Big Game Club Bimini

Getting to Know Billfish

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Bimini Big Game Club

Think you don’t know Billfish? Think again! The Billfish is a class of fish that includes Marlin, Swordfish, Sole and Sailfish. These fish are very popular with offshore fishing companies, and you have probably been to, or been invited to a fishing trip where these were the main catch. Learning about them will make your fishing expeditions more fun, and you will feel more knowledgeable when you have the rod in your hand.

How Do You Fish for Them?

Most people fish for Billfish right offshore. The fish stay in relatively shallow waters, and they swim in schools which makes them really easy to identify. This is something that you need to be prepared for; ou could get a lot of action when you go out, and you don’t want to be overwhelmed.

How Big Are They?

These fish can be really large. While fishing for Billfish, be prepared for the intensity and focus that is required. You are usually strapped into the chair on the deck of the boat because these fish probably weigh more than you do. The Billfish will put up a really good fight when you catch them. You have to be prepared for an intense fishing experience, and you need to have a plan for the fish once you catch them.

The Fishing Area

These fish are swimming in waters that are regulated, and you have to make sure that you only catch what is allowed. The State and Federal government have fishing guidelines and regulations for what you can catch, and where.
Of course, once you’ve been successful at sea, you need to make sure that you can use the whole fish. These fish could be up to a thousand pounds; if you’re planning to filet a thousand fish, you’ll need to be prepared.

You can go a little lighter if you want to catch and release all the fish you catch. Your Captain or others on deck can help you with that. The most important thing is to be prepared. Do your research, so you will have an idea of what to expect and what you will be seeing when you are on the water. All these fish are beautiful and amazing, and they are also very large and potentially dangerous. Fish with a professional to make sure you are safe while having a great experience.

Bimini Offers Many Activities To Enjoy

Posted on March 18, 2016 by Bimini Big Game Club

Bimini is the westernmost outpost of the Bahamas with a history and character of its own, one that the rich and famous have enjoyed for many decades. Named “Bimini” by the Lucayan Indians in their language,” the two islands and scattering of cays offer a special experience for those who visit. Here are just ten of the best reasons to visit Bimini to enjoy its unique atmosphere:

1 – The Beaches
Bimini is known for its unspoiled beaches, and it offers a number of different options, such as Radio Beach, Spook Hill Beach, Blister Beach, and a number of choices on out-islands.

2 – Fishing the Waters
The Gulf Stream and the Bahamas Bank merge together to create a rich environment for Wahoo, Snapper, Tuna and Billfish. Anglers from around the world try their skills in the rich waters surrounding Bimini.

3 – Swimming with Wild Dolphins
Swimming with the wild dolphins is a popular activity with visitors to Bimini. It can be a memorable experience to take home with you.

4 – Snorkeling the Reefs
Bimini has several reefs that provide a fascinating look at the underwater world that surrounds the islands.

5 – Delicious Seafood Dining
Fresh fish and shellfish can be found in abundance on Bimini, and good eating is a tradition that is honored on the islands. Fresh conch salad is one of the favorites on Bimini menus, a dish that offers the pink flesh from the conch shells, combined with citrus juices, spices, onion and green pepper.

6 – Cruising the Cays
Exploring the waters and islands around Bimini by boat offers an interesting look at the ecology of the islands and provides a relaxing day in the sun.

7 – Enjoying Resort Amenities
Bimini is known for its hospitality and friendliness, and many resorts, such as the Bimini Big Game Club, have been in operation for many decades and know the types of amenities their clients require for a great vacation on the island.

8 – Walk Through Bimini History
The Bimini Museum offers a look at the island’s intriguing history, from the days of pirates and rumrunners during Prohibition to the development of its tourism and big game fishing industry. A visit to the museum can give you a feel for the history of these unique islands and their continued growth.

9 – Scuba Diving Excursions
An island vacation offers the perfect opportunity to try scuba diving to see the amazing sights that lie below the surface of Bimini’s waters.

10 – Relaxing in the Bimini Sun
There’s no better placed to relax and enjoy time away. Bimini has fewer crowds and a very laid-back pace.

