The Cayman Islands are a fisherman’s paradise. Whether you’re looking to go after trophy-sized game fish or a more serene reef fishing experience, there’s something for everyone. From deep sea trolling for Blue Marlin to the thrill of bonefishing on the flats, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Cayman.
Bonefish
The flats of the Cayman Islands teem with wily bonefish. Their elusive nature makes them a challenge for fly fishermen. Using lightweight flies, long leaders, and gentle turns on the presentation will increase your chances of success. The key to seeing bonefish through the water is scanning the area closely, looking for their dark shapes. They are almost a coke-bottle green and stand out when they turn toward or away from you. Unlike other Caribbean destinations, fishing in the Cayman Islands offers year-round opportunities. Big migratory blue-water species such as Blue and Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and occasionally Swordfish can be targeted from sport fisherman boats.
The North Sound of Little Cayman offers expansive shallow sand flats, a bonefisherman’s paradise. The tides flood the apartments, creating an ideal habitat for these hard-fighting fish. Kayaks allow anglers to stealthily navigate these waters and access areas off-limits to larger boats. If you’re ready for a more grueling fight, try your hand at chasing the legendary tarpon in the brackish natural pond known as Tarpon Lake.
Deep Sea Fishing
The Cayman Islands are known for world-class diving but are also home to various fishing opportunities. Whether you want to try trolling offshore waters or bonefishing the reefs, Grand Cayman and Little Cayman have a range of charters ready to help you catch your next big fish. Deep sea anglers who want to catch game fish, including wahoo, mahi mahi, and yellowfin tuna, frequently travel to the Cayman Islands. The islands are also surrounded by pelagic waters that offer the opportunity to hunt for Blue Marlin and Sailfish.
Be sure to speak with a local fishing expert before your trip so you’re equipped with the proper knowledge to enjoy your fishing adventure in the Cayman Islands. Remember that non-Caymanians are not allowed to spearfish, and it’s illegal for anyone to possess chitons or periwinkles unless a licensed fisherman catches them. Damaging coral by anchor or chain is strictly prohibited, as well.
Inshore Fishing
The Cayman Islands are a paradise for fishing, from the reefs and flats to deep sea and offshore banks. A day of fishing in the Caymans can see you battling Blue Marlin, dropping lines for Snappers, and flying a fly for baby tarpon. Captains here are more than happy to give you the reigns and help you to improve your skills. A thriving reef system with abundant tropical fish species surrounds Grand Cayman. Reef or bottom fishing is accessible for all ages and levels of experience. Expect to reel in yellowtail, snapper, blue runner, jacks, and Barracuda. You should catch and release to avoid depleting the stock, but edible fish can be taken home. Speargun fishing is available year-round, but taking Goliath grouper (Jewfish), tilefish, and filefish (whities) is illegal. It is also against the law to take echinoderms such as starfish, sea urchins, and sand dollars from the Cayman Islands. During winter, fishermen head to the banks searching for Wahoo and Tuna.
Drum Fish
From the marshes, bays, and lagoons to the open sea, the waters of the Cayman Islands are teeming with a vast range of fish. Whether you’re trolling offshore waters, jigging or bottom fishing around the reefs, or spinning or fly fishing close to shore, there are plenty of opportunities to land some big trophies and enjoy the scenery. Drumfish are a schooling, migratory species and are carnivorous. They are typically 30 pounds but can grow to 90 pounds. They are found in deep water but spawn in shallower water near an inlet on incoming tides, which is how they get their name ‘drum.’ They have a spot on their tail that looks like an eyeball and fools predators into attacking the wrong end so they can escape! Blue and White Marlin can be caught all year round in Grand Cayman but are at their best from May to July when they hang in the weed lines. Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo are also plentiful in these waters. The months of August to October are ideal for catching offshore Skipjack.
Reef Fishing
The Cayman Islands are nearly surrounded by a massive coral reef home to abundant tropical fish. Reef fishing is a fun activity for the whole family and provides an excellent opportunity to learn and grow as an angler. Whether you’re trolling for big game fish offshore or targeting snapper and Barracuda in the reef, there’s something for everyone here. Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and king mackerel can be found year-round close to the coastlines of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. Occasional catches of blue marlin are also common, and these big migratory pelagic species can be seen close to shore all year.
Another great reef species is the Black Fin Tuna, which can be found close to the coastlines of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman year-round. These aggressive predators will follow bait in a heartbeat and are an excellent target for any light tackle enthusiast.
