You will find anglers in Grand Cayman fishing anywhere between the deep sea and shore. This island is the largest of the Cayman islands, which are all peaks in one massive underwater ridge in the western Caribbean Sea. A popular tourist destination, Grand Cayman is home to the Cayman Islands National Museum, the ruins of Fort George, sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. It is also home to some of the most sought-after prizes in sport fishing, including Blue Marlin, Tarpon, and Bonefish.
Known For
Anglers looking for big game fish love deep sea fishing Grand Cayman. What makes this sport so magnificent here is the topography below the waves. Merely one quarter of a mile from shore, the ocean depths extend beyond 2,000 feet. Just a little ways beyond this drop off lies the Cayman trench, where the depths plummet again--to more than 20,000 feet. Naturally, these deep waters are teeming with baitfish and predators such as Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo.
Many Grand Cayman fishing charters offer half day deep sea fishing trips, giving you a chance to chase after these big game fish in a matter of several hours. The Blue Marlin here may not be the biggest in the world (100-150 lbs), but they are always biting, and you don't need to travel far to find them. White Marlin are caught here on occasion, as well.
For an equally exciting adventure, some anglers spend their time in Grand Cayman fishing the flats instead. These shallow waters are home to Tarpon, Permit, Barracuda, Pompano, Snook, Jacks, and the legendary Bonefish. Some inshore fishing charters even offer guided wade fishing and shore fishing to target these species. Many anglers enjoy fly fishing Grand Cayman for the same fish, as well.
Reef fishing in Grand Cayman also presents many opportunities near shore. The calm waters surrounding these reefs are ideal for families and first time anglers who are eager to reel in a colorful surprise. You might land Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jack Crevalle, Bar Jack, Almaco Jack, Porgy, Blue Runner ('Fry Jack'), and Grouper on occasion.
Rules & Regulations
No fishing license is required for recreational fishing in Grand Cayman. Anglers fishing from shore must practice catch and release (a permit is required for those who plan to keep any fish caught from shore). Please note that shore fishing is prohibited in some areas.
Lobster season is closed from the first of March until the end of November. Lobsters caught during open season must be at least six inches tall. A maximum of three lobsters per person is allowed (or six per boat). Conch season is closed from the first of May until the end of October. The limit of Conch taken during open season is five per person (or 10 per boat).
Nassau Grouper may not be taken from the designated Grouper Spawning areas at any time of year. Only specimens 12 inches or larger may be removed from the sea.
Spearfishing is prohibited to non-Caymanians (importing any spearing device is also prohibited). It is illegal to catch turtles or take their eggs. Attracting sharks with food and feeding them is also prohibited.
Types of Fishing
You can enjoy deep sea fishing Grand Cayman year-round. Blue Marlin and Mahi Mahi never stop biting. The best time to target Wahoo is from November through March (sometimes as late as July), while Yellowfin Tuna tend to peak from March to June. You may have luck landing a Sailfish between June and September, but this is rare.
Most fish near the reefs can be caught year-round as well, including Snapper, Jacks, and the rare Grouper. You can target these species with both natural and artificial baits. Local anglers recommend natural baits, such as Squid, small Fry, or pieces of Conch. Most reef fishing is catch and release due to conservation efforts, however, it is acceptable to keep a few fish to eat.
Flats fishing is done with light tackle, either from a skiff or by wade fishing. The most prestigious species to target include Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit (a 'grand slam' when you manage to catch all three in one day). The Bonefish in Grand Cayman often grow larger than average (up to 8 lbs) and tend to be more aggressive than Bonefish in other areas.
Many anglers enjoy shore fishing for small Tarpon (4-5lbs) in landlocked Brackish waters and canals. You can also fish for Barracuda, Permit, Pompano, and Bonefish from shore (catch and release only) using light tackle. You can catch most of Grand Cayman's inshore species on fly, as well. Fly fishing Grand Cayman is popular, but very few guides provide fly fishing equipment. Anglers intent on fly fishing the flats and shorelines are encouraged to bring their own equipment.
A number of Grand Cayman fishing charters offer kayak fishing. These trips could take you anywhere from the flats to the nearshore reefs, or even into the deep sea. Kayak fishing is generally recommended for those who have previous kayaking experience.