Bahama Fishing Cruising Permit

[capttonyf]

This may sound like a dumb question and but I figured someone here may know. Can you fish on your way from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau without having your Bahama Cruising/Fishing Permit until you clear customs and purchase it at your destination in Nassau?

Now in the past we've fished on the way to Bimini, "International Waters" and cleared customs, and there with never an issue. When we would travel to other Islands such as Nassau we always ran at cruise and never had time to fish. So I never though to ask if we could've fished on the way knowing we had full intensions of purchasing a permit once we touched land and cleared customs.

The reason I ask is we're thinking about heading to Paradise Island this summer and instead of running across the Bank and arriving in 8 hours. I was thinking of trying something new. Leaving Fort Lauderdale in the late afternoon, following the North West Providence Channel and fishing all the way over and arriving the next afternoon.

So my Dumb question is about not getting me thrown in jail when I arrive in Nassau with illegle fish on board from Bahamian waters and not having yet cleared customs and purchased our permit.

Thanks

Tony

 

[GCSI]

You are required to check in and obtain permits, license, etc... Prior to fishing in Bahamian waters. However, I've never had anyone check my fish boxes or question me upon arrival, although most of my trips are to Abaco. IF it were me, I wouldn't take the risk going into Nassau. Have you considered clearing into Great Harbour?

 

[thoward]

Must clear first, no fish may be imported into Bahamas.

 

[capttonyf]

You are required to check in and obtain permits, license, etc... Prior to fishing in Bahamian waters. However, I've never had anyone check my fish boxes or question me upon arrival, although most of my trips are to Abaco. IF it were me, I wouldn't take the risk going into Nassau. Have you considered clearing into Great Harbour?

I have but it kind of defeats the purpous of fishing on the way over. I'll be 2/3 there, maybe I'll just have to clear in Bimini, Filet as we catch, or just say the heck with it and run over.

Tony

 

[capttonyf]

Must clear first, no fish may be imported into Bahamas.

I seem to remember hearing that somewhere. I just never gave it much thought, we've fished our way to Bimini more times than not through the years and was never asked about it. Upon arrival we've actually given fish away to the locals for helping wash the boat down and sometimes just for showing up to say hi.

Tony

 

[thoward]

I seem to remember hearing that somewhere. I just never gave it much thought, we've fished our way to Bimini more times than not through the years and was never asked about it. Upon arrival we've actually given fish away to the locals for helping wash the boat down and sometimes just for showing up to say hi.

Tony

A pack of birds in international waters and I'm going to drop the lines but no way would I chance in Bahamian waters; I know someone who had the opportunity to be a guest at Fox Hill thanks to some illegal lobster. Not a place you want to visit....

 

[capttonyf]

A pack of birds in international waters and I'm going to drop the lines but no way would I chance in Bahamian waters; I know someone who had the opportunity to be a guest at Fox Hill thanks to some illegal lobster. Not a place you want to visit....

Understood and I'd have to agree with you. Like I metioned opening the thread and why I asked the dumb question. Last place I want to spend my vacation or a few months away from work is in a Bahamian jail over a few fish.

Tony

 

[PeterK]

Just curious: can you get your permit ahead of time by mail? You obviously would still have to clear immigration but maybe the permit is a different beast.

 

[Pascal]

I don't fish but afaik you need to get your fishing permit before fishing in bahamian waters or probably coming in with freshly caught fish.

Don't waste time clearing in bimini, we ve been clearing in cat cat, much faster and shorter detour. Well worth the $100 (plus VaT) to pay At Cat

I woudlnt mess with them ... For the very first time yesterday a bahamian cop boarded up at Staniel asking to look at our cruising permit... Friendly guy but never happened before.

 

[Walter P]

You would think that the powers in the Bahamas would do whatever they could to encourge folks like Tony to come over and spend some American greenbacks. Now more than ever since Cuba may open fully to American boaters fairly soon. I am not suggesting that we should ignore their laws, but they should make it attractive for us to visit including getting a mail order fishing permit.

Walt

 

[rsmith]

There is an "Economic" zone on the charts that extends well into international waters on both sides. I know a lot of people who run over to the other side of the stream for tuna and back to Fla for a day trip but technically they could be fined for violating Bahamian and international fisheries laws.

 

[Pascal]

You would think that the powers in the Bahamas would do whatever they could to encourge folks like Tony to come over and spend some American greenbacks. Now more than ever since Cuba may open fully to American boaters fairly soon. I am not suggesting that we should ignore their laws, but they should make it attractive for us to visit including getting a mail order fishing permit.

Walt

Cuba may appeal to some boaters for fishing but for cruising I doubt it will make a dent in the amount of business coming to the bahamas. It's a much longer distance, with rougher water and limited cruising options on the north shore. The south coast has some beautiful areas but it s a long trip to get there...

Talked to some people who had been to cuba with their boats and were heading back north thru the exumas. They liked it but we're not too happy about having to clear in and out of every port they visited having to deal with multiple "officials" everytime. This is something the Cubans will have to relax if they want to appeal to boaters.

The number of boats here in the Bahamas tells me that they are not going to hurt for business anytime soon. Not just small boats or cheap sailors but 100 footers and up megayachts which dumps a ton of money here in the islands. The season is winding down here in the exumas and from where I am right now (anchored of big majors) I see a half dozen boats over 100'. First time I don't see a couple of 200 footers anchored behind Sandy cay, but that's probably because of the weather...

 

[capttonyf]

The number of boats here in the Bahamas tells me that they are not going to hurt for business anytime soon. Not just small boats or cheap sailors but 100 footers and up megayachts which dumps a ton of money here in the islands. The season is winding down here in the exumas and from where I am right now (anchored of big majors) I see a half dozen boats over 100'. First time I don't see a couple of 200 footers anchored behind Sandy cay, but that's probably because of the weather...

Pascal,

As I mentioned this June/July we're looking to take the kids to Atlantis and having some family fly in to meet us for a few days of pools and fishing.

But next June, a year from now June we're planning to take another family that's never been to the Bahamas along with us for a +/- 2 week Exuma cruise. When it gets a little closer and we have the dates tenatively locked up any suggestions you may have would be greatly appriciated.

I've been to the Exumas Fishing many times where we run back and forth to Atlantis as a Hub for Guests but have not been on a "Family Cruise" there since 2004ish. We Island hopped, hit Sampson, Staniel, and Georgetown etc. before heading to Harbour Island and Spanish Wells. On this upcoming trip, including my family there will be a total of 4 Adults and and 5 children ranging from 5 to 9 years old. I'd be looking to do family activities, snorkeling, Pigs, Sand Bars, and Some Fishing. Thinking maybe stay primarily around Staniel but will be open for any suggestions. All the kids love to swim and play at the beach.

Tony

 

[pmurphy]

Also remember that in Nassau the custom's agent comes on your boat to clear you. He has a chance to look around. At all other places I've cleared, I've always gone to the customs office with crew and papers. No one has ever asked to go back to the boat and have a look.

 

[thoward]

There is an "Economic" zone on the charts that extends well into international waters on both sides. I know a lot of people who run over to the other side of the stream for tuna and back to Fla for a day trip but technically they could be fined for violating Bahamian and international fisheries laws.

I have never been able to get an official response on that question. I finally quit asking for clarification of the laws. We have been told to stay 12 miles off the bank. I know the USA has VERY large boats that sit out there running very large radars.

Upon reentry to USA, do NOT have ANY conch(shells included) on board even with a receipt. You can fly purchased conch back...go figure....