BAHAMAS

BAHAMAS.COM/FISHING
BAHAMAS.COM/FISHING
The Islands Of The
Little Bahama Bank
BAHAMAS
SPANISH CAY
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TREASURE CAY
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2014 Fishing Map & Angler's Guide
2014/ 2015 Fishing Map
& Angler's Guide
BAHAMAS
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16
Bahamas Billfish Championship, Leg 3
Dates: June 4-7, 2014
Location: Treasure Cay
Bahamas Billfish Championship Final Leg
Dates: June 18-21, 2014
Location: Marsh Harbour, Abaco Beach Resort at
Boat Harbour
Abaco Marlin Outboard Series Leg II
Dates: July 9–12, 2014
Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina - Fishing
Tournaments
Wahoo Smackdown IV
Dates: Feb. 27 - March 1, 2014
14
STANIEL CAY
Celebrity Billfish Invitational
Dates: April 24 - 26, 2014 NFL HOF
5
GREAT
EXUMA
BIMINI & BERRY ISLANDS
*Bimini Big Game Club – ( #11 ) North Bimini
(242) 347-3391 / (800) 867-4764 • www.biggameclubbimini.com
Bimini Sands Resort & Marina – ( #12 ) South Bimini
(242) 347-3500 • www.biminisands.com
*Carriearl Boutique Resort – ( #13 ) Great Harbour Island
(242) 367-8785 • www.carriearl.com
Ebbie’s Bimini Bonefish Club, Porgy Bay
(242) 347-2053 • www.biminibonefishclub.com
CAT ISLAND
*Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina – ( #14 ) South Cat Island
(242) 342-7050 • www.hawks-nest.com
CROOKED ISLAND
Crooked Island Bonefishing, Crooked Island
(242) 344-2409 • www.cribonefishing.com
Crooked Island Lodge, Pittstown Point
(242) 344-2507/2430 • www.pittstownpoint.com
GRAND BAHAMA
East End Lodge, McLean’s Town
(561) 354-8005 • www.eastendlodge.com
Grand Bahama Bonefishing, Freeport
(336) 817-7395 / (242) 373-1896 • www.grandbahamabonefishing.com
H20 Bonefishing* Pelican Bay Hotel & Suites, Freeport
(242) 359-4958 / (954) 364-7590 • www.h20bonefishing.com
North Riding Point Club, North Riding Point
(242) 353-4250 • www.northridingpointclub.net
Old Bahama Bay Resort, West End
(242) 350-6500 / 1-(877) 784-6835 • www.oldbahamabay.com
Deep Water Cay Club, Deep Water Cay
(242) 353-3073 • www.deepwatercay.com
ELEUTHERA
The Duck Inn Cottages, Governor’s Harbour
(242) 332-2608 • www.duckinncottages.com
*Valentines Resort – ( #15 ) Harbour Island
(242) 333-2142 / 1 (866) 389-6864 • www.valentinesresort.com
GEORGETOWN
RUM CAY
LONG
ISLAND
Bonefish Exuma, Great Exuma (Hermitage)
(242) 336-2299 • www.bonefishexuma.com
*Staniel Cay Yacht Club – ( #16 ) Staniel Cay
(242) 355-2024 / 1-(954) 467-6658 • www.stanielcay.com
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*All food and beverage charges at our restaurant & bar
reduce your boat’s dockage fees until dockage is free!
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Baycaner Beach Resort, Pirate’s Well
(242) 339-3726 • www.baycanerbeach.com
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Free Dockage Special*
Entrance dredged to 7'MLW and new 6 brand new deeper slip finger piers.
