Fishing at Bimini
Anyone who is an angler and has read Ernest Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea will understand the special place Bimini occupies in the hearts of die-hard deep-sea fishing enthusiasts traveling to Bahamas. Just 50 miles away from the coast of Miami, Bimini is a favored destination for an idyllic weekend at sea with friends. Anglers fall hook, line and sinker for a chance to land that perfect catch like a giant blue marlin or swordfish.
Hemingway was attracted to Bimini by tales of spectacular catches and in fact, he still holds some world records for his haul of huge fish here. His novelas like the ‘Islands in the Stream’ drew the world’s attention to Bimini and its reputation as the sport fishing capital of the world was established soon after. “Papa” Hemingway stayed at the hotel “Compleat Angler” and wrote several articles and “To Have and Have Not”, when he was not out fishing or boxing. Tragically, the hotel was burnt down in 2006 and most of the Hemingway memorabilia was lost in the fire.
You don’t have to go to Bimini looking for the fountain of youth like Ponce de Leon did. Nor do you have to be a true believer looking for the lost city of Atlantis amidst the underwater beachrock off the island. Ok, so you are not Ernest and are not thrilled by the thought of hauling a 16-foot, 600 pound marlin or tuna. If you like scuba diving and snorkeling, and enjoy seafood, this is a lovely place to spend a weekend snorkeling amongst the various ship wrecks in the area, which schools of colorful fish have made their homes. Choose which of the tiny islands of North and South Bimini you want to go to for your next holiday.
