island news
Now is the time to begin the booking process for the 2023 Fall season, and for Winter and Spring 2024! If you want to secure the best dates in prime time, booking in advance is the only way. We consider October and November, and March through May as the prime months, with December through February good winter fishing, especially for big bones. Those double digit monsters love the cooler water. And if your focus is tarpon along with the bones and the occasional permit, June and July are great choices.
BOOK THE BEST GUIDES ON ANDROS, Including Day trips from Nassau - Email Stephen Directly and he can set up a package of guides and accommodations, or book you guides for the day, including coming over from Nassau to fish for a day. Top guides to book with us include: Charlie Neymour, Andy Smith, Marvin Miller, Shine Greene, Herman Bain, Frankie Neymour, and many other great Andros guides. If you are looking for the best possible fishing, there is no substitute to booking with a top guide. And if you have a favorite guide, just tell us who it is and we can book you with him, and set up your travel to make fishing with your guide easy and carefree.
ANDROS HAS IT ALL - the planet's best bonefishing, tremendous reef and offshore fishing, comfortable accommodations, fresh seafood and island cocktails, and the most friendly people you will ever meet. Check out the video below featuring our friend and top guide, Marvin Miller from Mangrove Cay.
BOOK THE BEST GUIDES ON ANDROS, Including Day trips from Nassau - Email Stephen Directly and he can set up a package of guides and accommodations, or book you guides for the day, including coming over from Nassau to fish for a day. Top guides to book with us include: Charlie Neymour, Andy Smith, Marvin Miller, Shine Greene, Herman Bain, Frankie Neymour, and many other great Andros guides. If you are looking for the best possible fishing, there is no substitute to booking with a top guide. And if you have a favorite guide, just tell us who it is and we can book you with him, and set up your travel to make fishing with your guide easy and carefree.
ANDROS HAS IT ALL - the planet's best bonefishing, tremendous reef and offshore fishing, comfortable accommodations, fresh seafood and island cocktails, and the most friendly people you will ever meet. Check out the video below featuring our friend and top guide, Marvin Miller from Mangrove Cay.
featured lodges/resorts - our top recommendations
Big Charlie's Lodge, On Cargill Creek, TLT Signature Lodge - One of our favorite guides of all time--Charlie Neymour makes every day on the water fun. Charlie, and his wife, Fatiah, have a lodge that feels like home on Cargill Creek. The four comfortable air-conditioned guest rooms can take up to eight anglers. This is a classic bonefish lodge, with a large dining room and bar overlooking Cargill Creek, or you can sit out on the deck and enjoy a cold Kalik and conch fritters while watching the sunset. And you won't go hungry, as Fatiah is an amazing chef, and she serves a number of dishes spiced with her Moroccan style of cooking. You can book Charlie and some of the other best independent guides on Andros by emailing Stephen directly or give him a call: 307-690-7472 (Mountain Time).
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Broad Shad Cay Lodge, TLT Signature Lodge - Andy and Sharon Smith have created a unique lodge on this special cay in the North Bight, and along with Charlie Neymour, Andy is one of our favorite guides in the world. Nothing better than spending a day on the water with Andy. This exclusive private island lodge is nestled in the mangroves, and offers sensational views of the Bight to the north and and Big Wood Cay to the south. Wrap-around wooden decks, native stone work, and super-detailed interior finishes make this a casually elegant place to hang your hat, and to enjoy yourself after a fun day of fishing. Andy can only take four anglers at a time, and he runs the program himself, basing each fishing day on the tides. He has no problem running to the West Side, then back East to meet the right tide at the right time. If you want to focus on fishing for Big Bonefish, and for permit and tarpon, Andy will do everything possible to put you on those dream fish. Email Stephen directly to begin booking your trip.
