Summer vacation iS over! The fish are back and ready for action.
The bones, tarpon and other flats species have been on vacation, off in deeper water, and now as the temps cool a bit, and the big fall tides roll in, our favorite flats fish return in numbers as well. Including the big boys, double-digit bones, and lots of resident tarpon 40- to 100-pounds.
Here are some of our top recommendations to take advantage of the great fall fishing.
Eleven Angling South Andros Mothership, West Side, Miller Creek, Water Cays and More - Remote southwest Andros, part of the West Side National Park, is a pristine saltwater wilderness, uninhabited and wild, bursting with bird and sea life. Miles of wadable sand flats, mangrove-lined creeks, and a zig zag of countless islets create a home for schools of bonefish that can color acres of flats a shimmering silver. These masses of fish swim in waves that ripple the water across a hundred square yards, while their larger kin cruise the edges of sand bars that drop off into turquoise cuts. The plentiful population of resident tarpon layup in the creeks and on the outer Grand Bahama Bank, then roam across the white-bottomed flats with the tides.
The Challenge: No lodges, no people, and the only way to access this region is by enduring long boat rides from southeastern Andros or even longer runs from the North and Middle Bights.
The Solution: The Eleven Mothership live aboard experience; your casually luxurious home on the most productive flats in the world, where you can fish with the tides, sunrise to sunset.There’s no such thing as an 8-to-4 routine here. You can fish until you drop, all the while knowing the Mothership awaits your return, ready to refresh and recharge you.
Click here to see the detailed brochure on this off-the-charts Mothership experience, including sample itinerary, pricing, fishing details, and how to get there. For more information, or to book your trip, email Stephen directly, or give him a call: 307-690-7472 (Mountain Time).
Big Charlie's Lodge, On Cargill Creek - 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. Please note: If you are looking for the best possible "serious fishing" trip, staying here and fishing with Charlie and our other top independent guides is a great option, one of our favorites.
Broad Shad Cay Lodge - Andy and Sharon Smith have created a unique lodge on this special cay in the North Bight. The lodge is nestled in the mangroves, and offers sensational views of the bight and Big Wood Cay. 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 hard day of fishing. Andy and Sharon can only take four anglers at a time, so this is an exclusive place that focuses on hard core fishing. Andy runs the program himself, and bases 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 of day. If you want to focus on fishing for Big Bonefish, and for permit and tarpon, then Andy will do everything possible to put you on those dream fish. The best way to Andy is by emailing Stephen directly.
Two Boys Inn - 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 8 anglers....this is an ideal spot and a great price for 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 good meals cooked up by Frankie's wife in the casual dining room. Satellite TV is available in the bar. Please email Stephen directly to facilitate your booking.