Last updated: 9th Jan 2012

In this chapter, we discuss where to boat in Grand Cayman; buying a boat; boat maintenance and repairs; marinas; boat trips; sailing charters; fishing and marine park regulations.

As beautifully noted by Jacques Cousteau, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”  The Cayman Islands are globally renowned for their beautiful water which is warm, blue and crystal clear. As an idyllic dream location for divers, boaters, fishermen, snorkellers and naturalists, we have designated an entire chapter to the joy of being on the water.

WHERE TO BOAT

Seven Mile Beach
The lee shore (Seven Mile Beach) is typically the calmest water year round. The diving is beautiful, the beach is amazing and navigation is easy because there is no fringing reef (and few shallow coral heads) to hit, but you need a trailer to take your boat in and out of the water. Boat ramps are located at the Lobster Pot dock and at the beginning of Northwest Point Road (in West Bay at the north end of Seven Mile Beach). Occasionally boaters will anchor off beach bars and restaurants such as Royal Palms during the day.

You can also take your boat around from the North Sound to Seven Mile Beach, but you need to be familiar with the channels through the reef in the North Sound, have a sturdy boat and be prepared for a long and rough trip.

Currently there are no gas stations where members of the public can dock and refuel a boat in George Town or on Seven Mile Beach. If you are considering regularly keeping your boat in the water overnight off Seven Mile Beach, then it is best to seek authorisation from the Department of Environment to put in a mooring. Even with a mooring your vessel (and engine) is unfortunately somewhat vulnerable to theft, and storms can occasionally occur which make the sea very rough and exposed off Seven Mile Beach. As a result, if you are not very conscious of weather conditions, your vessel could become a shipwreck.

Even though a number of commercial vessels anchor regularly off George Town (and Seven Mile Beach), it is not considered advisable for personal watercraft to anchor overnight. It is possible a propeller from another vessel could accidentally cut the anchor line and also, if the anchor drags, the wind will take the boat offshore and probably over the horizon.

Despite the challenges of accessing the water off Seven Mile Beach, it is worth it. The sea conditions and environment are magnificent. When travelling close to shore however, especially in this area, always be on the lookout for snorkellers and divers. Do not exceed five knots within 200 yards from the coast, and do not anchor in marked boat channels, diving or swimming areas.

The North Sound
Most boat owners keep their boats on a dock in the North Sound, but there are several launching ramps that provide access. The Sound is enclosed by a barrier reef and has a network of canals that afford excellent protection from the weather in all but the most extreme conditions (such as a hurricane). Theft is uncommon and a canal generally offers access to fresh water to keep the boat clean. There are also fuel stations that can be accessed by boats.

The North Sound has some excellent shallow snorkelling areas, such as the Coral Gardens, and is home to the world renowned Stingray City. Diving off the North Wall is very good as well, but sea conditions can be rough. Bar/restaurants such as Rum Point and Kaibo are popular stops for the boating crowd, particularly on weekends, and there are beaches in Cayman Kai and Rum Point that are attractive places to sun and swim.

Some boaters also head up to Morgan’s Harbour where there are three restaurants accessible from the water: Calypso Grill, Morgan’s Harbour and Osetra Bay, but space can be limited and the onshore breeze can make docking a challenge, so be careful when approaching the dock. Just to the north of Morgan’s Harbour is an area called Barker’s that offers miles of undeveloped white sand beaches and some good light tackle fishing for bonefish. Navigate carefully, however, because it is easy to strike a coral head and damage your propeller unless you are very familiar with the location. Another option is to take your boat into Camana Bay via the North Sound and dock at one of the 30 public boat slips available at The Harbour. You can then take a stroll to lunch, have an afternoon shopping trip or enjoy an evening of al fresco dining before boating home.

The North Sound is a great area for fishing and catching conch and lobster, but if you are interested in fishing activities it is necessary to get a copy of the Marine Parks Law. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and violations can result in serious fines, possible confiscation of your boat and even a prison term.

