Full Day Beginner-Friendly Fishing in Nassau
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day beginner spearfishing adventure with expert instruction includedTarget grouper, snappers, and jacks in pristine Andros watersSmall group experience with handline fishing and safety guidance
Nassau's crystal-clear waters hold some of the Caribbean's best fishing opportunities, and this full-day adventure with Captain Kurdero puts you right in the middle of the action. Whether you're brand new to spearfishing or just want to try something different from traditional rod and reel, this 8-hour trip delivers hands-on learning with real results. You'll launch from Queen's Highway and spend your day targeting prime species like Black Grouper, Snappers, and Jacks around the pristine reefs near Andros. When the spearfishing action slows, we switch gears with some handline fishing to keep the excitement going. This isn't just a fishing trip – it's your introduction to one of the most rewarding ways to fish these Bahamian waters.
Your day starts early at Queen's Highway, where Captain Kurdero will walk you through the basics before we head out. This trip is built for beginners, so don't worry if you've never held a spear gun – we'll cover everything from proper breathing techniques to fish identification and safety protocols. The first part of your day focuses on spearfishing instruction in shallow, clear water where you can see everything happening below. You'll learn to hold your breath, dive down to the reef, and target fish with precision. Around midday, when you need a break from the underwater action, we'll switch to handline fishing – a traditional Bahamian method that's incredibly effective for catching bigger fish in deeper water. The boat stays comfortable for all four guests, and Captain Kurdero keeps things relaxed while making sure everyone gets plenty of opportunities to practice and improve their skills.
All your spearfishing gear comes included – masks, fins, snorkels, and spear guns sized for your experience level. Captain Kurdero uses beginner-friendly equipment that's easy to handle but still effective for landing quality fish. The spear guns are shorter and more manageable than what experienced spearfishers might use, perfect for building confidence while you're learning. We'll start you off with basic pole spears before moving up to pneumatic guns once you're comfortable. The handline fishing setup is beautifully simple – just heavy line, a weight, and the right bait to tempt whatever's swimming below. This traditional technique has been feeding Bahamian families for generations, and it's incredibly effective when you know the right spots. Captain Kurdero knows these waters like the back of his hand, positioning you over structure where fish naturally congregate. The combination of spearfishing and handlining gives you two completely different fishing experiences in one day.
Mahi Mahi, also called Common Dolphinfish, are absolute fighters that'll test your skills whether you're spearfishing or using handlines. These beautiful fish with their bright yellow and green colors typically run 15-30 pounds in these waters and are most active during the warmer months. They travel in schools around floating debris and weed lines, making them perfect targets for both fishing methods. When you hook into a mahi on handline, expect a serious battle with multiple jumps and long runs.
Greater Amberjack are the powerhouses of the reef, often reaching 40-60 pounds around Nassau's deeper structures. These fish are incredibly strong and will test your equipment to its limits. They're most common from spring through fall and prefer areas with strong current and rocky bottom. Amberjack are curious fish, often approaching spearfishers before darting away, giving experienced hunters a challenging shot opportunity.
Hogfish are prized for their incredible table fare and distinctive appearance with their long snout and pink coloration. They're typically found around coral heads and sandy areas between 15-50 feet deep. These fish are year-round residents but are most active during cooler months. Hogfish require a precise shot since they're quick to disappear into coral crevices when threatened.
Great Barracuda patrol the reef edges and are always exciting to encounter. These apex predators can exceed 20 pounds and are known for their speed and aggressive strikes. They're curious about spearfishers, often following divers but staying just out of range. Barracuda are most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods, making them prime targets during your full-day adventure.
Black Grouper are the ultimate spearfishing prize, hiding in caves and under ledges throughout Nassau's reef system. These fish can grow massive – 30, 40, even 50 pounds – and provide some of the best eating you'll find. They're year-round residents but are more active during cooler water periods. Landing a big black grouper requires patience, skill, and a perfect shot placement since they'll immediately try to retreat into their rocky hideouts.
