welcome,
Welcome to the Bahamas Fly-Fishing Guide Travel web site, 2024.
Let's go Fishing!
We add updated news and information on fishing conditions, top fly fishing guides, and the best fly fishing lodges on a regular basis, so please visit us often. We invite you to e-mail us with your comments, suggestions, questions, or island news.
July 12, 2024 - Well, another great fly fishing season is in the books and the summer heat his here. So now is the time to start planning your trip for the fall season, with October and November being two of our favorite months of the year. And for some lodges, like Broad Shad Cay, Soul Fly, Benry Smith's Red Bay, and The Delphi Club, book a year in advance is not too far. Get in touch now and let's get you set up for you next Bahamas vacation. Email Stephen to get started.
Take care and stay safe,
Stephen and Kim Vletas
Aside from hosted fly-fishing trips to the Bahamas, we'll also be hosting at least one saltwater fly-fishing adventure to the Seychelles and Maldives in 2025 for a luxury vacation and exciting fishing. We've just returned from a spectacular trip to the Maldives, exploring the flats fishing, and fishing flats that have rarely if ever seen a fly. Check out some photos and info here.
And if you are interested in fishing in South America, ask us about our Golden Dorado fishing trips for the coming 2024/25 season in Argentina, and monster rainbow trout adventures in Argentina at Estancia Laguna Verde (AKA Jurassic Lake). If you prefer brown trout mixed with your rainbows, then join our top guides out of San Martin de Los Andes to fish the best rivers in northern Patagonia.
Or just check out some of our overall favorite worldwide fly fishing destinations. Email Stephen for information about the best worldwide fly-fishing locations, travel arrangements and availability.
Bahamas Fishing Licenses - All visiting anglers, non-Bahamians, must purchase a flats fishing license to fish with a Bahamian guide and or to fish on your own. Get your Flats Fishing licenses, Cruise Permits and Fishing Permits online @ GoOutdoorsBahamas.com
We know many anglers love to fish on their own, and a number of anglers can't afford to fish with a guide every day....but we highly recommend that you fish with Bahamian guides as much as you can. We fish with Bahamian guides, many of whom are our long-time friends, every day we fish in the Bahamas. See the island pages for the guides and lodges we recommend. Or drop us an email to ask for additional recommendations.
Let's go Fishing!
We add updated news and information on fishing conditions, top fly fishing guides, and the best fly fishing lodges on a regular basis, so please visit us often. We invite you to e-mail us with your comments, suggestions, questions, or island news.
July 12, 2024 - Well, another great fly fishing season is in the books and the summer heat his here. So now is the time to start planning your trip for the fall season, with October and November being two of our favorite months of the year. And for some lodges, like Broad Shad Cay, Soul Fly, Benry Smith's Red Bay, and The Delphi Club, book a year in advance is not too far. Get in touch now and let's get you set up for you next Bahamas vacation. Email Stephen to get started.
Take care and stay safe,
Stephen and Kim Vletas
Aside from hosted fly-fishing trips to the Bahamas, we'll also be hosting at least one saltwater fly-fishing adventure to the Seychelles and Maldives in 2025 for a luxury vacation and exciting fishing. We've just returned from a spectacular trip to the Maldives, exploring the flats fishing, and fishing flats that have rarely if ever seen a fly. Check out some photos and info here.
And if you are interested in fishing in South America, ask us about our Golden Dorado fishing trips for the coming 2024/25 season in Argentina, and monster rainbow trout adventures in Argentina at Estancia Laguna Verde (AKA Jurassic Lake). If you prefer brown trout mixed with your rainbows, then join our top guides out of San Martin de Los Andes to fish the best rivers in northern Patagonia.
Or just check out some of our overall favorite worldwide fly fishing destinations. Email Stephen for information about the best worldwide fly-fishing locations, travel arrangements and availability.
Bahamas Fishing Licenses - All visiting anglers, non-Bahamians, must purchase a flats fishing license to fish with a Bahamian guide and or to fish on your own. Get your Flats Fishing licenses, Cruise Permits and Fishing Permits online @ GoOutdoorsBahamas.com
We know many anglers love to fish on their own, and a number of anglers can't afford to fish with a guide every day....but we highly recommend that you fish with Bahamian guides as much as you can. We fish with Bahamian guides, many of whom are our long-time friends, every day we fish in the Bahamas. See the island pages for the guides and lodges we recommend. Or drop us an email to ask for additional recommendations.
The Bahamas - An overview
A mere 50 miles off the southern coast of Florida, the Islands of the Bahamas beckon—to anglers and adventure travelers alike. They are sirens singing their ancient irresistible songs promising peaceful relaxation, endless stretches of pristine beaches, glistening turquoise waters, delicious food and drink.
And of course there are a diversity of angling challenges, a chance to match wits and skill with the world’s finest gamefish. This total experience is the essence of fly-fishing, and we’re all searching for that experience . . . the one that will lighten our souls forever.
Fishing has long been an integral part of the Bahamian lifestyle and culture, in no small part due to its physical makeup and geography. The Spaniards called the region Baja Mar, the Shallow Sea, and it is one of the most magnificent saltwater fisheries in the world.
Practically speaking, the fishing opportunities are divided into two distinct types. The most popular with fly-fishers is the shallow-water saltwater flats fishery. The blue-water, or offshore, fishery has been recognized as sensational by conventional anglers for years and is becoming more popular with fly anglers with each passing season.
And of course there are a diversity of angling challenges, a chance to match wits and skill with the world’s finest gamefish. This total experience is the essence of fly-fishing, and we’re all searching for that experience . . . the one that will lighten our souls forever.
Fishing has long been an integral part of the Bahamian lifestyle and culture, in no small part due to its physical makeup and geography. The Spaniards called the region Baja Mar, the Shallow Sea, and it is one of the most magnificent saltwater fisheries in the world.
Practically speaking, the fishing opportunities are divided into two distinct types. The most popular with fly-fishers is the shallow-water saltwater flats fishery. The blue-water, or offshore, fishery has been recognized as sensational by conventional anglers for years and is becoming more popular with fly anglers with each passing season.
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Flats species consist of the big three: bonefish, tarpon, and permit; plus barracuda, lemon and blacktip sharks, jack crevalle, mutton snapper, and mangrove snapper. The most abundant gamefish to pursue over the inshore reefs include cubera snappers, grouper, a variety of jacks, barracuda, numerous species of sharks, sierra and king mackerel, and lumberjack.
On Andros, the North and Middle Bights have been visited by the rich and famous since the 1930's. The Bang Bang Club on Pot Cay in the North Bight was one of the first bonefishing clubs. Treasure Cay, Abaco, serves up fine family accommodations, and delivers anglers to the doorstep of the Marls, a vast mangrove flats region reminiscent of the Everglades. Eleuthera’s Windermere Island, once an elegant retreat laced with lavish homes, fell on hard times in the 1980's and 1990's but has now made a comeback. Nearby Savannah Sound is composed of white sand flats suited to anglers who want to fish on their own.
On the blue waterfront, the most popular gamefish species continue to be blue and white marlin, sailfish, a variety of tuna, wahoo, and dorado (dolphin). Some of the best-known areas include North Abaco, Bimini, Nassau, Port Lucaya/Freeport, and Fresh Creek, Andros, where the Tongue of the Ocean sweeps in against the flats and plummets to depths of 6,000 feet. U.S. Naval buoys off the eastern shore of Andros are phenomenal dolphin and Allison tuna magnets. Farther south, Cat Island, San Salvador, Long Island, and Crooked Island are remote blue-water havens. Some of the best blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo fishing on the planet can be experienced here.
On Andros, the North and Middle Bights have been visited by the rich and famous since the 1930's. The Bang Bang Club on Pot Cay in the North Bight was one of the first bonefishing clubs. Treasure Cay, Abaco, serves up fine family accommodations, and delivers anglers to the doorstep of the Marls, a vast mangrove flats region reminiscent of the Everglades. Eleuthera’s Windermere Island, once an elegant retreat laced with lavish homes, fell on hard times in the 1980's and 1990's but has now made a comeback. Nearby Savannah Sound is composed of white sand flats suited to anglers who want to fish on their own.
