island news
Now is the time to begin the booking process for the 2020 Fall season and 2021 Winter and Spring. If you want to secure the best dates in prime time, booking in advance is the best 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 is a great choice. Please see COVID-19 Update below when considering a trip to Bimini or Berry Islands.
BIMINI ISLANDS
Island News: August 1 - COVID-19 flare up from boaters coming from Florida closed the Bahamas to international air traffic again. Technically, private boaters can still arrive in Bimini and on arrival follow all the government guidelines about distancing, wearing a mask, and other processes. That said, it appears that the virus situation is changing the rules every other day, with some hotels and restaurants open, then closed, then open, etc. Anyone planning a trip to Bimini in their own boat should call ahead to the marina they plan to visit, or hotel, to find out the current situation. Also, please read all the government guidelines, and upload your required health information to the government web site.
COVID-19 Update and Protocols from Bimini Big Game Club:
What Our Guests Can Expect From Us
We have implemented a relaxed cancellation policy that allows you to cancel your reservation if needed, up to 72 hours before arrival without penalty.
What We Expect From Our Guests
All Boating Travel Forms and Protocols can be found at: https://bahamasmarinas.com/procedures-and-protocols
Resort World Bimini is currently Closed - In consideration for the safety of staff and guests, the resort chose to close again on July 25. They have not set a reopening date. Please be in touch with the resort for updates.
BERRY ISLANDS
Island News: Update from Chub Cay - The Club is currently open, taking reservations for the marina and accommodations. No Walk-ins accepted.
Dear Guests and Friends of Chub Cay,
We wanted to provide you with an update on our current operations. These excerpts have been taken directly from the Prime Minister's National Address on August 17th:
"Level 1 – These islands have each been individually assessed by health professionals and have been deemed to have minimal risk in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic.
This is either because there are no cases, there is no suspected COVID 19 activity or the other indicators are such that there is no heightened risk when considered cumulatively.
These islands presently have no lockdown or curfew in place. But they are required to exercise physical distancing protocols, sanitization, and mask wearing. These presently include: Mayaguana, Inagua, Chub Cay, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, Long Island, Rum Cay and Ragged Island."
Please also note the following in regards to COVID-19 Molecular PCR (swab testing): Testing and negative results will now have to be valid within TEN days of entry. There is no travel domestically between New Providence and the other islands of The Bahamas. You must have proof of negative test result and approval of the BAHAMAS TRAVEL HEALTH CARD in order to clear customs and immigration. Per Bahamas Customs: "All pleasure vehicles departing the Bahamas must now clear outbound before leaving. Upon leaving, the Master of the Vessel will be granted a Certificate of Clearance."
We appreciate your understanding and are excited to welcome you back to our island, with all required safety precautions in place. Should you have any further questions regarding the order, please click here.
Wishing you good health and tight lines,
Chub Cay Resort & Marina
BIMINI ISLANDS
Island News: August 1 - COVID-19 flare up from boaters coming from Florida closed the Bahamas to international air traffic again. Technically, private boaters can still arrive in Bimini and on arrival follow all the government guidelines about distancing, wearing a mask, and other processes. That said, it appears that the virus situation is changing the rules every other day, with some hotels and restaurants open, then closed, then open, etc. Anyone planning a trip to Bimini in their own boat should call ahead to the marina they plan to visit, or hotel, to find out the current situation. Also, please read all the government guidelines, and upload your required health information to the government web site.
COVID-19 Update and Protocols from Bimini Big Game Club:
What Our Guests Can Expect From Us
- Hotel and Marina will operate with COVID-19 safety protocols in place: PPE, sanitization and social distance
- All staff has undergone new safety certification requirements.
- Contactless hotel and marina check in and check out.
- Nurse’s station and quarantine facilities on island.
- Daily temperature checks for staff at the beginning and end of each shift and strict adherence to COVID-19 health and safely protocols
- Hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the resort.
- Hotel COVID-19 certification of operational protocols posted on our website.
- On-site dining is currently closed but when restrictions are eased, Big Game Club Bar & Grill will be open, but with limited seating. Take out will be available with more seating located throughout the resort.
We have implemented a relaxed cancellation policy that allows you to cancel your reservation if needed, up to 72 hours before arrival without penalty.
What We Expect From Our Guests
- Standard social distancing in common areas, the restaurants, and the pool area.
- Please allow temperatures to be checked upon request.
- Masks do not have to be worn in resort public areas, pools or beaches but masks will be provided for those who choose to wear them and as masks are mandatory for going to stores and businesses on island.
- Extra disinfection of high touch areas in guest rooms including light switches and door handles
- Increased cleaning frequency of public areas
- Guest-accessible disinfecting wipes at entrances and high traffic areas
- Enhanced cleaning for fitness centers
- Reduced paper amenities (like pads and guest directories) in rooms
- Enhanced cleaning & other changes to common dining areas, in-room dining and meeting spaces
- Enhanced Team Member safety and well-being with personal protective equipment and enhanced training and protocols
- Increased the deployment of hand sanitizers.
