This southern Bahamas gem offers mahimahi, marlin and more.
Steve Dougherty
One of the largest islands in the Bahamas, Cat Island lies approximately 320 miles southeast of Miami. While the island spans a distance of 48 miles, this remote getaway is only four miles at its widest point.
Spring and summer months are somewhat transitional periods in Cat with various species migrating in and out of the island's surrounding waters. Blue and white marlin, mahimahi and tuna are only some of the species that can be encountered.
For visiting vessels, the options are limited. Hawk's Nest Resort is the only full-service marina on the island. With 28 slips, a recently dredged channel, 30/50/100 power hookups, freshwater, clean diesel, wireless internet and two air-conditioned fish cleaning stations. This is one of the last stops in the southern Bahamas.
Most visitors to Cat Island arrive by boat and find a well-marked, deep channel that provides easy access and docking. Getting to Cat Island by air typically requires a short flight from the Bahamian capital of Nassau.
Only a short eight-mile run from the marina, Devil's Point is a known hot spot for marlin, dolphin, wahoo and tuna. This place holds serious fish, so you better break out the big guns because you never know what you might hook next!
While wahoo fishing is best in the winter months, Cat Island is known for its trophy 'hoo approaching 100 pounds. These big boys linger in the waters around Cat Island year-round
With several rental homes, 10 hotel rooms and a private airstrip on the property, the intimate setting at Hawk's Nest offers adventurous anglers an Out Island experience that's perfect for the entire family.
While pelagic species move in and out with the changing seasons, bottom fish are always available. Deep-dropping in 800- to 1,000-foot depths yields a treasure trove of species including queen snapper, yelloweye snapper and mystic grouper.
While Cat Island is a world-class destination for blue-water trophy hunters, it also offers impressive opportunities to cast at schooling bonefish. If the offshore waters are too rough, a maze of backcountry creeks and mangrove-lined channels become prime feeding grounds as incoming tides flood the shallows. Bonefish follow the tide as they hunt shrimp, crabs and worms and if you time it right, you will score big.
The marina at Hawk's Nest features deepwater access for large sport-fishers. Nightly rates are $2.50 per foot and the resort offers discounts if you choose to stay for a month or the entire season. For more info on the marina visit <a href=" http://www.hawks-nest.com/" target="_blank">Hawks-Nest.com.</a>
