Fishing Regulations (08/2010)

Permits

You can receive fishing permits from Customs officials at any of our 32 ports of entry. Fishing gear is restricted to hook and line and you’re allowed to fish with no more than six rods at a time.

Marine Vessel Limits

Lobster or Crawfish

No more than 10 tails at any given time. Annual closed season is April 1 to July 31. Minimum size limits are 3-3/8 inch carapace length or six inches tail length. Egg -bearing female crawfish are protected.

Conch

Limit at any given time is no more than 6 per vessel. Harvesting and possession of conch without a well formed lip is prohibited.

Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish/Tuna

Migratory species shall not exceed 18 fish per vessel at any time.

Demersal Species

Demersal species (grouper, snappers, etc.) - No more than 60 pounds or 20 scale fish.

Stone Crabs

The minimum harvestable claw is four inches. Harvesting of females is prohibited. The season is closed from June 1 to October 15.

Turtles

Illegal to import. No vessel shall have onboard marine turtles.

Spearfishing

Hawaiian sling is the only approved spearfishing device. You are not allowed to use scuba gear or an air compressor to harvest fish, conch, crawfish or other marine animals. Spearfishing is not allowed within one mile of the coast of New Providence, within one mile of the south coast of Freeport, Grand Bahama and within 200 yards of the coast of all The Out Islands. Spearing or taking marine animals by any means is prohibited within national sea parks.

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