Think it’s nearly impossible for a women’s team to win a big fish tournament? Think again.

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Bimini Big Game Club

hink it’s nearly impossible for a women’s team to win a big fish tournament? Think again. You might think it ‘Nearly Impossible’ for women to win the big fish category of a fishing competition, but that’s exactly what happened at the 2015 Bimini Big Game Club Wahoo Smackdown VII held this past November!!

The 5 person fishing team named Nearly Impossible was born in 2015. The Team’s anglers are Jessica Hawkins, Jill Mercado (Jessica’s sister), and (cousin) Katie Colville. The Captain, Ralph Hawkins, is the husband of Jessica Hawkins, and his first mate was Dominic Miller.

Let’s get to know these ladies:

The basics – How often do you fish?
Jessica – “Everyday”
Jill – “As much as I can”
Katie – “When the opportunity presents itself”

The Inspiration – Who inspired you to start fishing?
Jessica – “My Husband, the Captain, Ralph Hawkins”
Jill – “My Sister, Jessica”
Katie – “My Cousins, Jessica and Jill”

Experience – When was the first time you fished in Bimini?
Jessica – “3 years ago”
Jill – “3 Years ago”
Katie – “Yes it’s my first time in Bimini”

Jessica and Jill grew up next door to their family’s marina and charter business, and have been fishing almost their whole lives. They have both been in the medical field, Jessica, an OBGN Nurse, and Jill a Surgical Coordinator. Jessica became engaged to Ralph Hawkins in 2010. Later that year Ralph purchased and refit a 53’ Hatters; at that point Jessica began running charters for fun fishing and tournament fishing.

At the end of 2014, Jessica and Ralph decided to develop a team of ladies to enter and hopefully win fishing tournaments. Luckily, they did not have to look too far.

This is a close-knit family team who have angled their way to success in the Big Fish Category at the 2015 Bimini Big Game Club Wahoo Smackdown VII.

The Team Nearly Impossible full story:

Captain Ralph Hawkins is a charter captain with over 25 years of experience. He was born, raised, and grew up in Hollywood Florida where his love of boats began at the ripe old age of 5. Eventually Ralph became a first mate aboard the Sea Legs III, owned by his family which began in 1969 where they fished the coastal waters of Florida and The Bahama Islands with his father. He earned his captains license in 2003 . Then became captain of Sea Legs III a 65′ custom head boat where he took clients fishing. Working for his parents was tough ,but in 2007 he bought his own charter boat, a new 32′ sea craft and began doing private charters on his days off and joined the SKA kingfish tournament trail.

In 2010 he became engaged to Jessica who was born in point pleasant New Jersey and moved to Hollywood Florida at age 2 with her sister Jill who was age 1 and grew up next door at her family’s marina who was also in the charter business and had a love for fishing. The sister grew up fishing from the docks with Ralph as young children. Jessica graduated Hollywood hills high school with her sister a year behind her and went on to the medical field where she became a nurse in the OBGYN field and her sister Jill became a surgical coordinator. Shortly after their engagement in 2010 Jessica and Ralph purchased and refit a 53′ Hatters and added it to his growing fleet where Jessica and Jill would fun fish and tournament fish as a hobby. Then in 2011 tables turned as Ralph had earned the position and is now the 3rd generation owner of the Sea Legs Marina and Deep Sea Fishing. In 2012 Jessica left the medical field after 8 years to work alongside her soon to be husband in the fishing business.

Ralph and Jessica personally built there first head boat the Super Sea Legs a 75′ head boat designed by Ralph himself. Ralph and Jessica’s son Matthew Hawkins was born on May 1st 2014 and the 4th generation of the Sea Legs Family. At the end of 2014 Ralph and Jessica decided to ease back into the tournament life again as a hobby to have fun and be competitive when he is not showing his clients unforgettable fishing trips. He and his wife Jessica Hawkins along with her sister Jill decided to build a family team of ladies that could grow to be competitive and winners at that. So… Ralph and his wife Jessica purchased a 36′ invincible powered by 3 Mercury Verado engines and Being that finding the exact boat they wanted, would be nearly impossible in a short time frame, The Nearly Impossible fishing team was born in 2015.

