Cay Sal Bank

[Marlin1805]

Has anyone ventured out to Cay Sal Bank, 55-60 miles off Islamorada in the Florida Keys? If so, what was your experience like? I've been there a handful of times and had reasonable success with Wahoo in the winter near Elbow Cay, but not a whole lot else. My summer experience was full of Barracudas tearing up my Marlin lures in 800-1000 feet of water.

If anyone else has had success I'd love some feedback. There is very little information online about it, yet it seems like the only legitimate place to target Blue Marlin and YFT within reach of the Keys.

Thanks,
Matt

[thums up]

Try to get in touch with Jim Sharpe from Sea boots charters in Cudjoe key. I know he has fished it quite a bit and if I recall correctly with some very good success. The drop off Key West has some good marlin fishing too!

[Phat Mann]

Capt. Randy Towe out of Islamorada has fished Cay Sal quite a bit. Great yellowtail, grouper, snapper, crazy amberjack Bottom fishing will wear you out. I have heard wahoo fishing can be excellent with the right tide. Not sure about billfish.

Just remember this is Bahamian waters and therefore Daytrips could be hazardous to the ownership of your vessel. You are supposed to clear Bahamian Customs before fishing their waters.

I think Bimini or Cat is the closest port of entry. Not sure but I think it's 100+ miles from Bimini to Cay Sal.

[Marlin1805]

Thanks for the reply. I've shot him an e-mail to get his take.

If others have fished this area please shed some light on your experiences.

Thanks,
Matt

[Sea Draggin]

If I wanted to know anything about down there, I would ask DeepC for sure. I think he has been over every square inch of that bottom between Florida and the Bahama's. He even takes on swordfish solo once a year, just for kicks. That is legend in my opinion.

[floridadeckie]

there can be good fishing off of Cay Sal, but be very careful. it IS Bahamian water, and the BDF has been patroling more as of late. If you get caught fishing there without the proper permits and registration, they will take your boat and you get the spend the night in the Iron Bar Hotel, which is somewhat less than 4-star

[000's]

It can be hot but they are right about checking in.Almost got in BiGGGGGGGGG trouble there once.

[Marlin1805]

How can you legally fish in Cay Sal? Is it mandatory to clear customs in Bimini or can the proper documentation and fees be taken care of online or via mail? I have fished in Bimini, Abacos and Chub and obviously cleared customs and obtained fishing licenses/permits, but this is not realistic if you want to fish Cay Sal coming from the Keys. Any recommendations to do it the right way?

[floridadeckie]

if you wanna do it the right way, you gotta clear the old fashioned way. otherwise, you can take your chances and fish the bank.


BTW marlin1805, if you decide you want some crew help down there in Duck Key, dont hesitate to contact me. I know that general area pretty good

[WahooKing]

They don't call it the Promise Land for nothing....Cay Sal has one of the best winter Wahoo fisheries in the Bahamas...Lots of big Hoos....Very little pressure....Lots of ledge to cover...Must check in at Bimini and/or Cat and travel to Cay Sal to fish...Long expensive trip but well worth it...Here is a pic sent in by one of my customers from Dec. of last yr...They high speed trolled the Cay Sal Bank for 2 hrs.




I prefer to fish the eastern side of the Atoll (Cay Sal Bank) from Dog Rock all the way south...good luck