Cayman Islands Fishing Guide - Cayman Fish Species & Fishing Spots

Cayman Islands Fishing

The Cayman Islands are a beautiful tropical paradise in the Caribbean Sea that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Although people come for many reasons, one of the most popular are the amazing fishing trips that can be had in these beautiful waters.

Due to its location, visitors to the Caymans can enjoy shore fishing, light tackle fishing, reef fishing, and much more. There are also boat rides, snorkeling, and many other activities for those traveling with you who might not be keen on fishing.

If you want to know more about fishing in Grand Cayman and the surrounding islands, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at fishing around the Cayman Islands, then we’ll look at a few quick facts about the islands themselves.

 

Grand Cayman Fishing Charters With Captain Marvin’s

If you’d like to enjoy the finest charter fishing expedition in the Caribbean waters, Captain Marvin’s Watersports is the premiere fishing charter in the Cayman Islands. Depending on the type of fish you’d like to catch, you can choose your destination:

  • Deep sea fishing charters offer you the chance to get tuna, marlin, wahoo, and more. Thankfully, the deep waters of the Caribbean isn’t too far from shore, so you won’t spend a majority of your charter traveling.

  • We also offer reef fishing, which (as the name suggests) takes place at a nearby coral reef. Different types of marine life and tropical fish can be seen and caught than in the deep sea, so if you want a particular species, you’ll want to check where it’s most likely to live.

We offer full-day (8 AM to 3 PM) and half-day (8 AM to 12 PM or 1 PM to 5 PM) fishing charters for both deep sea fishing and reef fishing trips, so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule.

It does get pretty hot, so you’ll want protective clothing, sunscreen, and a head covering. If you want to bring your own snacks or beverages, let us know before we leave and we can bring a cooler.

Ready to reel in the catch of a lifetime? Book your unforgettable fishing adventure with Captain Marvin’s Watersports today! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time fisher, our expert crew is here to ensure you have an amazing experience on the beautiful Caribbean waters.

Don’t miss out on the thrill of deep sea or reef fishing – reserve your charter now and make memories that will last a lifetime!

deep sea fishing

Catch Cayman Fish Your Way – Types Of Fishing Available On Grand Cayman

One of the reasons we’re so well-known for our fishing in the Cayman Islands is that you can catch fish using almost any style. If you aren’t a big fan of boats or have a limited amount of time, you can go shore fishing on docks or beaches around the island.

Fly fishing is another great option for those who don’t mind getting a little wet. This technique involves standing in water as high as waist-deep and casting your line a little farther into the water than from the shore.

You can also board a boat and do some reef fishing at one of the many coral reefs nearby. Another option is deep sea fishing, which is generally in waters that are at least 100 feet deep. It’s a great way to find bigger fish than you’d typically find closer to the shore.

Fishing “in the flats” refers to fishing in shallow waters with a relatively flat, sandy bottom. In the Cayman Islands, this is particularly popular in South Hole Sound on Little Cayman.

Of course, perhaps the most popular choice is charter fishing, where an experienced captain who knows safe fishing methods will take you to all the best places to find your preferred type of fish. This is perfect for visitors and others who don’t have access to a boat.

Good To Know: The only style of fishing you won’t be able to do in the Cayman Islands is spearfishing, which involves spearing larger aquatic animals with a spear or harpoon. Under Cayman Island law, this type of fishing is restricted to locals only.

deep sea fishing

Catch Many Different Species Of Fish In The Beautiful Cayman Islands

One of the many advantages of taking a fishing trip away from home is the ability to catch different species. Different fish can be caught in different locations around the islands, so if you’re looking for something in particular, you’ll want to fish in certain areas.

This is not an exhaustive list of fish that can be found here, but these are the species that you’re most likely to encounter near Grand Cayman:

  • Yellowfin tuna, also known as albacore, is well-known for its use in raw fish dishes like shashimi. More rarely, you may find the bluefin variety here, too.

  • Blue and white marlin look similar to swordfish and all three can be found in the deep waters near Grand Cayman, but they are very different fish. Blue marlins are highly valued as the female of the species can weigh over 1000 pounds.

  • Wahoo and Mahi Mahi are some of the most popular deep sea fish. These magnificent creatures are often associated with Hawaii but can also be found in the Caymans.

  • You can catch tarpon in warm water off-shore. These are the Atlantic variety, commonly referred to as “The Silver King”. They are considered an excellent trophy catch, although their meat can be a bit of an acquired taste.

  • Groupers, snappers, and jacks are often found near coral reefs and the North Sound is a great place to find them.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a specific type of fish, consider hiring a local guide who knows the best spots and times for fishing each species. They can provide valuable insights on bait selection and techniques that will increase your chances of a successful catch.

yellowfin tuna deep sea fishing

Trip Planning – The Best Times For Fishing In The Cayman Islands

The best time to go charter fishing in the Cayman Islands depends on a variety of factors, the most important of which is the species of the fish you’re looking to catch. Not all fish are available year-round, so if you’re looking for one in particular, you may want to plan around it.

Summer and winter are considered the best seasons for fishing, although there are still many great fish to be caught in spring and autumn. Part of the reason for this is migration. Some fish travel for spawning runs and can’t be caught during certain seasons, while others live and spawn in the same area.

