Your Guide to Recreational Fishing in Bermuda

The stunning archipelago of Bermuda is a perfect destination for fishing enthusiasts because it sits directly in the path of nutrient-rich oceanic currents that create the ideal breeding grounds for big species like blue marlin, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna on their migratory paths. These consistently warm waters make for year-round fishing opportunities, with peak seasons offering some of the most astounding angling experiences imaginable.

Whether you’re seeking the heart-pounding thrill of battling massive marlin in the deep sea or enjoying a peaceful morning casting from the rocky shoreline, fishing in Bermuda caters to every skill level and preference, transforming fishing from a simple pastime to an unforgettable adventure.

Deep Sea Fishing: Catching the Big One

May through October/November – when the seas are calmest – is prime season for deep sea fishing in Bermuda. Plenty of charters offer half-day, three-quarter-day, and full-day excursions depending on how long of an adventure you’re seeking and what sort of fish you’re angling to catch.

If you’re heading out into deep water, then you’re looking for the big fish. When it comes to blue marlin, the best time to head out is June through August, and Hakuna Matata Charters offers specialty trips just for fishing for blue marlin. 

You can fish for wahoo starting in April all the way through November, but their peak season is June through August. Mahi-mahi tends to bite the best in the late summer into fall, from September to November. And you can’t forget all the tuna out there: Blackfin and yellowfin tend to peak in June to August, while bluefin tend to be more active in the winter months.

You’ll need to book your deep sea fishing charters in advance and be ready for an early morning – most charters launch at 6 or 7 am to get in a full day. Luckily, popular Bermuda fishing charters like Atlantic Spray Charters and Sea Wolfe Sportfishing offer rods and other standard tackle to ensure you’re ready to reel in some truly big ones.

Joining a tournament ups the stakes on a deep sea fishing trip, and the Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship is a big-time competition. Encompassing three billfish tournaments across a total of nine days every July, the Triple Crown lets teams earn points toward winning some impressive purses while angling for billfish like marlin, sailfish, and spearfish.

Inshore Fishing: Shorter Trips but Great Variety

Summer also tends to be good for reef fishing and inshore fishing in Bermuda, typically ramping up in May and running through September/October. Notable catches include barracuda, bonefish, and triggerfish. Even for year-round opportunities like amberjack, almaco jack, and all the Bermuda snappers like yellowtail, pink, grey, and lane (or “whitewater” snapper, as it’s locally known), the fish tend to be even more plentiful in the summer months.

Because you won’t be heading out as far as you would for deep sea fishing, most charters for reef and bay fishing are half-day excursions, like with Baxter’s Reef Fishing and Attitude Adjustment Charters – meaning you get to sleep in a little that morning compared to a deep sea run. Early Bird Charters does half-day and full-day charters, both of which can be good for reef fishing.

Harbour and reef fishing are overall better bets for beginners and families since they’re shorter trips with less intense fights to reel in a good catch, but you can still get some great photos and stories to tell. Again, be sure to book in advance so you can easily climb aboard once you’re here for your holiday.

Rock Fishing: A Local Favourite

For the land-lubbers and folks who don’t feel like being out on the water for extended stretches of time, shoreline fishing in Bermuda is also top-notch. Rock fishing can bring in some great catches year-round, including grunts, grey snapper, yellowtail snapper, and Bermuda chub. If you’re angling for bonefish specifically, then the warmer months of April to October are the best time to catch them amongst the flats.

On the island’s East End, Flatt’s Inlet is a popular spot for shore fishing, with two public docks and a bridge beside picturesque Flatt’s Village for easy access and a great view of the sea life. At Flatt’s Inlet, try for bonefish in particular. If you’re staying at the Pompano Beach Club, look for Bermuda chub off the resort’s waterfront. 

For a tranquil fishing experience, head to Admiralty House Park, which offers a secluded beach sheltered by limestone cliffs. (If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go cliff jumping here.) An even quieter fishing oasis is Harrington Sound Park. You’ll need to traverse over the rocks on the way to this spot, but it’s definitely worth the hike. 

Pack a good travelling rod if you want to try fishing from shore – you may not be able to rent equipment for rock fishing – and don’t forget to also pack some reef-safe shoes and plenty of your favourite reef safe sunscreen. While you’re in Bermuda, you’ll also need to stock up on bait (we recommend shrimp, squid, and sardines) and a bucket for your catch. For bait, try C-Mart on North Shore Road in Hamilton. 

Catch & Cook: Sea to Table, Bermuda-Style

Freshly caught dinner is truly the best, and while Bermuda’s seafood is nothing short of divine, there’s something extra-special about saying you caught your own dinner. Thankfully, you can take advantage of opportunities to cook your catch when you get back from your fishing excursion.

Charters like Paradise One proudly let their clients keep their catch to bring to a local restaurant like Lost In The Triangle for a truly “sea-to-table” experience. We’d also recommend asking your charter captain if they have any arrangements with local restaurants who could cook your catch, or you can ask your hotel or resort if their chef would be willing to prepare your fresh catch.

Fishing Regulations to Remember

We all must do our part to maintain paradise, so make sure you remember to follow Bermuda’s fishing regulations. For one, any vessel can’t have more than five hooks in the water at a time, so be mindful when on a group charter. You also are restricted from fishing within a specified radius of any buoys around popular dive sites.

Many species have minimum sizes to protect juvenile fish, including 25 cm (10 inches) for lane snapper and 114 kg (250 lbs) for blue marlin. Your charter boat should have a ruler and a scale on board to be sure you’re keeping catches within the legal limits, but also check the Government of Bermuda’s fishing restrictions list to stay up-to-date.

Bermuda also has specific protected fish that you’re not allowed to catch, including parrotfish and various grouper like Nassau grouper, red grouper, or yellowfin grouper. The fines can be stiff, so be sure to listen to your charter captain about what you can and can’t keep.

Dream Fish & Fish Tales Await 

Whether you’re trying the sport for the first time or a seasoned tournament pro, fishing in Bermuda is a spectacular experience everyone can enjoy. When looking at the variety of Bermuda fishing excursions, be sure to choose one that fits your comfort level (and again, book ahead).

Local guides can also offer great tips on where the different fish are during a given season, so be sure to ask around. Chances are, you’ll come away with some terrific fish tales to share.