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NOTE: (*) denotes member of Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board
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FLAMINGO CAY
LONG ISLAND
Secret Soul Fly Fishing, Nassau, New Providence
(242) 327-4320 / (242) 376-0321 • www.secret-soul.com
Fly Fishing Adventure, Nassau, New Providence
(242) 456-2105 • lovetocast@hotmail.com
SAMANA
CAY
17
JUMENTOS
CAYS
EXUMA
Cape Santa Maria Resort & Fishing Club, Cape Santa Maria
(242) 338-5273 / 1-(800) 663-7090 • www.capesantamaria.com
Deadman’s Cay Lodge, Deadman’s Cay
(242) 337-1056 /(242) 337-0246 • www.deadmansbones.com
*Gems at Paradise, Clarence Town
(242) 337-3016-9 / 1-(800) 668-4752 • www.gemsatparadise.com
Greenwich Creek Lodge, Cartwright, Long Island
(242) 337-6278 • www.greenwichcreeklodge.comLong Island
Bonefishing Lodge – ( #17 ) Deadman’s Cay
(242) 472-2609/337-0166 • Longislandbonefishinglodge.com
Long Island Breeze, Salt Pond
(242) 338-0103 / 1-(954) 605-1826 • www.longislandbreezeresort.com
*Stella Maris Resort Club
(2420 338-2051 / 1 (800) 426-0466 • www.stellamarisresort.com
Wahoo Smackdown V
Dates: Nov. 2014
Location: Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina,
Alice Town Bimini
CONCEPTION
ISLAND
Exuma Sound
an
The Islands Of The
*Andros Bay Cottage Fishing Lodge, Cargil Creek
(242) 368-5266 • www.androsbaycottagebahamas.com
Andros Island Bonefish Club, Cargil Creek
(242) 368-5167 • www.androsbonefishing.com
Andros Rod & Gun Club, Flamingo Cay
(954) 495-4915 / (954) 812-9569 • www.flamingocay.com
Andros South Bonefishing Lodge, Congo Town
(242) 369-1406 / (800) 344-3628 • www.androssouth.com
Bair’s Lodge – ( #5 ) South Andros
(866) 333-6437 • www.bairslodge.com
Big Charlies & Faith’s Fishing Lodge, Behing Point
(242) 368-4297 • www.bigcharlieandros.net
Broadshad Cay Lodge – ( #6 ) Andros Island, Bahamas
(242) 368-4261 / (242) 225-0082 • www.broadshadcaylodge.com
Kamalame Cay, Kamalame Cay
(242) 368-6281 / (800) 790-7971 • www.kamalame.com
Mangrove Cay Club, Mangrove Cay
(242) 369-0731 / (242) 379-0732 • www.mangrovecayclub.com
Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge, Mars Bay
(242) 369-5091 • www.androsbonefish.com
Mount Pleasant Lodge, Mangrove Cay
(242) 368-5171/5183 • www.mtpleasantfish.com
*Nathan’s Lodge, Kemp’s Bay
(242) 369-1707 • www.nathanslodge.com
North Andros Fly Fishing – ( #7 ) San Andros
(242) 329-2661 • www.northandrosflyfishing.com
Pleasant Bay Bonefish Lodge, South Andros
(242) 369-5551 • www.pleasantbaybonefishlodge.com
*Small Hope Bay Lodge, Fresh Creek, Andros
(242) 368-2014 / FX: (242) 368-20115 • www.smallhope.com
Stafford Creek Lodge, Fresh Creek
(242) 368-6259/6050 / 1-(954) 676-4158 • www.staffordcreeklodge.com
*Swain’s Cay Lodge – ( #8 ) Mangrove Cay
(242) 422-5018 • www.swainscaylodge.com
*Tiamo Resorts – ( #9 ) South Andros
(242) 225-6871 / 1-(786) 374-2442 • www.tiamoresorts.com
Tranquility Hill Bonefish Lodge – ( #10 ) Behring Point
(242) 368-4132 / 1-(860) 331-8467 • www.tranquilityhilllodge.com
Two Boys Inn, Behring Point
(242) 368-4067 • www.twoboysinn.com
SAN SALVADOR
COCKBURN TOWN
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MyOutIslands.com
FUEL CREDIT
LITTLE
SAN SALVADOR
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For special fishing offers, visit:
INSTANT
Hawk’s Nest 14th Annual Billfish Blast
Dates: May 25-29, 2014
Location: Cat Island
CAT
ISLAND
Th
SAN SALVADOR
300
$
Hon.Obie Wilchcombe, M.P.
Minister
Bahamas Billfish Championship, Leg 2
Dates: May 21-24, 2014
Location: Green Turtle Club, Green Turtle Cay
Abaco Marlin Outboard Series Leg I
Dates: June 25–28, 2014
Of
RUM CAY
Bahamas Billfish Championship, Leg 1
Dates: May 7-10, 2014
Location: Guana Cay
ARTHUR’S
TOWN
WADERICK WELLS
CAY
ue
LONG ISLAND
Boat Dockage Offer
I am pleased to welcome members of the fly fishing community to celebrate with us in this our golden anniversary
in tourism, and discover why so many renowned anglers
including Ernest Hemmingway have concluded that even
sports fishing is indeed better in The Bahamas.
Sincerely,
Hawk’s Nest 3rd Annual Hang ‘Em High Tournament
Dates: April 6-10, 2014
Location: Cat Island
Bahamas Billfish Championship
Dates: June 18-21, 2014
HAWKSBILL
CAY
ng
OR
Baker’s Bay Invitational
Dates: May 27-31, 2014
Location: Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club
Great Guana Cay, Abaco
Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour - Fishing
Tournaments
HIGHBOURNE
CAY
NORMAN’S CAY
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ANDROS
HARBOUR ISLAND
This map serves to assist visiting anglers in choosing a
desirable region or island within our country to fish, as
well as highlight a broad cross section of accommodation facilities and guiding services available. From billfish
to bonefish, fishers of all skill sets and preferences can rest
assured of both the bountiful fishery and variety of species
to be found throughout The Islands of The Bahamas.
Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Invitational
Dates: June 11-14, 2014
8
a
ANDROS
EXUMAS
Winner’s Circle Charities Invitational Hosted by
Mike Schmidt & HMY Yachts
Dates: April 30 - May 3, 2014
Location: Old Bahama Bay
Grand Bahama Island
Custom Shootout
Dates: May 14-17, 2014
am
ACKLINS
100 OFFER
This Bahamas Fishing Map & Anglers’ Guide is an example
of the quality promotional material produced to facilitate
the millions of international guests who visit our shores
each year for diverse vacation experiences.
Atlantic Ocean
BAHAMAS DIRECTORY OF FISHING LODGES & RESORTS
Acklins Island Lodge, Mason Bay
(242) 344-3678 / FX: (242) 344-3180 • www.acklinsislandlodge.com
*Chester’s Highway Inn Bonefish Lodge, Northern Acklins
(242) 344-3114 / (305) 921-0238 • www.chesterhighwayinn.com
Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn, Grey’s Point
(242) 344-3210 / (242) 375-2632 • www.greyspointbonefishinn.com
ELEUTHERA
1st Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament
Dates: April 24-28, 2014
Location: Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina
Grand Bahama Island
www.extremekayakfishing.com
GOVERNORS
HARBOUR
NASSAU
To
Gr
e
ACKLINS
FLY FISHING
For fifty years, The Islands
of The Bahamas have been
leading the way in Caribbean
tourism.
ELEUTHERA
ANDROS
10 ISLAND
Abaco Lodge – ( #1 ) Bustick Bight
(242) 367-5909 • www.abacolodge.com
Black Fly Bonefish Club, Schooner Bay
(242) 366-2048 • www.blackflylodge.com
Bluff House Resort (#2 ) Green Turtle Cay
(800) 745-4911 / (242) 365-4247 • www.bluffhouse.com
Delphi Club – ( #3 ) South of Marsh Harbour
(242) 366-2222 • www.delphi-bahamas.com
*Green Turtle Club – ( #4 ) Green Turtle Cay
(866) 528-0539 / (242) 365-4271
Oeisha’s Resort, Sandy Point
(314) 664-4106 / (242) 336-4139 www.oeishasresort.com
Rickmon Bonefishing Lodge, Sandy Point
(800) 628-1447 • www.angleradventures.com
$
HARBOUR ISLAND
DUNMORE TOWN
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6 FRESH CREEK
THE ABACOS
CROOKED ISLAND
15
NEW
PROVIDENCE
THE COMPETITION
AIN’T PRETTY
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Hawks Nest Annual Wahoo Championship
Dates: February 2-6, 2014
Location: Cat Island
7
Out Here...
