The Bahamas is home to plenty of fishing opportunities for all anglers

When visiting a nation made up of more than 700 islands, one can expect to see plenty of ocean. The Bahamas offers visitors ample opportunities to fish and plenty of ways to get out to sea. From reef and bonefish to deep sea varieties, there's something for any type of fisherman here.

Three major varieties of fishing are found throughout The Bahamas, enough for any kind of angler. Those who are thinking of fly or spin casting may want to consider bonefishing, while those with plenty of patience can take on the reefs. Those looking for the biggest fish in the sea can try the deep sea for their catch.

Bonefishing

Fly fishermen particularly enjoy bonefishing. However, these fish can he hard to find and do require a bit of patience. Known as the"grey ghost," bonefish are often elusive and can reach speeds of 30mph once hooked. But if you do manage to hook a bonefish, you may find yourself hooked on the sport.

Bonefishing is growing as a local favorite and takes place in the flats. Guides may pole a flat-bottomed boats for the fishermen, or the anglers themselves may wade in knee-deep water to catch these fish, which weigh no more than 15 pounds. Bonefish are often found in schools of 100 and more, so when one swims by there are usually more to follow.

A word to the wise: The name"bonefish" is particularly descriptive of these smaller fish. Though you may be tempted to eat your catch, they don't make an enjoyable meal, as they do have plenty of bones.

Reef Fishing

Reef fishing is not the most popular type of fishing among vacationers, but anglers with a bit of patience and a love of challenges may wish to try their hand out on the reefs.

While reefs are filled with fish, catching one require a bit of skill. Bait is sunk with weights, so it's particularly suited to coarse anglers. Remember that reefs are usually quite large.

Deep Sea

Travel a little further offshore in The Bahamas and you'll find everything from tuna to sharks. Deep sea fishermen can enjoy hooking plenty of fish. A deep drop-off from the reefs surrounding the cays makes it easy to reach the deep sea. Fishing boats can trawl for marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi mahi, or mackerel, and deep sea fishermen should remember to use heavy gauge lines.

Those who enjoy a bit of competition can also take part in tournaments scheduled year round. The Annual Bahamas White Marlin Open is one such tournament, located just off Treasure Cay. Bimini has been host to the Annual Native Fishing Tournament for more than half a century.

Rules of the Sea

The Bahamas is home to plenty of fishing, but fishermen must follow a few rules to catch fish legally. These limits and requirements are designed to help maintain certain numbers of fish. Fishermen need permits, which can be obtained from Customs at the ports of entry. Anglers are limited to six rods at a time and may only use hook and line. There are also limits on what can be caught.

• Year-round limits on lobster and crawfish are six tails per person. The season is closed from April 1 through July 31. Egg-bearing female crawfish are also protected. Minimum size lengths are 6-inch tail length or 3 and 3/8-inch carapace length.

• Conch may not be harvested without a well-formed lip. Possession of such conch is also prohibited. There is a bag limit of 10 per person at any time.

• Wahoo, kingfish, and dolphin are limited to six fish per person in any combination.

• Ships are limited to 20 pounds of scalefish, 10 conch, and six crawfish per person for export.

• The season is closed for stone crabs between June 1 and October 15, and the minimum size for a harvestable claw is 4 inches. Females may not be harvested.

• Eating turtle in The Bahamas is legal, but importing turtle is illegal.

• The Hawaiian sling is the only legal device for spearfishing. Using scuba gear or an air compressor to harvest fish, conch, crawfish, and other marine animals is illegal.

• Spearfishing is prohibited within a mile of the coast of New Providence, a mile off the south coast of Freeport, and 200 yards off of any of the Out Islands. Removing any animal or spearfish from national sea parks is prohibited.

• From December 16 to February 16 it is prohibited to take, land, process, or sell fresh Nassau Grouper to help promote the commercial fishery of Nassau Grouper.

When to Fish

Certain times of year are better for catching certain kinds of fish. In some cases, just a few months out of the year offer fishing opportunities.

Typically May, June, and July are the best months to fish in The Bahamas. However, fish like the wahoo are far more prevalent from November through March. Similarly, other fish, like barracuda and snapper, are easy to find year round. For more precise information, The Bahamas offers an Official Gamefish Chart.

Chartering a Boat

There are many types of boat charters. Those who choose to sail themselves to The Bahamas can consider three types of charters: bareboat, captained bareboat, and crewed yacht. The options for chartering a day boat are similar.

Captains often take skilled fishermen out to sea for deep sea fishing. The Bahamas is home to many willing and friendly captains for such journeys. However, skilled sailors may also choose to bring a guide along to help them find the perfect spot.

Private captains can be found on most islands. Here is a sampling of charter services across The Bahamas:

• Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina in the Abacos offers fishing with a specialty in deep sea. Bonefish trips are usually full-day.

• Big Bite Guide Services at Andros island is led by Captain Marvin Miller. His specialties are fly fishing and spin fishing on the west side.

• Small Hope Bay Lodge also offers fishing services on Andros. This small hotel's specialties are bonefishing and reef fishing.

• Sea Crest Marina is found on Bimini and caters to those who have their own ships, with 14 slips available for overnight use.

• Shadow Pleasure Tours offers more than just fishing in the Exumas; snorkeling and sightseeing come alongside deep sea or line fishing.

• Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort on Long Island offers many different fishing experiences. Experts and first-time anglers can enjoy deep sea and reef fishing.

• Born Free Charters offers fishing of all kinds. Deep sea and shallow charters are available on Nassau.

• Chubasco Charters specializes in chartering for deep sea and sport fishing, but also offers island cruising and snorkeling trips around Nassau.

• Leisure Travel Tours Limited, Deep Sea Fishing takes interested anglers in Nassau on half- or full-day trips.

• Marine Adventures has plenty of options for vacationers. They can accommodate every charter need, from island cruising and snorkeling to half- and full-day fishing charters. Sightseeing and swimming trips are also available from this Nassau-based charter.

The Bahamas has more than 50 fishing records under its belt, making it one of the best places in the world to head out on the water and drop in a line. With so many fish to catch, there are plenty of experienced anglers to help even the most novice fisherman make a catch.