Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you take a charter, it's traditional to tip the
captain and crew. Tips average 10-15% of the
charter fee.
FISHING CHARTER COSTS
Taking out a charter boat is not an inexpensive proposition, but
for many visitors it's the highlight of their trip. The cost of a half-
day charter begins at about US $400 and may run as high as
$1,000-$1,500 for a full-day excursion with state-of-the art equip-
ment and tackle. Prices vary with the operator, and some charge
an additional fee for more than four anglers, but here's an idea of
what this outdoor adventure will run.
Deep-sea charters, full day .....................$600-$1,500
Deep-sea charters, half-day ......................$450-$700
Bone/tarpon/reef fishing, full day .................$325-$900
Bone/tarpon/reef fishing ........................$250-$500
Charters seek gamefish, including blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo,
dolphin (dorado) and barracuda, all caught year-round (the blue marlin is
the most prized catch). Strikes occur as close as a quarter-mile from land
at the point where the turquoise waters drop into inky darkness and deep
water begins.
BLUE MARLIN
:
This top gamefish is often caught on light tackle while
trolling the deep water around the islands. It is a fighter, a favorite with
deep-sea fishermen, and can be caught both on artificial lures and with
whole bait fish. Blue marlin here don't reach the proportions of those
found off some islands (they average 200 pounds or less in the Cayman Is-
lands), but they are caught year-round.
The government of the Cayman Islands encour-
ages the catch and release of the blue marlin to
help maintain numbers in these waters. It also
offers free citations to anglers who release their
marlin; a request form can be obtained from the
boat's captain or the charter boat booking office.
Also, captains can point anglers to local taxider-
mists that make trophy mounts for released fish
based on their estimated size.
DOLPHIN
:
Not the mammal. This gamefish is noted for its heavy “fore-
head” and high speed. At 10 to 15 pounds each, the bright blue-and-yellow
dolphin are found near floating debris or patches of seaweed. Drawn to
