It's easy to see where Bermuda got its reputation for world class tournament fishing. This island nation located about 600 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, NC is a small tropical paradise that one could easily mistake for the Caribbean. You'll find astonishing variety here, from crystal clear flats and pink sandy beaches to coral reefs and the deep sea beyond. Anglers of all skill levels can make the most of these diverse waters, which is exactly what Bermuda fishing charters are all about. Whether you're a seasoned tournament angler or just a beginner, you may be the next person to hook into a record-breaking catch here!
Known For
Bermuda is known for spectacular big game fishing, which has everything to do with the local topography. The islands of Bermuda are located on top of a large reef platform. Just beyond this platform, the seafloor plummets and anglers find themselves surrounded by the deep waters of the Atlantic. Due to the close proximity of the Gulf Stream, the water temperature here never drops below 62°F, allowing many big game fish to swim in the area comfortably year-round. Anglers start fishing for these beasts in April, as soon as the weather promises smooth sailing.
Deep Sea Fishing
You can enjoy excellent deep sea fishing on all sides of the island, including the southern and northern fringes of the reef as well as the infamous 'Bermuda Edge' to the east. To experience the ultimate deep sea fishing Bermuda is known for, your time is best spent on Challenger Bank and Argus Bank to the southwest. Bottom fishing here is a chance to hook into a wide variety of Jacks and large Barracuda, while trolling the waters between these banks and the Bermuda Edge will bring you face-to-bill with Blue Marlin of enormous proportions (300 lb on average, and occasional catches over 1,000 lb). With fish of this caliber swimming around, it's no wonder why Bermuda has become a renowned tournament fishing destination!
As impressive as the Blue Marlin are in these waters, the Tuna and Wahoo fishing in Bermuda may be even better. Both species are available year-round, with peak seasons in summer. Just before autumn, anglers get the added bonus of False Albacore for unbeatable light tackle action.
If that's not enough to satisfy your need for speed, you can enjoy chasing Mahi Mahi, Rainbow Runner, Bonito, and large Sharks. There's always a chance you could hook into White Marlin, Sailfish, Spearfish, or Swordfish around here, too.
Reef Fishing
Fishing in Bermuda can be equally rewarding close to shore. Shallow waters over the reefs hold Lane Snapper (locally known as Whitewater Snapper) and Triggerfish (Turbot). These fish aren't large, but they swim in schools and you can fill your cooler in a few short hours. If you're fishing purely for sport, you'll enjoy great light tackle action while targeting Bermuda Chub.
Coral areas in deeper water host a wider variety of fish, including Amberjack, False Albacore, Yellowtail Snapper, Porgy, Wrasse, various Groupers, Almaco Jack, and 'Gwelly' (a little-known relative of the Jack).
Flats Fishing
Between April and October, local flats hold some of the world's largest Bonefish. Whether you choose to target them on spinning or fly fishing gear, you can look forward to catching some potential record-breakers. The odd Tarpon and Permit also make an appearance here, giving lucky anglers the chance to land a Grand Slam.
Shore Fishing
Casting lines from docks, jetties, and beaches around Bermuda will bring you anything from Gray and Yellowtail Snapper to Grunts, Bermuda Chub, Barracuda, and Bonefish. You may also catch a couple of lesser-known fish such as Sennet and Palometa, small relatives of the Barracuda and Pompano.
Bermuda Fishing Techniques
Most deep sea fishing in Bermuda involves trolling. At the height of summer, local anglers switch to chumming for Tuna on the banks and along the drop off. Chumming is often combined with kite fishing, which leads to Yellowfin Tuna, record-breaking Blackfin Tuna, and the occasional Marlin. Working the bottom at the same time will produce large Amberjack (100+ lb) and Almaco Jacks.
Chumming and bottom fishing on the reefs closer to shore will bring you Amberjack, False Albacore, Yellowtail Snapper, Porgy, Triggerfish, Grouper, and more.
Light tackle and fly fishing enthusiasts can test their skills anywhere in Bermuda, from the flats to the deep sea. Popular Bermuda fly fishing targets include Bonefish, Barracuda, Jacks, and Tuna.
Need to Know
Getting There
Traveling anglers can catch daily flights to Bermuda from Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.. This destination is just a 90-minute flight from New York City, and less than 3 hours from many significant travel hubs on the East Coast. The flight from London to Bermuda is about 7 hours long. When you arrive, you'll find charter boats for hire all across the main islands.
Regulations
You are free to fish in Bermuda without a permit when fishing aboard a licensed fishing charter. Anglers casting lines from shore are also allowed to fish without a permit.
Most fish species are legal to keep in Bermuda, but many of them have size and bag limits. It's common practice to release a number of gamefish, including Bonefish and Marlin. Be sure to discuss local regulations and your intentions with the captain ahead of time so you know what to expect when it comes to keeping any fish you catch.
Budget
Half day trips can take you to the reefs or just offshore in search of Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, and various bottom fish. These trips last around 4 hours and cost $900–$1,150. Full day Bermuda fishing charters will take you farther from shore, with a chance to catch Wahoo, Tuna, and other big game pelagics. These trips are recommended for anglers set on landing a Marlin. Prices range from $1,100–$1,600.
Serious anglers looking to partake in the Bermuda tournament fishing experience can book specialized tournament charters. These usually last 8–10 hours and focus on targeting Marlin for catch-and-release. Tournament charters cost anywhere from $1,500–$3,500 to account for fuel, boat maintenance, and top-of-the-line tackle.
As you can see, there's more to these waters than meets the eye, and anglers are still discovering the full extent of Bermuda's fishery. Come cast your line for a chance to experience world class fishing in one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth!