Full Day Private Charter – Fishing + Swimming Pigs
Picture this: you're out on the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas, lines in the water while Mahi Mahi cruise the depths below. By afternoon, you're snorkeling with sea turtles, and before sunset, you're feeding the world-famous swimming pigs. This isn't your typical fishing charter – it's the kind of day that makes everyone in your group happy, whether they live for the bite or just want to soak up island life. At $1,800 for up to six people, you're getting eight solid hours of the best the Bahamas has to offer, plus all the gear, drinks, and that perfect mix of action and relaxation that keeps families and friend groups talking for years.
What to Expect on the Water
We kick off early morning when the fishing is prime and the water's still calm. The first half of your day is dedicated to serious angling – we're talking offshore fishing where the big boys swim. Mahi Mahi, Snapper, and Grouper are the main targets, and trust me, these Bahamian waters don't disappoint. Your captain knows exactly where to find the action, whether that's working the drop-offs, hitting structure, or following the weed lines where Mahi like to hang out. Around midday, when the sun gets hot and the fish start getting finicky, we switch gears completely. Out comes the snorkel gear, and suddenly you're swimming alongside sea turtles in water so clear you can see your feet 30 feet down. The reef systems here are world-class, and it's the perfect way to cool off between fishing sessions. The grand finale? Those swimming pigs everyone's heard about but few have actually experienced. These guys have been living their best life on a private cay, and watching your kids or friends feed them from the water is pure gold. We provide all the soft drinks you can handle, plus your choice of cold beer or traditional Bahamian rum punch to keep the good vibes rolling.
Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup
We run a solid spread when we're chasing Mahi and other pelagics out here. Typically, we'll set up four to six lines with a mix of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and feathers – the Mahi in these waters go crazy for a well-rigged ballyhoo skipping on the surface. We're trolling anywhere from 6 to 9 knots, depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels, and we've got everything from 20-pound class tackle for the Snappers up to 50-pound gear when we're targeting bigger Grouper around the bottom structure. When we switch to bottom fishing, we're dropping chicken rigs and knocker rigs with fresh cut bait – sometimes using the Ballyhoo strips, other times going with local favorites like conch or squid. The depth finder is your best friend out here, and we're constantly marking fish and adjusting our approach. For the snorkeling portion, we've got quality masks, fins, and snorkels that actually fit properly – none of that cheap tourist gear that fogs up every two minutes. The swimming pig experience requires zero gear except your camera, though we recommend waterproof cases because you'll want shots of this.
Top Catches This Season
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of Bahamian offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, usually running anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds, with the occasional bull pushing 40-plus. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, but honestly, we catch them year-round out here. What makes Mahi special is their fight – they'll jump, they'll run, and they'll test every knot you tied that morning. Plus, they're absolutely beautiful fish with those electric greens and golds, and they're fantastic eating if you're planning a fish fry later. Red Snapper are another crowd favorite, especially for families with kids who want steady action. These guys live around the coral heads and rocky bottom in 40 to 100 feet of water, and they're aggressive feeders. A 5-pound Snapper will fight like it's twice that size, and their bright red color makes for great photos. They're also delicious – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for ceviche or just grilled with some lime. Grouper fishing requires a bit more patience, but the payoff is worth it. Nassau Grouper and Rock Grouper are common here, and these ambush predators can surprise you with their size. A 20-pound Grouper will try to drag you straight back to its cave, and landing one is a real accomplishment. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall tend to produce the biggest fish when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning season.
Time to Book Your Spot
This trip sells itself because it covers all the bases – serious anglers get their fishing fix, non-fishers get the swimming and snorkeling they want, and everyone goes home with stories about feeding pigs in paradise. At $300 per person for a full eight hours (when you max out at six people), you're looking at exceptional value for a private charter that includes everything except lunch. The free cancellation with three days' notice takes the pressure off, and frankly, Secret Cays has built their reputation on delivering exactly what they promise. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a guys' trip, or trying to keep a mixed group happy, this charter hits different because it doesn't force anyone to compromise. Book early, especially during peak season from December through April, because word is getting out about this combination trip and calendar spots fill up fast.