On the fishing front, the Grand Bahama fishery is is great shape, and it is one of the true quality fisheries in the Bahamas, and really, anywhere in the world. A diversity of flats, large bonefish, seasonal shots at permit and tarpon, and a dynamite offshore fishery combine to make this an ideal location for anglers of all ability levels. Anglers can also enjoy world-class resort facilities, amenities, restaurants, golf, tennis, shopping and more, without sacrificing their fishing. Two well-established lodges that specialize in pampering their anglers are North Riding Point Club, and the venerable Deep Water Cay Club. Both offer top fishing programs and lots of amenities. Contact Kim for more information and to book your trip.

One of our top recommendations for couples, families and serious anglers--Pelican Bay at Lucaya, home of H2O Bonefishing, (formerly Pelican Bay Bonefishing)The program offers deluxe rooms, and luxurious one bedroom suites. We have stayed in the suites, and they are fabulous. The large living room opens onto a private balcony overlooking the harbour. Direct dial phones, satellite TV, central air-conditioning are standard in all suites, along with a well-stocked bar, refrigerator and espresso machine. The bathroom features all the little touches of an elegant hotel, including hair drier, and a monster shower head that makes you think you're in a tropical downpour. Feels great! Our longtime friend, Greg Vincent, is director of fishing at Pelican Bay. Greg has extensive saltwater guiding experience around the world, and he has turned this program into on of the top saltwater programs in the Caribbean. Part of Greg's program includes saltwater fly fishing schools, which makes Pelican Bay an ideal location for beginners, or advanced anglers who want to perfect their techniques. While Pelican Bay has outstanding personalized service, and too many amenities to list hear, it is also a serious fishing destination. The Grand Bahama fishery rivals Andros for Big Bones, plus the permit and tarpon fisheries are beginning to emerge. Serious fishing doesn't have to mean you can't enjoy some luxury after you leave the flats. Email Kim direclty to begin booking your trip.

Old Bahama Bay Resort and Marina has luxury cottage-style accommodations and a state of the art marina with full customs and immigration on site.  The resort is in West End (this used to be called the Jack Tar Marina), which has long been a favorite location for boaters coming over from Florida. The flats fishing around here is excellent for bonefish, plus there can be shots at tarpon and permit in the spring and summer. The luxury rooms are situated in seven two story villa-style buildings along a glistening white sand beach. The resort also has a restaurant and bar, snorkeling right out front, a full dive operation operated by Stuart Cove, and excellent blue water fishing. The resort can arrange fishing guides.

Flats Fishing Patterns: Fairly normal spring weather patterns are in effect with prevailing winds out of the northeast, and shifting to the southeast at times.

You should always carry a good breathable rain jacket and pants in the boat for possible rain, and use the jacket as a windbreaker on early morning runs.

February 8, 2012 Fishing Reports

Water Cays to West End - This is an outstanding fishery, and especially good for big bones. There is a wide variety of flats from dark coral, to grass, to white sandy bottoms, to miles of creeks and mangrove-lined bays. And there are lots of really big bones here. If you are an experienced angler, and looking for double-digit fish, Grand Bahama is a good choice. Now is the time to begin your trip planning for April through July. The summer season is especially good, with the opportunity to reach flats not accessed by anyone else on the Little Bahama Bank.

A guide that is highly recommended by readers who have fished with him is: Captain Perry Demeritte, out of McLeans Town. Capt. Perry will pick you up at your hotel for a full or alf day of fishing. He also has fly rods and spinning rods for rent. You can contact him at 242-353-3301, or e-mail , or visit his web site for full details of his services, his rates, etc. Capt. Perry is a licensed guide with a customized 17-ft Maverick Mirage powered by an 85hp Yamaha.

#2-4 Gotcha Clouser's, #2-6 Gotcha Bunnies, #2-4 Tan/Brown Clouser's, #4-6 Tan and Olive Bunny Charlies, #4-6 Spawning Shrimp, #4 Pink Bone Wigglers, and regular #2-6 Gotchas produce consistently, along with #4-6 Borski's Bonefish Critters and Sliders. Greg Vincent has also created a series of flats flies that are knocking bonefish silly, and they have enticed some permit too. Greg's flies are available now from Greg at the resort. Pelican Bay guides fish out of Maverick flats skiff with 90 HP Yamaha outboards. Running time to most flats anges from 5 to 30 minutes, and 40 minutes to the West End. Running time out to the Water Cays is about 60 minutes. Pelican Bay is the ideal location for anglers traveling with non-anglers as there are a variety of activities including golf, tennis, diving, snorkeling, plus great shopping and fun nightlife. All Pelican Bay guests have guest privileges at the beach and pools at the Our Lucaya Resort, about a 2 minute walk from Pelican Bay.

Reef/Offshore: Good fishing for wahoo, plus some dorado and tuna. Contact the Old Bahama Bay Marina for more detailed information, or H20 Bonefishing and talk with Greg Vincent. See their web site links above.