A new draft for flats fishing regulations in the Bahamas was recently made public, and if voted through, could have a drastic impact on bonefishing in the Bahamas.
The Bahamas have some of the greatest bonefishing in the world, especially within easy access of Northeast fishermen. It has a good mix of quantity and quality that can be found in few other regions.
The new rules would put an end to all unguided fishing in the Bahamas. If you are visiting the Bahamas, you will not be able to fish unless you are with a licensed Bahamian guide. Foreign-owned lodges will no longer be allowed. Lastly, there will be a $30 a day fishing permit required, but that permit can be revoked or refused for any reason.
This draft will be voted on by June 29, but you can still make your voice heard. Email the Bahamian Ministry of Fisheries (fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs) and tell them where else you’ll be planning your bonefishing vacations if these regulations pass.
I have been bone fishing on my own in Spanish Wells Bahamas since 1987. I have been renting a cottage for three months every winter since I retired in 2008. This change in the law will change the rest of my life. Not only will I miss the fishing but I will lose many friendships made of the local island residents. I have rented the same cottage for about twenty years it will certainly have a large impact on my landlord. I will also loose many US and Canadian fly fishing friends that come during the winter every year. Many bone fishermen like to fish on their own as a part of the sport and cannot afford paying a guide over any extended period of time. These proposed updates will make bone fishing (as an integral part of my three month winter vacation) only available to the very rich. Over the years I have met hundreds of people who come for short and long term visits to enjoy the beauty and various attractions including maybe catching a bone fish. Well I guess you’ll have to tell them to open a savings account if you want to catch bonefish.
I am also concerned that the fees and prohibition to non-guided fishing will hurt. I think it will hurt fisherman like myself and my friends who use guides and also fish along for Bonefish. The government may not be “seeing the forest through the trees”. The Bahamas has been changing their economy especially with the VAT tax, which normally would not apply to guides and maybe the government is trying to cash-in. While a VAT tax is not paid by guides their industry brings in outside monies that add to a local economy, which I have heard translates to for each One outside Dollar actually adds almost $3.00 to the economy. I believe that most of us fishermen would be willing to pay a fee if it was reasonable, dedicated to funding the fisheries and easily purchased. I would suggest possibly a license applicable to all non-resident saltwater fishing. Say, a 4-day license for $30.00, 16-day (encompasses a two week vacation) at $50.00 and a 6 month license for $100.00. They could be purchased on-line or at sporting stores, marinas, or government offices. These or similar fees are more tolerable and will have a greater benefit.
Can you tell me whether the proposed new regulations have been enacted? I am planning a Bahamas trip, but will obviously need to find another location if I cannot engage in DIY fishing.