The drop-off sits a quarter mile from shore. That is why deep sea fishing in the Cayman Islands beats most of the Caribbean: your boat clears the barrier reef, the bottom falls away to 800 metres of deep water, and the lines go out. No two-hour steam to distant fishing areas. No shared deck, no crowded tour boat.
Surfside Charters runs deep sea fishing charters in Grand Cayman from Camana Bay, with optional pickup by boat at the Cayman Islands Yacht Club or Kaibo. Your group gets the whole boat, so these are completely private trips. Your Captain reads the weather, rigs the spread, and works the drop-offs where wahoo, tuna and mahi mahi feed.
Offshore Fishing Ten Minutes from Grand Cayman's Dock
Grand Cayman puts world-class offshore fishing almost on your doorstep. Within minutes of leaving the dock, Surfside Charters can have you trolling deep blue water for wahoo, mahi mahi, tuna and marlin. Less travel time means more time fishing, more chances to hook something unforgettable, and a fast, exciting start to your Cayman Islands adventure.
The Cayman Trench and the 800-Metre Drop-Off
Just minutes from shore, Grand Cayman’s shallow reef shelf, sitting at around 50 to 60 feet, plunges over a sheer wall directly into deep offshore waters of more than 800 meters (2,600 feet). Surfside Charters puts you on this productive edge fast, where currents concentrate baitfish and attract wahoo, tuna and blue marlin. Less travel means more time trolling prime offshore water.
12 Mile Bank, 60 Mile Bank and the North Sound Run
Two seamounts sit off Grand Cayman, and they fish differently from the drop-offs. The 12 Mile Bank rises to about 80 feet from surrounding water over 5,000 feet deep, which concentrates bait and the game fish that hunt it. The 60 Mile Bank is the bigger trophy. It needs a full day charter at minimum, plus settled weather.
Where your captain runs depends on the day:
- The wall, a quarter mile out, when wind is up or the half day trip is short
- The 12-Mile Bank, roughly an hour west, when conditions settle and you want yellowfin tuna
- The North Sound, for a mixed day of fishing and sight-seeing that ends at Stingray City
- The south and east ends, where local knowledge of these local waters earns its keep
Put yourself within striking distance of Grand Cayman’s hardest-fighting and most exciting game fish
Big Game Fishing for Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi Mahi and Blue Marlin
Chase some of Grand Cayman’s most exciting offshore species with Surfside Charters. From hard-hitting wahoo and powerful tuna to acrobatic mahi mahi and trophy blue marlin, every trip is built around fast access to productive deep water, experienced local crews, and the chance to hook a fish you will never forget.
What Fish Can You Expect on a Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Grand Cayman
Wahoo Season Runs November to March
Wahoo season runs November through March, and the cooler months are why anglers book Cayman fishing charters in winter. A Cayman wahoo typically runs 20 to 60 pounds. Wahoo strike a high speed trolling spread, take a hundred yards of line before you reach the rod, and cut through mono, which is why every leader on this fishing boat is wire.
Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna and Mahi Mahi Through the Warmer Months
Tuna season runs March to June. Yellowfin tuna push into the 60 pound class and fight deep, testing drag and tackle across long sustained runs. Blackfin tuna are smaller, school tighter, and are caught year-round, which makes blackfin the fish species that keeps children interested when the trophy fish are not cooperating.
Mahi mahi, the dolphinfish, are the warmer months' showpiece. They hold under sargassum in offshore waters. Hook one, get a second live bait back in the water immediately.
Trolling, Drifting and the Tackle Your Captain Rigs
We use trolling, drifting and live-bait techniques depending on the conditions and target species. Your captain rigs lures and ballyhoo, works flat lines and outriggers, and adjusts the approach when fish appear on the depth finder or along temperature breaks, giving you the best chance of staying on active fish.
A typical offshore fishing trip runs like this:
- Clear the reef and set the trolling spread within fifteen minutes of the dock
- Work the wall north or south depending on weather, watching for birds and colour changes
- Switch to drifting or chunking over structure once the sounder marks bait
- Run to the 12 Mile Bank if conditions allow and the inshore bite is slow
Rods, reels, downriggers, wire leaders, circle hooks and bait are aboard every trip.
Deep Sea Fishing Boat Charters Aboard a Catamaran or Power Yacht
Surfside Charters runs two very different boats, and the choice shapes the whole day. Serious deep sea fishing happens on Mojito Majic, our 38ft Intrepid. Larger groups who want fishing inside a broader itinerary take Bamboozled, our 56ft Lagoon catamaran. Both run as private boat charters.
Mojito Majic, a 38ft Intrepid 377 Built for Deep Water
Mojito Majic is our primary deep sea fishing boat. The Intrepid hull runs fast and dry into a head sea, which matters when the wind is up. She takes up to 10 guests, with 8 the comfortable number for fishing. The cockpit stays clear enough for two anglers to fight fish without tangling.
