Fish Of The Bahamas

By Omar Isaacs

The Bahamas is famous for its wide variety of tropical fish – and the huge number of them. With so many on offer, the islands are likened to a fisherman’s paradise, and Bahamas fishing can be some of the most rewarding sport fishing on the planet. With such a diverse variety of fish on offer such as tuna, mackerel, wahoo, mahi-mahi, marlin, and barracuda, there’s a challenge for every fisherman, whether their strategies are patience or lightning-quick reflexes. Take a closer look at some of the fish species to be found in The Bahamas.

Wahoo

A real prize for sports fishermen due to its speed, the wahoo is also known for the quality of its flesh. It’s easily recognizable by its iridescent blue back and silvery scaled sides, although you’ll have to look closely, and quickly, as the colours fade away on its death. Specimens have been recorded as growing up to 2.5 metres in length (that’s over 8 feet!), so it’s a lucky thing most wahoo tend to be solitary, or congregate in small groups of two or three fish. Its flesh is highly regarded by many a gourmet, so you may find a Bahamas fishing trip more lucrative than you had planned!

Mahi-mahi

Commonly known as the ‘dolphin-fish’, the mahi-mahi is a surface dwelling fish, easily identifiable by its compressed body, and large dorsal fins stretching nearly its entire length which can be a dazzling sight. Many mahi-mahi are golden on the sides, with bright blue and green hues on their sides and back. Out of the water, the fish often change colours many times before finally fading to a muted yellow-grey. The Spanish name of mahi-mahi is Dorado Maverikos, or Golden Maverick, and it’s not difficult to see why when you reel one in while fishing; Bahamas fishermen are often pleased to see a mahi-mahi to brighten up their day’s catch!

Barracuda

With a strikingly menacing appearance, long and pike-like, the barracuda can be recognized by its elongated jaw and prominent, fang-like teeth. Green, dark blue, or grey with a chalky white belly, some species of barracuda can grow up to 1.8 metres in length, making them a hefty prize on a Bahamas fishing trip. Their collective name is a ‘battery of barracuda’, and they are opportunistic predators of other fish. Some species of barracuda are reputed to be dangerous to human swimmers, following them in hopes of eating any remains such a large creature (compared to a barracuda) must leave of its prey.

Marlin

The marlin is a distinctive fish with a long, spear-like snout and an elongated body. They’re incredibly fast swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 110 kilometres an hour. Popular as sporting fish, the marlin have it easier than a lot of other species – Bahamas fishing trips are known for the practice of releasing marlin after unhooking them. The marlin’s name is thought to originate from its appearance – resembling a sailor’s marlinspike, a tool used when working with ropes for untying knots. Very large marlin which may set a record are taken to shore, though Bahamas fishermen often don’t get their hopes up too high – the current record for the heaviest marlin caught has stood for 20 years.

About the Author: Omar Isaacs is the Marketing Executive for The Bahamas Tourist Board, a tourist organisation that can help you discover the perfect

Bahamas fishing

holiday, and assist you to select and book the right type of

Bahamas fishing

holiday for you.

Source:

isnare.com

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