Atlantic Ocean

Bimini Island is the true Island in the Stream, perched at the edge of a sheer underwater cliff that falls thousands of feet into the blue abyss. The Gulf Stream rushes north, washing past Bimini Island, feeding and warming its coral reefs and serving as a watery highway for everything from marlin to mantas, dolphin to sea turtles. Its unique location coupled with a roguish history makes Bimini the Out Islands’ favorite diving and fishing frontier outpost.

Bimini's location on the edge of the Gulf Stream has helped earn its title as sport fishing capital of the world. Even the famous author, Ernest Hemingway, was lured to Bimini by tales of the incredible fishing available here. More than 50 record-setting catches have been made in its waters, including huge marlin, tuna and swordfish. The flats have an abundance of bonefish and permit; wrecks close to shore hold large grouper and schools of snapper.

Anglers will find great fishing around Bimini year-round, but certain seasons are prime for specific game fish. Winter is when you’ve got the best shot at mackerel and wahoo, those blue water beauties that have the strength of a sailfish, the teeth of a barracuda and the speed of a surface-to-air missile. You’ll want to have the fighting chair rigged and ready in spring and summer for blue and white marlin, sailfish, dolphin (mahi mahi) and blue-fin tuna.

Though the fishing for them is good all year, the summer months, when the water is calmest, is the best time to set up over the wrecks and reefs for grouper, snapper and barracuda. On the flats, summer is also when the permit are on the hunt around Bimini. And bonefish, the stars of the shallow water? Don’t every forget your fly rod or light-spinning tackle when you come to Bimini, because the fishing for these silver streaks of lightning is excellent all year long.

Reefs, wrecks, drop offs