- Adjusted check-in and other processes to allow for limited contact with Team Members for continued safety.
- Marinas will give slip assignments and take payments online or over the phone to save interpersonal interactions.
- Masks must always be worn indoors and outdoors when within 6 ft proximity of another person.
- Masks and gloves must be discarded after use. Hands must be washed for 20 seconds with soapy water afterward.
- All Marina guests must complete the Maritime Declaration of Health. All POBs are also subject to additional health tests including, but not limited to, temperature testing.
All Boating Travel Forms and Protocols can be found at: https://bahamasmarinas.com/procedures-and-protocols
Resort World Bimini is currently Closed - In consideration for the safety of staff and guests, the resort chose to close again on July 25. They have not set a reopening date. Please be in touch with the resort for updates.
BERRY ISLANDS
Island News: Update from Chub Cay - The Club is currently open, taking reservations for the marina and accommodations. No Walk-ins accepted.
Dear Guests and Friends of Chub Cay,
We wanted to provide you with an update on our current operations. These excerpts have been taken directly from the Prime Minister's National Address on August 17th:
"Level 1 – These islands have each been individually assessed by health professionals and have been deemed to have minimal risk in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic.
This is either because there are no cases, there is no suspected COVID 19 activity or the other indicators are such that there is no heightened risk when considered cumulatively.
These islands presently have no lockdown or curfew in place. But they are required to exercise physical distancing protocols, sanitization, and mask wearing. These presently include: Mayaguana, Inagua, Chub Cay, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, Long Island, Rum Cay and Ragged Island."
Please also note the following in regards to COVID-19 Molecular PCR (swab testing): Testing and negative results will now have to be valid within TEN days of entry. There is no travel domestically between New Providence and the other islands of The Bahamas. You must have proof of negative test result and approval of the BAHAMAS TRAVEL HEALTH CARD in order to clear customs and immigration. Per Bahamas Customs: "All pleasure vehicles departing the Bahamas must now clear outbound before leaving. Upon leaving, the Master of the Vessel will be granted a Certificate of Clearance."
We appreciate your understanding and are excited to welcome you back to our island, with all required safety precautions in place. Should you have any further questions regarding the order, please click here.
Wishing you good health and tight lines,
Chub Cay Resort & Marina
Contacts for Berry Islands out of Great Harbour:
Percy Darville is the man to talk to at Great Harbour about flats fishing. Mr. Darville can arrange for guides, and point you in the right direction to fish on your own. He can also assist with accommodations. He can be contacted directly at 242.464.4149.
Great Harbour Cay Marina: Fuel and marina services. For reservations call: 242-367-8005. Or email: king@greatharbourcay.com
For General Inquiries: steven@greatharbourcay.com
The marina is usually open 7 days a week, but for now, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the marina is open M - F and closed on the weekends. Please be in direct touch with the marina for updates.
Percy Darville is the man to talk to at Great Harbour about flats fishing. Mr. Darville can arrange for guides, and point you in the right direction to fish on your own. He can also assist with accommodations. He can be contacted directly at 242.464.4149.
Great Harbour Cay Marina: Fuel and marina services. For reservations call: 242-367-8005. Or email: king@greatharbourcay.com
For General Inquiries: steven@greatharbourcay.com
The marina is usually open 7 days a week, but for now, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the marina is open M - F and closed on the weekends. Please be in direct touch with the marina for updates.
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featured lodges/resorts - our top recommendations
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Bimini Big Game Club, Resort and Marina - Our favorite place to stay on Bimini, whether your fishing, or just looking to relax and have fun. The resort is close to everything in Alice Town, with comfortable recently refurbished island style rooms, cottages and suites. The resort also is home to the Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill, fresh water swimming pool, Pool Bar, Big Game Dive Shop and a 75 slip full service Marina. The dive shop offers scuba diving, snorkeling excursions, scuba diving lessons and rental equipment. The resort’s dive boat is the Bimini Blue, a 60’ twin engine glass bottom boat with on-board restroom. The shop also has scuba diving lessons and specialty training courses available. Kayaks, paddle boards and bicycles are available for resort guest use. And of course the Club books some of the best bonefishing guides on the island. Check out the guides and rates by clicking here.
Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip. |
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Resorts World Bimini, Resort, Hotel, Casino, Villa Rental, Marina - RW has taken over Bimini Bay Resort development and brought in the Hilton Hotel group to run the hotel. They also have float plane service from Florida to the island and resort. This is a wonderful spot for a quick and easy getaway to fish, or just kick back and enjoy the island life in style. Ideally situated on the island of North Bimini.
