Bimini
North Bimini · South Bimini
The Bahamas
Open live forecast →Target species: Bonefish and Permit.
About this Water
- Coastal Flats
- Best months: Year-round; best Apr–June, Oct–Nov
Bimini — just 50 miles from Miami — is the closest Bahamas island and one of the most iconic names in fly fishing for bonefish and permit. The island Ernest Hemingway made famous holds resident bonefish year-round on its clear sand and grass flats. The North Bimini flats are wade-fishable from the beach. Permit cruise the white sand of the outer rim. The intimacy of this small island combined with world-class bones and permit make Bimini an extraordinary destination accessible to any South Florida-based angler.
Bimini's west side flats — the 'Radio Beach' and 'Weech's Dock' flats on North Bimini — are among the only places in the Bahamas where anglers can walk directly from their hotel room to world-class wade fishing for bonefish on foot.
January Outlook
January bonefish fishing at Bimini is excellent on the west side flats when temperatures moderate. North winds can make fishing challenging some days. The North Bimini flats hold resident bonefish year-round.
Productive Patterns
- Merkin Crab (#4)
- Crazy Charlie (tan)
- Gotcha (small)
- Spawning Shrimp
Tips
January Bimini fishing requires flexibility around weather windows. The lee flats on the south end of North Bimini are most sheltered from north winds. Bonefish here average 4-7 lbs with larger fish to 10+ lbs occasionally.
Water Notes
Water 72-76°F. Cool Bahamas winter. North winds common. Fish the lee flats for calmest conditions.
February Outlook
February at Bimini sees conditions improving from January as winter weather systems become less frequent. The interior channels of South Bimini hold bonefish throughout the cool season — these sheltered channels fish well even when the exposed western flats are blown out. February is transitional, building toward the prime March-June season.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie (tan/white, #4)
- Spawning Shrimp (#6)
- Gotcha (small)
- Merkin Crab (small, #4)
Tips
The South Bimini channels and the flats behind North Bimini provide the most shelter in February. Target the incoming tide on calm mornings — the window can be brief but productive. Bimini's proximity to Miami makes a February quick trip feasible when weather windows open.
Water Notes
Water 72-76°F. Late winter. Cold fronts still arriving. Sheltered channels most reliable. Good fishing on calm days between systems.
March Outlook
March marks the beginning of prime Bimini season as water warms and fish activity increases. Permit begin appearing on the outer reef edges. The classic Bimini experience — wade fishing on white sand flats within sight of the Atlantic — is at its finest.
Productive Patterns
- Merkin Crab (#2-4)
- Gotcha
- Spawning Shrimp (tan)
- Permit Crab (large)
Tips
Bimini is 50 miles from Miami — easily reached by ferry or small plane. The Weech's flat and Radio Beach flats on North Bimini are wade-fishable. 8-weight for bonefish, 10-weight for permit.
Water Notes
Water 74-78°F. Spring warming. Bonefish moving actively. Best permit opportunity begins now.
April Outlook
April is prime Bimini season. Bonefish are everywhere on the flats, moving actively and feeding aggressively. Permit in the 15-30 lb range are cruising the white sand of the outer rim. The flat calm that characterizes perfect Bimini days occurs regularly in April.
Productive Patterns
- Spawning Shrimp (#4)
- Merkin Crab (#2)
- Crazy Charlie (white)
- Gotcha (pink)
Tips
April Bimini fishing can be exceptional. The North and South Bimini flats are best fished by poling skiff on higher tides — deeper water around the flats allows access. Sight fishing to tailing singles is the highest form.
Water Notes
Water 76-80°F. Ideal spring conditions. Long calm days. Bonefish and permit both very active.
May Outlook
May through June is the finest bonefish fishing of the year at Bimini. Fish are concentrated, aggressive, and the weather is generally calm. Tarpon also appear in the harbor and around the flats in May.
Productive Patterns
- Spawning Shrimp
- Gotcha (tan/pink)
- Merkin Crab
- Tarpon Bunny (tarpon)
Tips
May Bimini is world-class — bonefish in extraordinary numbers with no US crowds yet. Tarpon in the harbor on evening tides add variety. The Bimini Road (stone formation) area holds snapper and jacks for variety.
Water Notes
Water 78-82°F. Prime conditions. Flat calm mornings common. The finest month for all species.
June Outlook
June continues the excellent Bimini bonefish season. Tarpon are present in the harbor and the channels through June. The heat is building but conditions remain fishable for most of the day. Bimini's location just 50 miles from Miami makes it accessible for long weekend trips.
Productive Patterns
- Spawning Shrimp (#4)
- Merkin Crab (#4)
- Tarpon Bunny (black/purple)
- Gotcha (tan/pink)
Tips
June Bimini combines excellent bonefishing with tarpon opportunity in the harbor and the Gulf Stream edge. Tarpon cruise the harbor and the cuts between North and South Bimini on tidal movements. A 10-weight rod for tarpon alongside the 8-weight for bonefish is the June preparation.
Water Notes
Water 80-84°F. Early summer. Tarpon peak in harbor. Excellent bonefish. All-day fishing still comfortable.