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Kamalame Cay, Staniard Creek - One of the most luxurious resorts in the Out Islands, on a 96-acre private cay lined with white sand beaches and coconut palms. Air-conditioned marina rooms with private baths are booked with most fishing packages. You can upgrade to cottages and villas on the beach with sitting areas, soaking tubs, and French doors that open onto private terraces and gardens. Meals and cocktails are served in the Great House adorned with cushy, over-sized furniture and antiques. Amenities include a full marina, dive shop, swimming pool, tennis court, in-room massages, and Internet access. This is a premiere location to fish the Joulters Cays and for non-anglers to enjoy themselves while friends or family members go fishing. For more information, or to book your trip, email Stephen directly, or give him a call: 307-690-7472 (Mountain Time).
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Swain's Cay Lodge, Mangrove Cay - TLT Signature Guides - Fish with our top guides including Captains Marvin Miller, Shine Greene and others. Comfortable accommodations on the beach for access to swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking. Full restaurant and bar. Complete bonefishing packages available including accommodations, all meals and guided fishing; or just book a room and mix fishing with a top guide along with DIY fishing. Excellent wadable flats in front of the lodge, and all along the Mangrove Cay oceanfront. For more information, or to book your trip, email Stephen directly, or give him a call: 307-690-7472 (Mountain Time).
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Bair's Lodge, South Andros - This is a top recommendation for wade fishing and relaxed luxury. Located right on a white sand beach, the casually elegant lodge features excellent food, good guides, and a vast array of flats to explore. They can take 12 anglers, and they are booked months in advance so you need to make your plans as far ahead as possible. Lots of fish here if you're into numbers...some big fish too, especially in Deep Creek and Little Creek. Please email Stephen directly to facilitate your booking. We can also arrange your travel to South Andros in the most convenient and economical way.
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Tiamo Resort, South Bight - Situated on South Andros, on a stunning white sand beach in the South Bight, a visit to Tiamo is a unique experience in luxury Eco-tourism. Indulge yourself in tropical surroundings: pristine white-sand beaches, lush green palm groves, and the clearest turquoise waters. Activities include sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, island exploring or simply relax in private on one of the Caribbean’s best beaches. Then of course you have the fly fishing for bonefish and other species. DIY wade fishing is right out in front of the lodge, and you can wade all the way to Congo Town on the eastern oceanfront. We can also book you with the best independent guides to fish the South Bight, Middle Bight and West Side, including Captain Marvin Miller, Captain Shine Greene. Please email Stephen directly to facilitate your booking.
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Small Hope Bay Lodge, Fresh Creek - One of the best diving and snorkeling operations in the Bahamas, and a good option for fishermen bringing non-fishing companions to Andros. And this isn't a compromise to the anglers. The fishing (especially bonefishing) is excellent in Fresh Creek, and Small Hope guides also take their clients into the Bights. Non-anglers can experience sensational scuba diving and snorkeling, relax on the beach, go sea kayaking, bike, windsurf, or go sailing. The lodge has 20 cottages right on the beach. All-inclusive packages are available, including an open bar and activities. Also a good location for DIY bonefishing. Please email Stephen directly to facilitate your booking. We can also arrange your travel to and from Fresh Creek in the most convenient and economical way.
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Caerula Mar Club, South Andros, TLT Signature Guides - Surrounded by lush vegetation, the club grounds offer the perfect mix of clubhouse suites and free-standing private villas. Relax in exquisite accommodations that present sweeping ocean views and private oceanfront decks. Outstanding fine dining with island cuisine created by Chef Sebastian from Argentina. Spa services are available at your villa, along with evening turn down service. Ideal location for couples.
Relax in style and fish with our top Bahamian fly fishing guides - including Captain Marvin Miller, Captain Shine Greene, Captain Elvis, Captain Dencil and other great guide friends. And this is one of the best options in the Bahamas for non-anglers to enjoy a trip along with their angling friends or loved ones. Please email Stephen directly to facilitate your booking. We can also arrange your travel to and from Congo Town in the most convenient way. |
Benry Smith's Red Bay Sunset Lodge - Right on the water, gorgeous location, endless flats and shorelines on the northwest side of Andros. Hard to imagine a better location for a lodge.
