Dude:
Check in with the Bahamas everytime bro. Avoid Fox Hill. 3 miles, 12 miles, don't f*ck around.
Yes, there are tons of Cowboys (bozos) on this Forum who fish the corner, Isaac or Cay Sal and don't check in with the Bahamas. Don't do it. It's illegal and you will get in trouble there and here. There are even idiots in certain unnamed magazines that encourage fishing the corner without checking in. Don't do it.
It takes only minutes. It's only $150 for boats up to 35' and you get a return trip within 90 days for free.
Plus, go to the Port to the Border Patrol Office here with your passport and get a Local Boater Option number or Local Master number if you are the vessel owner. It's free and takes minutes. Call first and make an appt. Then, when you return to US soil, you just make a quick phone call and read off the Local Boater numbers without having to go to the Port.
Doing all this, you can have a blast and not worry about looking over your shoulder.
Tight legal lines!
Juan