The team’s anglers consists of his wife Jessica Hawkins, sister in-law Jill Mercado, And cousin Katie Colville, First mate Dominic Miller , and Captain Ralph at the helm. Ralph uses his knowledge and experience to provide his team and his clients with the finest and most productive fishing experience. He is a full time fisherman and earns his living on the water. Whether it’s taking first timers on sport fishing charters or being hired to captain privately owned sport fish boats, or competitive tournament fishing, because of Ralph’s love of being out on the water there is no other place he’d rather be.

We look forward to seeing them again next year to maintain their title!

Bimini Big Game Club will be hosting the Bimini Big Game Club Sportfishing Tournament Series starting with the Wahoo Weekend from March 3 – 6.

The Right Way to Travel to the Bahamas in a Boat

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Bimini Big Game Club

Sailing to the Bahamas/ Bimini is a major dream of any boat owner. Avid fishermen may spend weeks planning a glorious fishing expedition hoping to return with that legendary “catch.” There are a few tips to learn the right way to travel to the Bahamas in a boat to insure your vacation is hazard and problem free. These include:

– Researching the best season for travel to the Bahamas
– Learning the rules of the Bahama and Bimini governments
– Learning the regulations for Customs and Registering to enter the country
– Taking care while crossing into the Coral Heads
– For the avid fishermen – knowing the limits for catches

The Bahamas and Boat / Bimini Travel

As with any travel at sea, the wise seafarer takes the time to study their travel route and also the weather patterns. This is as much a protection for travels aboard a boat as it is to avoid damage to the boat should the weather become rough while at sea. Visit our Coordinates Page for more info.

Learning the rules of the Bahama and Bimini Governments

Rules and regulations vary from country to country, and it is possible that the rules in the Bahamas are slightly different than those on Bimini. The differences may be only negligible, but it is important to remember that as a guest of the countries you travel to you are required to adhere to the local laws.

Learning the Rules for Customs and Registering

The Bahamas and Bimini like other travel spots also have specific rules for customs and registrations to enter these countries. You must provide the required much legal documentation upon entry.

Be Careful Crossing into the Coral Heads

Seasoned sailors generally are aware of crossing into the Bahamas Coral Heads. For the uninformed, study the location of Coral Heads to avoid damage to your sailing vessel. Repair of damages in a foreign country can be quite expensive.

Research the Best Season To Travel to the Bahamas

The climate, temperature and water quality are best for fishing and boating in the Summer. Check with a boating club on the best timing of a crossing to the Bahamas from Florida.

Know Fishing Limits of Catches

Fishing limits exist in the major fishing areas. Learn fishing limits for catches of the Bahamas.

The Bimini Big Game Resort Marina offers a variety of amenities and services for a worry free getaway to the Bahamas.

Bimini Pays Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Bimini Big Game Club

Civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most influential Americans of all time. He is most well known for his work during the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott and the March on Washington, during which he gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. However, few people know of the history and connection he had with the island of Bimini in the Bahamas.

Dr. King visited the island of Bimini in 1964 and again in 1968. During one of these visits he wrote his Nobel Peace prize acceptance speech as well as his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” address, which was the last address he ever gave. His tragic assassination took place in Memphis just a few days afterwards.

On Saturday, October 6, 2012, the island of Bimini paid tribute to the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. by erecting a bronze bust in his likeness. The ceremony took place in Alice Town on the 48th anniversary of Dr. King’s visit to the island. The Prime Minister of Bimini, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, attended and spoke at the ceremony, along with Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, other high-ranking government officials and residents of the island. Dr. King’s son Martin Luther King III and his wife Arndrea also attended the ceremony.

A secondary bust was mounted in the mangroves where Dr. King spent time with his friend Captain Ansil Saunders, who was a bone fisherman and boat maker. Saunders was at the ceremony as well and spoke at great length about his relationship with Dr. King. He felt that calming and peaceful mangroves inspired King to write his two famous speeches.

