Fishing while on a cruise
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So I’m going on a cruise mid February and was wondering if anyone has been able to do any fishing while on one. Its a 7 day cruise but the only days where fishing might be possible would be the stops in Freeport Bahamas and Cozumel Mexico.
Jay how long are you actually in Freeport? It is a 45 minute drive from there to the other side of Grand Bahama, where there is a settlement called Maclean’s Town. You can hire a guide to meet you there out of Deepwater Cay (pronounced “Key”) Club and you would absolutely wreck bonefish. There might be a shuttle that goes in to Freeport. My understanding is that the western side of the island has deeper water and too much habitat destruction to offer good fishing.
Cozumel is an island off the coast of the Cancun area. I haven’t been to Cozumel per se but I have seen the tourist trash washing down beach off it. I would be surprised if there’s any viable flats fishing in reasonable range but it’s possible. The fish are certainly there, I just don’t know if there’s an industry. At a bare minimum in both those places you stand a fair chance of catching a bonefish just casting into the surf. I’ve done it south of Cozumel in basically the same water. They like it when the surf is up some. I would definitely bring a rod. 8 weight should do it – I can lend you one if you need gear.
Zach
I doubt I will have time for any kind of guide option. I will only be in Freeport and Cozumel for like 8 hours each. I was thinking more like renting a scooter and trying to find some fishy looking spots.
That actually might work. I was fishing off by Sweeting’s Cay, but if you look just north of Freeport on the map:
It looks to me like you’d have options. The guy we need to comment on this is Oliver White, who runs lodges on two of those islands… Hmm.
Zach
I’m not a big fan of cruises, but I have been on a few. First the to remember is the “schedule” is just a general guideline. Rarely do they actually arrive in port on time and any delays are usually taken off of port time, not sailing time. It is virtually impossible to schedule a side trip other than those provided by the cruise line.
My suggestion is to take a rod that packs easily, but realize that it will only be used if the opportunity arises. Otherwise, eat, drink and party, that is what cruises are for.
Here’s what Oliver had to say:
I haven’t been there in some time honestly. There are definitely a few spots you can hit via car. If you are setting up a DYI there are better choices, if you are already going to be there, then go for it. You can also call H2O -Jason and Greg will do day trips if they have space. I think North Riding Point will as well, Paul is the man to ask there.
That’s pretty helpful. You guys should be sure to listen to his podcast when it’s released in January.
Zach
Jay,
I actually just got off a Disney Cruise with the family yesterday and watching the fishing (and scuba) boats haul out of Cozumel was not so much fun.
I’ve only been on a couple cruises and had similar concerns regarding late port entry but all of the tour/guide operators I have spoken with (both through the cruise line and outside) said they would work around our arrival schedule. We hit all our scheduled port times so I can’t say if they would have kept to their word they would have been but they at least seemed accommodating.
My tours have been limited submarine tours/scuba diving/deep sea fishing so can’t speak to how the fly fishing guides might be willing to work with you. I will say I was really surprised as to how much stuff you can do in the limited amount of port time. Having door to door transportation to a place you can step right on a boat with the motor already idling makes a huge difference.
Clay
Most of the cruises coordinate closely with the local ports to offer the cruise guests every opportunity to spend money while in port. Whether or not the cruise itinerary offers “fly fishing the flats” as an option, a quick call to the cruise line help line should determine that, or certainly at least how much time you’ll have in port. You can then Google information on local guides, fishing, etc. And, maybe, you’ll be able to plan a trip at the last minute. It is the off season for fishing. You’ll find in most ports, as you leave the ship, there are plenty of “opportunities” from locals to buy any and everything, including fishing. This past August – September my wife and I went on a two-week cruise/land tour trip to Alaska, and booked several shore excursions through the cruise line, including a day of fly fishing for salmon. Turns out, we could have done the same by just walking off the ship and finding the nearest truck/van advertising fly fishing. Regardless, it was a well-run trip, albeit geared more toward beginners. Still, most everybody caught something.
That said, February in the Bahamas is very problematic, weather-wise. Could be great, could be a cold snap driving every fish into deeper water. I’d go prepared, and “listen” to the weather.
Buzz
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