Grand Cayman Fishing – Report for Monday, January 24, 2023. Ben, visiting from Toronto, joined Captain Andrew from Y-Knot Charters aboard Knotty for a 6- hour deep-sea fishing charter. They headed out to Grand Cayman‘ Twelve-Mile Bank. It was a beautiful day for the ride to the Bank. The morning’s fishing started slowly. After some passes trolling around the Bank, Captain Andrew set a drift to chunk for yellowfin tuna. After a short time, the action started. First, a triggerfish. Then the real action started. It was Tuna Time! The first was a yellowfin was 30lbs+. Shortly after, the next yellowfin was 40lbs+. Unforgettable Grand Cayman Fishing adventure.
Captain Andrew cleaned and filleted the big fish and packed some for Ben to cook. “It was one of the best meals I have had in a long time.”
The yellowfin Tuna fishing at Twelve-Mile Bank has been very good for a few weeks. Boats have been reporting multiple catch trips with fish in the 30-60lbs range. Let’s hope the fish hang around for a while. The weather for Thursday looks good, with the wind settling a bit. I am sure there will be many anglers at the bank tomorrow and weekend.
Targeting yellowfin tuna at Twelve-Mile Bank is a favorite for Grand Cayman anglers. The local technique includes checking the direction of the current. Start in 1500′-1800′ depth. Set the boat to drift, matching the current, toward the bank. Chum the water with bait (blackfin, barracuda or sprats). Bait your hook, set the rod in a holder, and pull your line off the reel, so your bait floats with the chum.
When you hook up a tuna, lock up the drag and begin your fight. A fighting belt or Cush-It is a big help. Be calm and patient as you fight the fish. If you’re too aggressive, the fish can easily break off, Keep the line tight and enjoy the battle. As the fish shows its colors by the boat, your fishing buddy will need to gaff the beast and pull it into the boat.