Even though the Sound is partially enclosed by a barrier reef, it can still get quite choppy at times. If you are in a boat under 22 feet long, you (and your guests) are very likely to get wet from sea spray on an average day.

On the east side of the North Sound is the Central Mangrove Wetland, a protected Environmental Zone where in-water activity, fishing and anchoring are completely prohibited, but boats can access the area provided they do not exceed five knots. It is a fun place to view nature and get away from it all. Quite a number of people kayak in the canal systems and also in English Bay, located due east of Kaibo. As mentioned later in this chapter, the Cayman Island’s Sailing Club is located on the southwestern side of the North Sound (off Selkirk Drive) and you will often see dinghies sailing out from the club.

Larger sail boats also venture out into the Sound, but because the access through the reef is fairly shallow, no boats with drafts greater than 10 feet can enter (and boats with drafts approaching that should hire a pilot to assist them). As a general rule, it is wise to approach the north side of the Sound (the fringing reef area) with care. Some of the more treacherous areas include: The Blower’s, Fisherman’s Rock, Barker’s, The Standards and Four-Way Reef. In these areas there are many shallow coral heads that, through the years, have claimed many propellers and even some boats.

South, East & North Coasts
There are some excellent boating opportunities on the south, east and north coasts of Grand Cayman, but you will generally need a vessel that can be launched by trailer if you want to explore these more remote locations. In some of these areas you can find miles of undeveloped beaches, great fishing, and pristine diving and snorkelling, but you may want to take a local guide with you the first few times you venture out. In these more isolated areas, it is easy for your propeller to find a coral head if you don’t know what you are doing.

Remember to always carry water, a cell phone and a working radio. The Port Authority has a list of items you must have on board (such as life jackets), depending on the size of your boat. As a general rule in the Cayman Islands, justice and the rule of law is respected, upheld and actively enforced. It is very likely that if you are out on the water, you will be approached by a vessel operated by Marine Parks or Marine Police officers. Have fun, but be aware that penalties for breaking the rules on the water are really very serious; it is worth taking the time to pick up a copy of the Marine Parks Rules and Regulations as well as the Port Authority Law.

BUYING A BOAT

If you don’t have a friend who has a boat or would like to buy your own, here are a few tips:
Once you have decided on the type, size and price range, the next thing to decide is whether you want a new or used boat. You get more boat for your money with a used boat, but you sacrifice the warranty. There are several brokers specialising in used boat sales, as well as the ‘for sale by owner’ market. Check the local papers and classifieds for brokers and used
vessels.

New vessels may not be trouble-free, but if you purchase from a local dealer, you have the benefit of warranty service on-Island. There are several new boat dealers in Cayman selling a wide range of quality vessels. Pricing is competitive and the sales staff are quite knowledgeable.

A good broker will help you determine what you need in a boat and scour the market with you as your ally, steering you away from potential problems and boats that might be considered poor value.

Buying a Boat with a Partner
As a means of reducing costs, many buyers look to find partners in boat ownership. Partnerships can be productive and fun. Taking the time to regularly clean and maintain your boat will protect your investment so that when the time comes to sell, you will maximise your boat resale value.

Companies that Sell or Maintain Boats
Avalon Marine
Tel: (345) 945 5103
Email: rafe@avalonmarine.ky
Mobile boat maintenance and repair service. Brokerage for new and used boats, locally and internationally. Exclusive dealers for WorldCat and exclusive broker for new Intrepid Powerboats.

Compass Marine
Tel: (345) 916 0660
Email: mike@compassmarine.ky
A full service marine maintenance and repair company, offering fibreglass repair, electronics, painting, rigging, storage and mechanical services. Dealers for all Hall spars, Quantum sails, Mack sails, Hobie and Laser Performance boats, equipment and parts.

Harbour House Marina
Tel: (345) 947 1307
www.harbourhousemarina.com
A full service marina with a 70 ton marine travel-lift and a forklift/crane support. They are the authorised distributors for Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, Angler and Honda Marine as well as being a Mercury Marine authorised service centre. HHM has the largest marine retail store in the western Caribbean, stocking all key brands of marine equipment, and they have a fuel dock stocking diesel and premium gas. They are located on the North Sound waterfront at the end of Marina Drive in Prospect.