The beautifully appointed accommodations are designed with beach-chic décor, feature luxury amenities and appliances and are just steps from the breathtaking, crystal-clear waters of The Bahamas. There are two full-service marinas, a shopping village, multiple pools and restaurants, water sports and children's activity center, plus much more. Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip. Note: as of July 25, the resort is closed due to COVID-19 surge in cases. Please be in direct touch with the resort for updates. |
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Chub Cay Resort & Marina - First class accommodations, dining, marina services, plus bonefishing and offshore fishing. Located at the southernmost tip of the Berry Islands, 35 miles northwest of Nassau and 125 miles from South Florida. Located next to The Pocket and the Tongue of the Ocean, Chub Cay has been coined the "Billfish Capitol of the Bahamas." The resort offers hotel and villa accommodations for anglers, couples, and families and features a swimming pool and stunning white sand beaches. This is a great option for anglers to enjoy time on the flats while non-angling companions can swim, snorkel, explore blue holes and enjoy the island lifestyle. Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip. We can arrange some great guides for you!
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additional accommodations
Condos, villas, and homes are available for rent for couples, families and groups of friends. And some of the best private islands are also available for your special group. Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip. We can arrange some great guides for you!
flats fishing patterns - fishing reports
For Bimini - Fairly normal summer patterns are in effect with prevailing winds out of the southwest.
Bonefish Ansil Saunders (242-347-2178 or 242-347-3098) is the Dean and Elder Statesman of guides on Bimini, and has a couple of world record bonefish to his credit. Ansil fishes out of one of his 15-foot custom-built skiffs (he's also a world-class boat-builder), and the flats are right in his backyard out of Alice Town. Runs to the fish are from 2 to 15 minutes.
Ebbie "Bonefish Ebbie" David, North Bimini, Bailey Town
Phone: (242) 347-2053, (242) 359-8273
Favorite flies include mostly Charlie variations, with a brown wing and body combined with a pink head being his favorite in skinny water. In deeper water Ansil likes a Chartreuse/White Clouser in a #2-4. We also recommend #2-4 Veverka's Mantis Shrimp, #2-6 Tan Skinny Water Clouser's, #2-6 Brown and White Expoxy Charlies, and #2-4 Borski's Bonefish Sliders and Critters.
REEF/OFFSHORE: Tuna and dorado fishing is good with some action for marlin as well.
For Berry Islands - Fairly normal summer weather patterns are in effect with prevailing winds out of the southwest.
Flats Options: Bonefishing out of Great Harbour is a good option for experienced anglers fishing on their own, or with a guide. There are vast flats south of Great Harbour, some of which are ideal for wading. The bonefishing out of Chub Cay has improved though it gets a lot of pressure by the locals, so fish are super spooky on the better known flats. There are big bones here, and permit, but you need to get well away from Chub Cay to have a shot at them. For boating anglers, there is a vast area of flats available all along the chain of islands and cays between Great Harbour and Chub Cay. Heading up north you will find some less pressured options. Some of our favorite areas include Fanny Cay, the Soldier Cays, and Cormorant Cay.
REEF/OFFSHORE: The action for tuna and dorado, and some marlin, is good in the "pocket" between Chub Cay and the Joulters.
Bonefish Ansil Saunders (242-347-2178 or 242-347-3098) is the Dean and Elder Statesman of guides on Bimini, and has a couple of world record bonefish to his credit. Ansil fishes out of one of his 15-foot custom-built skiffs (he's also a world-class boat-builder), and the flats are right in his backyard out of Alice Town. Runs to the fish are from 2 to 15 minutes.
Ebbie "Bonefish Ebbie" David, North Bimini, Bailey Town
Phone: (242) 347-2053, (242) 359-8273
Favorite flies include mostly Charlie variations, with a brown wing and body combined with a pink head being his favorite in skinny water. In deeper water Ansil likes a Chartreuse/White Clouser in a #2-4. We also recommend #2-4 Veverka's Mantis Shrimp, #2-6 Tan Skinny Water Clouser's, #2-6 Brown and White Expoxy Charlies, and #2-4 Borski's Bonefish Sliders and Critters.
REEF/OFFSHORE: Tuna and dorado fishing is good with some action for marlin as well.
For Berry Islands - Fairly normal summer weather patterns are in effect with prevailing winds out of the southwest.
Flats Options: Bonefishing out of Great Harbour is a good option for experienced anglers fishing on their own, or with a guide. There are vast flats south of Great Harbour, some of which are ideal for wading. The bonefishing out of Chub Cay has improved though it gets a lot of pressure by the locals, so fish are super spooky on the better known flats. There are big bones here, and permit, but you need to get well away from Chub Cay to have a shot at them. For boating anglers, there is a vast area of flats available all along the chain of islands and cays between Great Harbour and Chub Cay. Heading up north you will find some less pressured options. Some of our favorite areas include Fanny Cay, the Soldier Cays, and Cormorant Cay.
REEF/OFFSHORE: The action for tuna and dorado, and some marlin, is good in the "pocket" between Chub Cay and the Joulters.