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On the Water

Fishing
Fishing is more than just a popular activity, it’s a national obsession. Prize tournaments (see below) draw locals and visitors for a chance at top dollar and the opportunity to show off trophy fish. Catch-and-release is encouraged by local captains and applies to all catches that will not be eaten and all billfish that aren’t record contenders. Fly-fishing continues to grow in popularity in these islands. Fly-fishermen should bring all their equipment, however, as guides and charters do not supply saltwater fly rods.

What does all this cost? Prices vary with operator, but here’s an idea of what this outdoor adventure will run.

FISHING ADVENTURE COSTS

Deep-sea charters, full day $450-$1,000
Offshore charters, half-day $325-$650
Bone, tarpon & reef fishing, full day $300-$600
(max. 4 anglers, $50 for each add’l person)
Bone, tarpon & reef fishing, half-day $200-$400
(max. 4 anglers, $50 for each add’l person)
Bonefishing guide, half-day (2 anglers) $250
Tipping is traditional. 

Fishing opportunities found in these islands include:

Shore Fishing
BONEFISH: These three- to eight-pound fish are found in shallow flats and afford any angler a good fight. On Grand Cayman, good bonefishing can be found in the North Sound, South Sound, and Frank Sound areas as well as the coastal flats of South Hole Sound Lagoon. Another hotspot is off Little Cayman and on the southwest coast of Cayman Brac in the shallows. These fish can often be seen mudding in the shallow areas. Bonefish can be caught all day through, although your success rate depends on many factors, such as weather and tides. Bonefish are on the catch-and-release system.

TARPON: Tarpon up to eight pounds (and up to 15 pounds on Little Cayman), are found on Grand Cayman’s North Sound and in Tarpon Pond, a landlocked, mangrove-shaded pond on Little Cayman. Tarpon are also caught above the mosquito-control dykes on Grand Cayman. These fish average three to four pounds. To locate the canals, ask a local resident (and bring along insect repellent - they don’t call these mosquito-control dykes for nothing!). Light tackle and saltwater fly rods are preferred for catching these fighting fish. Tarpon are caught on a catch-and-release system.

PERMIT: Weighing up to 35 pounds, permit are caught on light tackle in shallow waters. A good fighter, the permit is a cousin of the common pompano, the permit has a jack-shaped body and is found over sandy bottoms.

COMMON POMPANO: Much smaller than the permit, the common pompano averages about eight pounds and is found in schools along Seven Mile Beach as well as on the North Sound side of Barkers. They are caught by the use of bait or artificial lures.

BARRACUDA: This toothy species strikes spoons and can also be caught by fly-fishermen. A good fighter with a strong runs and frequent jumps, the fish is usually found just below the surface.

WARNING: Barracuda should not be eaten because of ciguatera or tropical fish poisoning. Barracuda consume fish that have dined on algae containing microorganisms that produce toxic substances. The toxin is found in the barracuda and can be deadly.

Reef Fishing
The many miles of reefs that surround these islands provide a playground for fishermen in search of light tackle action. After chumming to attract the fish, a variety of species can be sought, usually with live bait, such as squid and conch.

GROUPER: The grouper is the largest family of saltwater fish and makes an excellent meal. The Nassau grouper, with mottled coloring, is the most popular in these waters and is usually under three feet in size.

ACK CREVALLE: A tireless fighter, this jack averages five to eight pounds and is often found in large schools.

MUTTON SNAPPER: Another good dining choice, the mutton snapper is brightly colored and has a black spot on each side of its body. Running five to 10 pounds, this fish is often caught with bucktails and plugs.

YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER: This snapper is sought for its tireless fighting, as well as for its tasty flesh. Usually weighing one to one and a half pounds, the fish is often taken while drift fishing near the reef after chumming.

Deep-sea Fishing
Charters seek gamefish, including blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dolphin (dorado) and barracuda, all caught year-round. Strikes occur as close as a quarter-mile from land at the point where the turquoise waters drop into inky darkness and deep water begins. Taking out a charter boat is not an inexpensive proposition, but for many visitors it’s the highlight of their trip. The cost of a half-day charter begins at about US $400 and may run as high as $1,000 for a full-day excursion with state-of-the art equipment and tackle.