Kirk Marine
Tel: (345) 946 3575
Kirk Marine has the largest fishing and tackle store in Cayman. They carry well known fishing brands such as Penn, Shimano and Shakespeare. They stock items for all ages and have introduced clothing and swim lines such as Columbia, Under Armor, Palegic and Body Glove. They are the only authorised dealer and service centre for Evinrude and Seadoo on the Island.

ProYacht
Tel: (345) 945 4676
Email: info@proyacht.ky
A full service boat sales and maintenance company dealing with personal watercraft, center consoles, sportfishers or cruisers. Skilled staff provide services ranging from detailing, painting, engine servicing, electronics installation to private dive instruction and personal captaining. Their mobile fleet also offers on-site dockside service in addition to their centrally located repair facility. Dealers for Jupiter Marine, CABO, Cummins, Mako Marine and Onan. Local and international brokerage.

Scott’s Marine
Tel: (345) 949 4186
Email: scottsmarine@scottsmarinecayman.com
www.scottsmarinecayman.com
Scott’s Marine is Cayman’s only factory authorised Mercury Marine dealership and offers Mercury trained technicians, as well as Mercury backed warranty and service. They are the dealers for Bertram, Tiara, Pursuit, Grady-White, Trophy, Panga, Cobalt, Starcraft and Bayliner as well as Mercury inflatables and Yanmar diesel motors, parts and service. In addition they also offer a full line of marine parts, electronics, accessories and safety equipment. 

MAINTAINING A BOAT

If you buy a boat you might want to bear in mind that salt and sun mixed together are a perfect cocktail for rust and for making your boat age very quickly! After a lovely long day out on the north sound and lunching over at Kaibo, the last thing you probably want to consider is washing, cleaning and maintaining your boat! However, just taking a few minutes to hose down the boat with a little fresh water is probably one of the best maintenance procedures you can do. This will cut down the chance of corrosion on your engines, Biminis tops, snaps and other metal parts. It is also recommended that you flush your outboard motors each and every time. It is recommended that you do the following:

>Give your boat a soapy wash using a premium marine “boat wash”. This will ensure that you are getting all that the sea has to offer in the way of contaminants off, while keeping all your waxes on. Never use a household detergent! 

>Once every 6 to 12 months it is recommended that you wax your boat using a premium marine wax. This will revive the look of the boat considerably and protect the boat from salt and sun. The wax can be applied by hand, but it’s easier with a good dual action polisher to get the job done quickly.

>If your boat is starting to show its age then it could use a polish. Use a premium marine polish, then wipe with a micro fiber cloth and then wax (as above).

All washing, waxing, polishing and compounding can be applied on all painted or gel coated, fiberglass or urethane surfaces including the engines and engine covers and interior floors and gunnels to keep them all shining like new. Invest in good covers for your boat and engine to prolong their life. Blocking out the sun is by far the best solution to keeping everything in pristine shape. Don’t forget to give your trailer a fresh-water wash down every time you launch your boat. Also lubricate, including greasing your bearing buddies. To keep it in tip top shape remember to: use a non-slip floor cleaner for your boat floors;  marine aluminum cleaner for the aluminum top; detailing spray; premium marine vinyl cleaner and protector for all vinyl, and to prevent those snaps from freezing up get a jar of petroleum jelly and a small hard bristle paint brush and apply liberally.

Be extra cautious when cleaning the underside of your boat with caustic products used to remove biological growth as a result of it being in the water too long. They will get the job done in a hurry but make sure you get the appropriate safety gear for your hands, eyes and a good face mask with filters. A marine detailing product will fix plastic that has a cloudy finish. And, most importantly, make certain that the products used don’t degrade our waters or endanger aquatic life.

All marine cleaning products can be picked up at Automotive Art & Cayman Marine located on Shedden Road, George Town (Tel: (345) 949 7102) as well as at Harbour House Marina, Kirk Marine and Scott’s Marine.