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OCEAN CAY
RIDING ROCKS
SOUTH RIDING ROCK
ORANGE CAY
ABACOS
HOPE TOWN
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GUANA CAY
MARSH HARBOUR
GRAND BAHAMA
FREEPORT
4
THE COMMONWEALTH
OF THE BAHAMAS
Map Illustration © 2013 Clif Art
PALM BEACH
2
2014 BAHAMAS FISHING
TOURNAMENTS
MESSAGE FROM
THE MINISTER
OF TOURISM
WALKERS
CAY
Location of Advertisers
( See Listings )
The publisher wishes to thank the following for their
photo contributions...
Bluff House Resort, Broad Shad Cay, Green Turtle Club,
Long Island Bonefishing Lodge, North Andros Flyfishing,
Tiamo Resort, Tranquility Hill Bonefish Lodge,
And all the owners and mangers that helped make this map
possible, with a special thanks to the Minister and his team at
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism board
GREAT INAGUA
ISLAND
MATTHEW TOWN
NOTE: This map is not to scale and is
intended for use as a reference only,
not for navigation
© 2014 Multimedia Group Ltd. Nassau,
The Bahamas
Historic Bluff House is back
t New owners and management
t 8 new guest room suites overlooking the Sea of Abaco
t 1,2,3 bedroom villas for rent. t 38 slip marina
t 100 seat Jolly Roger Bar and Bistro with pool overlooking the marina
t 60 seat brand new Bluff House Beach Bar and Grill
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Watermakers Air
Ft. Lauderdale to The Exuma Cays
Staniel Cay, Andros, + Others
Just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, the archipelago of The Bahamas stretches east and southward for
hundreds-of-miles. More than 700 pristine islands and
cays are surrounded by thousands of square miles of
bonefish flats. Experienced anglers will tell you that the
Fly & Fish the
Same Day!
Comfortable &
Reliable Flights
Private Hangar
w/ Complimentary
Parking, WiFi, TV,
Beverages,
& Snacks
954.771.0330 | info@watermakersair.com | www.watermakersair.com
FishingMap.indd 1
11/20/13 3:55 PM
Andy Smith’s
The Bahamas’ best place to hunt big fish. Built by Andros fishing legend Andy Smith,
the lodge is located on a private cay with access to the finest bonefishing flats in the world.
And nothing in sight but untouched cays and interminable sky...
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WHAT TO BRING
FLY-FISHING THE BAHAMAS
WANT TO FLY IN AND GO FISHING?
Bahamas has the cleanest water to be found anywhere
-- and one of the most magnificent saltwater fisheries in
the earth. As one of those anglers, with more than fifty
years fishing almost every island, I certainly agree.
When it comes to bonefishing destinations, The Bahamas is legendary. Many of the islands are blessed with
flats that stretch for miles and miles. Many of these flats
offer areas with vast schools of bonefish, yet others
with larger trophy size bones. Throughout my years of
fishing here, I’ve indeed taken my share of bonefish in
the eight to eleven pounds class.
Many areas, especially in the northern and southern
islands, offer the fly fisher a good chance at a Grand
Slam -- the unique experience of taking a bonefish, permit and tarpon in the same day. The Bahamas is also
one of the very few places where anglers may have a
chance to sight cast to one of my favorite fish, the mutton snapper. There’s not many places in the world you
can do that.
