The Turks and Caicos have warm weather, warm water, and plenty of fish in the sea! You could even call it a fisherman’s paradise! There is a variety of fish swimming around in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean that you won’t want to miss out on.
What Kind of Fishing Can You Do In the Turks and Caicos?
Whether you are looking for traditional rod and reel fishing, bonefishing, deep sea fishing, or you want to catch some lobster, the Turks and Caicos has some of the best waters around!
Reef and Bottom Fishing
Reef and bottom fishing in the Turks and Caicos is quite popular because it is excellent for all ages and experience levels, and there is a good chance that you will catch something! It is done with a typical casting rod and doesn’t require any prior experience. Many people are able to catch a fish after just a few minutes of practice. The best reef and bottom fishing is done from a boat. The Turks and Caicos have one of the best barrier reefs in the world and its ecosystem has a diversity of beautiful fish that is only accessible by boat. Many of the fish you’ll find are great for eating like red snapper, yellowtail snapper, cero, mangrove snapper, and Nassau grouper. You could even get a tug on your line from something a little less common like a scorpionfish, lionfish, or even a shark!
Deep Sea Fishing
Thanks to the unique underwater topography, deep sea sport fishing in the Turks and Caicos will not disappoint! The islands are situated on a marine plateau with deep drop offs that go from 40 feet to thousands of feet deep. This makes for very fertile fishing quite close to the main area of Providenciales. In fact, Providenciales is the center of big game fishing here. There is a wide variety of fish that you could end up reeling in. Mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, tarpon, blue marlin, white marlin, wahoo, and oceanic sharks are all fair game depending on the time of year you visit. May and June are months that typically give you a good chance of seeing any of these fish, though certain times of the year, some fish are more present than others.
Bonefishing
Though bonefishing in the Turks and Caicos is a bit more challenging than other types of sport fishing, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Thanks to the Caicos Banks and its counterpart mangrove wetlands Ramsar Nature Reserve, the Turks and Caicos are beginning to gain a reputation as an attractive destination for bonefishing. There are large marine banks that serve as a nursery for a diversity of marine life. Bonefish of all sizes can be found in the Caicos islands ranging from 4-11 pounds. Fishers might also encounter Atlantic tarpon or great barracuda.
Diving for Lobster
Diving for lobster is more than just a popular recreational activity for the people of the Turks and Caicos. Lobster is a mainstay of their small scale fishing industry and has been for centuries! Diving for these creatures is a vital part of life here on the islands. To collect lobster, you simply dive from the surface on a single breath and scoop them up to the surface. It is actually not permitted to do so with scuba equipment to help prevent overfishing and preserve the population. Caribbean spiny lobster are typically most active at dusk and dawn.
Book A Fishing Charter
Booking a fishing charter Caicos Dream Tours will ensure you have an unforgettable fishing experience with expert advice from locals who know where to go to have a successful day of fishing or diving for lobster. Additionally, to fish in the Turks and Caicos, you must obtain a fishing license. One of the perks of going on a fishing excursion with Caicos Dream Tours is that you can get one as part of your package for a minimal fee. Caicos Dream Tours provides all necessary equipment and advice as well as assistance in grilling up any lobster that you catch!