Repairing Boats
As well as the companies which all sell, maintain and service boats, a couple of other companies which have boat maintenance and repair divisions include:

All Marine Upholstery
Tel: (345) 945 7767
Email: admin@allmarineupholstery.com
Suppliers of custom-fitted boat covers, boat seats, cushions and bolsters, boat enclosures and Bimini tops, as well as marine carpets and more.

Automotive Art & Yamaha Power Sports
480 Shedden Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7102
Authorised sales, service and support for Yamaha, Deka marine batteries and all Meguiar’s premium marine products.

MooreMarine Ltd.
Tel: (345) 916 5572
Email: m_marine@candw.ky

Superior Auto
Tel: (345) 949 9570
Email: sa@candw.ky
Their machine shop can repair or rebuild boat props, shafts, engines and steps.

MARINAS & FUELING

MARINAS
As one of the finest sailing and boating destinations globally, the Cayman Islands feature premiere service marinas dedicated to assisting boaters with docking facilities, buying parts, getting repairs and general maintenance done. Those intending on visiting the Island via boat can, with advance notice, notify The Barcadere Marina and they can arrange all customs requirements.

The Barcadere Marina
The Barcadere is a first class, environmentally friendly marina that offers recreational and commercial boaters a comprehensive combination of services and amenities. The marina is located in George Town, less than a minute from the Owen Roberts international airport. The marina currently offers berthing for boats and yachts up to 130 feet in length, with individually metered water and power. Scott's Landing’s dockside fuel station features premium ValvTect marine fuel. Other existing amenities include luxury changing rooms with showers and lockers, free marina-wide wireless internet and nightly security, all in a safe and secure environment. There is a full service boatyard with a 100 ton marine travel-lift, which is a part of the Scott’s Marine boat sales and service centre, due for completion in December of 2011. The next thing to be constructed is the George Town Yacht Club, which will feature a poolside bar and grill, opening in the summer of 2012. You can contact them on (345) 949 3743 or visit www.barcadere.com.

Harbour House Marina (HHM)
Though not a traditional marina in the sense of having multiple boat docking facilities with power and water, HHM does have a few canal frontage docking spaces available. Their 8,000 square foot marine store sells everything from fishing equipment to sailing boat parts. Their boatyard has a 70 ton marine travel-lift and forklift/crane support and their wide variety of services include boat hauling and storage, hull repair and painting, dry dock, aluminium welding, sandblasting, fibreglass and sail repairs, and salvage and towing. As mentioned above they also sell boats and boat parts and fuel. They are located on the North Sound at the end of Marina Drive in Prospect. Tel: (345) 947 1307 or www.harbourhousemarina.com.

There are no other traditional marinas on the Island: Kaibo Yacht Club has power and water facilities, but their dock is only open to people visiting for lunch or dinner and the occassional overnight stay; and the Cayman Islands Yacht Club has dock space for rent (with water available), but no electricity.

MARINE FUELING STATIONS
On the North Sound there are three marine fuelling stations – Scott’s Landing at the Barcadere Marina and Harbour House Marina on the west side of the Sound and Kaibo Yacht Club on the east side of the Sound. All sell gasoline and diesel. No ethanol gasoline is sold in Cayman. Scott’s Landing is the Island’s ValvTect dealer – an additive specifically formulated for marine engines which is added to their fuel. For a small delivery fee they offer a fuel delivery service (the fuel price is the same as it is at the pump). Alternatively the dockside pumps are open 7 days a week.

Please note that Cayman Islands law states that all fuel stations must display their fuel prices (within sight of the fuel dispensers) in CI dollars and imperial gallons. However, most marine and mobile fuel providers dispense fuel in US gallons, which is almost exactly 20% less per volume than imperial gallons. So make sure that you are being charged appropriately. 

Note on marine engines: Please also note that due to the high level of sulphur in our diesel you are advised to add a lubricant to the diesel you put in your boat. High sulphur causes deposits to accumulate in fuel injector pumps and catalytic converters and can significantly reduce the performance and function of your engine.