Except for a few days of cold weather in the winter
months, the fishing is year around. The warm tropical
Gulf Stream assures day time temperatures average
between the low 70s to the high 80s. Even through the
hot days of summer flats fishing can be quite good, and
during these months, many lodges offer fishing packages that are quite attractive – especially if you’re traveling with family. Active anglers also like being so close
to the States, which allows them to get-away with either long and/or short trips. With English being the official language, it certainly makes things much easier
to communicate, especially while
fishing with your guide. And speaking of guides, you won’t find better
guides anywhere. They are perhaps,
the second best reason to fish these
bountiful waters, Guides here are
worth their salt and their handson knowledge of the local fishing
grounds almost guarantees a successful day.
Bonefish are plentiful and usually
eager to take a fly, making this
destination a great location for beginners and young anglers. Other
fly rod species you may find in
the flats or creeks are permit,
tarpon, mutton snapper, mangrove
snapper, barracuda, jack crevalle,
horse-eye jack, a variety of sharks
and some other exotic creatures.
Looking for more than bonefish?
Some camps and lodges are
in close proximity to blue
water. They may offer the
fly fisher a chance to fish for
a variety of pelagic species
such as dolphin, bonito, king
mackerel, tuna and more.
I’ve taken some large dolphin on fly rods during my
stay at a bonefish camps.
Try to plan at least one day
off the flats to do some blue
water fly fishing. It can be
a wonderful and exciting
change of pace.
One very important tip…
practice casting with your favorite rod before you
leave home. Remember this, you can buy your way
from home all the way to the flats, and within 30 feet
of the bonefish, but those last 30 feet are always up
to you. So practice before you travel. No other factor is more important if you want to catch the elusive
bonefish.
What to bring… a seven or an eight weight rod will
serve you well, with a nine to twelve foot leader
depending on the wind. Make sure to bring a good
quality pair of polarize glasses, in a warm color such
as amber or copper. Wear
a hat or cap with a dark under brim to reduce glare.
If you are going to wade,
bring a good pair of tropical wading shoes, a must
for comfort and safety.
Also bring a good insect
repellant and some skin lotion, preferably with aloe.
When you arrive at your final destination and step into
the bonefish lodge, you’ll love the experience. Expect
total immersion into the Bahamian hospitality, with
savory local cuisine and wonderful days fishing in ginclear flats. You’ll go home with great memories, new
learning experiences and you’ll make new friends too.
These are the reasons you’ll keep coming back.
I always do...
Good luck, Chico Fernandez
Weigh In On This: A good compromise between a quiet presentation and the power
to turn over a bonefish fly in the wind is
a seven or eight weight outfit, ideal for
Bahamas’ bonefish. When you
have a very calm day, and providing you are a good caster, a
six weight will land the fly with
minimum disturbance. To cast
bigger and heavier flies needed
for permit and large barracudas in the flats, big jacks in the
deeper creeks and some light
blue water fishing for dolphin,
bonito, small tuna and such -- a
ten weight is perfect. You could also make
do with a nine weight.
Publisher’s Note: The above information was provided by JM
“Chico” Fernandez - distinguished outdoor writer, fishing editor,
author of numerous books on Fly Fishing,world-record holder
and representative with IGFA, consultant to Costa sunglasses
and Hell’s Bay Boats. Email Chico for more information or how
to get a his books at: JMCHICO@ BellSouth.net
All Inclusive Do It Yourself lodge
overlooking picturesque Deadman's Cay
Long Island Bonefishing Lodge
Experience DIY bonefishing
like no other.
Call or email for rates & availability
Telephone: 1 (242) 472-2609
Email: info@longislandbonefishinglodge.com
w w w . l o n g i s l a n d b o n e fi s h i n g l o d g e . c o m
nonsense! With our subtropical climate, and year-round
temperatures averaging between 81°F and 73°F, we’re ideally situated to offer perpetual fly fishing opportunities year
round. The Bahamas archipelago of seven hundred islands
starts about fifty miles east of Florida’s coast and stretches
southward to within fifty miles of Cuba and Hispaniola -one hundred thousand square miles of crystal-clear water
teaming with trophy-size fish. Come wet your line.
