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Small Boat and Shallows Fishing:
Among the species found in the shallows near shore are bonefish and permit, which are caught all year round, and grouper, snook, and all sorts of snapper, including yellow tail and red. Tarpon has a limited season, generally from February through June. To go- contact a local fisherman/Captain:
• Bush’s Bay Island Charters: If you want to fish on the flats, we do inshore catch and release on the great shallow water flats around the island for huge Tarpon, Bone fish and other shallow water fish. All with breath taking views and almost always 100% chance that you will catch something. All of our fishing charters include free snacks and drinks. Don’t forget about the Permit, Trigger fish and Snook
Contact: Captain Dennie Bush (504)3145-7139 Email: utilarooster14@hotmail.com, Kirstie Jackson (504)8921-0045 Email:kirstie.jackson91@icloud.com or stop in at Bush Supermarket in the center of town and ask for more information.
• Rolando “Babe”- A favorite of many for s hand-line fishing, and you will catch your own bait first with him. $75 USD for up to 3 people, and he likes to leave early (before 6am) and will stay out until noon or so until you get fish. He said he’s only been “skunked” a few times…. Phone is 9-925-1145 or 2425-3764 or he lives down in Sandy Bay- you can just ask for him on the main street there.
• Hal Whitefield: Who will take you and 3 others out for a day for $100 in his traditional dory. You can find him at across from Cross Creek Dive Center, at the Point, in an older blue house. Usually there is a crew of gentleman playing dominoes out front, and there is a sign that says “Fishing trips – Capt Hal”. Hal can also be hired for a trip to the Cays, a boating trip around the island ($60 for a day trip)
•Sunbliss Tours and Charters – Inquire at the cafe located at the start of the lane way to the Mango Tango and Mariposa Building on the main street and ask to talk to Captain Junior about the charter fishing trips available utilizing local style (Hand lining), or Rod and Reel Fishing. Capt. Junior: 97343422 jr_williams06@hotmail.com
•Rex Cooper – Based out of the Cays, Rex is an astute fisherman. Uses a traditional dory. Phone is 3278 0053. Dial 011-504 before that if calling from the States or Canada.
•Tony Waterhouse: Tony doesn’t have a boat, but is one of the best for shore and flats fishing.
•On your own: You can go flats fishing with your own pole on your own underneath the bridge at the Point, or towards the backside of it, in the lagoon. Another good option is to head down past the public Chepes beach and walk along the shore- you’ll have it virtually to yourself once you pass the public beach.
Bigger Boats / Deep Sea Fishing:
Deeper waters have mackerel (king and Spanish), bonito, black fin tuna, Wahoo, kingfish and seasonally marlin, while goliath grouper can also be found offshore.
• Bush’s Bay Island Charters offers Deep Sea sport fishing. They will take you out long and far and get there fast to catch the big game fish. They have all top of the line gear -Rod and Reels, Lures, Equipment and Experience ready to go out and catch the big game fish. Wahoo, Mahi-mahi, Marlin, Tuna, Sail Fish, Barracuda, and more. Bush’s can show you how to deep sea bottom fish- island style with a hand line! They will even prepare the catch after the charter, Drinks, snacks and gear all included. Contact: Captain Dennie Bush (504) 3145-7139 Email: utilarooster14@hotmail.com, Kirstie Jackson (504) 8921-0045 Email:kirstie.jackson91@icloud.com –or stop into Bush Supermarket in the center of town for more information
• Margaritaville Charters: 2-425-3366. Nice big covered boat “Its 5 oclock somewhere”
• Captain Steve / La Pirata Charters– 9-691-4823 or stop in at Bundu Cafe and talk to Patrick, Nelly or Hannah- they will find Steve for you.
•Ramon’s Charters: Captain Ronnie. 2 boats: Cabin cruiser- 31’footer partly covered or a smaller open 25 footer. Contact Ronnie Ramon: Cell phone 9928 – 4936 Ramonsservice@yahoo.com
•Norman Jackson: Has a modern speedboat and knows the waters well. Based out of Utila Cays- frequently runs trips to the North Side as well.
Prices:
- Fly Fishing: $140 usd for 1/2 day up to 3 people;
- Deep Sea Fishing: $240 usd to 4 people;
- Private Diving: $140 usd half day
Contact Norm Jackson: 3-239 7674 (Dial 011-504 in front of it if calling from States or Canada). See his Facebook page for contacting via web, or email normanjackson79@gmail.com
•Bush’s Charters: 2-425-3147 or stop in at Bush’s Grocery store and talk to Denny.
Fly Fishing:
See Norman Jackson above