July Outlook
July at Bimini is summer heat and the beginning of the slow season. The resident bonefish remain on the flats but activity decreases through the middle of the day. Morning fishing from first light is the productive approach. Hurricane season is active — monitor tropical weather when planning a July trip.
Productive Patterns
- Gotcha (small, tan)
- Crazy Charlie (tan/pink)
- Spawning Shrimp (#6)
- Small Merkin Crab
Tips
July fishing at Bimini is best in the early morning. The resident North Bimini bonefish don't leave — they adjust their activity patterns to the heat. Plan 4-5 day stays to capture the best morning windows. Hurricane season requires monitoring NOAA tropical forecasts and having flight flexibility.
Water Notes
Water 82-86°F. Summer heat. Morning fishing best. Hurricane season active. Monitor tropical forecasts.
August Outlook
August at Bimini is peak summer heat and the apex of the hurricane season. Fishing is possible but challenging — early morning sessions before the heat builds are the most productive. The resident bonefish are still present on the flats. Most serious anglers avoid Bimini in August in favor of fall trips, but the off-season pricing and uncrowded guides are appealing to those who plan carefully.
Productive Patterns
- Gotcha (very small, tan)
- Crazy Charlie (#6-8)
- Spawning Shrimp (small)
- Wool Crab (small)
Tips
August at Bimini requires flexibility, tropical weather awareness, and acceptance that the fishing is morning-only. The trade-off is very low rates, uncrowded flats, and highly personalized guide service. If you go, buy travel insurance and watch the National Hurricane Center closely.
Water Notes
Water 84-87°F. Peak heat and hurricane risk. Morning-only fishing. Low-season rates. Flexible travel plans essential.
September Outlook
September at Bimini sees the summer heat beginning to break in the second half of the month. Hurricane risk remains elevated but by late September conditions improve noticeably. The bonefish become visibly more active as water temperature drops from the summer peak. Late September can produce excellent early morning fishing with extending windows toward midday.
Productive Patterns
- Spawning Shrimp (#4-6)
- Crazy Charlie (tan)
- Gotcha (tan/pink)
- Merkin Crab (#4)
Tips
A late-September Bimini trip (last 10 days of the month) is an excellent value play — fall-quality fishing at off-season prices with hurricane risk declining. The first cold front arriving from the north typically triggers excellent fishing. Monitor weather and be ready to fish aggressively when conditions align.
Water Notes
Water 82-85°F. Slowly cooling. Hurricane risk easing late month. Fishing improving significantly by month end.
October Outlook
October is excellent at Bimini as the summer crowds dissipate and the bonefish remain active. Permit are possible through October on the outer flats. The lodge operations are less crowded and more personalized.
Productive Patterns
- Merkin Crab
- Spawning Shrimp
- Crazy Charlie
- Gotcha (small)
Tips
October Bimini is underrated — great fishing with far fewer anglers than spring. Bonefish are actively feeding before the winter cooling begins.
Water Notes
Water 80-84°F. Warm fall conditions. Bonefish active throughout. Permit still possible on outer flats.
November Outlook
November is excellent at Bimini — the fall window before winter cold fronts begin affecting the northern Bahamas. Water temperatures are ideal, bonefish are very active, and the crowds of spring are absent. Permit on the outer reef flats through mid-November. The Bimini north flats in November can be exceptional for sight fishing to large individual fish.
Productive Patterns
- Spawning Shrimp (#4-6)
- Merkin Crab (#4)
- Crazy Charlie (tan)
- Gotcha (pink/tan)
Tips
November Bimini is an underutilized window. The bonefish are highly active in the cooler water. Target the incoming tide on the North Bimini flats with a guide who knows the fall patterns. The post-October crowd departure means more personalized service and uncrowded flats.
Water Notes
Water 76-80°F. Excellent fall conditions. Bonefish active. Permit still possible through mid-month. Good weather between fronts.
December Outlook
December at Bimini marks the beginning of the winter season. The proximity to Miami — just 50 miles across the Gulf Stream — makes Bimini a natural holiday destination. Bonefish are present and active on the sheltered west-side flats on calm days. Cold fronts arrive more frequently in December but the post-front clear windows can produce excellent fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Crazy Charlie (tan/white)
- Spawning Shrimp (#6)
- Gotcha (small)
- Merkin Crab (small, #4)
Tips
December Bimini is an excellent holiday fishing escape from Miami or South Florida. The North Bimini flats fish well on calm December days. When fronts arrive, retreat to the South Bimini interior channels for sheltered action. Plan 3-4 days minimum to ensure good weather windows.
Water Notes
Water 72-76°F. Winter conditions. Cold fronts regular. Best in post-front clear windows. Excellent holiday proximity to South Florida.
Access & Approach
50 miles from Miami — ferry service from Port of Miami or small plane from Opa-locka (OPF). The Bimini Big Game Club is the main operation. Bimini Bay Resort also has guide services. Bahamas fishing licence required (purchased on arrival). No guides technically required but strongly recommended for first-time visitors.
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About Current
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