Bahamas: Fisheries Resources (Jurisdiction and Conservation – Flats Fishing) Regulations…for need to know officials only / January, 13, 2016.
NOTE: The following document was leaked. Our source stated: The “Snowden” here is none other than the author of the original populist and xenophobic attempt to wreak havoc with the high profile, international tourist attraction (fly fishing the flats).”
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]e are told that the outcome of the following draft is not assured, but currently there is no measurable opposition to it either.
Substantively, there are no changes in DIY flats fishing with the exception of some possible sticky points. For example, does a lodge employee, your wife, or friend who drives you to a fishing spot, constitute guiding?
Phillip Rolle, owner of North Andros Flyfishing catches a healthy bone in Joulters’s Cay in The Bahamas- Brian O’Keefe photo.
New regulations summary
You will need a fishing license – the same as if a Bahamian fished the Florida Keys. Your Bahamian fishing guide, should you choose that route, will also have to have a Bahamian certification (Guides License), which will involve taking a multi-day course, as well as, passing a rigorous exam.
Mothership operations will also be subjected to new licensing and new regulations/restrictions.
Second home owners appear to be OK fishing their own flats boats – not subjected to hiring a Bahamian guide.
NOTE: Featured Image is of Katie Mackey from Drift Waters Outfitters searching the flats of Long Island, Bahamas for bonefish. Image credit www.driftwaters.com.
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