It’s interesting to know that the island of Bimini has a long history of famous, historical figures visiting in order to experience the island’s restorative and rejuvenating powers and it’s incredible people. Ernest Hemingway stayed on the island, and it was there that he wrote his famous novel Island in the Sun. Acclaimed congressman and pastor Reverend Adam Clayton Powell also traveled to Bimini for a much needed peaceful retreat.

There’s no doubt that Bimini will continue to inspire people from all walks of life for ages to come. If you’re traveling to the Bahamas, please visit the island of Bimini. After a visit there, you may be inspired to do great things yourself.

Best Times For Fishing In The Bahamas

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Bimini Big Game Club

Bimini has many populated fishing spots with certain fish that swim in specific areas during particular times of the year.

Blue marlin usually roam along the coast near Bimini / Bahamas throughout the year. And the during the peak period between March and May, catching a 1,000-pound Marlin is not a tall tale. This is peak season is the result of the Marlins migrating north to the Bahamas Banks.

Other large fish are plentiful between September and December. Most of the action will occur in fishing spots that are west of Bimini near North Pines Beach. At the beginning of the season, most anglers capture fish that weigh at least 30 pounds. In November and December, bigger fish will begin to roam closer to the ocean floor.

From mid-April to May, Tuna generally migrate near the shore by the Bahamas Banks. Though it’s not a ‘sure thing’ dependable; if you go fishing at the wrong time, you may only catch a few tuna in one week. Yellow Fin tuna are more plentiful in Bimini. They always migrate between February and April.

Winter and fall are the best seasons to catch White Feather Jigs and Mackerel. Snapper and Grouper remain consistent throughout the year. You can find them near the continental shelf and around various shipwrecks near Great Isaac and Bimini. Larger fish, weighing 8 to 15 pounds usually spend time in deep waters during the winter.

Bonefish are also caught in Bimini / Bahamas year-round. You will only find these fish near the harbor during Spring, Summer, and Fall. The biggest schools roam the waters in the Spring. And eight to 12 pound fish populate the area in the Fall. Typical, Bonefish are biting more when the tides flow in the morning and afternoon.

The resort hosts guests who come to fish and scuba dive. The resort offers various fishing packages, suitable for both the inexperienced fishermen and highly skilled anglers. Reef fishing and offshore fishing packages are also available.

Benefits Of Visiting A Resort With A Marina

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Bimini Big Game Club

There are many benefits to visiting a resort with a marina. Guests are able to enjoy the traditional features of resort life. Like; comfortable accommodations, chef prepared cuisine and a variety of planned activities. In addition, travelers are able to participate in a myriad of water-based sports and local boating excursions.

It is for these reasons, that the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina is so popular with travelers from North America and around the world. Located approximately 50 miles from the east coast of Florida, Bimini is technically the closest island in the Bahamas to the mainland of the United States. The resort itself is situated in the Alice Town area of North Bimini, seat of the island’s government and commercial businesses.

With access to its own marina, resort guests are able to schedule a full range of sea-oriented activities without having to waste precious time traveling elsewhere. Instead of booking rental cars or taxi cabs to distant locales, guests are in the exact location to sample deep sea and offshore reef fishing. When back on land, it is just a pleasant walk back to their suite to relax or prepare for their next meal.

Families can rest assured that they do not have to travel long distances to enjoy the fun of kayaking and paddle board adventures. More advanced water sport enthusiasts are able to swim with dolphins, snorkel to see coral reefs, or work with a PADI dive instructor to obtain their official open water certification. As with all activities, dedicated instructors are able to adapt lessons to fit the interests, age and prior experience of their students.

Travelers concerned with the care of the natural environment also appreciate a resort that has its own marina facilities. Known for its beauty, the Bahamas are home to a wide variety of ocean reef ecosystems where sharks live and breed. Guests are privileged to be able to participate in responsible sport fishing. This does not endanger the future for sharks, or hinder the health of the clear waters of the Caribbean.

To serve these goals, the Bimini Big Game Resort & Marina is proud to support the Shark-Free Initiative of the Bahamas. Fishing boats based at this private marina only practice “catch and release” when dealing with sharks. This allows for study and photography of sharks, without the harvesting of these unique animals that was once so prevalent in many cultures.