The Northern Bahamas… consisting of Bimini, Grand
Bahama and Abaco are closest to the United States. These
waters are productive year-round with bones running the
Little Bahama Bank and billfish cruising the cobalt blue waters of the surrounding Atlantic. Direct air service, exceptional fishing opportunities and interesting attractions make
it ideal for anglers and non-fishing companions.
Bimini is only 50 miles east of Miami and is renowned for
world-record fishing. Visiting anglers enjoy the best of both
worlds -- deep sea and flats fishing on a fly or conventional
tackle. Both South and North Bimini offer luxury living marina resorts and quaint island-style accommodations. Hemingway loved this place and it’s easy to see why.
Grand Bahama, a combination of city and rural environments, gives anglers the choice of upscale resorts in Freeport, plush boutique hotel in West End, or well-appointed
lodges as far east as Deep Water Cay. Air service from
South Florida is good. Day cruises
from Fort Lauderdale are another
option. Anglers will find excellent
fishing on fringes to the south side
or the more expansive northern
flats. The East End flats are outstanding for bones and some flats
are hard bottom, great for wading.
Non-fishing companions will love it
here with day-spas, golfing, water
sports and memorable encounters
with dolphins at UNEXSO.
The Abaco Islands are the northern-most chain, about an hour flight from Florida’s three
gateways. This popular area is blessed pristine coves, pic-
turesque bays, shallow
flats and the famed
Marls to the west of
Marsh Harbor -- all
teeming with bonefish.
Anglers and yachtsmen
return year-after-year
to enjoy this precious
string of islands, each
has its own personality
and culture. Non-fishing
companions will enjoy
island hopping, shelling,
shopping and plenty of
tempting white sand
beaches. World-class
lodges, upscale resorts
and lovely rental homes
are found throughout the Abacos.
The Central Bahamas… fringed by the Great Bahama
Bank, these islands include New Providence, Andros, The
Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Exuma and Cat Island. The best
route to these destinations is through Nassau, and then on
to your favorite “Out Island” via commuter airlines. On the
island of New Providence, visitors will find an endless array
of resorts (one for every budget) in Nassau, Cable Beach
and Paradise Island. Surprisingly
good fishing is found in the tranquil
waters of Coral Harbour, Yamacraw,
South Beach and Adalade.
Andros Island is a compilation of North
Andros, Mangrove Cay and South
Andros islands, separated by tidal
creeks. Andros is the country’s largest island, running about 105 miles in
length and about 40 miles wide. Said
to be “the bonefishing capital of the
world,” this is where serious anglers
find a great choice of destinations -each with well-appointed lodges and outstanding guides.
San Andros in the north leads to the western side, the east-
ern shore and the Joulters Cays. Andros Town allows easy
access to Fresh Creek, the eastern foreshore, North Bight
and the west-side from Behring Point. Mangrove Cay opens
access to Middle Bight, the west-side and fishing flats
further south. Congo Town at the southern end boasts excellent fishing along the eastern shore, South Bight through
to the west-side, and south as the Curley Cut Cays.
The Berry Islands, slightly northeast of Andros include Chub
Cay, Great Harbour Cay and several privately owned cays.
Commuter service is available. There’s a boutique hotel with
clean, comfortable rooms and a stylish restaurant at Great
Harbour Cay. Scheduled for early 2014, Chub Cay Club will
be renovating its guest accommodations but some rental
units may be available. The extensive sandy flats and blue
waters surrounding the cays offer excellent shallow water
fly and deep-sea fishing.
Eleuthera, approximately 60 miles east of Nassau, connects
to Harbour Island and Spanish Wells by ferry. Visiting anglers will find quaint hotel accommodations, good restaurants and excellent bonefishing in the surrounding northern
and western shallows.
