island news
Now is the time to begin the booking process for Fall/Winter 2025!
If you want to secure the best dates in prime time for fly fishing, booking in advance is the only way. We consider March through May as the prime months for fly fishing, 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.
Cat Island - One hundred thirty miles southeast of Nassau, and a little more than 30 miles southeast of Eleuthera, Cat Island is 48 miles long and 1 to 4 miles wide. The island’s name probably came from Arthur Catt, the British sea captain and notorious pirate. This boot-shaped island is one of the most beautiful and fertile Out Islands, with miles of unspoiled pink sand beaches set against tall green bluffs and rugged forest-covered hills. Just outside New Bight, Mt. Alvernia’s peak reaches 206 feet, one of the highest points in the Bahamas. Atop the peak sits the Hermitage, the final home and burial site of the famous religious leader and hermit, Father Jerome.
Cat Island, like many of its neighboring islands, was once a thriving Loyalist colony. Cotton plantations established during the 1700s prospered until the abolition of slavery. Now, vine-covered ruined mansions and stone walls mingle with tropical flowers, wild grass, and sand dunes, as a reminder of the past. Many of the early settlers ended up moving back to the United States. Others stayed, with their descendants still living in the same towns. Over the past few years some of the original settlers’ descendants began moving back to the island. Evidence of this can be seen in the elegant new homes being built on some of the prettiest beaches around the island.
Cat Islanders live by a simple day-to-day philosophy: “what nature and the Lord will provide.” People here are known for their ingenuity at using available materials to make or build whatever they need. Musical instruments are a good example. A piece of wood, some fishing line and a worn tin tub are combined to create the bass instrument in a “rake ’n’ scrape” band. A conch shell is used as a horn, while an old comb covered with paper works as a harmonica. The saw is a unique instrument played throughout the Bahamas, while a goatskin stretched over a piece of rounded wood makes a great drum. By using all of these instruments together, Cat Island bands produce a unique sound.
If you want to learn about the history of the Bahamas, asking long-time Cat Island residents is one of the most interesting ways. These people love to tell engrossing stories. One of their favorites is about Christopher Columbus. If you think Columbus originally landed on San Salvador, don’t mention it. Cat Islanders are vehement in their belief that Columbus landed on their island first. They also believe that Bahamian music, and many Bahamian myths, were spawned from their shores. Superstition here is equal to that on Andros Island. The saying, “I’ll be with you in spirit,” is put into action. When the last of a generation dies, his or her house is left for the spirit to live in. Surviving relatives then gather stones from the site and build a new dwelling. On many parts of the island, especially up north, locals anchor spindles atop their roofs to ward off danger and evil spirits.
If you want to secure the best dates in prime time for fly fishing, booking in advance is the only way. We consider March through May as the prime months for fly fishing, 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.
Cat Island - One hundred thirty miles southeast of Nassau, and a little more than 30 miles southeast of Eleuthera, Cat Island is 48 miles long and 1 to 4 miles wide. The island’s name probably came from Arthur Catt, the British sea captain and notorious pirate. This boot-shaped island is one of the most beautiful and fertile Out Islands, with miles of unspoiled pink sand beaches set against tall green bluffs and rugged forest-covered hills. Just outside New Bight, Mt. Alvernia’s peak reaches 206 feet, one of the highest points in the Bahamas. Atop the peak sits the Hermitage, the final home and burial site of the famous religious leader and hermit, Father Jerome.
Cat Island, like many of its neighboring islands, was once a thriving Loyalist colony. Cotton plantations established during the 1700s prospered until the abolition of slavery. Now, vine-covered ruined mansions and stone walls mingle with tropical flowers, wild grass, and sand dunes, as a reminder of the past. Many of the early settlers ended up moving back to the United States. Others stayed, with their descendants still living in the same towns. Over the past few years some of the original settlers’ descendants began moving back to the island. Evidence of this can be seen in the elegant new homes being built on some of the prettiest beaches around the island.