Guests choose Mojito Majic for its speed, stability, generous fishing space and comfortable ride, giving groups a capable offshore platform that can reach productive water quickly and keep everyone involved once the action starts.
Bamboozled, a 56ft Lagoon Catamaran for Bigger Fishing Groups
Bamboozled carries up to 30 guests (14 recommended) across two hulls, with shade, seating and a swim platform. She is a sailing catamaran, built for space and hospitality rather than chasing a wahoo bite at fifteen knots, so book her when fishing is one part of the day and snorkeling, Stingray City and lunch are the rest. Fishing aboard Bamboozled is charged at her standard charter rates.
Half-Day or Full-Day Deep Sea Fishing Trip: Matching Vessel to Group Size
Trip duration and boat choice are one decision. Work through it in this order:
- Count your group. Above ten guests, the catamaran is the only option.
- Decide how much fishing you want. A half day fishing charter is four hours of fishing; a full day fishing charter adds a reef stop and lunch
- Check the season. Chasing a species is worth the seven hours; a mixed family outing is not
- Pick your start time. An 8:00 am departure fishes better than a midday one, in every season
A half day Cayman Island boat rental covers 4 hours and suits first timers and children. The full day Cayman Islands charter runs seven hours and gives your captain room to reach the 12 Mile Bank.
What a Private Fishing Charter Includes: Bait, Tackle and Crew
Every Surfside fishing charter includes rods, reels, terminal tackle, live bait and a captain and mate who rig everything. Depending on your charter, Surfside can provide:
- Rods, reels, light or heavy tackle
- Live bait and artificial lures
- Hands-on crew support for beginners and children
- Safety equipment and VHF radio
- Fresh fruit platter, chips, water and soda, (cheese and charcuterie can be arranged on request and partner catering on 48 hours’ notice)
- Snorkeling equipment for combination trips
Your captain and mate handle the setup, rigging and fishing equipment throughout the trip, leaving your group free to focus on the experience.
Catch and Release, Marine Parks and Cayman Fishing Rules
The Cayman Islands protect a significant share of their local waters, and fishing rules are enforced. Marine parks prohibit taking marine life of any kind. Spear fishing is restricted across Grand Cayman. Conch and lobster have closed seasons, and visiting fishermen are expected to know them.
Our guides encourage catch and release on Grand Cayman deep sea fishing charters, on billfish and on anything you will not eat:
- Marine parks: No take of any kind, including conch and lobster
- Billfish: Always released as standard practice on every trip
- Grouper: Closed seasons apply, and Nassau grouper are protected
Other legal catch is filleted at the dock or on board, depending on what you want to take home.
Private Fishing Charters Built Around Your Group, Not a Timetable
A Surfside charter carries your group and nobody else. The start time moves if you wake up late, the day shortens if the guests have had enough, and your captain will run to a different mark because you asked. Group tour boats cannot do any of that.
Most of our deep sea fishing days are not purely fishing days. They start in open waters at dawn and finish somewhere calmer.
Add Snorkeling, Stingray City or a Sunset Run to Your Day
A full day fishing charter has room for more than trolling. Pull the lines at eleven, run into the North Sound, and spend the afternoon at the Stingray City sandbar tour or over the reef. Grand Cayman snorkeling at Coral Gardens takes an hour and lets your whole party enjoy some down time.
Families love our Grand Cayman deep sea fishing trips. The anglers get their morning fishing adventure, everyone else gets an afternoon of snorkeling and sight-seeing. Deep-sea fishing excursions and reef stops share one boat and one day.
Deep-Sea Fishing Rates
| Trip | 4 hours | 7 hours |
|---|---|---|
| Deep-sea fishing · Mojito Majic | US$1,500 Book | US$2,100 Book |
| Fishing on Bamboozled (groups up to 30) | US$4,200 Book | US$6,600 Book |
Cayman Islands Deep Sea Fishing Charters: Common Questions
Most trips stay a quarter to two miles offshore, with full-day charters sometimes reaching the 12 Mile Bank. Deep water is close to shore, and captains can switch to the island’s sheltered side. For seasickness, take medication beforehand and consider a morning half-day trip.
Yes. Blackfin tuna and barracuda make these trips exciting for families and beginners. The crew handles rigging and instruction, while short runs keep children engaged. Beginners often have a strong chance of catching fish. For children under six, a half-day deep sea fishing charter is usually best.
Everything is included: rods, reels, lures, leaders, hooks, ice, and live or rigged bait. The crew handles rigging, gaffing and cleaning, and can teach techniques throughout the trip. Every deep-sea fishing experience begins with a clear briefing, so you can simply arrive ready to fish.
Every group is different, so we keep our charters flexible. Whether you want more fishing, time in the water or a relaxed day exploring Grand Cayman, our crew can help tailor the trip around your interests, pace and group. Popular charter excursions include: