Bermuda, an isolated archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, sits atop an extinct volcano, rising steeply from the abyssal plain. This unique geography creates a relatively small, shallow platform surrounded by deep oceanic waters, giving it a reputation for exceptional marine life. The answer to whether Bermuda fish are big is nuanced: the island’s waters host an astonishing range, from the smallest reef inhabitants to the ocean’s most massive migratory species. The size of a fish depends on its habitat and species, a contrast that defines the local fishery.
Understanding the Size Spectrum
The perception of fish size in Bermuda is shaped by the contrast between its inshore and offshore environments. On the shallow, nearshore platform, the ecosystem is dominated by smaller, colorful reef fish. Species such as the Princess Parrotfish or the Bermuda Bream rarely exceed a few pounds, prioritizing maneuverability within the complex reef structure.
This contrasts sharply with the potential sizes of fish living just miles away at the edge of the platform. Local regulations set minimum legal sizes for smaller food fish, like the Yellowtail Snapper, at around 30 centimeters. Other species, such as the Black Grouper, have a minimum length of 95 centimeters, demonstrating the presence of larger specimens even within the protected, shallower zone. The maximum potential size is represented by the highly migratory species that traverse the open ocean.
The Pelagic Species Defining “Big”
The pelagic, or open-ocean, species that hunt in the deep water surrounding the island are the largest fish in Bermuda. These migratory predators define the island’s status as a premier big-game fishing destination. Their immense size is directly related to their offshore, transient lifestyle, which requires speed and power.
Blue Marlin
The Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) is the most massive fish sought in these waters, with regulatory minimum retention weights set at 114 kilograms (250 pounds). These oceanic leviathans utilize the deep, warm currents around Bermuda as part of their migratory routes. This makes the area a seasonal hot spot for specimens that can grow to over 1,000 pounds, confirming the island’s capacity to hold world-class game fish.
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) are another staple of the offshore environment, regularly caught well above the minimum regulatory weight of 3.2 kilograms (7 pounds). While smaller individuals are common, large Yellowfin can exceed 180 kilograms (400 pounds) in the Atlantic, with local catches sometimes reaching over 70 pounds on the nearby banks. These tuna are known for their incredible strength and speed, which allows them to pursue prey in the deep, nutrient-rich waters.
Wahoo
The Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) is one of the fastest large pelagic predators, and its size in Bermuda is substantial. While the minimum legal weight is 3.2 kilograms, Wahoo caught on the offshore banks typically average around 40 pounds. Specimens over 80 pounds are relatively frequent. The world record for a Wahoo caught by spearfishing with a sling was set locally at 70.2 pounds, underscoring the quality of this species.
Large Fish Found Closer to Shore
Although the largest fish are found offshore, the submerged banks and deep reef structures closer to the island platform harbor large, resident species. These fish are associated with rocky ledges, wrecks, and the steep drop-offs that characterize the local bathymetry. They represent the largest sedentary or semi-sedentary fish species available to inshore anglers.
Greater Amberjack
The Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is the largest species of jack in the Atlantic and is prominent on the island’s underwater banks. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world record for this species was once held by a fish caught at Bermuda’s Challenger Bank, weighing over 70 kilograms (155 pounds). While most caught are between 15 and 40 pounds, adults commonly exceed 45 kilograms (100 pounds) and can reach lengths of 1.8 meters (6 feet).
Groupers
Several species of Grouper also reach impressive sizes on the local reef system. The Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) is sought after, with a minimum size limit of 95 centimeters. Even larger deep-dwelling species, such as the Misty Grouper (Hyporthodus mystacinus), have been documented at weights up to 75.5 kilograms (166 pounds) near the edge of the platform.
Cubera Snapper
The Cubera Snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus) is the largest member of the snapper family in the Atlantic and is occasionally encountered on the deeper reefs. Although a typical large adult measures around 90 centimeters, the species can reach a maximum published weight of 57 kilograms (126 pounds). These large, solitary fish prey on other fish around the rocky ledges and overhangs of the reef structure.