
Arrivals and Departures
About The Bahamas Currency
Gaming and Casinos
Getting Married in The Bahamas
Medical Facilities
Boating to The Bahamas
Bringing Pets
Vaccinations
Foreign Embassies and Consulates in The Bahamas
Visa Requirements
Dining and Nightlife
Culture
Regatta
Performing Arts
Native Dishes
Home Coming
Music
Change of the Guard Ceremony
Junkanoo
Festivals
Visitor Registration for the People to People Programme
Ambassador Registration for the People to People Programme
Places of Interest
Forts
Historical Sites
Art Galleries
National Parks
Museums
Blue Holes & Caves
Weather
Recreation and Sports
Cricket
Sailing and Regattas
Golf
Boxing
Rugby
Diving
Fishing
Working and Residing
Visas
Permits
Residency
Records and Official Documents
Birth Registration
Birth Certificate
Marriage Licence
Marriage Registration
Marriage Certificate
Certified Copy of a Deed or Document
Adoption Registration
Adoption Certificate
Legalization of Documents
passport
News and Press Release
Consumer Protection Information and Complaints
Immigration
Citizenship and Naturalization
Work Permits and Work Visas
Residency
Home Owners
Fishing in The Bahamas
Fishing has always been an integral part of Bahamian history and culture. In earlier times, the Arawaks and Caribs used bone hooks to catch fish and were known to use remoras (suckerfish) to catch sea turtles. Many accounts written by the first Europeans to come to what they called ‘The New World’ credit fishing with the survival of those who dared to cross the Atlantic. In the modern Bahamas, a weekend does not go by when the local ‘fish fry’ on a number of islands is peppered with Bahamians in search of fresh snapper or conch salad (cerviche).
Fishing in The Bahamas can be split into three major categories. These are subsistence, recreational, and commercial fishing. On a number of Family Islands, many eat fish to supplement their diet with high quality protein from the sea. Farming in The Bahamas still has some limitations and it is the sea that provides people with the food they need.
Recreational fishing is the backbone of the economy of a number of Family Islands in the Bahamian Archipelago. Bimini, in the northern Bahamas, is world renowned for big game fishing in offshore waters as well as bonefishing on the flats. Ernest Hemingway spent time on the island and many say it was Bimini that inspired his novel ‘The Old Man and the Sea’. Many come to islands like Bimini, New Providence, Long Island, and others to catch their dream blue marlin or do battle with the bonefish of the flats. The Bahamas is the recreational fisher’s paradise.
Commercially, Bahamian marine resource exports are in the tens of millions each year. Blessed by a geology that includes both highly productive shallow banks that are home to a number of commercially lucrative demersal species, and deep water passages that allow for the migration of more ocean going animals, the country is coveted by local commercial fishers. Commercial fishing in The Bahamas is an enterprise reserved for Bahamians.
Related fisheries information:
Permits
(on
forms.bahamas.gov.bs
)
Fisheries Resources
(on
laws.bahamas.gov.bs
)
Marine Mammal (on
laws.bahamas.gov.bs
)
Quick Useful Links
The National Honours Society 2026 Call for Nominations
Budget Performance Reports
Budget Documents
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Hurricane
General Orders
Request for Expression of Interest
Hurricane Shelter Listing 2025
Install the BNEA APP
COVID-19 Frequent Asked Questions
Department of Labour’s Jobseekers Portal
Celebrate Bahamas
Load More
For Website Technical Support
Call and speak to a DICT Customer service agent.
+1 242 604 4688
Need to reach the DICT? Send us an email.
support@bahamas.gov.bs
Get in touch with our DICT support team.
get in touch
Explore frequently asked questions.
ask question
This site uses cookies to serve our services. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
Okay, Thanks