Sustaining our fishing industry is a partnership between the government and the users of our marine resources. The intent is to allow visitors and non-Bahamian residents to catch fish for their immediate use and enjoyment, while protecting and maintaining our precious resources.

Conch:
It is illegal to take conch whose shell does not posses a well formed, wide lip. Note the illustration - the shell at the right has a wide flaring lip compared to the thin shell at the left.

Remember - In some countries the Queen Conch is considered an endangered species. Let's Take Note!

Crawfish:
Annual closed season from 1st April through 31st July. Minimum harvestable size limit of 3 1/4 inches carapace length and 5 1/2 inches tail length. It is illegal to take females with eggs.

Turtle:
It is illegal for any non-Bahamian vessel to have on board any turtle.

Game Fish:
A combined total of six fish per person per vessel of kingfish, dolphin and wahoo may be taken. All other migratory fish shall be returned to the sea alive unless it is to be used immediately.

Scale Fish:
The capture of bonefish is catch and release only. No grouper or rockfish weighing less than three pounds may be taken.

Marine Mammals:
The capture or molesting of dolphins, whales and manatees is prohibited.

Stone Crab:
Annual closed season from 1st June through 15th October. Minimum harvestable claw length of 4 inches.

• All pleasure boats entering the Bahamas must purchase at their first Port of Entry a $150 crusing  permit for boats up to 35 feet and $300 for boats over 35 feet The permits include a fishing license and departure tax for four people and are good for a year as long as the boat stays in the Bahamas. Boats that make repeated visits must purchase a permit each time.

• Non-Bahamians are restricted to hook and line fishing only, with a maximum of six lines in the water.

• Become familiar with bag limits: Vessels with a valid fishing permit are allowed 20 pounds of scale fish, 10 conch and six crawfish (in season) per person, at any time. A combined total of six fish per person per vessel of kingfish, dolphin and wahoo may be taken. All other migratory fish shall be returned to the sea alive unless it is to be used immediately. No grouper or rockfish weighing less than three pounds may be taken.

• NO spear fishing within 200 yards of any Island in the Bahamas.

• It is illegal to use any type of underwater air supply for spear fishing or collecting of any marine life. This includes SCUBA gear as well as air compressors.

• Spear fishing is restricted to free divers only and only with the use of a Hawaiian sling. It is illegal to take coral, tropical fish or sea fans.

• It is illegal for non-Bahamian to use any type of fishing net, EXCEPT a cast net.

• It is illegal for non-Bahamian to use fish traps or to sell marine products of any type.