Exuma, comprising 365 cays (including renowned Staniel Cay)
is approximately 140
miles southeast of
Nassau. The island’s
airport has direct
airlift from Florida,
trendy accommodations and exceptional bonefishing – especially on the west
side, between the
many cays and pristine flats running north through Staniel
Cay north to Hawksbill cay.
Cat Island is home to Mount Alvernia, the highest peak in
The Bahamas. Basically undeveloped, the island’s tourism is
mostly nature-based. Fly fishing is excellent in these pristine
waters and is a popular choice with visitors. Excellent accommodations, cuisine, and guide services are provided by
the island’s resorts.
The Southern Islands… attract anglers seeking solitude
What’s For Dinner: Bonefish and permit in
the flats eat mainly juvenile crustaceans
and fishes, so their prey is usually very
Official
Gamefish
BAHAMAS
GAMEFISH Chart
CHART
JAN
FISH
Nicholl's Town, Bahamas
info@northandrosflyfishing.com (242)329-2661
www.northandrosflyfishing.com
Phillip Rolle, a Certified Bahamas Flyfishing Guide, born and
raised Androsian. A lifetime of experience on the Andros waters.
Our affordable packages include guided
fishing, lodging, meals, all on-island
transportation, all from your tropical
three bedroom cottage.
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
FISHING REGULATIONS
BAG LIMITS
DEC
Allison Tuna
and unadulterated fly fishing action – the kind of quality
fishing that lasts for several days. Another attraction to this
area is the “walk and wade” option of bonefishing, which is
growing in popularity. Commuter airlines provide regularly
scheduled service to the islands from Nassau.
Long Island is approximately 165 miles southeast of
Nassau, it has two airports, and the Tropic of Cancer passes
through the northern quarter. Fly fishing for bones is the
big attraction here, and
it’s good year-round.
Experienced
anglers
say the best “fights” are
found on the expansive
flats on the western side,
northern and southern
foreshores of the island.
Top quality lodges offer
nice accommodations
on the island. Of special
interest for first-time visitor anglers is the “do-it-yourself” concept, unique to those
fishing Long Island.
Acklins and Crooked Island, two of four islands forming an
Atoll hugging the Bight of Acklins, are really virgin territories -- a remote region attracting anglers interested in hardcore fishing experiences.
The Little Bahama Bank, Great Bahama Bank and Bight of
Acklins are earth’s most prolific habitat for shallow-water
recreational fishing. The islands comprising these regions
of The Bahamas offer world-class fly fishing all year long.
Our accommodation and fishing facilities are first class, but
the quality that brings anglers back year-after-year is our
certified guides.
The Islands of The Bahamas are so close, and so safe. Come
cast your fly…
The boat you fish from, must have
a fishing permit aboard. Individual
permits are not required.
Permits are obtained from Customs
officials at ports of entry. Fishing
gear is restricted to hook and line
and you may not fish with more
than six rods at a time. Bag limits
are as follows:
Amberjack
Baracuda
Blackfin
Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish/Tuna:
Migratory species such as Kingfish,
Dolphin, Tuna or Wahoo shall not
exceed 18 fish per vessel at any
time.
Blue Marlin
Bonefish
Broadbill
Swordfish
Stone Crabs:
Closed season is June 1 to October
15. Minimum harvestable claw is 4”.
Harvesting of female is prohibited.
Dolphin
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Turtle:
Illegal to export. No vessel shall have
any marine turtles on board.
Sailfish
Mackerel
Lobster or Crawfish:
No more than 10 tails at any given
time. Annual closed season is April
1 to July 31. Minimum size limits are
3-3/8 inch carapace length or six
inches tail length. Egg-bearing female crawfish are protected.
Oceanic
Bonito
Permit
Tarpon
Conch:
Harvesting and possession of conch
without a well formed lip is prohibited. Bag limit at any given time is
no more than 6 per boat.