This full-day fishing adventure combines the best of Nassau's underwater world with proven traditional techniques that have worked for generations. Captain Kurdero's expertise ensures you'll learn proper methods while staying safe and having a blast on the water. With only four guests per trip, you get personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to practice both spearfishing and handlining. The 8-hour duration gives you time to really develop your skills and target multiple species across different fishing styles. Whether you land your first grouper with a spear or battle a big amberjack on handline, you'll leave with new skills, great memories, and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fish. Book your spot now and discover why so many anglers consider this the perfect introduction to Bahamian fishing.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard this beautifully restored 25' Pursuit Walkaround, a classic cabin cruiser that's perfect for chasing barracuda and amberjack in Nassau's productive waters. Built in 1981 and given a complete makeover in 2021, this boat strikes the perfect balance between vintage charm and reliable performance. Twin 150HP Yamaha engines provide plenty of power to get you to the best fishing spots quickly, while the spacious walkaround design gives you room to move around and fight fish comfortably. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the full day on the water. With GPS navigation, you'll efficiently cover Nassau's prime inshore fishing grounds where snappers, grouper, and jacks are waiting. The boat's layout is ideal for up to 4 anglers, giving everyone space to cast lines without getting tangled up. Whether you're learning the ropes or looking to add some Bahamian fish to your logbook, this well-maintained vessel delivers a solid platform for a productive day of fishing in some of the Caribbean's best waters.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of the reef system, with olive-gray bodies covered in dark rectangular blotches that help them blend into rocky structure. Most run 10-30 pounds, but the big boys can push 50+ pounds and live over 30 years. These ambush predators hang around wrecks, ledges, and coral heads anywhere from 30-300 feet, moving shallow in winter and deeper during summer months. What makes black grouper special is their incredible strength and that sweet, mild-flavored meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Once hooked, they'll use every ounce of power to get back to their hole and cut you off. The key is heavy tackle - at least 50-pound braid with 80-pound leader - and cranking hard the second you feel that thump. They don't nibble; they inhale the bait whole. Live bait works best, but they're not picky eaters.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the ocean's torpedoes - sleek, silver predators that can hit 35 mph in short bursts and grow up to 6 feet long, though most run 2-4 feet. You'll find them patrolling reef edges, grass flats, and drop-offs from the surface down to about 100 feet. They're year-round residents but most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes cuda fishing exciting is their explosive strikes and initial runs - they'll grab your bait and take off like a rocket. They're also naturally curious and will often follow lures or divers just to investigate. While the meat can be good from smaller fish, most people target them for the sport. The trick is using wire leader - those razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Shiny spoons and tube lures work great, but be ready for that lightning-fast strike.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds when you find the right spot. Look for them around deep wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 60-150 feet of water. They're structure huggers that use those hard bottoms to ambush baitfish. April through August is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What draws people to amberjacks is that raw power - once hooked, they'll make long, punishing runs straight for the bottom. The meat is firm and tasty when prepared right, though be aware larger ones can carry ciguatera. My advice: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line and crank hard right after hookup. If you let them get back to the rocks, they'll cut you off every time. Live bait works best, but they'll hit jigs too.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of our most prized targets, and for good reason - they're hands down the best eating fish on the reef. These wrasses use their pig-like snouts to root around coral heads and sandy bottom looking for crabs and shellfish, usually in 15-80 feet of water. They average 2-8 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds. Males have that distinctive black spot behind the pectoral fin and brighter colors than females. Year-round fishing is good, but they're most active during cooler months. What makes hogfish special is their sweet, delicate meat that's better than any grouper you'll taste. The challenge is their small mouth and quick bite - they're notorious bait stealers. Here's the key: use small hooks with live shrimp or small crabs, and when you feel that tap, set the hook immediately. They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to check you out.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real color show when they come out of the water. These speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them hit 40+ on good days. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in open water, usually in the top 100 feet. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps climb. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and tail-walk like crazy. Plus, they're hands down some of the best eating fish in these waters. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water and work the area - mahi travel in schools and that first fish will often call in his buddies.
Andros, Bahamas