South Caicos Fishing
Since the end of the sea salt industry in the mid-1900s, small-scale commercial fishing has been the mainstay of the South Caicos economy. The nearby Turks Islands Passage and several marine banks offer great potential for sport fishing.
As an island with limited tourism, South Caicos has far fewer tour operators than the main island of Providenciales. It's typically easiest to arrange fishing charters or guided bonefishing tours through one of the resorts (or, in some cases, through a Providenciales fishing charter company).
Bonefishing
The extensive shallows of the Caicos Banks boast some of the finest saltwater flats fishing in the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic. South Caicos is ideally located to access these sites.
The main catches are bonefish, tarpon, and barracuda, which are abundant in the island's flats. Due to the very shallow depths at many sites, fan boats are best suited for the conditions.
DIY Fishing
If you don't want to book a guided bonefishing excursion, there are several viable bonefishing spots that you can try yourself.
The area of Bell Sound north of Cockburn Harbour is outside of the national park, is accessible, and is decent. The flats west of the abandoned US Coast Guard’s LORAN base are also worth a visit.
If you're fishing without a guide or tour company, make sure to obtain a fishing license and research the island's protected areas beforehand (discussed further below).
Reef and Bottom Fishing
The pursuit of edible snappers, groupers, and jacks has always been both a necessity and a pastime on South Caicos.
Reef and bottom fishing excursions do exist, yet as with other tours on South Caicos, the options are still rather limited. Multiple-day packages can be arranged and often offer greater value.
Shore Fishing
During calm weather and ocean conditions, Highlands Bay and Valley Bay Beach is a great shore fishing spot. Plandon Cay Cut Beach can offer great conditions at times as well.
Deep Sea Sport Fishing
Deep sea sport and bill fishing has never really caught on in South Caicos, even though the conditions for this type of fishing are prime. It's usually necessary to make the short trip by plane to either Providenciales or Grand Turk to find a properly outfitted water sports operator.
Off South Caicos, it's possible to catch wahoo, mahi-mahi, several tuna species, mackerel, and sailfish, among other pelagic fish.
Protected Areas
It is illegal to fish in any national park or nature reserve in the Turks and Caicos. There are three protected areas near South Caicos that you ought to be aware of.
The shallow wetlands of the Bell Sound National Park should be taken into consideration when bonefishing in the greater Bell Sound region. There are several viable spots in the area, but avoid the national park.
The Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park consists of Long Cay, Dove Cay, Six Hills Cays, Middleton Cay, the South Caicos coastlines of Shark Bay (Gannaway Bay) and Salterra Beach, and the greater East Bay area.
A Ramsar protected wetlands site consists of much of the south sides of North Caicos and Middle Caicos and small portions of East Caicos. The Ramsar site is quite a distance from South Caicos, and typically does not interfere with the usual fishing trip.
There are proposals to allow for responsible catch and release bonefishing in national parks and nature reserves. If passed, extensive shallows off East Caicos and in Bell Sound would be open for fishing. This change was proposed in 2016, but has not yet passed.
South Caicos Fishing Licenses
Fishing licenses are required in the Turks and Caicos. Visitors can purchase a daily license for $10 or a monthly license for $30 (2025 price). You don't usually need to purchase a license if you're angling with a fishing charter company, as the business typically purchases the license for you.
If you plan to go DIY fishing on South Caicos, consider buying your license on Providenciales or Grand Turk before continuing on to South Caicos.
Although not guaranteed, it’s typically possible to arrange for a license in Cockburn Harbour on South Caicos. This is the best option for DIY anglers flying in on the Miami—South Caicos (XSC) flight offered by American Airlines.