Coco Cay - fishing?

[Grannycb]

Is there a place on Coco Cay to fish from the beach? Is it allowed? Is a permit needed?

 

A family member also wants to know if the snorkeling can be done from the beach or do we need an excursion?

[Jebiford29]

bump. I'd like to know the answer to both as well. Thanks!!

[Jebiford29]

If anyone's interested still, fishing is NOT allowed at Coco Cay.

[Patrick45]

Can anyone tell me if there are storage lockers on Coco Cay? Don't want to leave my camera & clothes laying open free!!

[cb at sea]

I don't think they allow fishing on Coco Cay--you don't want to attract predatory sealife!!

 

No one will take your clothes...I promise. There are lockers for those on excursions...you really don't need one if you just plan on playing in the water. Don't bring an expensive camera--something cheap is fine and no one will take a cheap camera.

[heydn62]

A family member also wants to know if the snorkeling can be done from the beach or do we need an excursion?

 

The snorkeling excursion is done from the beach. You're paying for gear rental and an orientation lecture. I've heard if you bring your own gear, they require you to rent the safety vest. Haven't been since 2006, but I don't think it's changed.

[iamkidc]

The snorkeling excursion is done from the beach. You're paying for gear rental and an orientation lecture. I've heard if you bring your own gear, they require you to rent the safety vest. Haven't been since 2006, but I don't think it's changed.

as of last may snorkel vest were still required, and could be rented for $6 if you didn't need any other gear. You can get by without a vest if you snorkel on the opposite side of the island, as there are very few people in that area.

[Wandering Angler]

It can be done:D

Bonefish, 21", Coco Cay Bahamas

 

 

The first time I visited Coco Cay for our honeymoon I didn't have any tackle with me, suffice to say I wasn't going to make that mistake twice.

 

Went back the second time a year later and did pretty well with a few good sized bonefish, barracuda, also hooked and lost a decent permit. Only had good water till noon when the tide really dropped and the flats disappeared.

 

I hit the water first thing on the island and headed to the farthest point. A few RCCL employee's saw me at the far end but no one gave me any trouble. As for legal regulations, a shorebound angler in the Bahamas does not require any license of any type.

 

If you know what you are doing there are some excellent flats fishing opportunities on that island.

[vtoria98]

Did you just take a fishing pole with you? I told my dad to get a Pocket Fisherman pole if he wanted to try his hand at a bit o fishing on the island but like you said you would have to get out early and go to the other side where not many people venture.

[Wandering Angler]

Did you just take a fishing pole with you? I told my dad to get a Pocket Fisherman pole if he wanted to try his hand at a bit o fishing on the island but like you said you would have to get out early and go to the other side where not many people venture.

 

I took a bit more gear than that.

 

2 travel spinning rods/reels 8lb and 10lb class

2 travel fly rods 7wt and 8wt

Waist belt tackle system

Wading boots

Tackle boxes

 

All fit very neatly into a modified backback that I use for fishing excursions.

 

 

 

I'm a flats fisherman from florida so it was pretty much the type of fishing that i'm used too. It's not really an environment where you can just cast out some bait on a bobber and catch fish. The bonefish are extremely spooky and take a real eye to spot them and get a lure infront of the school before they see you. The barracuda are a little simpler to catch and can be done on a light spinning rod with a tube lure. There are alot of cuda's in the shallows and they make great sport.

 

A pocket fisherman would be fine for catching some smaller cuda's and maybe some puffers, but not up to snuff for the larger fish that inhabit the shallow flat on the southern side. To really be successful there you have to put in some research time about what your actually trying to catch.

 

Pic of the bonefish:

Edited May 8, 2009 by Wandering Angler

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

But what did you do with the fish you caught?

[Wandering Angler]

Bonefish are catch and release. They are just a blast to catch as they can rip off 100yds. of line in a few seconds, fastest fish on the flats. Barracuda are the same, great sport fish but with the worries of ciguatera poisoning, they aren't worth the risk.

 

For the most part, on my home waters, 90% of the fish I catch are released. I'll keep a few here and there when my stock gets low in the freezer but typically i'll just keep something to eat for dinner during the week that will be fresh.

 

I did talk with one guy from a florida fishing forum i'm on and he evidently caught a nice mutton snapper out of one of the deeper holes on the flat. It was of legal size so he took it up to the kitchen area and they offered cooked it up for him. The key is to know the laws for where your fishing and what is legal.

 

I fully understand why RCCL would not want a bunch of people wandering around with fishing rods on the island, but they don't seem to mind a person that goes about it staying out of others way as much as possible.

[KBogg]

Wandering Angler ~ Love your post and hope your still connected to field this. I traveled to Cocoa Cay aka Little Stirrup Cay some 12 yrs ago with RCCL and like you never travel anywhere without at a minimum a small spinning rod and versital artificial bait. I remain very discreet and respectful to the island and the other passengers remaining out of site....After a few hours I found myself alongside onboard "somewhat famous" comedian for the ship who had the same idea as me. We enjoyed each others company and some really nice flats action.

 

Fortunately, I finally find myself returning to this paradise soon and wondered what plastics/artificials were most productive for you so I can pack smart & light....I used spoons and flukes previously and did pretty well....Tightlines!:cool:

[jquinn71]

I hired a private guide named Percy Darville. First class act, just need to sign a waiver from RCCL and away you go.