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In a cycle that has come full circle, the islands of the Bahamas are once again a popular—and prolific—big-game destination. The early precedents are many. From the notable catches of Kip Farrington, Ernest Hemingway and others to the epic runs of giant bluefin tuna off Cat Cay to the vintage Bacardi Rum Billfish Tournament and Bertram/Hatteras Shootouts, the Bahamas played a key role in billfishing history. The first tournament I ever covered for Marlin was the 1990 Bacardi, which had a huge fleet and big pot on the line. I still remember wandering around the since-burned Compleat Angler bar, Kalik in hand, checking out all the photos of Papa Hemingway and friends, typically at the scales with big fish. To Have and Have Not was reportedly written in part there, so it’s ironic that the historic bite cooled eventually, and the tournament also faded into sport-fishing annals.
Fortunately, thanks to resurgent billfish numbers, the spotlight is shining squarely back on the Bahamas—particularly the Abacos, where many of the region’s premier billfish tournaments are based. While the Custom Shootout and The Shootout: Production vs. Custom remain influential fixtures on the calendar, they’re now part of a broader, more diverse tournament landscape that continues to gain momentum. Events such as the Baker’s Bay Invitational, the Walker’s Cay tournaments, and the Sea Spray Billfish Tournament on Elbow Cay add further depth to an already competitive schedule, while the newly announced El Jefe Invitational brings fresh attention to the region. Beyond the Abacos, Chub Cay’s slate of invitational tournaments underscores the broader geographic strength of Bahamian billfishing.
Collectively, these tournaments reinforce why the Bahamas sits at the center of the competitive billfish scene: It’s a place where exceptional fisheries, varied formats—from release-only to traditional weight divisions—and modern facilities combine to create a compelling tournament destination.
Early spring to midsummer is the prime time for marlin and sails throughout the chain. True monsters could pop into the spread in places like the Gulf Stream or Tongue of the Ocean off the Berry Islands anytime, though. Hefty dolphin are a frequent bycatch during the prime spring months. November through February, boats pull high-speed jets and plugs for wahoo that can tip the scales at triple-digit weights. San Salvador is one of the legendary hotspots, with boats consistently finding big fish along the steep drop-offs just offshore, while Bimini and the Berry Islands also offer dependable action. For many crews, a winter run across the Stream to chase Bahamian wahoo has become as traditional as summer marlin fishing.
Despite its rebound as a billfish destination, the Bahamas is not without its quirks. It is the tropics, mon, after all. Treasure Cay was recently purchased and is in the early stages of redevelopment after suffering major hurricane damage. Following a lengthy hiatus, Walker’s Cay Marina is back and fully operational, but the island still lacks accommodations ashore. Chub Cay has been converted to a private, members-only island resort. Two of the resort’s billfish tournaments, the Chub Cay Open and Classic, were open to public fishing this year. It’s not yet known if that policy will continue for the 2026 season.
The Bahamian government has also made several changes to regulations for transient boats. Cruising permits can be obtained digitally or in person, but boats still need to check in with Customs and Immigration at the Port of Entry. Fees are set by length overall for boats up to 50 and 50-plus feet. Only two entries are allowed within a 30-day period. The Frequent Digital Cruising Card offers unlimited visits within two years, albeit at a higher cost. Required fishing permits are valid for 30 days. Foreign-flagged vessels 50 feet and larger are required to always have their automatic identification system active.
There are plenty of other attractions when you’re not trolling a weed line. Diving and snorkeling the reefs can be spectacular. The same holds true for flats and reef fishing. The crystal waters are beautiful shades of turquoise and blue, and the sugar-sand beaches stretch for miles. Nearby flats are home to some of the best bonefishing in the world. Combine friendly locals, scrumptious seafood, world-class lodging and amenities, plus proximity to Southeastern and Gulf ports, and it’s easy to see why the chain continues to attract. A plethora of marlin and sails, with good odds on slams, is just a bonus.
Marinas
The Abacos offer multiple berthing options close to the action, including Boat Harbour, Sea Spray Resort, Hopetown Inn and Marina, and Walker’s Cay. Customs clearance and fuel are available at Chub Cay for nonmembers. The Big Game Club and Bimini Cove marinas are popular stopovers for South Florida anglers, along with Blue Marlin Cove and Old Bahamas Bay at the western end of Grand Bahama.
Lodging
Most of the aforementioned marinas are matched to resort accommodations with luxurious hotel amenities and adjacent villas. Private rentals are also numerous. Walker’s Cay currently offers no lodging other than staying aboard in the marina. The Chub Cay Resort is a private, members-only club.
Dining
The Bistro at the Abaco Beach Resort is a favorite for steaks and other special meals. Wally’s Fine Dining at Marsh Harbour is another popular spot for fresh seafood and international fare. For more casual settings with island favorites, be sure to try Colors Bahamian Restaurant in Marsh Harbour, Firefly Island Resort on Elbow Cay, or Koko Plums Bar and Grille in Alice Town in Bimini.
Charters
Local charters throughout the Bahamas can put visiting anglers on dolphin, wahoo and reef fish. Billfish options are more limited. Florida-based Chase N Dreams (a Viking 61) moves around depending on the season and bookings. Hattisfied (with Abaco Down Deep Fishing Charters) and The Hunter, home-ported in Nassau, also specialize in pelagic trips.