BOAT & WATERSPORTS EQUIPMENT RENTAL

For those who don’t want the hassle of owning their own boat but would still like to get out and explore Cayman’s beautiful water on a private boat, there is now another option: MooreMarine Services & Boat Rentals rents motor boats from 14ft to 31ft in size for a ½ day, full day, week or more. You can take the boat out on your own or they offer captain services. They also rent jet skis, small Sunfish sail boats, fishing gear, water-skis, kneeboards, wakeboards, water tubes, ski vests and snorkelling sets. You can contact them on  (345) 916 5572.

BOAT TRIPS
Day Trips
Numerous companies offer North Sound boat and snorkelling trips, either for a half-day or a full-day. Charter Boat Headquarters (Tel: (345) 945 4340) or charter@candw.ky organises trips using local operators. Trips depart daily, either for a half-day (10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm) or full-day (9.30am-4pm). The cost for local residents is US$40 for a half-day and US$80 for a full-day, but groups of eight or more qualify for a discount price of US$70 per person for a full-day. This does not include a 15% gratuity, which we recommend you give on top of the daily rate. Stops include Stingray City, the Sandbar, Coral Gardens, Barrier Reef and Rum Point or Kaibo for lunch. These trips are run by local operators and are probably the best value on the Island. We highly recommend them. Alternatively, Tours Cayman does half day snorkelling and stingray trips for between US$25 and US$30 depending on the tour. Tel: (345) 916 5478, Email:sebanks@candw.ky. Frank’s Watersports  does half and full day snorkel lunch trips as well as fishing and stingray city trips. Tel: (345) 925 2783, Email: cptfrank@candw.ky. Finally Captain Bryan’s Sail & Snorkel Tours does half day snorkelling and stringray city trips. Tel: (345) 916 3048. Red Sail Sports (Tel: (345) 949 8745) also offers half-day morning or afternoon snorkelling trips. Call them for times and rates. Cayman Luxury Charters offers half and full day private yacht charters including snorkelling, wave-runner, water-skiing, wakeboarding, light snacks and soft drinks. For more information call (345) 938 2525. John Michael Stafford from Cayman Nature Tours offers stingray city eco-tours on a power boat, and stingray city sandbar and beach charters on a J-22 sailboat. Contact John Michael on (345) 925 1961 or jmvbs@candw.ky for details and eco-tour bookings.

SAILING
There is quite a large sailing community in Cayman. If you are a keen sailor you will want to join the Cayman Islands Sailing Club and start sailing in the ideal conditions on the North Sound. Sailing lessons for adults and children are available throughout the year. Dinghy racing usually takes place on the first Sunday of the month, with J-22 racing on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Boat owners are always looking for more crew. There is often informal dinghy racing on Saturday mornings and in the summer there is informal dinghy racing on Wednesday evenings as well. There are also opportunities for those who own their own larger sailboats, as the cruiser fleet arranges periodic races, rallies to the Sister Islands and Cuba, full moon sails and get-together sailaways. The club also hosts an annual International Regatta, Race Cayman, which brings sailors from all over the world to compete. In 2010 they hosted a Youth Olympic Games qualifier and North American Championship in the C11 Byte class which brought over 100 sailors and their families to our shores.

The Sailing Club has a scenic clubhouse overlooking the North Sound and often hosts parties and socials. Joining the Club is a great way to meet people.

Cayman Islands Sailing Club
320 Spinnaker Road,
Off Selkirk Drive, Red Bay
Tel: (345) 947 7913 or (345) 926 7914
Email: admin@sailing.ky
Various different types of sailing boats (whether for children or adults) can be rented by the hour, half or full day and members get a discount. New members are warmly welcomed. Annual family membership costs CI$300 per year or CI$215 for an individual.

