VISIT
THE ISLANDS

The Bahamas -
An Overview

Andros Island

The Abacos

Grand Bahama - Freeport

The Exumas

Long Island

Bimini and Berry Islands

New Providence -
Nassau

Eleuthera - Spanish Wells - Harbour Islands

Cat Island

Crooked and Acklins Islands

Mayaguana - Great Inagua - Ragged Islands

San Salvador - Rum Cay - Conception Islands

NEW Turks & Caicos Islands

GRAND BAHAMA - FREEPORT

Island News: PLEASE NOTE: We receive a high volume of e-mail requests for anglers going to Nassau/Paradise Island for a family vacation...and then they want to bonefish. Big Mistake....if you want a great family vacation at a mega-resort or a simple seaside villa, Grand Bahama is the better choice.

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.

BAHAMAS VACATION GUIDE - A good source for vacation planning information for the Islands of the Bahamas. We recommend checking it out.

One of our top recommendations for couples, families and serious anglers--Pelican Bay at Lucaya, home of Pelican Bay Bonefishing, has 90 deluxe guest room, and 48 luxury suites. We have stayed in the suites, and they are awesome. 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. We fished with some serious anglers who were very happy they chose this location, and they didn't seem to mind sipping cocktails with us, with Greg and with the other fly fishers around the pool bar each evening while talking over the day and watching the sunset. Serious fishing doesn't have to mean you can't enjoy some luxury after you leave the flats. You can contact Greg Vincent directly at 242-373-9550, or email him. Or email Kim direclty.

Old Bahama Bay Resort and Marina, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World groups. The luxury cottage-style lodgings are part of a $170 million gated community now being developed at the 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, and excellent blue water fishing. This resort was badly damaged in the 2004 hurricane's but is back in full swing again.

Flats Fishing Patterns: Fairly normal winter weather patterns are in effect.

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.

January 27, 2008 Fishing Reports

Water Cays to West End - This is an outstanding fishery, and especially good for big bones in February and March...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.

East End - We have had good reports about Ocean Pearl Resort. Contact Doris at www.oceanpearlresort.com or by phone at: 242 353 4224. We wouldn't call Ocean Pearl a resort, but that's they way these small places name themselves. Instead, its a comfortable motel/hotel on the beach, and a very pleasant out of the way place to stay. You can still drive to Freeport in 30 minutes if you feel the need for nightlife, restaurants, golf, shopping, and more.

Another 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 with some tuna and dorado.