On the blue waterfront, the most popular gamefish species continue to be blue and white marlin, sailfish, a variety of tuna, wahoo, and dorado (dolphin). Some of the best-known areas include North Abaco, Bimini, Nassau, Port Lucaya/Freeport, and Fresh Creek, Andros, where the Tongue of the Ocean sweeps in against the flats and plummets to depths of 6,000 feet. U.S. Naval buoys off the eastern shore of Andros are phenomenal dolphin and Allison tuna magnets. Farther south, Cat Island, San Salvador, Long Island, and Crooked Island are remote blue-water havens. Some of the best blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo fishing on the planet can be experienced here.
There are really "Two" Bahamas
A quality that is foremost in our minds about the Bahamas is its tranquility and charm, especially across the Out Islands. The fact is, there are really two Bahamas. One is the high-profile resort settings of Nassau and Freeport. The other consists of the Out Islands, or Family Islands, where the residents are friendly and welcoming, and change happens at a snail’s pace.
Out Island residents make a habit of welcoming guests. Anything you need, no problem, Mon. The simple truth is you don’t need much—a comfortable room, good food, a cold Kalik, and a place to hang out with friends and maybe tie some flies or rig some leaders. This is one of the best places in the world to relax and just live day-to-day. “Eat, fish, drink, sleep, eat, fish, drink, sleep,” becomes the hypnotic mantra.
A phrase we often use is “How bad can it be in a place like this?” The settings of the Bahamas are sometimes stunning and dramatic, though more often the beauty is simple, subtle, and soothing. Clear aqua-green water, pink sand beaches, lush mangrove cays, cool pine forests, the sound of the surf as it pours over a reef, along with the abundant bird and sea life, these are your constant companions.
While the people are laid-back, they also possess an old-fashioned sense of purpose. As tourism has moved into the mainstream, new energy and enthusiasm are being focused on developing marinas and resorts. This has been most prevalent on Abaco and Exuma. Sandals at Emerald Bay, Exuma, a luxury all-inclusive resort and the ultra-upscale resort and residential community, the Abaco Club on Winding Bay, are examples. Both resorts feature championship 18-hole golf courses and have plans for new marinas.
In spite of this, the way of life throughout the Out Islands remains relatively unchanged. Work hard, honor your family, have pride in yourself, and be friendly, seems to be the motto. This way of life has persisted for generations. It is the essence of harmony that can seep into your soul and, along with the fishing, it can keep you coming back again and again.
Out Island residents make a habit of welcoming guests. Anything you need, no problem, Mon. The simple truth is you don’t need much—a comfortable room, good food, a cold Kalik, and a place to hang out with friends and maybe tie some flies or rig some leaders. This is one of the best places in the world to relax and just live day-to-day. “Eat, fish, drink, sleep, eat, fish, drink, sleep,” becomes the hypnotic mantra.
A phrase we often use is “How bad can it be in a place like this?” The settings of the Bahamas are sometimes stunning and dramatic, though more often the beauty is simple, subtle, and soothing. Clear aqua-green water, pink sand beaches, lush mangrove cays, cool pine forests, the sound of the surf as it pours over a reef, along with the abundant bird and sea life, these are your constant companions.
While the people are laid-back, they also possess an old-fashioned sense of purpose. As tourism has moved into the mainstream, new energy and enthusiasm are being focused on developing marinas and resorts. This has been most prevalent on Abaco and Exuma. Sandals at Emerald Bay, Exuma, a luxury all-inclusive resort and the ultra-upscale resort and residential community, the Abaco Club on Winding Bay, are examples. Both resorts feature championship 18-hole golf courses and have plans for new marinas.
In spite of this, the way of life throughout the Out Islands remains relatively unchanged. Work hard, honor your family, have pride in yourself, and be friendly, seems to be the motto. This way of life has persisted for generations. It is the essence of harmony that can seep into your soul and, along with the fishing, it can keep you coming back again and again.