Top 5 Fishing Spots in The Exumas
The Exumas: Crystal-Clear Water and World-Class Fishing
The Exuma island chain stretches over 100 miles through the central Bahamas, encompassing 365 cays surrounded by some of the clearest water in the world. The fishing here ranges from sight-casting to bonefish on white-sand flats to trolling deep channels for wahoo and mahi mahi. George Town on Great Exuma is the hub, but the best fishing is often found among the remote cays to the north.
1. Elizabeth Harbour Flats
The protected flats inside Elizabeth Harbour near George Town offer excellent bonefishing in gin-clear water. The sandy bottom makes spotting fish easy, even for beginners. Bonefish here average 3-5 pounds with occasional fish exceeding 8 pounds. Wade or fish from a skiff — both approaches are productive. Best on incoming tides from October through May.
2. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
This protected marine park north of Great Exuma features pristine reef systems teeming with marine life. While fishing regulations inside the park are strict (catch-and-release only, no spearfishing), the reefs just outside the park boundaries hold exceptional numbers of snapper, grouper, and barracuda. The protected waters serve as a nursery that stocks the surrounding fishing grounds.
3. Stocking Island Reef
Just across the harbour from George Town, Stocking Island's outer reef drops into deep blue water where the fishing transitions from reef species to pelagics. The dropoff attracts wahoo, mahi mahi, and yellowfin tuna, while the reef itself holds yellowtail snapper and Nassau grouper. The proximity to George Town makes this accessible for half-day trips.
4. Brigantine Cays Flats
South of Great Exuma, the Brigantine Cays feature remote, unpressured flats that are among the most beautiful in the Bahamas. The water clarity here is extraordinary — you can spot bonefish and permit at distances of 100 feet or more. This is premium sight-fishing territory that rewards patient anglers with quality fish in a stunning setting.
5. The Exuma Sound Deep Channel
The deep channel running along the eastern side of the Exuma chain drops to over 6,000 feet and serves as a highway for migrating pelagics. Trolling the edges of this channel produces wahoo, mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, and the occasional blue marlin. The calm waters on the western side of the chain make for comfortable fishing even when the Atlantic is rough.
The Exumas reward anglers who appreciate crystal-clear water, diverse fishing, and uncrowded conditions. Whether you are wading the flats for bonefish or trolling deep channels for wahoo, the fishing here is as beautiful as it is productive.