The Berry Islands in The Bahamas are a remote chain of islands and cays known for world-class deep sea fishing and clear Atlantic waters. Located on the edge of deep offshore drop-offs, this region offers quick access to rich fishing grounds where species like tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, and wahoo are commonly found. With over 30 islands and 100+ small cays, the Berry Islands provide a mix of untouched nature, quiet anchorages, and prime sportfishing locations. This guide highlights the key islands and fishing areas that make the Berry Islands one of the top offshore fishing destinations in the Caribbean.
Main & Most Known Islands (Berry Islands Fishing Guide)
Great Harbour Cay
Great Harbour Cay is the main inhabited island in the Berry Islands and a popular base for fishing trips. It offers easy access to deep Atlantic waters just offshore, making it ideal for sport fishing and offshore charters. Anglers target tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and marlin in nearby drop-offs. The island also has marinas, resorts, and calm anchorages for visiting boats.
Where to fish: Best offshore waters are north and east of the island where deep blue water begins close to shore. Local charters often depart from Great Harbour Cay Marina for trolling routes.
Chub Cay
Chub Cay is one of the most famous fishing hubs in the Berry Islands, known for its high-end marina and sport fishing access. It sits directly beside deep ocean channels that attract large pelagic fish year-round. Many professional anglers use Chub Cay as a staging point for deep sea fishing expeditions. The island is especially popular for marlin and tuna fishing.
Where to fish: The best fishing is right offshore in the deep channels east and south of Chub Cay. The marina is the main departure point for offshore trolling trips.
Whale Cay
Whale Cay is a historic and mostly uninhabited island known for its rugged coastline and deep surrounding waters. It offers excellent offshore fishing conditions due to strong currents and nearby drop-offs. The island is less developed, giving anglers a more remote and natural fishing experience. It is often visited by private boats and fishing charters.
Where to fish: Productive waters are found along the northern and eastern offshore edges where deep Atlantic currents pass close.
Little Whale Cay
Little Whale Cay is a private island known for exclusivity and pristine waters. It sits near deep channels that attract large pelagic fish such as tuna and mahi-mahi. The surrounding reef structure also supports bottom fishing species. It is a quiet, high-end fishing location.
Where to fish: Offshore waters surrounding the island and nearby drop-offs provide the best action for trolling and deep sea fishing.
Hoffmann’s Cay
Hoffmann’s Cay is a lesser-known but productive fishing island in the Berry Islands. Its surrounding waters are deep and less pressured by fishing activity. This makes it a good spot for anglers looking for quieter fishing grounds. The island’s reefs and channels support a variety of species.
Where to fish: Best fishing is found in offshore waters west and north of the cay where deeper currents bring in pelagic fish.
Little Harbour Cay
Little Harbour Cay offers calm waters and good access to offshore fishing zones. It is less developed, making it ideal for anglers seeking solitude. The surrounding ocean depths support a mix of reef and pelagic species. It’s a strong spot for both trolling and bottom fishing.
Where to fish: Offshore drop-offs just beyond the reef line are most productive, especially during seasonal migrations.
Big Crab Cay
Big Crab Cay is part of a small cluster of fishing cays known for clear water and productive reefs. The area supports snapper, grouper, and offshore pelagic fish nearby. It is often used as a waypoint for fishing trips through the Berry Islands. The waters remain relatively untouched compared to larger hubs.
Where to fish: Best fishing is around reef edges and deeper waters to the east of the cay.
Little Crab Cay
Little Crab Cay is a small, quiet island surrounded by shallow reefs and nearby deep ocean drop-offs. It offers good fishing variety despite its size, especially for reef and offshore species. The area is popular with small private boats exploring the Berry Islands chain. Its waters are clear and lightly fished.
Where to fish: Offshore waters beyond the reef line provide the best chances for larger pelagic species.
Northern & Offshore Cays (Berry Islands Fishing Guide)
Sugar Beach Cay
Sugar Beach Cay is a small, quiet cay in the northern Berry Islands known for its clear water and nearby offshore drop-offs. It sits close to deep Atlantic currents, which helps attract pelagic species throughout the year. The area is lightly fished, making it ideal for anglers seeking untouched waters. It is often visited by private boats exploring the outer Berry Islands chain.
Where to fish: Best fishing is found just offshore north of the cay where deep water begins quickly and pelagic fish pass through.
Fish Cay
Fish Cay lives up to its name with productive surrounding waters and strong fishing potential. The cay is surrounded by reef structure that supports snapper and grouper, while deeper waters nearby attract larger offshore species. It is a low-traffic fishing area with natural conditions. Anglers often pass through while exploring northern Berry waters.
Where to fish: Reef edges and nearby offshore drop-offs provide the best action for mixed reef and pelagic fishing.
Gun Cay
Gun Cay is a remote offshore cay with strong currents and deep surrounding water. It is known for attracting pelagic fish due to its position along migration routes. The island is undeveloped, offering a true offshore fishing environment. It is best accessed by experienced anglers and private boats.
