Crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life make Grand Cayman a dream destination for fishing enthusiasts and family fun. Whether you’re an experienced angler chasing big game fish or looking for a memorable family experience, this paradise has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to Grand Cayman’s top fishing spots.
Grand Cayman offers the chance to land prized pelagic species. Anglers can target wahoo, yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, marlin, mahi, and barracuda. The most productive techniques are trolling and “drifting and chunking”
12-Mile Bank is the premier fishing spot in Grand Cayman. A prominent underwater seamount roughly 12 miles northwest of George Town Harbour. From the Cayman Islands Yacht Club (CIYC), docks plan on a 45-minute ride. Therefore, plan a 6 or 8-hour charter. This fishing hotspot stretches over several miles, with the top of the bank around 80-100 feet deep, while the surrounding waters plunge rapidly to depths exceeding 3,000 feet. The steep drop-offs around the bank create strong currents that attract pelagic species, including Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, and Marlin. The combination of its size, depth, and nutrient-rich waters makes 12-Mile Bank one of the best locations for deep-sea fishing around the Cayman Islands. Productive techniques include trolling or “drifting and chunking”.
The stretch from the Main Channel of North Sound to Northwest Point is a top deep-sea fishing location in Grand Cayman, famous for its deep drop-offs just a short 15-minute trip from CIYC docks. The proximity and the dramatic underwater cliffs create ideal conditions for attracting big game fish. Here you will target a variety of sought-after pelagic species like Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, and Tuna. Northwest Point offers some of the best deep-sea fishing experiences around Grand Cayman. Trolling the edge of the ledge is the most common technique,
The East End’s rugged beauty, less-traveled waters, and rich marine life make for great fishing. This area is famous for its deeper offshore waters, where the ocean floor drops off quickly, creating an ideal environment for pelagic species. The downside for many is the distance you have to travel. You can motor there in just one hour or troll along the way. Lines can be in the water in just 20 minutes. Anglers can expect to target big game fish such as Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, and Barracuda.
Deep Sea Fishing Around Grand Cayman’s Newest FAD off Northwest Point
Grand Cayman’s newest Fish Attraction Device (FAD), located off Northwest Point, has quickly become a favorite spot for deep-sea anglers. This strategically placed FAD draws in a variety of pelagic species, creating a feeding hotspot for big game fish like Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, and even Blue Marlin. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing without venturing far from Grand Cayman’s coast. The location of the FAD also makes it easy to get to if you are fishing Northwest Point or going to or heading back from 12-Mile Bank. It’s an especially good location for mahi.
UPDATE- A November 2024 damage the FAD. It’s status is undetermined.
The stretch of water between Rum Point, Grape Tree Point, and Old Man Bay offers some excellent deep-sea fishing The protected bays offer calmer conditions making this section of the island a versatile and rewarding spot for anglers. Whether trolling the wall for Wahoo or drifting around the points for Yellowfin, this section can be very productive. Exiting Grand Cayman’s North Sound from the Main Channel or Rum Point Channel to head to this area and troll along the way is typical.
