fishing in Dec/january

[mrchileman]

Our trip after Christmas and into the second week of January will be our first to Abaco. We hope to spend a fair amount of time fishing. We are seeking input into what we should bring in terms of tackle. I know there are various options: flats, in-shore, off-shore, etc. Considering that I don't want to bring more than I need what would be a good all around rod and reel combo (no flyfishing)? Weight and length and line test? What other tackle is best gotten state-side? I have a medium weight 7' graphite rod and decent spinning reel. What is likely to be my prey? Seeking some inside scoop from the locals and not wanting to buy a bunch of new stuff if not necessary. I do however want to be ready to reel when I get there! mrchileman

[R]

Good day,
A spinning rig with 8# to 10# line will work well for Bonefish, as well as Snappers, Grunts, Turbot and the like. Small jigs work if you like lure fishing.
For bait fishing size 1-4 hooks, and some assorted split shot is all you need for the species above. Conch works well as bait for all of the above fish, or strips of small fish for reef fish.
For Grouper you need a heavy rod/reel combo with 20# or stronger line. You can use small reef fish for bait, and 1/0 to 6/0 hooks, depending on the size of fish you get into. It will take heavy weights to get down for Grouper.
Offshore fishing is hit and miss in the winter, but Tuna, and Wahoo are around if the weather cooperates and you can find them.
Hope I have been of some help, let me know if I can give you any further info.

Regards,
R.

[DrRalph]

I have an article "Fishing in Abaco;" if you would like it, send me an email.

[SamFamAustin]

If you have a favorite rod or two I'd suggest a hard case for checking in through the airlines. Most packing tubes (hard plastic, not carboard) require rods that have a joint in them - most tubes are only 4-5 feet. Use some old socks to protect them from rubbing and banging. The reels can go right in with your clothes. Dr. Ralph can help explain is these have to be declared upon entry or not - in Mexico they do. He knows the scoop.

When you hit the Abacos the first thing is to scope out a local bait stand, where you'll find pointers such as about line, sinkers, artificials, and hooks (I always use a 2/0 hook) as well as what's hitting. I wouldn't pack a lot unless you really like PowerPro or a special fluorocarbon line which can be difficult to obtain. You might need a bunch for snagging the corral heads. For surf and reef fishing I use a "mooching" rig with a slip sinker and then about 2-4 feet of fluorocarbon leader on 2/0 hooks. For fly fishing you're in paradise but that's way-way over my head!

So do buy some local frozen or fresh bait like conch but before coming over do get some SABIKI bait rigs. These are very small lures (8 on a string) that can catch small perch and othe tasties that can be re-hooked live. SABIKI: it's all over the Internet and is quite the rage these days. Some folks have SABIKI contests instead of catching big fish (caution, those hooks are small & razor sharp - keep away from ears and outboard fuel lines).

My bother Matt got his best rig ever by a firm in the Bahamas that makes pro rods, using an octagon instead of round diameter design that is quite light & responsive. I'll check with Matt but the firm is world reknown. The locals would love the business. I can't wait to get over there in March but let me tell you, even if you had a kiddie Zebco you'd have a blast. I'd pack a light and a medium rod as a good measure though. Walk 30 feet and cast?

Have fun.

Sam Wells
Leander, Texas

[big fish]

Along with the options offered before me, I would add that you could go offshore for BIGGER fish. You might try and hire a local fisherman to take you trolling. You might find Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, Barracuda, or perhaps even Dolphin or Marlin if the weather cooperates. There are some real monsters in these waters that could make your trip a very memorable one. Good luck!
Bruce

[Rock Steady]

You might consider taking two spools of line, one w/ the lighter 8#-10# and another w/ 17#-20#. That way you have choices. Most reliable reel manufacturers offer additional spools that are inexpensive.
I'd also suggest two 25 yd. fluorocarbon leader spools of different weight classes for the line you are using.
As for lures etc. the options are many. You may find, as I have that Rapala countdowns are good choices in fluorescent orange and gold or blue/silver scrapping the trebles and replacing w/ single hooks. These are fun to put out as you're just out cruising from cay to cay on the inside.
Hiring a local guide is a sure way to learn some of the proven methods of catching and well worth the investment.

