Bermuda Deep Sea Fishing: The Ultimate Charter Guide

 

 

Updated: August 2026 

As a Certified Bermuda Specialist, I spend a lot of time helping travelers figure out exactly how to spend their time and money on the island. When it comes to deep sea fishing, Bermuda is in a class of its own. You are not just dropping a line into the water; you are heading out to massive underwater mountains that attract some of the biggest pelagic fish on earth. 

 

However, booking a charter here is a serious investment. The boats are highly specialized, the captains are local legends, and the ocean conditions demand respect. I wrote this guide to give you the exact, unvarnished reality of fishing offshore in Bermuda so you can book with confidence. 

 

At a Glance

 

 

Bermuda has earned an international reputation among anglers for a reason. Whether you're after your first wahoo or the thrill of a blue marlin, these waters rarely disappoint. 

 

Check your dates for live rates and availability. 

 

Who Should Go Deep Sea Fishing (And Who Should Skip It)

 

Offshore fishing in Bermuda is built for thrill-seekers and experienced anglers. If you want the adrenaline rush of strapping into a fighting chair to battle a 500-pound Blue Marlin, this is your arena. It is also great for groups of adults who want to split the cost of a premium charter and spend a full day on the open water. 

 

You should probably skip this if you are traveling with toddlers or are on a tight budget. The open Atlantic can also be unforgiving. If you are prone to severe seasickness, the rolling ocean swells 15 miles offshore will ruin your day. For a calmer experience, you are better off looking into inshore options. 

 

Pro-Tip: If you do get seasick, take your medication the night before, not just the morning of the trip. Once you feel sick on the boat, it is too late. 

 

Target Species and The Best Time to Fish

 

You can catch fish year-round, but your target species dictate when you should book your flight. 

 

Spring and Fall Runs (Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna)

 

May and September are prime months for Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna. Wahoo are incredibly fast, often hitting the bait at 50 miles per hour. Yellowfin Tuna require serious physical endurance to reel in. These months offer comfortable weather and high strike rates. 

 

 

Courtesy Atlantic Spray Charters, Bermuda 

 

Summer Peak (Blue and White Marlin)

 

Summer is all about billfish. July is the absolute peak for Blue Marlin, with fish regularly weighing over 500 pounds. This is also when the prestigious Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship takes place. The island fills up with global tournament anglers, making the docks buzz with energy and dark rum. 

 

Bermuda Deep Sea Fishing Calendar

 

 

The Fishing Grounds: Challenger and Argus Banks

 

Bermuda is a tiny volcanic peak jutting out of the deep Atlantic, meaning deep water is very close to shore. The real magic happens at two specific offshore seamounts: the Challenger Bank and the Argus Bank. Challenger is about 12 miles southwest of the island, while Argus is further out at roughly 30 miles. 

 

What surprises visitors the most is the dramatic underwater topography. The ocean floor rises sharply from thousands of feet deep to a flat plateau just 180 feet below the surface. Deep ocean currents hit these steep walls, pushing baitfish to the surface and creating a massive feeding frenzy for large predators. 

 

Top Bermuda Deep Sea Fishing Charters

 

If you are searching for the best boats, you need to know the captains. The fleet has consolidated over the years, and a few legendary names dominate the docks. You will need to take a taxi or your rented Twizy to their specific marinas, which are often located in Hamilton or Sandys Parish. 

 

Challenger Charter Fishing

 

Captains Alan and Ian Card run the 40-foot Challenger. They have decades of experience and are famous for their deep knowledge of the banks. If you want a classic Bermuda fishing experience with a crew that knows every inch of the reef, this is a top-tier choice. 

 

Mako Charters

 

Captain Allen DeSilva operates the Mako, a massive 56-foot custom sportfisher. This boat offers serious comfort and heavy-duty tournament gear. It is perfect for larger groups who want a smooth ride and plenty of space to relax between strikes. 