Where to fish: Offshore waters around the cay are the main fishing zone, especially along current lines where baitfish gather.
Castle Island Cay
Castle Island Cay is a rugged and less-visited cay known for deep surrounding waters and strong fishing conditions. It offers access to both reef and offshore species depending on distance from shore. The area is quiet, with minimal human activity. It’s ideal for anglers seeking remote fishing spots.
Where to fish: Best fishing is found along offshore edges where deep water meets reef structure.
White Cay
White Cay is a small offshore cay with clear water and nearby deep ocean channels. The area supports a mix of reef species and larger pelagic fish passing through. It is a peaceful location with minimal development. Anglers often use it as a waypoint for offshore trips.
Where to fish: Offshore drop-offs north and east of the cay are most productive for sport fishing.
Coco Cay (Berry Islands)
Coco Cay in the Berry Islands should not be confused with the cruise private island of the same name. This cay is surrounded by productive waters and sits near offshore migration routes. It offers good access to both reef and deep-sea fishing. The area is relatively quiet and lightly fished.
Where to fish: Best fishing is found offshore where deep channels attract tuna and other pelagic species.
Bird Cay
Bird Cay is a private island known for its exclusivity and pristine natural environment. It sits near deep offshore waters that attract large pelagic fish. The island is mostly undeveloped, offering a quiet and high-end fishing experience. It is favored by private yachts and charter boats.
Where to fish: Offshore waters surrounding Bird Cay provide the best opportunities for trolling and deep-sea fishing.
Shark Cay
Shark Cay is a well-known private cay in the Berry Islands with access to excellent offshore fishing grounds. The surrounding waters are deep and rich in marine life, attracting a variety of sport fish. It is a popular stop for yachts and fishing expeditions. The cay offers both reef and offshore fishing opportunities.
Where to fish: Best fishing is found along deep drop-offs and offshore currents east and south of the cay.
Deep Sea Fishing – Central Berry Islands
Deep sea fishing in the Central Berry Islands offers access to some of the most productive offshore waters in the Bahamas. Just beyond the shallow reefs, the seafloor drops quickly into deep blue channels where large pelagic fish roam. Anglers commonly target species such as mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, and marlin depending on the season. The combination of strong currents and nutrient-rich waters creates ideal feeding grounds for trophy-sized fish. Most trips depart early from nearby cays, with experienced guides navigating offshore banks and drop-offs for the best results.
Leaf Cay
Leaf Cay is a small, quiet cay in the Berry Islands known for its shallow turquoise waters and healthy coral surroundings. The area is ideal for light reef fishing and exploring calm coastal edges where small baitfish gather. Its isolation makes it a good spot for anglers looking for a peaceful, low-pressure fishing experience.
Where to Fish: Best fishing is along the rocky shoreline and nearby reef flats, especially during moving tides when fish feed closer to shore.
Rat Cay
Rat Cay offers rugged shoreline terrain and deeper surrounding waters that attract a variety of reef fish species. The underwater structure includes coral heads and drop-offs that create strong fishing opportunities. It’s a productive spot for anglers targeting medium-sized predatory fish.
Where to Fish: Focus on the outer reef edges and deeper drop-offs surrounding the cay for consistent bites.
Man-O-War Cay (Berry group, not Abaco)
This Man-O-War Cay in the Berry Islands is quieter than its more famous namesake and is surrounded by productive reef systems. The waters support snapper, grouper, and other bottom-dwelling species. It’s a traditional-style fishing area with minimal development and steady offshore action.
Where to Fish: Fish along coral ridges and deeper channels just off the cay, especially early morning or late afternoon.
Crab Cays Cluster
The Crab Cays Cluster is a group of small cays surrounded by shallow reefs, sandbars, and seagrass beds. The mix of habitats supports a wide variety of fish species and makes it a versatile fishing zone. Anglers often find success here using both bottom fishing and light tackle methods.
Where to Fish: Target sand channels between the cays and reef breaks where fish move with the tides.
Fisherman’s Cay
Fisherman’s Cay lives up to its name, offering reliable fishing grounds with a mix of shallow reefs and deeper offshore waters nearby. The area is known for steady reef fish activity and occasional larger pelagic visitors. Its accessibility makes it popular for day trips.
Where to Fish: Best results come from fishing around reef drop-offs and the deeper waters just beyond the shoreline.
Ocean Cay (Berry region small cay)
Ocean Cay in the Berry region features clear blue water and strong reef systems that support a healthy fish population. The surrounding environment is ideal for both bottom fishing and drifting techniques. Its calm conditions make it suitable for a relaxed fishing outing.
Where to Fish: Focus on coral patches and deeper reef slopes just offshore for grouper and snapper.
Sandy Cay
Sandy Cay is a classic small tropical cay with white sand edges and shallow surrounding flats. The waters here are often crystal clear, making it ideal for sight fishing and light tackle action. It’s a great spot for beginners and casual anglers alike.
