Bermuda's marine environment depends on responsible recreational fishing to remain healthy for future generations. The Department of Environment & Natural Resources asks all residents and visitors to respect the ocean and follow the law when fishing recreationally in Bermuda's waters.
For information on species that may not be taken, possessed, or harmed at any time, see Bermuda's Protected Species.
Recreational Fishing Rules
- Protected species may not be taken, possessed, harmed, or disturbed.
- Only registered commercial fishermen may earn money from fishing.
- Fish and lobster must meet minimum legal size limits.
- Daily bag limits must not be exceeded.
Gear Restrictions
Recreational fishermen may only use cast nets up to 8 feet in diameter, and dip nets. Refer to the Fisheries (Use of Nets) Order 1990 to see which fish species may legally be netted.
Fixed fishing gear of any kind, including pots and fixed nets, is strictly prohibited.
No-Net Fishing Bays
The following sites are permanently closed to netting of any kind:
| Bay | Status |
| Somerset Long Bay | Closed to all netting |
| Shelly Bay | Closed to all netting |
| Whalebone Bay | Closed to all netting |
| Coot Pond | Closed to all netting |
Spearfishing
- A license is required to spearfish
- Only pole spears are permitted
- Spearguns and Hawaiian slings are banned
- SCUBA may not be used
- Speared fish may not be sold
- Not permitted within one nautical mile of any island
Lobster Diving
- A license is required to catch lobsters
- Only a noose may be used to take lobsters
- Spearing lobsters is prohibited
- SCUBA may not be used
- Closed season: April 1 – August 31 (possession of any spiny lobster, live or dead, is an offence during this period)
Lobsters and protected species accidentally caught while fishing should be handled with care and returned to the sea immediately — release them even if they do not survive. See Bermuda's Protected Species for the full list.
Penalties
You can be fined up to $50,000 for breaking these rules, with the potential for seizure of gear and up to 2 years imprisonment.
Report a Violation
To report a fishing violation, call (441) 293-5600 or (441) 705-3474, or email fishwardens@gov.bm.