Benry and his family offer comfortable accommodations, a welcoming fun atmosphere, authentic Bahamian cuisine, and they treat you like family. The lodge holds intact groups of 4 to 6 anglers, and you can take the entire lodge with just 4 anglers. Benry is one of the best guides in the saltwater world, and his guide team is first-class. You need to book this unique lodge and fishing program a year in advance. Email Stephen directly to begin booking your trip. |
Two Boys Inn, Cargill Creek - Great Value and DIY Options -- Frankie Neymour, Charlie's brother, and his wife Melinda, operate a comfortable guest house on Cargill Creek that takes up to 12 anglers....this is an ideal spot and a great price for serious anglers who want to fish with a top guide and/or DIY....excellent wade fishing options in the area, and packages are available that include a rental car for DIY. Rooms are large and comfortable, with delicious meals cooked up by Melinda and her team in the casual dining room. Satellite TV is available in the bar along with complimentary Wi-Fi. And if you're a single angler, the pricing for a single is the best anywhere in the world of flats fly fishing.
Please email Stephen directly to facilitate your booking. |
additional accommodations and lodges
Seascape Inn, Mangrove Cay - The Seascape Inn is a five room Beachfront Bed and Breakfast Hotel. This little slice of paradise is the perfect location for anglers looking to fish with top guides, or take advantage of excellent DIY fishing on several miles of oceanfront flats, or on flats in the Middle Bight and South Bight/Lisbon Creek. Great spot of non-anglers also with a number of activities including snorkeling, biking, kayaking, bird watching, beach combing or just simply relaxing. Please email Stephen directly to fish with the top guides on Mangrove Cay.
Flamingo Cay, Wide Open, West Side - Established in the 1920s as a duck hunting club by the Bethel family, the club has been an exclusive hunting and fishing lodge every since for family friends, including British royalty. Then Charles Bethel III decided it was time to open the fun to the public, although the lodge rarely advertises, and most guest make their bookings from word-of-mouth recommendations from previous guests.
Charlie is an outgoing host who always makes you feel at home, and he creates an overall relaxed atmosphere by taking no more than eight guests at a time. The club sits on a remote creek on Andros's uninhabited West Side, in a sprawling bay known as Wide Open. Large schools of bonefish roam the white sand flats from Pretty Creek to Williams Island, though you don't have to go far to catch fish. We've had days of 40 plus bones just fishing the shoreline right outside the home creek. And if you're looking for big bones, those double digit monsters roam the outer sand bank not more than fifteen minutes from the lodge. Tarpon fishing is also excellent, and its not uncommon to get shots at permit. For wing-shooters, the dove and duck hunting is a fun option. Fishing season in October 1 to June 31, and shooting season is October 15 to March 31.
Flamingo Cay, Wide Open, West Side - Established in the 1920s as a duck hunting club by the Bethel family, the club has been an exclusive hunting and fishing lodge every since for family friends, including British royalty. Then Charles Bethel III decided it was time to open the fun to the public, although the lodge rarely advertises, and most guest make their bookings from word-of-mouth recommendations from previous guests.
Charlie is an outgoing host who always makes you feel at home, and he creates an overall relaxed atmosphere by taking no more than eight guests at a time. The club sits on a remote creek on Andros's uninhabited West Side, in a sprawling bay known as Wide Open. Large schools of bonefish roam the white sand flats from Pretty Creek to Williams Island, though you don't have to go far to catch fish. We've had days of 40 plus bones just fishing the shoreline right outside the home creek. And if you're looking for big bones, those double digit monsters roam the outer sand bank not more than fifteen minutes from the lodge. Tarpon fishing is also excellent, and its not uncommon to get shots at permit. For wing-shooters, the dove and duck hunting is a fun option. Fishing season in October 1 to June 31, and shooting season is October 15 to March 31.
flats fishing patterns - fishing reports
Fairly normal spring patterns are in effect, with winds prevailing from the northeast and at times southwest.