Where to Fish: Work the sandy edges and grass flats where fish patrol during incoming tides.
Long Cay
Long Cay stretches out with varied shoreline structure, including sandy stretches and rocky points. The mix of habitats attracts different species throughout the day. It’s a flexible fishing location that works well for both shore and boat anglers.
Where to Fish: Try the rocky points and deeper water channels along the outer edges of the cay for the best action.
Southern & Remote Cays
The Southern and Remote Cays of the Berry Islands represent some of the most untouched and least developed fishing waters in the entire region. These cays are spread farther from main hubs, creating quieter conditions with minimal boat traffic and high water clarity. Strong ocean currents and deep surrounding channels bring in nutrient-rich water, supporting both reef and pelagic fish species. Anglers come here for a more adventurous, off-the-grid fishing experience where encounters with larger game fish are more common. The area is ideal for those seeking solitude, natural beauty, and highly productive offshore and shallow-water fishing opportunities.
Whale Head Cay
Whale Head Cay sits in the quieter southern reaches of the Berry Islands, offering untouched waters and minimal boat traffic. The surrounding reefs and sandbanks create excellent habitat for both reef and offshore species. It’s a peaceful destination where anglers can enjoy undisturbed fishing conditions.
Where to Fish: Focus on reef edges and deeper channels just offshore where baitfish concentrate and predators patrol.
Big Fish Cay
Big Fish Cay is known for its productive waters and strong currents that attract larger pelagic species. The cay sits near deeper offshore routes, making it a prime area for serious anglers. Its remote setting adds to the sense of adventure and exclusivity.
Where to Fish: Best fishing is found in deep drop-offs and current breaks where large game fish hunt.
Flat Cay
Flat Cay features low-lying terrain with extensive shallow flats surrounding it. These flats are ideal for sight fishing and spotting cruising fish in clear conditions. The area is especially good for light tackle and stealth approaches.
Where to Fish: Target sandy flats and shallow reef patches during rising tides for consistent action.
Bonefish Cay
Bonefish Cay is a classic shallow-water fishing destination surrounded by sandy flats and tidal channels. It is especially known for bonefish activity, making it a favorite for fly fishermen. The calm, clear waters provide excellent visibility for spotting fish.
Where to Fish: Work the flats and mangrove edges where bonefish move with the tide in search of food.
Little Sand Cay
Little Sand Cay is a small, remote cay surrounded by bright white sand and shallow turquoise water. The area is calm and lightly fished, offering a natural and undisturbed environment. It is ideal for relaxed fishing or exploratory boating trips.
Where to Fish: Fish the sandy perimeters and nearby reef patches where small baitfish attract predators.
South Berry Cay
South Berry Cay lies near the outer southern boundary of the Berry Islands and offers a mix of deep water access and reef systems. Its remote location makes it less crowded and more productive for offshore-style fishing. The waters here are influenced by ocean currents that bring in larger species.
Where to Fish: Target offshore drop-offs and reef ledges for snapper, grouper, and pelagic fish moving through the area.
Final Thoughts – Deep Sea Fishing in the Berry Islands
Deep sea fishing in the Berry Islands delivers a mix of excitement, variety, and raw natural beauty that is hard to match anywhere in the Bahamas. The quick drop-offs into deep Atlantic waters mean you don’t have to travel far offshore before reaching prime fishing grounds. From mahi-mahi and wahoo to tuna and marlin, the region offers year-round opportunities depending on season and conditions. What makes the Berry Islands especially unique is how untouched and quiet many of the fishing areas remain, giving anglers a more personal and less crowded experience.
Whether you’re an experienced offshore angler or a first-time visitor, the combination of clear water, strong currents, and abundant marine life creates consistently rewarding trips. Each cay and channel offers something slightly different, making every outing feel like a new adventure.
FAQ – Deep Sea Fishing in the Berry Islands
1. What fish can you catch in the Berry Islands?
Common catches include mahi-mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, kingfish, snapper, grouper, and seasonal marlin.
2. When is the best time for deep sea fishing?
Fishing is good year-round, but peak season for larger pelagic fish is typically spring through early fall when water temperatures and currents are ideal.
3. Do you need a fishing guide?
While experienced anglers can fish independently, local guides are highly recommended because they know productive drop-offs, reefs, and current breaks.
4. How far offshore do you need to go?
In many cases, deep sea fishing starts just a few miles offshore due to the rapid drop-offs around the Berry Islands.
5. Is deep sea fishing good for beginners?
Yes, beginners can enjoy successful trips, especially with guided charters that handle navigation, gear, and technique.
6. What should you bring on a fishing trip?
Bring sun protection, light clothing, non-slip shoes, snacks, motion sickness medication if needed, and a valid fishing license if required by your charter.
7. What makes the Berry Islands different from other Bahamas fishing spots?
The Berry Islands are less crowded, more remote, and offer quick access to deep water, making them ideal for both serious sport fishing and relaxed offshore trips.
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