Grand Turk Fishing
As a small island surrounded by reefs and shoals, Grand Turk’s deep-sea sport and reef fishing can be great. Unlike many other destinations, prime fishing spots are often only a short boat trip away, and there are several fishing companies to choose from.
Licenses
All persons fishing in the Turks and Caicos require a valid fishing license. Water sports operators typically include licenses with excursions, but if you’re fishing on your own, obtaining the license is your responsibility.
Fishing and the gathering of conch and lobster are illegal in all national parks and protected areas. Nearly the entire west coast of Grand Turk is in the Columbus Landfall National Park.
Reef and Bottom Fishing
The terms reef fishing and bottom fishing both refer roughly to the same genre of light equipment fishing. The typical catches are edible and include various types of snapper and grouper, yellowtail, jacks, and barracuda.
It depends a bit on what exactly bites, but comparatively little strength or skill is required. This type of fishing is perfect for everyone in the family.
If you don’t want to prepare the day’s catch, several local restaurants will transform your fish into a delicious dinner if you so desire.
The waters around Grand Turk are usually excellent for this activity. Reefs and shoals can be found throughout the region and abound with fish.
Deep Sea Sport Fishing
Due to the 6,000-foot (1,830 m) deep Turks Islands Passage that separates Grand Turk and Salt Cay from the Caicos Islands plateau, excellent deep-sea fishing can be found directly off the island. Pelagic fish (and the hunters that prey on them) are naturally funneled through this passage.
Most of the fishing operators on Grand Turk offer deep-sea sport fishing. However, the vessels used are smaller than the typical deep-sea sport vessel on Providenciales, which have comfortable and air-conditioned cabins.
Marlins, wahoo, mahi-mahi, several types of tuna, mackerel, and sailfish are the typical catches.
Bone Fishing
Unfortunately, the Turks Islands part of the country (Grand Turk and Salt Cay) do not have the shallow and sheltered banks and wetlands that Caicos Islands have. Consequently, bonefishing and fly-fishing is quite limited.
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Fishing from Shore
Shore fishing on Grand Turk isn’t great. The eastern side of the inlet to North Creek is the best shore fishing spot. The channel here is accessed from a side road near the Grand Turk Lighthouse.
As stated above, the Columbus Landfall National Park covers the majority of the west coast, so fishing off of Cockburn Town and many of the island’s beaches is illegal.
Nearly the entire east coast typically has onshore wind and offers poor conditions.