BLUE MARLIN: This top gamefish is often caught on light tackle while trolling the deep water around the islands. It is a fighter, a favorite with deep-sea fishermen, and can be caught both on artificial lures and with whole bait fish. Blue marlin here don’t reach the proportions of those found off some islands (they average 200 pounds or less in the Cayman Islands), but they are caught year-round.

EARTH WATCH: The government of the Cayman Islands encourages the catch and release of the blue marlin to help maintain numbers in these waters. The government offers free citations to anglers who release their marlin; a request form can be obtained from the boat’s captain or the charter boat booking office. Also, captains can point anglers to local taxidermists that make trophy mounts for released fish based on their estimated size.

DOLPHIN: Not the mammal. This gamefish is noted for its heavy “forehead” and high speed. At 10 to 15 pound each, the blue and yellow dolphin are found near floating debris or patches of seaweed. Drawn to feathers and spoons, the fish also likes bait such as flying fish (its favorite diet), squid, and mullet. Summer is the best time for landing dolphin.

YELLOWFIN TUNA: Summer months especially bring this fighting fish to Cayman anglers. Averaging 30 to 40 pounds, the yellowfin is a powerful swimmer. It is usually caught on heavy line (its size can run much larger than average). The yellowfin is highly sought after and is commonly voted the best tuna for eating. Yellowfin tuna usually are caught during the spring.

BLACKFIN TUNA: This tuna is often caught while drift fishing and is an excellent fighter. Weighing six to eight pounds, the blavkfin is a good eating fish.

SKIPJACK TUNA: This tuna is sometimes caught when trolling for larger tuna. It averages 12 to 15 pounds.

WAHOO: Considered one of the best gamefish because of its fighting ability, the wahoo can obtain a speed of up to 50 mph. This deepwater fish is good for eating, and is a member of the mackerel family. Fish for wahoo from November through March.

Fishing Tournaments
Fishing tournaments are major events in these islands. The largest is the Million Dollar Month, held in June. This month-long event attracts anglers from around the world who come to test their skills. The tournament takes place at The Links at SafeHaven. Registration is $200 plus boat charter expenses and is open to amateur and professional anglers. Boat/group registration fees are US $1,000. See Festivals, page 32, for details on the prizes and contacts.

The Cayman Islands Angling Club and the Rotary Club also sponsor local fishing tournaments for both residents and visitors. The CI Angling Club holds tournaments in February, March, May, at the end of August and in November.

For information, call Donna Sjostrom at (345) 949-7099 or fax (345) 949-6819. The Rotary Club hosts its tournament in September; for details (345) 949-5544.

The best source of information about fishing in the Cayman Islands is a 30-page guide published by the Department of Tourism. For a copy of the Cayman Islands Fishing Guide, (345) 949-0623 or stop by the tourist office while in George Town. If you’d like to meet other anglers, call about attending a meeting of the Cayman Islands Angling Club ( 345-949-7099); they welcome visitors. Another good way to “talk fish” is to stop in at the Flying Bridge Bar at the Indies Suites ( 345-945-5025). Tournament fishermen Ronnie and Bunnie Foster hear plenty of tall tales here. You might also consider attending a meeting of the Cayman Islands Angling Club (Box 30280 SMB).

Fishing Operators
The following booking agencies represent independent Caymanian captains who can arrange charter excursions and fishing off the Cayman coasts:

Sailing
Sailing excursions are another popular way to enjoy the islands. Charters, sunset cruises, booze cruises, rollicking “pirate” cruises, and more are offered to entertain vacationers, especially on Grand Cayman. Do it yourselfers will find plenty of smaller watercraft: ocean kayaks, Sunfish, Hobie cats, waverunners, and more on Grand Cayman. Sailors can contact the Grand Cayman Sailing Club (Box 30513 SMB, Grand Cayman, BWI; 345-945-4383 or 947-7913) for more information on sailing programs.
Rental prices vary by location, but expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $100 an hour, depending on type of vessel. Catamaran rentals run about $35-$40 per hour.