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. We recommend wearing long pants to guard against "doctor" flies, especially while wading. There is nothing a "doctor" fly likes better than saltwater on bare skin. These flies also like to bite bare feet, so we wear socks and insect repellent in the boat. Patagonia baggie pants, Ex Officio, and Stio pants are cool, dry-fast, and don't allow the flies to bite through the material like they can bite through other thinner material.
Our favorite bonefish flies include Gotcha Clouser Minnows #2-6, EP Spawning Shrimp #2-6, Craven's Bonefish Junk #4-6, Greg's Flats Fly #4-6, Gotchas and Bunny Gotchas #2-6, Peterson's Spawning Shrimp #2-6, Tan Mantis Shrimp #4-6, Tan Yarn Crabs #4-6. For permit go with hard-bodied epoxy crabs, brown or tan #2-4, Flexo Crab #2-4, Stok's Strong Arm Merkin #2-4, Avalon Permit Fly #2-4, or a good old Rag Head #2-4. For tarpon keep it simple with a #4/0 - #2/0 Cockroach or a Black Death, Red/White in the same sizes.
Click here for Fresh Creek, East Coast tides. West Coast tides are roughly opposite, and tides arrive later and later as you enter the Bights heading west. Tides also vary as you go north or south from Fresh Creek. Wind can be a big factor in pushing or holding up the tides. Our best advice is to use tide charts as a guideline, but you'll have to adapt once you arrive on Andros. Take a tide reading when you arrive, and then you can start more accurate calculations from that point if you are DIY fishing. If you're fishing with a guide, don't worry, they understand the tides, and when to have you in the best spots at the best times.
Click here for TideChart site for Fresh Creek plus other areas of Andros, including South Andros. This is another style of tide chart, and they also analyze what they consider the best fishing times during each day.
Central Andros/The Bights and West Side - April 22, 2023 - Spring weather patterns are settling in with south and southwest breezes, and daily rain or thunder storms being common. Bonefishing has been excellent, especially for bigger fish. Some tarpon on the West Side when the weather cooperates.
North Andros - Good fishing in the Joulters and out of Red Bay and Kamalame Cay. Spring weather has the bonefish on the move into the Bights.
South Andros - Excellent option for wade fishing, and when weather is tough, really one of the best options anywhere. The white sand flats make it easy to see bonefish even in cloudy conditions. And fishing the South Bight is gorgeous, especially on the Eastern side oceanfront, and then all the way on the West Side around Honeycutt Creek.
Reef/Offshore - Some Dorado and Allison are in the Tongue of the Ocean, and excellent reef fishing for grouper, snapper, sharks and barracuda.
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. We recommend wearing long pants to guard against "doctor" flies, especially while wading. There is nothing a "doctor" fly likes better than saltwater on bare skin. These flies also like to bite bare feet, so we wear socks and insect repellent in the boat. Patagonia baggie pants, Ex Officio, and Stio pants are cool, dry-fast, and don't allow the flies to bite through the material like they can bite through other thinner material.
Our favorite bonefish flies include Gotcha Clouser Minnows #2-6, EP Spawning Shrimp #2-6, Craven's Bonefish Junk #4-6, Greg's Flats Fly #4-6, Gotchas and Bunny Gotchas #2-6, Peterson's Spawning Shrimp #2-6, Tan Mantis Shrimp #4-6, Tan Yarn Crabs #4-6. For permit go with hard-bodied epoxy crabs, brown or tan #2-4, Flexo Crab #2-4, Stok's Strong Arm Merkin #2-4, Avalon Permit Fly #2-4, or a good old Rag Head #2-4. For tarpon keep it simple with a #4/0 - #2/0 Cockroach or a Black Death, Red/White in the same sizes.