Grouper
Snapper
Shark
Vessel Bag Limit:
Demersal species (groupers, snappers, etc.) not in excess of sixty (60
lbs.) pounds or 20 scale fish.
Wahoo
White Marlin
*Information subject to change
Excellent
Gateway to the Joulter Cays
Catch Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon
Permit like mostly larger crab
flies like Merkin, Critter Crab
and other crab imitations in #2
and #1 sizes. Barracudas are
attracted to long skinny chartreuse flies about six to eight
inches or, a large bait fish pattern with a big eye and five or
six inches long. Dolphin, bonito, small tunas, big jacks and
such will hit a bait fish pattern
with big eyes, colored in white or yellow
with a dark back in black, green, red or
blue -- and a fair amount of flash on the
side. (I prefer yellow for dolphin.) Also,
big poppers works well on the big fish and
are great fun to see the strike.
The Reel Deal: A reel with a smooth drag
and capacity of 150 yards or more of 20
pound backing will do for bones and permit. For the ten weight rod, a reel with over
250 yards of 30 pound backing is fine. On
a windy days, a nine foot leader is perfect
for bones with 10 pound tippet and permit
with 12 or 16 pound tippet. On calm days,
and providing you are a good caster, I recommend a 12 foot leader.
WORLD-CLASS DESTINATIONS NORTH TO SOUTH
Some say fly-fishing in The Bahamas is seasonal. That’s
small; less than two inches. Bonefish flies
tied on #4 hooks are the norm in The Bahamas. In areas with big bones, I prefer the
larger flies tied on #2 hooks. Many bonefish patterns work as long as they are small
and weighted. I like the Crazy Charlie, Gotcha (any shrimp pattern with banded tail),
and crab flies like the Merkin.
If you’re fishing here for the first time, here
are some helpful tips from Chico Fernandez, the man who wrote the book on fly
fishing.
WATERMAKERS, INC.
MARINE DESALINATORS
<HDUV2I([FHOOHQFH
2233 S. Andrews Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
‡5XJJHGDQG5HOLDEOH
‡7Rö*3'6\VWHPV
‡8QHTXDOHG6HUYLFH5HSDLU
‡%DKDPDV/RFDWLRQV Nassau, Abaco,
Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, & Staniel Cay
Fresh Water, Any Time, Any Ocean
&DOO7ROO)UHH)5(6+RU
LQIR#ZDWHUPDNHUVFRPċZZZZDWHUPDNHUVFRP
Abaco Vacation Planner
Relax... Explore... Discover...
The Islands of Abaco in The Bahamas
Vacation Home Rentals & Inclusive Packages
Office: 1 (242) 367-3529 Mobile: 1 (242) 577-0016
www.AbacoVacationPlanner.com
Affiliated With:
Lydia Bodamer
Vacation Specialist | Real Estate Agent
Contact us at fish@swainscaylodge.com • 242-422-5018
We offer Guided
• Fly Fishing
• Reef & Big Game Fishing
• Snorkelling reefs & blue holes
• Complimentary kayaks & Bikes to
explore the island and beaches.
1.800.32 SPORT
140844_BahamasBFG.indd 21
Good to Excellent
Good
Fair
Occasional
None
The Islands Of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012-2013 21
Fine Dining -Local, Bahamian & Island Cuisine
MAX says
"Anglers
Welcome...
10/18/12 6:25 PM
Great Rates Year-Round"
We offer Free Two Fly-Free Tickets & $100 fishing credit on 4 or more night packages.
P.O. Box AN 23802
Mangrove Cay
Andros Island, The Bahamas
Telephone 242-369-0296 / Fax 242-369-0297
Just up George St, before
Old Christopher Columbus on
the steps of Government House
Open: 11:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m., daily RESTAURANT & BAR
)BQQZ)PVSt0-QNt%BJMZ4QFDJBMT
(FPSHF4USFFUt/BTTBV#BIBNBTt