Sailing Charters
Sail Cayman has a 44-foot sailboat for full or half-day private, boutique-style sailing or snorkelling charters, and also a new custom Zodiac power boat for lightning fast Stingray City and Rum Point trips. For information/reservations call (345) 916 4333 or email Neil Galway on neil@sailcayman.com. Red Sail Sports (Tel: (345) 946 3362) has four 65-foot catamarans that offer half-day snorkelling trips into North Sound to feed the stingrays. They also do a sunset sail off Seven Mile Beach. E & H Cruises, Tel: (345) 945 7245 offers a ‘Pirate Adventure’ sailing trip for two hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The cruise features traditional pirate antics, including a pirate’s trial, sword fighting and walking the plank and a swim stop. The boat departs at 2pm, however check-in is at 1.45pm sharp, and is fun for both adults and kids. 

Evening Sailing
Red Sail Sports (Tel: (345) 946 3362) offers evening sails on their 65-foot catamarans. The sunset sail leaves on Fridays at 6pm (from the Westin on Seven Mile Beach) and costs CI$15 for locals, but you must pay 24 hours in advance to receive this rate. Do call ahead and make a booking as these trips are very popular. The sail takes you out for a very relaxing two-hour ride along Seven Mile Beach and includes light appetizers. Drinks are available from the bar. Call for information on dinner cruises, which are also scheduled during peak season.

Another alternative is a two-hour sail on board the pirate ships Anne Bonny or Jolly Roger, known to many as the “booze cruise”, which leaves from the South Terminal in George Town. This sunset sail leaves nightly at 5.30pm (except Sundays) and costs CI$30 for residents. It includes all you can drink with appetizers. Call (345) 945 7245 for reservations.

FISHING

The Cayman Islands Angling Club puts on tournaments throughout the year, including the annual Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament, held every year in April or May. Exact dates depend on the moon. Angling Club membership costs CI$100 per year. Call (345) 945 3131 or email: fishing@candw.ky for more information.

Numerous companies also offer deep sea fishing trips, including Blue Water Marine (Tel: (345) 946 3477) or Captain Marvin’s (Tel: (345) 945 4590). Both can take you out fishing for marlin, wahoo or tuna. Both also offer light tackle reef and bone fishing. The cost for a privately chartered fishing vessel can run from US$550 (small boat/half-day) to US$1800 (big boat/full-day). Oh Boy Charters (Tel: 345 949 6341 or ohboy@candw.ky) offers night, reef and shark fishing with dinner included. Captain Alfonso of White Rose Charters has one of the highest catches in bone, tarpon, reef and drift fishing. Enjoy full day tours with lunch on the beach. Contact (345) 949 1012. For specialty angling supplies, try Kirk Marine (Tel: (345) 946 3575). Petique (Tel: (345) 949 7296) in Pasadora Place on Smith Road sell Orvis fly fishing tackle, gear and equipment.

Light Tackle Gamefishing
Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit can be caught in all three islands, but Little Cayman is renowned for in-shore gamefish and there are some spectacular fishing opportunities for those that are into the sport.

Bonefish can be found on the ‘flats’; these are inshore waters that are typically shallow and covered in turtle grass. In many areas of Little Cayman you can find these flats right along the edge of the coastline but there are also good flats in Grand Cayman and in Cayman Brac. Bonefish are usually less than 12 pounds and they are known as the ‘grey ghost’ or ‘phantom’. Pound for pound they are one of the fastest and strongest of all the salt water fish species. They are considered to be among the world’s premier gamefish and are highly sought after by anglers. 

Typically anglers will wade along the shoreline looking for signs of a ‘tailing’ fish, or there may be an unusual ripple on the surface that could indicate the presence of a fish nearby. Shrimp and crab patterns are considered to be quite effective bait, but check with local fishing guides to see what is working best.

On the south side of Little Cayman there is an inland pond called Tarpon Lake that is literally teaming with Tarpon, otherwise known as ‘Silver King’. These particular fish (in the Tarpon Lake) never seem to grow above 15 pounds but they can be taken both on the flyrod and with spinning tackle. It is impossible to access the fish in the lake without a guide because you really need to use one of the little boats and row around; the bottom of the lake is not suitable for wading because the mud is deep, and the perimeter of the lake is a dense thicket of red mangrove - don’t even think of trying to fight your way through the mangroves with a rod in your hands, it is not going to happen.