It’s also worth noting that early morning and late afternoon are often the most productive times for fishing, as many species are more active during these cooler parts of the day.

Pro Tip: To maximize your fishing experience, check local fishing reports and consult with charter captains about the best times to fish for your desired species. This way, you can plan your trip around peak fishing seasons and increase your chances of landing that trophy catch!

deep sea fishing

Facts About Fishing In The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and west of Hispañola, the island that contains Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Here are some quick facts about fishing in the Cayman Islands and the exciting marine life you can encounter:

  • The islands are home to over 400 species of fish, making them a paradise for anglers.

  • Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged in the Cayman Islands to help preserve fish populations, particularly for species like tarpon and bonefish.

  • Fishing tournaments are quite common in the Cayman Islands, with the most popular being the Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament held in April. Other fishing tournaments are held at different points throughout the year.

  • Reef fishing also offers visitors a chance to check out the amazing sea turtles, lobsters, and other marine life that call the Cayman Islands home.

  • The islands are named after “caiman”, a species of crocodile that live in the area.

  • The waters around the islands are home to several species of sharks, including nurse sharks and reef sharks, which can often be seen while fishing.

Pro Tip: Tarpon Lake on Little Cayman is renowned for its exceptional tarpon fishing, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts.

deep sea fishing

Enjoy Amazing Fishing In The Caymans

Whether you’re looking to catch tuna, tarpon, other tropical fish or aquatic animals, Grand Cayman has some of the finest fishing in the Caribbean waters. If you aren’t big on fishing, there are many other activities like boat charters or snorkeling offered.

If so, take a deep sea fishing charter expedition with us and enjoy an amazing Cayman Islands fishing experience. No matter which option you choose, you’ll be sure to have a fishing trip that you’ll remember for the rest of your life and want to come back for many fishing seasons in the future.

No matter how long you’ll be visiting us here in the Cayman Islands, you won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy fishing in one of the best locations on the planet. Book your next charter fishing trip with Captain Marvin Watersports today!

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 32

Tour #1: Stingrays and Starfish ( Caves on Fridays & Saturdays only)

Enjoy the combo tour with stingrays and starfish, offered for USD65/person each morning at 7:45 before the crowds! On Fridays and Saturdays, you can add the caves tour (USD110/person for both).

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 45

Tour #2: Stingrays and one snorkel stop to Barrier Reef OR Coral Gardens

Our two-stop stingray/snorkel tour lasts about two hours and 30 minutes, slightly shorter than our three-stop stingray/snorkel tour. The two-stop trip goes to the Stingray City sandbar plus one snorkel stop, either the Barrier Reef or the Coral Gardens. Our captain will decide when he gets out to the stingray/snorkel areas which snorkel stop to use, based on wind, wave, and tide conditions, as well as on the number of people at each of the two areas. We always try to go to the less populated of the two stops.

Duration
5 hours
Group Size
Up to 40

Tour #3: Beach Lunch, Stingray & Snorkel tour

Capt. Marvin's Beach Lunch Stingray/Snorkel Tour is the best of the best! It includes two snorkel stops (one of which will be a conch dive during conch season, Nov. 1st through April 30th), the Stingray City sandbar for interaction with the stingrays, and a fresh seafood lunch on the beach across the North Sound (near Kaibo/Rumpoint).

Our crew will dive for conch in season and you are welcome to help them. They will even clean up some shells so each family unit who wishes can take one back home with them (supply limited). The rest of the year, you will have extra snorkeling (or Starfish) stop instead of the conch dive.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 45

Tour #4:Stingray City and Two snorkeling stops to Coral Gardens and the Barrier Reef

Our three-stop stingray/snorkel tour lasts three hours, dock to dock. The three-stop stingray/snorkel trip goes to the Stingray City sandbar plus TWO snorkel stops, both the Barrier Reef AND the Coral Gardens.

We strongly recommend that you bring flotation devices for children under age 3, as our snorkel gear is for ages 3 and over. We provide snorkel vests, life vests, masks, snorkels, and fins for everyone ages 4 and over. You are welcome to bring your own gear if you like. We offer complimentary shuttle service from your hotel or condo on Seven Mile Beach.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 35

Tour #5: Stingrays, Starfish and Snorkeling

A new tour is being offered on our brand new motor catamaran.

This tour has been getting really great reviews! With approximately 25 people on average, it's a comfortable and high-end unique visit to some of the most beautiful spots on the planet.

The snorkeling will be at either the Coral Gardens OR the Barrier Reef, with approximately 40 minutes at each stop, allowing you more time to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 48

Tour #6: Stingray City Sandbar Experience

A new tour is being offered for those who want to go to Stingray city only. This tour will go to the famous Stingray City sandbar , with approximately 45 minutes at Stingray City.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 28

North Sounder - Private Charter

USD500/hour, 3-hour minimum (USD1500) for up to 15 people; plus USD80/person for 16-30 people. Add USD10/person for ground transportation. (Holiday Fees apply)

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 50

High Rider - Private Charter

USD650/hour, 3-hour minimum (USD1950) up to 32 people; plus USD60/person for 33-50 people. Add USD10/person for ground transportation. (Holiday Fees apply)