Now that much of the damage has been assessed in Abaco and on Grand Bahama, the extent of the devastation is pretty clear.....people have died, and thousands of people are homeless, and their businesses destroyed. This is not just about the angling community, or about rebuilding fishing lodges. This is about helping the people of the Bahamas rebuild their lives.

In that regard, more funds have been set up so you can donate and help. This is the fly fishing industry site for donations www.ydccf.org/bahamas. Donating here is not just about fishing, but about helping as many people as possible.

Click here for the GoFundMe led by Greg Vincent of H20 Bonefishing on Grand Bahama. 

Click here for the Delphi Club GoFundMe, Delphi Club on Abaco.

Click here for the Abaco Lodge GoFundMe, Nervous Waters, Abaco.

And there are others. Please pick at least one and help in any way you can.

Thanks,
Stephen and Kim Vletas
Bahamas Fly Fishing Guide

First off, yes, Northern Abaco and Grand Bahama have been hammered by Dorian, and there has been tragic loss of life. Many people have lost everything; homes and businesses. This is all completely heartbreaking, and our prayers are with the people of the Bahamas. 

That said, we want to make it clear that most of the other populated islands have suffered little or no damage. Yes, high water and water damage in Nassau, but the island is already on the way to recovery. We've had many people in touch with us asking if Harbour Island is gone, or if Andros is damaged, and the answer is......those islands and the people who live there are all fine, and their lodges and guide operations will be open and awaiting their guests when their seasons start in October and November.

It's important now that we all support the Bahamas, support our friends and guides and lodges and taxi drivers and business owners. The people of the Bahamas will be welcoming visitors and anglers, and they need our support and business more than ever, so whether you book direct with a lodge or guide, or through your favorite agent, start planning your trip to the Bahamas now.

OK, back to the bad news. On Abaco its not news to hear that Elbow Cay, Marsh Harbour, Man O War Cay, Great Guana Cay (Nippers is destroyed), Green Turtle Cay, Treasure Cay have all suffered terrible damage. Abaco Lodge, a Nervous Waters property is destroyed. Good news is that Nervous Waters and Abaco Lodge have started a GoFundMe that has already raised over $100,000. Delphi Club has started a GoFundMe for their staff also, and for general support of the communities. People like Cindy Pinder are pulling people together to help across the board. And Lodges like Delphi Club and Black Fly survived the hurricane and are planning to be open this coming season. Be in touch with them for direct updates.

On Grand Bahama.....its hard to imagine what the island suffered through with a category 5 hurricane sitting on top of them unmercifully for almost two days. The Freeport Airport is completely destroyed after being slammed from all sides by wind and water. Not a wall left standing.

We have word from our friends at Black Fly Lodge and at Delphi Club that their properties were far enough south of the hurricane eye to have survived relatively unscathed. The main damage begins north of Causurina Point and gets worse as you go toward Marsh Harbour.

Many homes and businesses are destroyed in Marsh Harbour and one of our friends on Elbow Cay described the scene as a "total wreck, impossible to believe. Never imagined anything like it." Lots of people are trapped by the water that surrounds everything, and Marsh Harbour is isolated by water and debris. The U.S. Coast Guard is flying rescue missions to Abaco now.

We have friend in Coopers Town who have family members missing. Same on Green Turtle Cay. A common theme is "I have never seen anything like this." Heartbreaking.

No word from any friends on Grand Bahama yet as Dorian has been sitting on that island without mercy.

The Delphi Club has started a GoFundMe Campaign for their staff (several lost houses in Marsh Harbour), and also for the overall rescue and recovery effort. You can see their Facebook page to contribute, or their web site. No doubt more people will be offering ways to donate or to provide aid. We'll keep you updated.