Fishing in Turks and Caicos is good all year round, with different target species in season at different times of the year. Summer catches include blue marlin and tuna, wahoo in the winter and mahi mahi through the spring. We’ve listed some of our more common and sought after catches below with some interesting facts about each species. Learn all about the offshore fish in Turks and Caicos below!

Tuna

The yellowfin tuna is a type of tuna that can be found in deep waters, living at depths of up to 400 feet and growing to weights of over 300 pounds. They have evolved bodies that are built for speed, allowing them to catch fast-moving prey such as flying fish, saury, mackerel, pelagic crustaceans, and squid. When they are young, yellowfin tuna are hunted by other pelagic fish like larger tuna, seabirds, wahoo, sharks, and billfish. As they mature, they are only at risk from the largest and fastest predators such as killer whales, sharks, and large blue marlin.

Yellowfin tuna are known for putting up a strong fight when caught and are considered a delicious meal. Besides yellowfin tuna, we also fish for blackfin tuna, skipjack tuna, bonito, and occasionally spot bigeye tuna in Turks and Caicos.

Mahi-mahi

The mahi-mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, is a brightly coloured fish that lives in the open ocean and feeds on small sea creatures like flying fish, crabs, squid, and mackerel. This fish typically weighs around 30lbs and can be easily identified by its vibrant hues of yellow, blue, and green. Male mahi-mahi, known as bulls, have a noticeable hump on their forehead, while females are smaller with a rounded head.

Mahi-mahi have a short lifespan of 4 to 5 years and are known for their rapid growth rate, increasing in size by more than 2 inches per week. They are also one of the quickest spawning fish, with females laying eggs as early as 4 months old. These fish are prized for both their delicious taste and their energetic fighting style, which is reflected in their Hawaiian name meaning ‘strong-strong’.

Wahoo

The Wahoo is one of the fastest fish in the sea capable of reaching speeds of 60mph made possible by the species’ elongated and incredibly streamlined body. Similar to mahi-mahi, the wahoo is fast growing and can reach up to 8ft long and exceed 150lbs. Sporting a silver color with vertical blue bars and a bright blue back, the wahoo has razor sharp teeth and feeds on fish, squid, and crustaceans. Preferring deep blue waters offshore, this fish is popular among anglers for its speed and strength when caught. It is also highly regarded by diners for its delicious, white meat.

Billfish

In the waters of Turks and Caicos, various types of Billfish can be found, such as the white marlin, Atlantic sailfish, swordfish, and blue marlin. We practice catch and release to support conservation efforts and have partnered with The Billfish Foundation’s Tag & Release Program to help protect these species and promote sustainable fishing practices.

Before releasing a billfish, we always try to tag it. We have special tags that are registered with The Billfish Foundation and tag sticks to attach them to the fish. Once the fish is tagged, we record important information such as its dimensions, condition, and where it was caught. This data is vital for scientific research. When the tagged billfish is caught again in the future, the tag will be reported to The Billfish Foundation and enables researchers to collect valuable information on the marlin’s behavior, migration routes, and development. Such details are crucial for the preservation and safeguarding of these remarkable creatures.

We practice catch and release with all billfish, keeping them in the water for their wellbeing and yours.

Blue Marlin

The Atlantic blue marlin can reach lengths of over 12 feet and weigh more than 1,200 pounds. Adult males are typically smaller than females, usually not exceeding 350 pounds. Their bodies are dark blue on top with a white underside and have rows of cobalt stripes with narrow bars and specks on both sides. The blue marlin is known for its extensive migration patterns, with documented travels of up to 2,000 miles.

Young blue marlin eat different types of zooplankton and floating fish eggs and larvae. As they grow older, they start hunting for a variety of fish like mackerel, tuna, squid, and young fish near the shore. Blue marlin use their sharp bill to immobilize or spear their prey, and they have been seen catching white marlin and tuna weighing up to 100lbs. This exquisite fish is highly sought after by fishermen as a catch (and release) of a lifetime.

White Marlin

Until 2006, the white marlin was thought to be closely related genetically to the Atlantic Sailfish, blue marlin, and Swordfish, all belonging to the same order. However, it was reclassified as a genetically distinct species. White marlin are typically found in deep blue waters exceeding 300 feet in depth. They can grow to sizes ranging from 45 to 70 pounds, with females usually larger than males. Their coloration ranges from dark blue to chocolate-brown on the back, with a silvery-white underside. White marlin are often found in small groups and are considered rare and solitary creatures. They feed on a variety of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.

Atlantic Sailfish

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, the average size of the Atlantic sailfish ranges from 65 to 90lbs, although they can grow up to 10ft and 150lbs. This species is characterized by its metallic blue body with blue horizontal stripes and blue-black spots. It also has a pointed bill and a large sail-like dorsal fin running along its back. Sailfish primarily prey on schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, as well as crustaceans and mollusks.

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