 

Overproof Charter Fishing

 

Captain Peter Rans runs the 51-foot Topaz, Overproof. Known for a highly aggressive and successful tournament record, this boat is built for catching monsters. The crew is highly professional and will push hard to put you on the fish. 

 

Reel Addiction

 

Captain Cragin "Curly" Curtis commands the 48-foot Carolina-built Reel Addiction. Captain Curly is highly respected in the local fleet for his light-tackle skills and deep-sea expertise. This boat is extremely popular, so book well in advance. 

 

Sea Wolfe Sportfishing

 

Captain Russell Young operates the 35-foot Bruno, Sea Wolfe. This is a slightly smaller vessel, making it a more intimate and sometimes more affordable option. Do not let the size fool you; Captain Young consistently brings in massive catches. 

 

 

Photo: Grander13, cc by-sa 

 

If fishing is your passion, few places in the Atlantic can match Bermuda, book a charter and experience some of the world's finest blue-water sport fishing. 

 

Check your dates for live rates and availability. 

 

Practical Details and Costs

 

A full-day offshore charter (usually 8 hours) will cost between $1,250 and $2,250, depending on the size and luxury of the boat. This rate generally covers the captain, mate, all premium tackle, bait, and ice. You are responsible for bringing your own food, drinks, and sunscreen. 

 

Pro-Tip: Bring cash for the mate's tip. A standard gratuity is 15 to 20 percent of the charter cost. Also, ask your captain upfront about fuel surcharges, as island fuel prices fluctuate heavily. 

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 

The biggest mistake visitors make is expecting to bring a 500-pound Marlin back to the dock for a photo. Bermuda enforces strict catch-and-release practices for billfish to protect the species. You will get your photo by the side of the boat before the fish is safely released. 

 

Another common misunderstanding involves the meat. If you catch a haul of Wahoo or Tuna, you do not keep the whole catch. Local custom dictates that the boat keeps the bulk of the meat to sell to local restaurants, which helps offset the massive cost of running the boat. 

 

The crew will gladly fillet enough fish for you to take back to your rental or a restaurant that offers a "cook your catch" service, like Bonefish Bar and Grill or The Anchor in Dockyard, for dinner. 

 

Finally, do not try to book a July charter at the last minute. Because of the tournament season, the best boats book out up to a year in advance. 

 

Local Techniques and Regulations

 

Bermuda captains use highly specific local techniques. One popular method is "chumming" with anchovies along the edges of the banks to draw Yellowfin Tuna directly to the back of the boat. You might also see them kite fishing, which keeps the bait skipping frantically on the surface to trigger explosive strikes. 

 

Marine protections are strictly enforced. Your captain will handle all the legalities, but be aware that certain areas have seasonal closures to protect spawning grounds. Always follow the crew's instructions regarding what can and cannot be brought aboard. 

 

If fishing is one of the reasons you're visiting Bermuda, don't miss the opportunity to spend a day on these world-class fishing grounds. It's an experience I'd happily recommend. 

 

Check your dates for live rates and availability. 

 

Alternatives: If This Isn't For You

 

If the price tag or the open ocean sounds like too much, you still have great options. Look into Bermuda Reef Fishing for a half-day trip that stays closer to shore. It is significantly cheaper, the water is calmer, and it is fantastic for kids who want to catch snappers. 

 

If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, check out our guide to Bermuda Shore Fishing. You can grab a light rod, wade into the surf, and target bonefish or pompano on your own schedule. 

 

Related Articles

 

Bermuda Fishing: Know all about fishing in Bermuda. 

Bermuda Water Sports: Various water sport activities in Bermuda. 

 

Visitors' Reviews and Comments     Neil Gilbertson (September 2021)  Good morning. My daughter and her boyfriend are interested in deep sea fishing, but we don't have a group large enough to charter the entire boat. Are there group charters that go out with different groups of people? If so, could you suggest some to call? Thank you.    Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) September 2021  Hello, there are two companies that offer group fishing tours that operate on a per person rate - 'Bermuda Reef Fishing' and 'Jolly Roger'. You can find details on this page about reef fishing in Bermuda.

 

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