Nassau
& Paradise Island the hub for Sportfishing in the Bahamas:
By Capt. Mike Russell
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas is
located on the Island of New Providence. Atlantis’s Paradise
Island is on the north side of Nassau across the harbour.
The location of Nassau and Paradise Island geographically
places them in the center of some of the greatest fishing
grounds in the world.
If there was a perfect destination for deep sea sport fishing
in the Western Hemisphere, Nassau would top the list. While
a few destinations may claim as great a fishing as the Bahamas,
Nassau definitely has the advantage when it comes to amenities
and its accessibility from the U.S.
There are several full service marinas on Nassau and Paradise
Island has the Marina at Atlantis that can accommodate yachts
up to 220 feet. The Marina at Atlantis is a world-class 63
slip marina rivaling the legendary Marina of Monte Carlo.
All the amenities expected of a premier facility can be had
at the Marina at Atlantis including the use of all the services
and features of the Atlantis Resort. Atlantis Resort is a
story all by itself and can be viewed at the following website
http://www.atlantis.com/atlantis_layers800.asp.
There are several well stocked grocery and liquor stores 5
minutes from most of the marinas. A notable well stocked grocery
store City Markets, is run by the Florida based Winn Dixie
Chain in the Harbour Bay Shopping Center on East Bay Street.
Some of the best Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna and Wahoo fishing
can be had with-in a 80 mile radius of Nassau. Located off
the western tip of Nassau is the world famous Tongue of the
Ocean and 20 miles further to the west north west is Morgan’s
Bluff and the legendary Pocket. With a southeasterly wind,
baitfish are pushed into the pocket at the edge of the Great
Bahama Bank creating ideal conditions for big-game fishing.
Where there is food, big ocean predators are not far behind.
This area has, over the years, earned a reputation for big-game
fishing excellence. Chub Cay Club Resort and Marina http://www.chubcay.com/
just north and east of the pocket and 35 miles north west
from Nassau is noted for the many international fishing tournaments
it hosts annually.
Harbour Island and the Dutch Bars are located NNE of Nassau.
The Dutch Bars approximately miles from Nassau is a rise in
the 100 fathom ocean floor formation that extends 0 miles
off the northwestern tip of Eleuthera. Many of the Marlin,
Tuna and Mahi-Mahi migrating north pass along this formation
stalking baitfish, feeding off the nutritionally rich waters
forced to the surface by the upwelling of water from deep
below. The deep water channel between the Dutch Bars and Hole-in-the-wall
on the south tip of Abaco is the passage used by the Marlin,
Tuna and Mahi-Mahi on their way to the Tongue of the Ocean.
The Dutch Bars has become a popular area for live baiting
for Yellow Fin Tuna in recent years. This practice, although
successful with finicky tuna, has created a problem with sharks
in the area. Many of the tuna hooked are eaten before the
angler can get them to the boat. While fishing out of Harbour
Island 2 years ago, I stopped in a flock of working birds
off the Dutch Bars to live bait and before the boat had come
to a stop there where half a dozen or more 8’ to 10’
sharks swimming around us.
Besides the Dutch Bars there are a number of additional sites
in the area that have become fishing favorites. Wide Opening,
Shallow Ground, the Pinnacle, and James Point. All of these
locations exhibit drop-offs and lots of bottom contour, but
the most consistent marlin-producer is James Point, featuring
a ledge plunging over 1,000 feet deep where currents swirl
over a point of land extending from Eleuthera. Clear, blue
water and a wind pushing against the current that creates
a rip over the ledge offer prime conditions for hungry, migrating
Marlin at James Point. Record catches of tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi
and marlin have been caught off these locations. Bone fishing
has also become a popular attraction in Harbour Island and
guides can be arranged by the marina office at both marinas
in Harbour Island.
The village of Dunmore Town on Harbour Island was originally
the capital of the Bahamas before Nassau, but now Harbour
Island offers a quaint island village life with a combination
of locals, transplants and visitors—it's a charming place
where everyone greets and smiles at each other. You'll discover
unsurpassed pink sand beaches, world-class diving, the challenge
of big-time sportfishing, gourmet restaurants and warm hospitality
-- all steeped in the historical setting of the quiet former
capitol of the Bahamas. The My Harbour Island website http://www.myharbourisland.com/index.htm
is very informative for anyone planning a visit to Harbour
Island.
There are two full service marinas on Harbour Island, Harbour
Island Club & Marina and Valentine's are two of the top
marinas in the Bahamian Out Islands.
Harbour Island Club & Marina http://www.harbourislandmarina.com/index.html
is a full service marina with a open-air bar and restaurant
allows you every convenience and comfort on one of the prettiest
island in the Bahamas. The bar and restaurant is located on
a hill over looking the marina and the Bay. The marina has
45 slips, and can accommodate the biggest of yachts.
Valentine's Resort & Marina http://www.valentinesresort.com/
showcases a dazzling array of out-island accommodations and
fun-filled amenities. Their full-service marina has 39 slips
for yachts up to 160 feet and a open-air restaurant and bar.
The latest marina upgrade includes the availability of wireless
internet access from every slip.
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About the author
Captain Mike Russell, manager
of Chubasco Charters, http://www.sportfishing-nassau-bahamas-paradise-island-fishing-charters.com
, a fishing charter company located in Paradise Island, Bahamas,
he owns all the fishing record of the Bahamas.
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