Also note that Commercial Shark Fishing is banned in the Bahamas.

The Bimini Big Game Club: 50 Miles to Paradise

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Bimini Big Game Club

Fifty-three miles off the coast of Miami lies Bimini and the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina. With a population of just over 2,000, it’s a paradise just waiting to be experienced. It’s known as Ernest Hemingway’s favorite escape and some even go as far as calling it the remnant of the lost city of Atlantis. It’s also home to the popular resort destination the Bimini Big Game Club.

Bimini actually consists of two islands –South Bimini and North Bimini. During Prohibition, savvy rum runners found the islands a convenient hiding place, and Bimini became the offshore liquor store during that time.

But Bimini is more than just a place where rum lovers went to during Prohibition. It exhibits all the beauty of the Bahamas, and the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, located in Alice Town, North Bimini, is a great jumping off point for the great destinations and activities around the island. Even though the resort is no longer operated as a “Club”, it was founded in 1947, and can be reached from the Bimini Airport by water taxi, which drops guests off right at the Big Game Club Resort dock.

The resort itself is boutique style, featuring 51 rooms, cottages, and suites. There are also 75 boat slips on the 3.5-acre property. The marina was recently renovated with new docks and offers resort amenities for guests.

While amenities include terraces/balconies, remote controlled air conditioning, 40” flatscreen televisions, resort wide WiFi, and a new pool give visitors plenty of reasons to want to “stay home” for the evening, most people who visit want to go out and explore the island in all its loveliness. Most people get around the island by taxi, by foot, or by golf cart, and the resort is within reach of these and other activities and amenities.

The Bimini Nature Trail could be a first stop of many on a Bimini adventure. It gives avid hikers an intimate view of the flora and fauna of Bimini. A guided hike just might net an up-close look at the Bimini Boa as well as other exotic creatures of the islands.

Or for visitors in need of a little healing and R&R, the Healing Hole is a must visit. People swear by these healing spring waters, which contain sulfur and lithium. The Healing Hole can only be reached by boat. The pools magic fresh waters are found within the salt waters mangrove swamp. The pool itself lies at the end of myriad networks of underground tunnels, which get fed during the outgoing tides.

For a more relaxing afternoon, a jaunt to the Bimini Craft Center provides island guests with authentically-produced items from Bimini. It has the vibe of an outdoor fair with its 17 stalls and occasionally offers some live entertainment, making a nice low-key way to spend a few hours. And it’s just 5 minutes from the resort.

History buffs will love the Bimini Museum, where they can see photos of Ernest Hemingway, look at old cannon balls, and generally learn about island history. It as well as the Dolphin House Museum give Bimini visitors a unique view of the life and history of Bimini.

Naturally, some people visit the Bimini Big Game Club, because they want to participate in sports like bonefishing and reef fishing, scuba diving, boating, and other water-related activities. The club provides avid enthusiasts with different packages that are tailored to a variety of skill levels and interests. The Bimini Big Game Club is also home to big fishing tournaments, which attract fishermen from all over the world.

Getting to Know the Wahoo Fish

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Bimini Big Game Club

Found worldwide in tropical and subtropical areas like the Bahamas, the wahoo is a prized game fish—and not just because of its fun name. This saltwater torpedo is known for its speed, tenacity, strength and excellent flavor. Closely related to another delicious fish, the mackerel, the wahoo is known as one of the best eating fish around; though you might see it listed as “peto” or “ono” on the menu, depending on the area.

A Touch of Color

The wahoo is distinguished by its elongated body with silvery sides, irregular vertical striping, and iridescent blue back. Its scales are small and barely visible, creating a silky smooth appearance. Beware of its large mouth lined with razor sharp teeth, which can cut skin easily as you hoist it into your boat. Its jaw has a sharper appearance, which helps distinguish it from its cousin the mackerel, as well as the patch of skin that covers its mouth when closed. It’s sleek body and bladelike fins help the wahoo reach its notable speeds.

A large, parasitic worm makes its home in the wahoo’s stomach, but this doesn’t affect the portion eaten by humans, nor does it seem to bother the host.