Early in the morning is usually the best time to go, and if you get there shortly after sunrise it is possible you may witness what is known as the ‘tarpon frenzy’; basically the Gambusia minnows (a small bait fish) get pinned against the edge of the pond by a large number of tarpon, and the minnows are unable to shelter in the roots of the mangroves because waiting along the banks are hundreds of herons and egrets. The birds crowd the edge of the mangroves and strike at any minnow within reach. It is an awesome spectacle with a constant roar of tarpon hitting the surface as they gorge themselves on the bait fish. The birds are also a sight to behold as they frantically jab their beaks into the water and jockey for position on the branches. During this frenzy it is almost impossible to avoid catching a fish if you present the fly or lure anywhere even close to the action. Tarpon do not have teeth but once they inhale the lure you really have to put your back into setting the hook. Also, you should have a minimum of a 20 pound shock tippet on the end of the line to avoid losing the fish through abrasion.

Tarpon are astonishingly good jumpers and once hooked they vigorously launch themselves from the water and this can happen on four or five occasions. Typically about 50 percent of the fish throw the hook before you get them alongside the boat to release them. After sunrise, the fish spread out in the lake, but they give their location away by ‘rolling’ (rising) to take a breath from the surface. Tarpon are a very ancient species of fish and they have a primitive air bladder that allows them to supplement the oxygen they derive from the water with some from the air. This makes the fishing interesting and fun because you are sight-casting to them. If you are interested in going on a fishing adventure on the Tarpon Lake then check with the Southern Cross Club about securing a guide.

Tarpon can also be caught in shallow coastal waters and these fish can get quite large, it is not unheard of for a 100 pound fish to be sighted near a large school of sprats or fine fry near the shore. Catching these big fish can be a challenge but they will sometimes take lures, and a streamer is probably your best bet.

Restrictions on Fishing
Anyone is allowed to fish from a boat in deep water as long as they are well away from the shore. However, if you are not Caymanian or possess Caymanian Status you are not allowed to fish from the shore unless you have a fishing licence. A licence can be obtained from the Department of Environment, located in the Cayman Islands Environmental Centre on North Sound Road (Tel: (345) 949 8469) and costs CI$150 per month or CI$400 per year. Anyone however, can line fish from shore or within standing water as long as they practise ‘catch and release’ and the fish are not harmed.

Fish Pots
According to the Department of Environment, all fish pots must be licensed by the Marine Conservation Board and only Caymanians over the age of 18 may be granted a licence. There is a limit of only two pots per family and all pots must be identified with a DoE tag. No fish pots may be set within a one–mile radius of any designated Grouper Spawning Areas from 1st November through 31st March.

Lionfish Hunts & Culling Licences
Natives of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, lionfish were first observed in Cayman waters in February 2008 and since then have become a significant threat to our marine ecosystem. Lionfish lay up to 30,000 eggs per month, reach reproductive maturity within a year, can consume all the small fish on a reef within five weeks and have no natural predators in the Caribbean sea. These factors make them a major problem in Cayman’s waters; the consequences of leaving the population of lionfish unchecked would be detrimental to local fisherman, the dive industry and the natural Cayman ecosystem.

Since March 2009, the DoE has been offering the Invasive Lionfish Tracker Course and issuing attendees with a culling licence on completion. Several dive operators on-Island, such as DiveTech and Ocean Frontiers, organise lionfish hunts and tournaments.

In light of the lionfish concerns, the DoE have had to review the basic rules of recreational divers being prohibited from removing anything from the sea, whether living or dead while scuba diving. If you are interested in learning more about the lionfish invasion or getting trained and licenced to cull them yourself, please register with the DoE for their next training course. Courses are held at their office every three to four weeks. To register, simply send an email to: doe@gov.ky, let them know how many people will be attending and they will confirm via email with a date for the next class. Spaces are limited so registration is required. WARNING: Lionfish are extremely venomous. Do not attempt to catch one without proper DoE training and a licence.

