Deep Sea Fishing in the Cayman Islands
Your guide to deep sea fishing in the Cayman Islands: learn about what to fish for and when to go, find deep sea fishing charters.
The joy of deep sea fishing in Cayman is that the drop off is only a quarter of a mile from shore where depths reach 800m. Not far after that, the Cayman Trench extends down to 20,000 feet where the sea is teeming with fish life. With depths this close to shore, you’ll spend more time fishing and less hours getting to and from fishing grounds!
Venture Out with a Fishing Charter
Going further offshore and fishing in deeper waters means you’ll have a greater chance of catching sport fish. Expect to catch wahoo, tuna, mahi mahi (also called dolphin, locally), barracuda and if you are lucky, blue marlin. The heaviest fish ever caught in Cayman waters was a 250lb blue marlin! Wahoo season runs from November to March and tuna from March to June. Marlin and mahi mahi are plentiful throughout the year, eager fishermen will be happy to note!
Catch and Release
Respect local regulations and practise catch-and-release for certain species. Conservation efforts help maintain healthy fish populations for future generations. Juvenile gamefish should always be returned to the ocean quickly and humanely.
If you are booking a fishing trip through a charter company, make sure you choose one that caters to your abilities to guarantee an enjoyable and well-spent day. Fishing trips tend to leave early, around 7am, and some tour operators will serve lunch on board. Most tour operators offer half-day and full-day excursions. Please see our page on Fishing Trips & Charters for more information on what to expect from your deep sea fishing trip!
Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Tackle
Click for more information on fishing in the Cayman Islands, from the Angling Club
Without the right equipment, you’re likely setting yourself up for a loss on your deep sea fishing trip! While a catch is never guaranteed when fishing, using the right bait and tackle increase your chances of reeling in that trophy catch.
There are many different types of fishing rods, suited to different styles of deep sea fishing, so research your options to ensure you have chosen the right fit for the kind of fishing you intend on doing. But don't worry, if you're going out on a charter they will be able to supply you with the correct equipment and sound advice.
Divers Supply
Divers Supply has everything you need for a safe and well-organised day on the day on the ocean, including water bottles, sunscreen, headgear and other apparel.
Bait
As with gear, the type of bait you use when fishing can vary too! Depending on the type of fish you are hoping to catch, you may consider a range of bait options – from lipless crankbaits to rattle baits. To gain some insight on which option works best for deep sea fishing in Cayman, speak to a professional at any of the marine supply stores on island, or better still, book a fishing charter and defer to the expert advice of the crew.
Where to find bait
As fishing is a popular pursuit in Cayman and even part of the culture and national identity, bait is available in large varieties and quantities at supermarkets. If they are closed, for example on Sundays, most gas stations have frozen bait too. Tight lines!
Kirk Marine
Kirk Marine provides expert fishing advice and determines what equipment will work best for your next fishing trip. Gear up with rods, reels, lines and more.