Fishing is a big part of the culture in the Cayman Islands. For visitors, it is a fun activity for families and groups. Cayman Islands fishing provides a lifetime of memories and is a great way to get out on the crystal clear ocean that surrounds the islands.
The Cayman Islands is a self-governed British Overseas Territory located in the Western Caribbean, south of Cuba and northeast of Honduras, consisting of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is the main island where most people live and work and receive the most visitors.
Surrounded by a clear deep ocean, all three islands are great places to fish. However, the biggest and most visited island, Grand Cayman, is where most fishing activity is centered. Grand Cayman has a fleet of modern and well-equipped fishing charter boats and experienced fishing guides. Fishing charters and fishing guides are available for half-day and full-day charters.
Fishing in the Cayman Islands is a fun activity for your family or group while visiting Grand Cayman. Regardless of your fishing experience or skill, there is a fishing charter that will provide you and your group a great day on the water, an exciting experience, and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether deep-sea, reef, or fishing from shore with an experienced guide, you’re sure to create lasting memories.
Anglers in search of big game fish like wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, barracuda, or marlin will enjoy a full-day or half-day of deep-sea fishing in Grand Cayman. Unlike other places where the boat has to travel for hours to reach prime fishing grounds, On Grand Cayman, your lines will be in the water in just 15 minutes from the dock, and you can easily find big game fish just a quarter-mile from shore. As a result, you spend more time fishing. Less seasoned anglers will get more enjoyment without the long boat ride out and back to distant fishing grounds. If your group is up for a full day, consider heading out to 12-Mile Bank, a submerged mountain top that attracts loads of fish. Trolling with heavy tackle is the primary technique, but many prefer to “drift” for yellowfin tuna.
If deep-sea fishing is not suitable for your group, try reef fishing. The Cayman Islands are surrounded by many healthy reefs that offer good fishing year-round. Reef or bottom fishing is a fun activity for the whole family while on Grand Cayman. Easier for all ages than deep-sea fishing, expect to reel in yellowtail, snapper, blue runner, jacks, and even barracuda. Reef fishing tends to be more interactive than deep water trolling. Less experienced anglers will enjoy reef fishing with lighter tackle and basic techniques like “jigging” or “dropping.” Because the reefs are so close, even a half-day charters for reef fishing leaves time for a quick stop at Stingray City Sandbar or a shallow reef for snorkeling. Be aware, recent changes in the protected Marine Parks boundaries have reduced some of the areas for reef fishing. It is best to check with the charter captains before heading out.
Perhaps fishing from shore is better suited for you or your group. You can fish from the coastline, docks, beaches, or flats without ever stepping foot on a boat. Techniques include using a hand-line, spin casting, or fly casting. Species include Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, and more.
For the simple thrill of catching a fish or watching a toddler get their first catch head to a dock, canal, or the coastline to drop a line. You are likely to catch one of many small reef fish. Be sure to check the Cayman Islands Department of Environment Marine Parks Brochure for areas that allow fishing from shore. There is no fishing on Seven Mile Beach as it is a Marine Reserve. Remember, visitors are not allowed to keep the fish they catch from shore, it is strictly “catch and release.” For more information check out the DOE site fishing rules reminder. This type of fishing is best for very young children as it is not likely to yield any significant catch.
More exciting shore fishing is from the flats around Barkers and Rum Point, Here you can spin cast, or fly fish to target tarpon, bonefish, and jacks. To improve your odds of catching and an overall cool experience hire a guide.
Regardless of age or skill, fishing on Grand Cayman has something for everybody. Fishing is a fun activity for your family or group while visiting Grand Cayman. Fishing charters and fishing guides are experienced and well equipped. They can provide great experiences and memories regardless of fishing experience.
