Visiting The Abacos to Fish- Advice Please

[stacyacton]

Hello All!

I will be visiting the Abacos the week of Thanksgiving and would like some fishing advice. We are staying on Elbow Cay and have rented a boat for the week- 28' center console with outriggers.

We are seasoned fishermen and have a pretty good arsenal at our disposal: Trolling- 30's, 50's and 80's. Inshore- a variety of spinning rigs ranging from 8#-30# and light to medium weight fly rods. I have read the thread on trolling so I have a pretty good idea of what you guys are using but still have some questions:

I have looked at the charts and it seems that when we are there the only offshore species will be wahoo and possibly dorado, inshore- bonefish. Is this correct?

It seems that you mostly troll with ballyhoo, naked and a variety of rigs. Should I bring artifical or will live or frozen be easy to find? Any other suggestions on lures/bait?

Is there a good bait and tackle shop on Elbow Cay and where?

Anyone want to share some good inshore spots around Elbow Cay or offshore trolling coordinates?

Any reccomendations for bars and restaurants on Elbow Cay?

I am sure I will think of many more questions but this should be a good start.

Thank you all in advance for your help.

Best regards,

Stacy

[dogfish]

I have never fish the Abacos in the late fall but generally I can say that what is biting off of Florida's east coast is what it biting in the Abacos (more or less). That said Wahoo would be the prime target but there should be a good Dolphin run going (but not like May). There should also be Tuna in the area as well. On the inshore side you can expect large Mutton, yellow tail and the occasional grouper. There are also spanish mackeral (rather large) on the inside.

Offshore there is little need for numbers. Just head out Tilloo and start trolling about 1/4 mile after you clear the cut. The bottom drops off very fast there. Be careful because there are generally a lot of boats working the grounds off of Elbow/Tilloo and I have come accross too many big sporties heading right at us with teh captain facing backwards watching his spread.

On the inside I have done very well trolling plugs, feathers, and small skirts up and down off of Snake Cay. An out going tide seems to be the best over there. Last year we also chummed and fished at night behind Tilloo and had a nice run of Lane Snapper with a few kepper yellow tail mixed.

We always bring our bait and chum. We only troll artificials on the inside and offshore. I am sure you can buy bait there.

Tight Lines!

-Doug

[JJ]

If you haven't yet, you should get Steve Dodge's "Cruising Guide to the Abacos" available through Whitesound Press.

[SamFamAustin]

To me the big question is whether it is calm enough to get outside, and the weed isn't too thick. If it gets rough or weedy, I'd slow troll the inside just like DrRalph says, try to work way upwind and take-er easy a downwind troll.

Now most people in the battleships and crotch rockets (go-fast outboard boats) only fast troll on the outside, which wahoo really like, a ways off the reef away far enough so you don't get too pestered by barracuda. But drift fishing over structure and current breaks can be very productive for large grouper, amberjack, tuna, and maybe even the elusive swordfish.

I believe there's a few locals including a lady that consider themselves master grouper catchers, usually at something about 600 feet deep. For this you do need good numbers, such as for sea mounts and canyons. Just a thought if the trolling is slow and things are weedy ... but the seas are calm.
sammie

[DrRalph]

Check out Fishing in Abaco (http://www.drralph.net/FishininAbaco2005.html).

[stacyacton]

Thank you all for the help.

I did order the recommended book today.

Doc, I already found that and it has proven very useful so far.

One thing though- I still can not believe all of these fishermen have yet to recommend a good bar!

Thanks again and I look forward to visiting often.

Stacy

[DaGoose]

One thing though- I still can not believe all of these fishermen have yet to recommend a good bar! Stacy

Stacy,

It's only because we can't remember them :D.

Here's a few to start with ....I'm sure others will jump in with more.

On Elbow Cay , Hopetown Harbor Lodge.....great view and fun bartenders.

Lubbers Quarters.......Cracker P's. Get the smoked fish dip.

Down South somewhere :o......Pete's Pub.

And there's always Nippers to the north on Guana. Watch out for the jaeger shots though.

Tight Lines!