[the rev]

A Bahamas wide-wide ban on Grouper fishing will begin DEC. 16 and run through FEB 16.Stiff fines and penalties.

[SamFamAustin]

Good point about grouper being closed - the casual tourist might not know the rules but all the fishing guides would. Whenever I fish a new area I always go with a guide service first - many will have an economical half-day plan. As to offshore, which is my favorite (grilled wahoo sandwich, anyone?), leave the pole at home and let the experts let you tear up their gear. My second favorite fish dish was a common Triggerfish caught on light gear over the reefs - and a heck of a good fight! -Sam

[mrchileman]

I appreciate all the good advice, especially the hands on variety about tackle to be brought. We will be looking for a good half day guide service. Keep it coming! Unrelated point but of some importance -- what's the wine selection in the Abacos? Horrific prices, bad selection or could I be wrong? Is there a local rum?

[jeff&carin]

nassau grouper is the only grouper being protected in the upcoming closed season

[bellavista]

Bristol's in Marsh harbour has a surprisingly good selection. Some prices for non US wines pretty good. Found some high end wines from Italy that were cheaper than US.

[Mark Dougherty]

Drop me a line (pun) and depending on where you end up staying I can help with guides. I have fished Abaco more than a few times and I would be happy to help.

Tight Lines

[SamFamAustin]

Well, sounds like fun except if you catch a Nassau Grouper you have to throw back in Davie Jone's locker. I have difficulty telling one grouper from another, though. In pictures the Nassau apears to be brown with some blotchy lighter spots, a pretty jazzy fish. The little devils can change coloration, so maybe that Mark & a guide can help. Never cause one myself, as they are rare outside the Bahamas.

As to rum, well, my folks on MOW don't stock much wine or beer because of the wonderful local rum and all the fresh fruit juices. Until the sun went over the yardarm I was thirsting for beer but was doing all this exercise and fruit juice. It felt wonderful. A few good rum punches and I was in the cat's cradle, exhausted from so much fun. You're in rumbago country, my friend! -Sam

[big fish]

Actually Nassau Groupers are relatively easy to identify. Most of them have a dark (almost black) patch on the top of their tail just in front of the tail fin itself. They rather resemble a red grouper otherwise, having kind of a mottled reddish brown marbled look. If it has a more greenish tint it is probably a Jewfish (Goliath Grouper). Actually Nassau Groupers are protected always in Florida. I have thrown back some nice ones. Tight lines--------------<")))))))><
Bruce

[DrRalph]

Here's one; typically they are brownish red with white saddles.

[SamFamAustin]

Wow, that picture is incredible. As a non-Abaco person and very occasional visitor, my folks on MOW have said something about not eating the larger reef fish because they can have some kind of reef poisoning - could y'all educate us here once again? For example, earlier I mentioned that trigger fish were prime eating, but maybe the big ones should be avoided when on the Abacos? By the way, thanks to all for the Nassau Grouper ID hints. I'm more familar with the red, scamp, gag, and the little strawberry groupers. And, err, I'm a pro at the latter, sorry to say. -Sam, Sam the Barbasol Man

[DrRalph]

You are referring to "fish poisoning" or ciguatera. You can get the whole story at The Ciguatera Home Page http://www.rehablink.com/ciguatera/ (http://www.rehablink.com/ciguatera/).

Two years ago I spent some time talking to local people and doing a little research, and I came up with ten cases from the Abaco area that sounded like bona fide ciguatera. One was a lady physician from the Chesapeake area who was still having significant symptoms a year later.

Most authorities recommend you don't eat larger barracuda, amberjack, and grouper; other larger species have been occasionally implicated.

If history repeats, we will now see a slew of posts by locals who have been eating barracuda all their lives and have never had nor heard of anyone else who has had a problem. The risk is indeed low, but it's still probably prudent to follow the recommendations.

Take a few moments and wade through those articles.

[Cut-Throat]

Do fish markets sell any of these 'larger' fish that could be a problem?