Fishing FAQs

How much fish am I allowed to keep? 

The catch limits in the new Regulation  are expressed in terms of amounts that may be aboard the vessel at any time. They are not per day limits, or per trip limits. The new bag limits are:

•   18 Pelagic fish (Dolphin, Wahoo, Kingfish or Tuna)

•   10 Lobsters

•   60 lbs or 20 Demersal fish (grouper, snapper, etc.)

•   6 conchs

 

 

Am I allowed to eat any of the fish I catch?

Yes. You may consume the fish you catch.

 

 

Can I clean and fillet the fish I keep?

Yes. You may clean and fillet the fish you catch as long as the limits outlined above are adhered to.

 

 

What Should I do if I catch a demersal fish (such as a snapper or grouper) more than 20 lbs in weight.

Inspectors are allowed to use their discretion in regards to "just over the limit" fish. You should avoid difficulties by either practicing catch and release for larger sized fish, or targeting smaller sizes.

 

 

Can I still use a spear for fishing?

The rules regarding use of a spear were not a part of the recent changes to the Fisheries Regulations. Sports fishermen visting The Bahamas were, and still are, limited to angling by with a hook and line held in the hand or attached to a rod  and reel. The Fisheries Regulations still Prohibit sports fishermen from the use of a spear, trap or net (other than a landing net), unless such use is specifically authorized. The authorization to use a spear is easy to get.

 

 

How do I get Permission to engage in spear fishing?

A person wishing to use a spear should put this on their application form for the sports fishing permit. Permission may be granted by the officer issuing the permit for the use of a spear with a hand held sling, referred to as a Hawaiin sling in The Bahamas, or a pole spear. When permission is granted for the use of a spear, this must be endorsed in writing on the permit by the issuing officer.

 

Where can I go spear fishing?

Spearfishing is not allowed within 1 mile of the coast of New Providence or the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island. It is also prohibited with 200 yards of the coast of any Family Island.

 

 

Can I use a spear gun?

The use of a spear gun for fishing is not allowed in The Bahamas.

 

 

How many fishing reels can I have on my boat?

There is no limit to the number of rods you may have on board the vessel. You are limited to the use of six or less at any given time. The use of more than six rods moves you to another category of sports fishing vessel. The fee for such a permit is $10, 000.00 per year.

 

 

Can I use an electric reel?

Yes.

 

 

I own a home in The Bahamas. Do I still need a sports fishing permit?

The regulation has been adjusted whereby permanent residents are treated the same as Bahamians. Therefore if you own a home and have status as a permanent resident in The Bahamas you are not required to have a permit.

 

 

I intend to fish from the shore or a dock. Do I need a sports fishing permit?

No, because you will not be using a foreign owed vessel.

 

 

Can I use a cast net to gather bait fish?

The use of a net must be specifically authorized. If you wish to use a cast net to gather bait, you must specify that you want to use this kind of gear on the Sports Fishing Permit Application Form. Once approved, the issuing officer will include the use of the cast net when he issues the Sports Fishing Permit.

 

 

I intend to rent a boat when I visit The Bahamas. Do I need a sports fishing permit?

You will only need a sport fishing permit if the boat you rent is not Bahamian owned . Even when fishing from such a boat, a Non-Bahamian or permanent resident must observe the sports fishing catch limits.

 

 

Can I still gather conchs while in the Bahamas?

Conch is a protected species therefore you are only allowed to gather a maximum  of six.You may however still enjoy conch in restaurants or purchase them from Bahamians seafood dealers.

 

 

How Much fish can I take home when I leave The Bahamas?

Any person leaving the Bahamas is allowed to take with him, for non-commercial purposes, a certain quantity of fishery products as a part of his personal baggage. The limits are:

•   6 Pelagic fish (Dolphin, Wahoo, Kingfish or Tuna)

•   6 Lobsters

•   20 lbs of Demersal fish

 

 

Do I need a sports fishing permit to go after bonefish?

This depends upon whether or not you are using a Non-Bahamian owned vessel. A sports fishing permit is required if you are fishing using a Non-Bahamian owned boat.

 

 

Is there a catch limit for bonefish?

There is no catch limit for bonefish. Catch and release is strongly encouraged.

 

 

Do I have to use a local fishing guide?

There is no requirement that you use a Bahamian guide. The Department of Marine Resources encourages the use of Bahamian fishing guides as this provides an enhanced fishing experience.

 

 

Can I sell some of the fish I catch in The Bahamas?

Visitors to The Bahamas are not allowed to sell or trade any fishery products. This constitutes commercial fishing and would be a serious violation of the law.

 

 

Where can I get up-to-date information about the laws in The Bahamas online?

For additional information, please visit the Official Bahamas Government website at www.bahamas.gov.bs.