Catch It If You Can

With bursts of speed up to 60 MPH, the wahoo is one of the fastest fish in the sea and a challenging catch for even a skilled fisherman. Light to medium tackle makes for a stellar bout, but heavy tackle is best to compete with its aggression and fast speed. This fish won’t go down without a fight.

Though averaging between 35-60 pounds, 80-90 pound catches for this stunning, medium-sized fish are not uncommon. They’re known for being fast growing, with some studies having shown growth by as much as 22 pounds in under a year. The largest caught measured 8 feet in length and weighed over 150 pounds.

The wahoo sustains itself on an appealing diet of mackerel, butterfishes, scads, jacks, and squid. They feed aggressively during tide changes, making it the optimal time to troll for larger catches. If tuna, billfish, or dolphin fish are around, so might the wahoo.

Best Fishing

The Bahamas is the one of the best locations for baiting some of the world’s largest wahoo, with November to April being the most ideal time for a trip. A multi-leg wahoo championship is held there each year.

While this species can be found in small groups of three or four, conditions in the Bahamas are perfect for running into schools of up to 100 fish. Because of these large numbers, after you’ve had success, work the area thoroughly. You’re likely to catch a few more.

Wahoo can be a bit picky in their lures. Combinations like red/black and purple/black work best. They like fast food so don’t be afraid to troll at eight or even nine knots.

The Future of the Wahoo

Every day we’re learning more and more about these fast, strong and tasty creatures. Because of their commonality worldwide and growing popularity, the wahoo are a current favorite for scientific study. These studies hope to uncover how wahoo from different areas are similar and distinguished from one another. Don’t fret, though! Population numbers suggest this fish is unlikely to be flagged for overfishing any time soon.

Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina is host to the Annual Wahoo Smackdown Fishing Tournament. This years Wahoo Smackdown VII will be taking place November 12 -14, 2015. for information and registration visit: Wahoo Smackdown VII.

What you need to know about the Bahamas Weather

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Bimini Big Game Club

People in Bimini and throughout the Bahamas often enjoy the benefits of tropical weather throughout the entire year. The coolest time of the year occurs between September and May, when the temperatures average between 70 and 75 degrees. During the remainder of the year, the temperatures in the Bahamas typically increase to a range of 80 to 85 degrees. The temperature of the sea surface averages around 74 degrees during the winter and around 84 degrees during the summer season. At night, the temperature typically drops about 5 to 7 degrees. From November to April, the Bahamas averages less than six inches of precipitation per month.

The warm climate of the Bahamas rarely ever turns to harsh weather conditions, such as snow, frost, hail or sleet. The last time the Bahamas received as much as a flurry of snow was during 1977. The lowest temperature recorded in the past 30 years was 41 degrees during 1981, but the winter temperatures rarely drop below 60 degrees. Winter temperatures usually reach 75 degrees by the afternoon. The summer temperatures during the daytime rarely exceed 90 degrees, and rarely drop below 78 degrees at night. The temperatures on the northern islands are often 5 degrees cooler than those realized by the islands to the south.

On average, there are clear skies and sunny weather for at least seven hours per day in the Bahamas. The length of the days in the Bahamas range from 10 to 13 hours throughout the year. This leaves plenty of time to enjoy long swims in the clear, warm water, or to participate in any variety of water recreation. The environmental conditions for scuba diving, jet skis, fishing and other activities are often ideal throughout the entire year. The islands are usually busiest with tourist activity from December to April.

Most of the rain in the Bahamas occurs between May and October, however, the local and thunderstorms tend to clear rather clearly. Some of the favorite destinations to enjoy with the nice weather in the Bahamas include Castaway Cay, Gold Rock Beach, Pink Sands Beach and Stocking Island. Many travelers enjoy participating in the local food, bike and eco tours as well. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is another popular attraction for many people visiting the Bahamas. The Marine Habitat at Atlantis on Paradise Island may also be ideal for anyone interested in a more educational experience about some of the prevalent wildlife in the area.

Get your 10 day weather forecast on weather.com

Visit our Faq’s page for more things to know about Bimini and the Bahamas.