Grand Cayman Flats Fishing Charters

Grand Cayman Flats Fishing Charters

Best Flats Fishing Charters in Grand Cayman

Flats Fishing in Grand Cayman

Anglers can enjoy some of the most exciting fishing in Grand Cayman without even boarding a boat. Various flats around the island are home to excellent inshore action throughout the year, and many guides will lead you into the thick of it on foot!

What to Catch and When to Target it

The grassy flats of Grand Cayman are home to many species that you can catch year round. The most sought-after fish in these waters are Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit (the “grand slam”). This coveted trinity is always biting, though Permit is rarely caught these days due to overfishing. You are very likely to catch Bonefish in spring and summer. Tarpon are biting most in late summer, on the flats as well as in canals and backwaters.

The flats are also frequented by Barracuda, Pompano, Jacks, Snook, Mutton Snapper, and Triggerfish. In recent years, Snook have been spotted more often than before. Your chances of catching one in these waters are fair in summer and fall. You are highly likely to catch Barracuda and Jacks year round, with the possibility of landing a Triggerfish as well. You are most likely to catch Mutton Snapper in winter and spring.

How to Fish

You will find anglers in Grand Cayman fishing the flats by spinning with light tackle and fly fishing. Inshore fishing charters may include guided wade fishing or casting from a skiff. Some of the most popular destinations for flats fishing are Prospect Point, Frank Sound, North Coast, East End, West Bay, and Rum Point.

You can target Bonefish by casting a heavy bucktail jig tipped with shrimp, or by fly fishing. When fly fishing for Bonefish in Grand Cayman, you can use many of the same patterns as usual so long as they are lightly weighted. The greatest challenge is adapting to the thick grass covering the flats of Grand Cayman, which demands precise casts and slower stripping than average.

The Tarpon in Grand Cayman are privy to floating plugs and small, yellow bucktails. It’s best to target Tarpon early in the morning or at dusk. You can fly fish for Tarpon as well, with poppers or bass-bugs.

Like Bonefish, you will sometimes find Jacks feeding on the flats. You can target them using virtually any lure or fly. You can also catch these fish by blind-casting off the edges of flats, using flashy flies and a quick retrieval. You can occasionally find Triggerfish on the flats of Grand Cayman, as well. Stealth is necessary, as they spook easily in shallow water. Yarn crabs in #6 should do the trick. Small, heavy Crazy Charlies work well for Pompano. These fish like going after pink, in particular. While you are very unlikely to find a Permit, you are sure to entice one with a soaked piece of conch or crab bait when you do.

Snook are less predictable than Bonefish and Tarpon. They generally will not chase a lure as far, and they’re unlikely to get overly excited about a topwater lure or fly. Snapper are also tricky to target, but you might reel one in while fishing for Bonefish and other species. You can find them on the flats or the edges of flats, where slow-stripping a fly might prove effective. They will also go for crab bait or a soaked piece of conch.

Grand Cayman
Excellent
4.4 / 5
Based on 27,728 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Flats Fishing in Grand Cayman