Click here for Fresh Creek, East Coast tides. West Coast tides are roughly opposite, and tides arrive later and later as you enter the Bights heading west. Tides also vary as you go north or south from Fresh Creek. Wind can be a big factor in pushing or holding up the tides. Our best advice is to use tide charts as a guideline, but you'll have to adapt once you arrive on Andros. Take a tide reading when you arrive, and then you can start more accurate calculations from that point if you are DIY fishing. If you're fishing with a guide, don't worry, they understand the tides, and when to have you in the best spots at the best times.
Click here for TideChart site for Fresh Creek plus other areas of Andros, including South Andros. This is another style of tide chart, and they also analyze what they consider the best fishing times during each day.
Central Andros/The Bights and West Side - April 22, 2023 - Spring weather patterns are settling in with south and southwest breezes, and daily rain or thunder storms being common. Bonefishing has been excellent, especially for bigger fish. Some tarpon on the West Side when the weather cooperates.
North Andros - Good fishing in the Joulters and out of Red Bay and Kamalame Cay. Spring weather has the bonefish on the move into the Bights.
South Andros - Excellent option for wade fishing, and when weather is tough, really one of the best options anywhere. The white sand flats make it easy to see bonefish even in cloudy conditions. And fishing the South Bight is gorgeous, especially on the Eastern side oceanfront, and then all the way on the West Side around Honeycutt Creek.
Reef/Offshore - Some Dorado and Allison are in the Tongue of the Ocean, and excellent reef fishing for grouper, snapper, sharks and barracuda.
independent guides
Most of the guides on Andros are independent, meaning they have their own flats boat and gear, and they set their own rates. We work with them in partnership, and have been booking most of them since they started guiding, some 30+ years ago. You can book them for a day trip if you are arriving on a boat, or coming from Nassau, or we book them for you when you book a lodge with us. Some of our best friends and guides, like Andy Smith, Charlie Neymour, and Frankie Neymour, now own their own lodges. To fish with them, you book with us to stay at their lodges. We charge nothing extra, so no cost to you to book to fish with these amazing guides.
Captain Marvin Miller, Captain Ornald "Shine" Green and our team of guides out of Mangrove Cay are fishing our clients who stay on Mangrove Cay or South Andros, including staying at Caerula Mar Club, one of our favorite locations, especially for couples. These guides are also available for day trips. Email Stephen or give him a call at 307-690-7472 to learn more about fishing with these top guides.
Captain Herman Bain - Bowen Sound. A top guide for more than 20 years, we highly highly recommended him to fish anywhere from the Bowen Sound to Fresh Creek to North Andros. Email Stephen or contact Herman directly at 1-242-471-6870. Or visit Herman's Web Site: Bonefish Andros.
BOOK THE BEST GUIDES ON ANDROS, Including Day trips from Nassau - Email Stephen Directly and he can set up a package of guides and accommodations, or book you a guide for the day, including coming over from Nassau to fish for a day.
Captain Marvin Miller, Captain Ornald "Shine" Green and our team of guides out of Mangrove Cay are fishing our clients who stay on Mangrove Cay or South Andros, including staying at Caerula Mar Club, one of our favorite locations, especially for couples. These guides are also available for day trips. Email Stephen or give him a call at 307-690-7472 to learn more about fishing with these top guides.
Captain Herman Bain - Bowen Sound. A top guide for more than 20 years, we highly highly recommended him to fish anywhere from the Bowen Sound to Fresh Creek to North Andros. Email Stephen or contact Herman directly at 1-242-471-6870. Or visit Herman's Web Site: Bonefish Andros.
BOOK THE BEST GUIDES ON ANDROS, Including Day trips from Nassau - Email Stephen Directly and he can set up a package of guides and accommodations, or book you a guide for the day, including coming over from Nassau to fish for a day.