Rick

[SamFamAustin]

Sea Spray Marina and Resort is on Elbow and has an outside Tiki bar and pool that is well known - if you can remember it! :eek:

If you're a fisherman or girl, don't worry, there is a certain gravitational pull stronger than the tides that will steer you straight to the closest and best rum joint around ... I promise! -sammie

[AbacoBoy]

You can pick up frozen ballyhoo and some tackle at the lighthouse fuel dock in Hopetown. Personally, I prefer to drag plastic, and cedar plugs offshore. Fewer Barracuda that way. I understand that there are Wahoo around now, and they should be around for a while. Good chance of Blackfin and Yellowfin Tuna too.

Abaco Inn in White Sound has a nice bar to visit on the way in. Really good seared tuna appetizer too.

tight lines---------------------<')))))))))><

[fish bum]

All the suggestions above are spot on, might suggest a few additional fine points for offshore..
Cracker P's, I stress the fish dip for sure
I have brought bait and used local bait as well, not sure there is a huge payback for all the cost and trouble to bring from the states
for a chance at anything use blue/white red/black or purple black Ilanders with meat (prefer lighter tracker and sea star for mahi in the 3rd/4th spots)
fish on the approaching high tide for the ono bite, off lighthouse follow the dropoff, fish off whale and along MOW as second choice
can't go wrong with yozuri bonita or similar in close
use 30's for the most fun
way back in shotgun go with some sort of bird chain or squid chain followed by an ilander (if lots of weeds you may opt differently like Sammie said)
I like to put a squid chain in the flatline position with something behind it with hooks
Lastly, try to get input from Rock Steady on this forum as well, he can usually throw you a bone
Good luck

JCT

[big ed]

Stacy,

It's only because we can't remember them :D.

Here's a few to start with ....I'm sure others will jump in with more.

On Elbow Cay , Hopetown Harbor Lodge.....great view and fun bartenders.

Lubbers Quarters.......Cracker P's. Get the smoked fish dip.

Down South somewhere :o......Pete's Pub.

And there's always Nippers to the north on Guana. Watch out for the jaeger shots though.

Tight Lines!

Rick

Why did my indiscresions get dragged into this discussion!?!?!?!?!?:cool::eek:

DH
Former Presidential Candidate

[DaGoose]

Why did my indiscresions get dragged into this discussion!?!?!?!?!?:cool::eek:
DH
Former Presidential Candidate

DH,

Consider it a Public Service Advisement.............. it's all good dude!

Rick

[big ed]

No............You're all Good!!!

My Wingman!!!

[Rock Steady]

Remember that only certain watering holes are open during your stay. Unfortunately I don't believe Cracker P's will be until mid-December.
Cap'n Jacks, Harbour's Edge, The Abaco Inn and SeaSpray all offer great libations and meals. You might get some ideas from other anglers if you stop by SeaSpray @ happy hour. Junior knows...

Ask your cabbie to take you by the Fish House in Marsh Harbour when you arrive which is below and on the other side of the road from the resort (kinda back in a block or two) and you should be able to procure ballyhoo, and maybe goggle eyes, ice etc. there.

There is a fish and dive hotspot chart that you may want to get from one of the stateside tackle shops that may prove helpful to you.

Inside I like small spoons, feathers, and minnow type lures when trolling and cut bait or jigs tipped with something smelly when drifting.

Offshore it depends on your sought after quarry but wahoo will be there.
You want to fish the drop offs for them and anywhere you spot a rip.
Deep works.

Best of luck,

rs

P.S. I did learn yesterday that there is a mixed bag being caught offshore currently including some nice kingfish as well as small tuna and dolphin fish.

[stacyacton]

You guys have been great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really do appreciate the advice. FYI, despite the female name- I am a man.

I just ordered up a S*@% load of tackle based on everyones suggestions.

Just wanted to drop a quick thank you.

Once I start getting my gear in order I will be back for more help.

Thanks again,

Stacy

[stacyacton]

I am looking at the charts and wonder where to head outside. I will be leaving Hopetown and it seems that you can get out just north of Anna Cay- N 26D 35'/ W 77D 57' and some change. BUT there is a huge barrier reef there. Should I go out of the Tilloo Cut instead?

Also, how is fishing on that reef? Just something easy for the ladies. Do you guys use a standard bottom rig with squid? Do you chum?

Thanks again all.

I would be happy to buy cocktails for anyone around the week of Thanksgiving.

Stacy

[DrRalph]

It depends on which way you are going. From Hope Town, if you want to fish south or east, use Tilloo Cut. If you want to head more toward the north, use SMOW Channel. Make sure you know how to navigate to and through each of them, and be ware of the nuances of Tilloo Cut.