We were lucky. The previous two days were bad for fishing. Summertime (off-season) isnโ€™t the best time for fishing. You will have to be patient and hope that you have a great Captain like Andrew that just has that instinct to find them.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We were lucky. The previous two days were bad for fishing. Summertime (off-season) isnโ€™t the best time for fishing. You will have to be patient and hope that you have a great Captain like Andrew that just has that instinct to find them.
Jacob  J.
Jacob J. Roanoke, IN
July is a bit slower fishing, so I'd research the best time of year to fish for a better bite. Be prepared with your own snacks if you are particular, and definitely bring a UV dri-fit fishing shirt and a hat to protect you from the sun.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
July is a bit slower fishing, so I'd research the best time of year to fish for a better bite. Be prepared with your own snacks if you are particular, and definitely bring a UV dri-fit fishing shirt and a hat to protect you from the sun.
Ryan  W.
Ryan W. Franklin, TN
In July- it was pretty hot, I suggest a boat with cover/shade. Most of the ride was calm but getting around the point had about 15 mins of rough waters- so if you get sickness- take Dramamine!! If taking kids- lots of suncreen and try to find a boat with a bathroom and shade because the slow ride out can get brutal from the sun. Overall- fishing was fun and got some good fish which we could recognize from prior snorkeling in the area.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
In July- it was pretty hot, I suggest a boat with cover/shade. Most of the ride was calm but getting around the point had about 15 mins of rough waters- so if you get sickness- take Dramamine!! If taking kids- lots of suncreen and try to find a boat with a bathroom and shade because the slow ride out can get brutal from the sun. Overall- fishing was fun and got some good fish which we could recognize from prior snorkeling in the area.
Matt  H.
Matt H. Round Rock, TX
Captain Cody recommended November through March as the best fishing times. However, for July we did extremely well.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Captain Cody recommended November through March as the best fishing times. However, for July we did extremely well.
David  M.
David M. Mount Pleasant, TX
Fishing in the caymans is terrific from the standpoint of you drop from 15ft to 1000ft in just a few minutes. You donโ€™t travel far to get on large pelagic sea creatures.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing in the caymans is terrific from the standpoint of you drop from 15ft to 1000ft in just a few minutes. You donโ€™t travel far to get on large pelagic sea creatures.
Jasen  W.
Jasen W. Atlanta, GA
A little slow this time of year inshore but everyday day is different so take a chance and go! If nothing else, the water is beautiful and the company is great!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
A little slow this time of year inshore but everyday day is different so take a chance and go! If nothing else, the water is beautiful and the company is great!
Lois  W.
Lois W. West Jefferson, NC
Just understand the weather doesnโ€™t always cooperate. The chef at Tukka knows what heโ€™s doing and you wonโ€™t be disappointed in the meal he prepares with your catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just understand the weather doesnโ€™t always cooperate. The chef at Tukka knows what heโ€™s doing and you wonโ€™t be disappointed in the meal he prepares with your catch.
Rich  R.
Rich R. Cypress, TX
May is a good month for fishing. The boat is comfortable with plenty of shade. Kids like to feed tarpon at the dock where the fish are cleaned. Sharks come in also. Good restaurants near the dock area. Finish a day of fishing with a good meal. Very accessible from the seven mile beach area.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
May is a good month for fishing. The boat is comfortable with plenty of shade. Kids like to feed tarpon at the dock where the fish are cleaned. Sharks come in also. Good restaurants near the dock area. Finish a day of fishing with a good meal. Very accessible from the seven mile beach area.
Elizabeth  R.
Elizabeth R. Durham, North Carolina
Be sure to clarify exactly what to do when you get a fish on in terms of setting the hook and adjusting the real
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be sure to clarify exactly what to do when you get a fish on in terms of setting the hook and adjusting the real
Joe  K.
Joe K. George Town
A half day reef fishing trip is a great way to start. Itโ€™s not very far from shore and the water is beautiful. Youโ€™ll catch fish and have fun.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
A half day reef fishing trip is a great way to start. Itโ€™s not very far from shore and the water is beautiful. Youโ€™ll catch fish and have fun.
Jason  B.
Jason B. Union City, New Jersey
Be prepared for active seas and if you get sick put your patch on in advance and take your meds in advance as we did and you will be good.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for active seas and if you get sick put your patch on in advance and take your meds in advance as we did and you will be good.
Trebor  S.
Trebor S. LaPlace, LA
Check out the winds and water conditions for deep sea if you get sea sick at all:)
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Check out the winds and water conditions for deep sea if you get sea sick at all:)
Joe  T.
Joe T. Westerville, OH
We didnโ€™t catch the fish we hoped to but it is called โ€œfishingโ€ not catching!!! Not the captain and crews fault, just reality!
Excellent
4.3 / 5
We didnโ€™t catch the fish we hoped to but it is called โ€œfishingโ€ not catching!!! Not the captain and crews fault, just reality!
Gracie  P.
Gracie P. George Town
Told the captain we had young kids, so catching a good amount of fish was the goal more than keepers. Mission accomplished, plus the boat ride was fun and fast.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Told the captain we had young kids, so catching a good amount of fish was the goal more than keepers. Mission accomplished, plus the boat ride was fun and fast.
John  C.
John C. Northbrook, IL
Lots of options; deep drop, reef, or blue water. Grand Cayman is unique in that it has access to the deepest water in the Caribbiean. Try to hit the tuna bite earlier than July to give you the best options for a big catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Lots of options; deep drop, reef, or blue water. Grand Cayman is unique in that it has access to the deepest water in the Caribbiean. Try to hit the tuna bite earlier than July to give you the best options for a big catch.
Lyles  B.
Lyles B. Winder, GA
Put sunscreen on before you get in the boat and dont forget your legs. Water can get rough farther out so take the less drowsy dramamine.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Put sunscreen on before you get in the boat and dont forget your legs. Water can get rough farther out so take the less drowsy dramamine.
Stacy  W.
Stacy W. Van Buren, AR
Beautiful weather! A bit rocky on the boat but with a little patience you will catch more fish than you expect!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Beautiful weather! A bit rocky on the boat but with a little patience you will catch more fish than you expect!
Gregg  C.
Gregg C. George Town
This year was better than expected. Many Wahoo were late to leave this year; making the trip that much more exciting :)
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This year was better than expected. Many Wahoo were late to leave this year; making the trip that much more exciting :)
Mike  P.
Mike P. George Town
Reef fishing is spectacular in Grand Cayman and you are all but assured bent rods and good eating. Mix that in with a trip to stingray city or snorkeling and it will make for an awesome day. We opted for an offshore trip and had a GREAT time. "Gunner" is an extremely well-equipped boat with the best tackle money can but (rare for a charter boat) with a top-notch crew that is both knowledgeable enough to impress an experienced angler and very kid-friendly. It is tough to find both.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Reef fishing is spectacular in Grand Cayman and you are all but assured bent rods and good eating. Mix that in with a trip to stingray city or snorkeling and it will make for an awesome day. We opted for an offshore trip and had a GREAT time. "Gunner" is an extremely well-equipped boat with the best tackle money can but (rare for a charter boat) with a top-notch crew that is both knowledgeable enough to impress an experienced angler and very kid-friendly. It is tough to find both.
Joseph  M.
Joseph M. George Town
Take a keen look at the winds and weather. Unusually strong winds of 20 knots prevented us from deep sea fishing, but nonetheless, had a great day of reef fishing with a good variety of fishing options... along with a final pull of a barracuda as we trolled back to harbor.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Take a keen look at the winds and weather. Unusually strong winds of 20 knots prevented us from deep sea fishing, but nonetheless, had a great day of reef fishing with a good variety of fishing options... along with a final pull of a barracuda as we trolled back to harbor.
Hunter  K.
Hunter K. Cayman Islands