BOAT RENTALS

Sailboats are available from these watersports operators on Grand Cayman:

Aqua Delights (345) 945-4786
Cayman Windsurf (345) 947-7492
Crosby Ebanks C&G Watersports (345) 945-4049
Don Foster’s Watersports (800) 83-DIVER

Catamaran rentals also available from the following:

Red Sail Sports (800) 255-6425
Tourist Information & Services (345) 949-6598

Yachting
Unlike other Caribbean islands, such as St. Martin, Antigua, and the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands do not offer bareboat charters or crewed yachts available. In fact, the islands have only limited yachting facilities. The Cayman Islands Yacht Club (P.O. Box 30985, SMB, Grand Cayman, BWI; 345-945-4322, fax 345-4432) has 152 slips. It offers berthing facilities, fuel, electricity, and water hook-ups for craft up to 70 feet. No laundry, store, restaurant, or other amenities are available at this North Sound marina. The Harbour House Boatyard and Marina (P.O. Box 850 GT, Grand Cayman, BWI; 345-947-1307, fax 947-6093) provides dockage, a small boat slipway, small and large boat storage, and more. This is a working dockyard. The marina is located on Marina Drive at Prospect Park.

Sailors can contact the Grand Cayman Sailing Club (Box 30513 SMB, Grand Cayman, BWI; 345-945-4383 or 947-7913) for more information on sailing programs.

Windsurfing
Windsurfing operators are found on Seven Mile Beach and on Grand Cayman’s East End, the top choice for serious windsurfing aficionados. There are two dedicated windsurfing operators in Grand Cayman. Cayman Windsurf, on the East End at Morritt’s Tortuga Club and on Seven Mile Beach at SafeHaven, is a BiC Center; beginners are welcome. Sailboards Caribbean, on Seven Mile Beach, is a Mistral certified school.

WATERSPORTS ADVENTURE COSTS
The following represent average prices for watersports activities (in US dollars):

Windsurfing rentals, per hour $20-$30
Wave Runner rentals, per half-hour $35-$60
Sailboat rentals, per hour $20-$30
Ocean kayak rentals, per hour $15-$22
Catamaran rentals, per hour $35
Banana boat rentals, per hour $35
Glass-bottom boat ride, per trip $22-$33
Dinner cruises $45-$68
Day sail cruise $35-$100
The East End is a top windsurfing area because of its stronger winds. Tradewinds of 15 to 25 knots blow during the winter months, dropping to 10 to 15 knots in the summer.
Windsurfing Rentals

Cayman Windsurf (345) 947-7492
Don Foster’s Watersports (800) 83-DIVER
Red Sail Sports (800) 255-6425
Sailboards Caribbean (345) 949-1068
Tourist Information & Services (345) 949-6598

Sunset Cruises
Fortunately, you don’t have to do all the work on your vacation. Let someone else man the helm and just relax for awhile aboard a sunset cruise. It’s a great chance to watch for the “green flash,” that peculiar meteorological phenomenon that occurs when the sun falls from a cloudless sky into a calm sea. Watch the horizon as soon as the sun begins to touch the sea and continue to watch for a momentary green flash, one that’s often sought but rarely seen.

Sunset & Dinner Cruise Operators

Aqua Delights (345) 945-4786
Bayside Watersports (345) 949-1750
Beach Club Watersports (800) 482-3483
Black Princess Charters (345) 949-0400
Bob Soto’s Diving Ltd. (800) 262-7686
Cayman Delight Cruises (345) 949-8111
Crosby Ebanks C & G Watersports (345) 945-4049
Don Foster’s (Subsee) Ltd. (800) SHOREX-1
Kirk Sea Tours, Ltd. (345) 949-6986
Ocean Safari (345) 945-1611
Oh Boy Charters (345) 949-6341
Peacemaker Charters (345) 916-2478
Red Sail Sports (800) 255-6425
Scuba Sensations (800) 767-0445
Southern Comfort, Cayman Brac (345) 948-1314
Tourist Information & Services (345) 949-6598
Wet ‘n’ Wild Watersports (345) 949-9180

Water Toys
You’ll find plenty of tame water fun in the islands as well, especially at the major resort centers. Waverunners, aqua trikes, viewboards, Sunsearcher floats, banana boat rides, paddle cats, paddleboats, and toys for kids of all ages are available to rent. Look for this fun along Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, and, to a much more limited extent, at Brac Reef Beach Resort on Cayman Brac, and at Little Cayman Beach Resort on Little Cayman.