RULES & REGULATIONS

Anyone using Cayman waters is obliged to familiarise themselves with the applicable boating, marine, and environmental laws (copies can be purchased from the Port Authority or at the Legislative Assembly building for a nominal fee). The purpose of these laws is to preserve Cayman’s marine environment for generations to come. Breaches of the law are treated as serious offences and anyone committing an offence against the Marine Conservation Law and its regulations is liable to a maximum fine of CI$500,000, a year’s imprisonment, or both.

Lobster, Conch & Other Catch Limits
Those wanting to catch lobster and conch should know the season restrictions and the catch limits. Lobster season is closed from 1st March to 30th November. Conch season is closed from 1st May to 31st October. Lobster catch limits in open season are three per person per day, or six per boat per day, whichever is less. Lobster tails must be a minimum size of six inches. Conch catch limits are five per person per day, or 10 per boat per day, whichever is less. Whelk season is closed 1st May-31 October and the catch limit is two-and-a-half gallons in the shell or two-and-a half pounds of processed whelks. Echinoderms (including starfish, sea eggs, urchins, sea cucumbers, sand dollars, etc.) may not be taken from Cayman waters at any time. Nassau groupers are limited to a twelve inch minimum size limit year round. No one may take Nassau grouper from any of the Designated Grouper Spawning Areas. No one may spear fish or set a fish pot within a one-mile radius of any Designated Grouper Spawning Area from 1st November to 31st March. No one may disturb, molest or take turtles in Cayman without a licence from the Marine Conservation Board. Possession of turtle eggs is prohibited. No one may feed, attempt to feed or provide or use food to attract any shark in Cayman waters. Protected fish include: Jewfish, tilefish (whities), filefish (pipers) and angelfish, including Grey, French and Queen angels (old monks) and may not be taken from Cayman waters at any time. There is an eight-inch minimum size limit on all other fish except goggle eyes, herrings (including sprats), anchovies and silversides (including loggerhead and fine fry).

Marine Park Regulations
In Marine park zones, it is not permitted to take any marine life, whether alive or dead. Line fishing from shore is permitted (see catch limits above), as is line fishing at depths of 80 feet or greater. Taking fry and sprat with a fry or cast net is allowed. NOTE: fish traps, spear guns, pole spears and other nets are totally prohibited. No anchoring – use of fixed moorings only, except: boats of 60ft or less may anchor in sand, so long as no grappling hook is used, and neither the anchor nor the rope or chain will impact coral; anchoring is permitted in designated Port anchorage areas – contact Port Security on VHF channel 16; anchoring prohibitions are suspended during emergencies and by permission of the Port Director. For Bloody Bay, in Little Cayman, special restrictions have been placed on the use of the Bloody Bay Marine Park; no commercial operations may use the park without a licence from the Marine Conservation Board.

Environmental Zone Regulations
Restrictions in this zone are strictly enforced. No marine life, whether alive or dead, can be taken. There are no exceptions. No in-water activities are permitted; the public may access only at speeds of five mph or less and there is no anchoring of any boat. Note: Line fishing, fish traps, nets and spear guns are totally prohibited.

Replenishment Zones
The Department of Environment marine regulations in these zones include: no taking of conch or lobster by any means; line fishing and anchoring permitted (see Restrictions of Fishing section above); anchors, chains or lines must not impact coral; spear guns, pole spears, fish traps and nets are prohibited, except that fry and sprat may be taken with a fry or cast net; Note: These zones include the outside edge of the reef to a depth of 20 feet.

Designated Grouper Spawning Areas
In accordance with DoE regulations, the designated areas are: Coxswain Bank and South West Point in Grand Cayman; East and West End of Cayman Brac, Little Cayman and the Twelve Mile Bank. There is no fishing permitted for Nassau Groupers and no fish pots or spear fishing within a one-mile radius of Designated Grouper Spawning Areas from 1st November through 31st March.

Animal Sanctuaries/Ramsar Sites
Please be advised that these specialised zones have no hunting, no collecting of any species, and no littering laws.