Grand Cayman Fishing Seasons: Month-By-Month Guide

This month-by-month breakdown of Grand Cayman’s fishing seasons shows you the best time to fish in Cayman Islands for all the top species - whether you’re chasing the lightning-fast wahoo in our cool winter winds or the acrobatic mahi-mahi in our sizzling summers!

When is the Best Time to Go Fishing in Cayman

In the Cayman Islands, every month is fishing month! This tropical paradise offers a diverse variety of catches year-round, with different species taking center stage throughout the year.

Check out our Cayman Islands fishing calendar for a month-by-month guide to when your favorite catches are most active.

• Good = You’ve got a fair shot at landing that species
• Great = The fish are practically jumping into the boat! (Okay, not really, but you get the idea)

So, pack your gear and plan your adventure with expert timing. With the right approach, your fishing charter in Grand Cayman will be nothing short of spectacular!

January

• Good: Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper
• Great: Skipjack Tuna, Wahoo

February

• Good: Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Skipjack Tuna
• Great: Wahoo

March

• Good: Mahi-Mahi, Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Yellowfin Tuna
• Great: Wahoo

April

• Good: Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Swordfish, Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Wahoo
• Great: Mahi-Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna

May

• Good: Sailfish, Swordfish, Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Wahoo
• Great: Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna

June

• Good: Sailfish, Swordfish, Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Blackfin Tuna
• Great: Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna

July

• Good: Sailfish, Swordfish, Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper
• Great: Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna

August

• Good: Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Swordfish, Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper
• Great: Mahi-Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna

September

• Good: Mahi-Mahi, Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Skipjack Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna
• Great: None

October

• Good: Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Wahoo
• Great: Skipjack Tuna

November

• Good: Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Wahoo
• Great: Skipjack Tuna

December

• Good: Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper
• Great: Skipjack Tuna, Wahoo

Understanding the Cayman Islands’ fishing seasons is essential for planning the ultimate angling adventure. If you’d like a clearer idea of fishing charter prices in Grand Cayman check out our dedicated guide.

What are the Fishing Seasons in Cayman?

Yes, o.k, so we’ve covered the seasons by month, but for those who like to plan by species, here’s your ultimate fish-by-fish guide. It’s another way to understand Grand Cayman’s fishing seasons and maximize your chances of landing that dream catch!

Year-Round Rock Stars

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These year-round favorites form the backbone of the island’s fishing scene, providing reliable thrills for both seasoned pros and novices. With these species, every fishing charter has the potential for an unforgettable experience, regardless of when you visit.

Barracuda: The Toothy Terrors

• When: All year round
• Why: These aggressive strikers are always ready for a fight. Catch them for an adrenaline rush any time of the year!

Jacks: The Heavyweight Champions

• When: All year round
• Why: Looking for a workout? Jacks are your fish! Their strength and fight will keep you on your toes 365 days a year.

Snapper: The Tasty Targets

• When: All year round
• Why: Diverse species and delicious fillets make snappers a popular catch any time you visit.

Spring and Summer Sensations

As the temperatures climb, Grand Cayman’s fishing seasons reach their peak, drawing in prized migratory species.

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Spring and summer transform the waters into a dynamic playground for anglers seeking thrilling encounters. These months promise epic battles with sought-after game fish, showcasing acrobatic leaps and raw power that make for unforgettable fishing stories.

Mahi-Mahi: The Acrobatic Beauties

• Peak Season: April - August
• Also Good: March, September
• Why: For vibrant colors and spectacular aerial shows, Mahi-Mahi are your go-to fish.

Blue Marlin: The Holy Grail of Game Fish

• Peak Season: May - July
• Also Good: March - April, August - September
• Why: Your best chance for the catch of a lifetime.

White Marlin: The Elegant Fighters

• Peak Season: May - July
• Also Good: April, August
• Why: Smaller than their blue cousins, White Marlins still offer thrills and bragging rights.

Sailfish: The High-Flying Showstoppers

• When: May - July
• Why: For spectacular leaps and high-speed runs, set your sights on Sailfish.

Swordfish: The Deep-Water Gladiators

• When: March - July
• Why: Test your strength and endurance against these powerful predators of the deep.

Yellowfin Tuna: The Heavyweight Torpedoes

• Peak Season: April - August
• Also Good: March, September
• Why: For hard-fighting action and sushi-grade fillets, Yellowfin Tuna are tough to beat.

Fall and Winter Wonders

As cooler breezes sweep across the island, deep sea fishing in Cayman takes on a fresh allure.

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Fall and winter introduce a new lineup of prized catches, creating unique challenges and unforgettable rewards for anglers. From chasing swift predators to reeling in flavorful table fare, this season showcases the island’s rich marine diversity.

Blackfin Tuna: The Speedsters

• Peak Season: July - August
• Also Good: June, September
• Why: Smaller than Yellowfin but just as feisty, Blackfin offers great action in late summer.

Skipjack Tuna: The Autumn Athletes

• Peak Season: October - December
• Also Good: February, September
• Why: When the water cools, Skipjack heats up. Don’t miss their fall run!

Wahoo: The Speed Demons

• Peak Season: December - March
• Also Good: April - May, October - November
• Why: For high-speed thrills and tasty fillets, Wahoo are winter winners.

Best time to fish in Cayman Islands

Fish bite all day in Cayman, but if you want the best chance at that “rod-bending” action, timing your charter around the natural feeding windows makes a big difference. The two most active periods are early morning and the few hours before sunset.

Your best bite windows:

Early Morning (Sunrise Bite): The most consistent action often happens right after sunrise.

• Summer: aim for a 6:00am start
• Winter: aim for a 7:00am start

Late Afternoon (Sunset Bite): The hours leading up to sunset can be just as productive - plus you get the bonus of golden-hour views on the ride home. Our afternoon charters are perfectly timed to wrap up right around sunset (your exact start time depends on how many hours you’re booking).

• Winter: typically finishing around 6:00pm
• Summer: typically finishing around 7:00pm

If you’re choosing between a morning or afternoon trip, think of it like this:

• Morning = maximum fishing time and cooler temps
• Afternoon = prime bite window plus a sunset finish

Getting That Fishing Trip in Your Calendar

Ready to turn this into a real “fish story” (with photos to prove it)? The easiest way to lock in the right trip is to build your day around how long you want to fish and what kind of experience you’re after - quick action, a serious offshore run, or a full-day adventure.

Use our Trip Builder to plan your fishing charter in minutes:

• Select your dates and group size
• Choose your activities (and make sure to include deep sea fishing)
• Select how many hours you want to fish
• Pick your boat based on comfort and capacity
• Choose your meeting point
• Confirm your booking and you’re all set for an epic day on the water!

Ready to bring this to life? Head to our Trip Builder and start shaping your perfect fishing day. If you’d rather not plan it yourself, just fill out the quick form and we’ll send back a few tailored itinerary options - boat, timing, and the best flow for an epic day on the water!