Cat Islanders live by a simple day-to-day philosophy: “what nature and the Lord will provide.” People here are known for their ingenuity at using available materials to make or build whatever they need. Musical instruments are a good example. A piece of wood, some fishing line and a worn tin tub are combined to create the bass instrument in a “rake ’n’ scrape” band. A conch shell is used as a horn, while an old comb covered with paper works as a harmonica. The saw is a unique instrument played throughout the Bahamas, while a goatskin stretched over a piece of rounded wood makes a great drum. By using all of these instruments together, Cat Island bands produce a unique sound.
If you want to learn about the history of the Bahamas, asking long-time Cat Island residents is one of the most interesting ways. These people love to tell engrossing stories. One of their favorites is about Christopher Columbus. If you think Columbus originally landed on San Salvador, don’t mention it. Cat Islanders are vehement in their belief that Columbus landed on their island first. They also believe that Bahamian music, and many Bahamian myths, were spawned from their shores. Superstition here is equal to that on Andros Island. The saying, “I’ll be with you in spirit,” is put into action. When the last of a generation dies, his or her house is left for the spirit to live in. Surviving relatives then gather stones from the site and build a new dwelling. On many parts of the island, especially up north, locals anchor spindles atop their roofs to ward off danger and evil spirits.
|
Update: Fernandez Bay Village is under new ownership, and they are now open again. This is a wonderful location on a beautiful beach, a fun resort with top cottage and villa accommodations, tasty food and drink, and good bonefish flats you can DIY nearby. And just on the otherside of the island, the wild "North Coast" of the Atlantic Ocean awaits.
|
|
Depending on your needs and pleasures, several of the best places to stay are Hawk's Nest Resort and Marina, or in various rental houses. For a romantic retreat in an idyllic beachfront setting, it's hard to beat Fernandez Bay. Offshore anglers will be best served at Hawk's Nest. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts usually pick Greenwood Beach Resort. The best flats fishing is at the northern and southern ends of the island, though there are a few options through the middle sections, and some ocean flats on the "north shore". Fernandez Bay has flats right at Smith Bay, but those get pounded and the fish are spooky. The best right-out-your-door fishing is from Greenwood, Pigeon Cay, Bennett's Harbour, and Hawks Nest.
Shannas Cove Resort, Orange Creek - Rated #1 on Trip Advisor for Cat Island and one of the best boutique options in the Bahamas for a couples/romantic vacation. This is a secluded beachside paradise for relaxing, eating, drinking, fishing and diving....and sharing some romance with your significant other. Excellent restaurant, spacious beachside bungalows with AC and large bathrooms, diving school, and plenty of assisted or DIY fishing. You need to rent a car no matter where you stay on Cat Island.
Shannas Cove Resort, Orange Creek - Rated #1 on Trip Advisor for Cat Island and one of the best boutique options in the Bahamas for a couples/romantic vacation. This is a secluded beachside paradise for relaxing, eating, drinking, fishing and diving....and sharing some romance with your significant other. Excellent restaurant, spacious beachside bungalows with AC and large bathrooms, diving school, and plenty of assisted or DIY fishing. You need to rent a car no matter where you stay on Cat Island.
additional accommodations
Cat Island has become more popular with do-it-yourself anglers, and anglers looking for inexpensive bonefish options (usually the same thing, same people). Be aware that you may actually see some other people on some well-known flats, and the fish will be spookier on these flats. There are still plenty of locations to get away from everyone, just have to look harder. For best access to DIY fishing, you need to rent a car.
Air Service: Cat Island Air (242-377-3318) flies daily to New Bight from Nassau. They are reliable and inexpensive. Southern Air (242-377-2014) flies from Nassau to Arthur's Town, and is the best service for the northern portion of the island. Lynx Air (888-596-9247 FREE) and Gulfstream (Continental's commuter) fly into New Bight from Fort Lauderdale. You can also charter directly to Hawk's Nest, landing at the airstrip there.
Fishing Reports: Good fishing in general around the island. The creek flats behind Hawks Nest Marina continue to fish well, but take your insect repellent. When the wind is down, fish the ocean side flats south of Greenwood Beach Resort or the larger flats in front of Pigeon Cay and Bennett's Harbour. Orange Creek area is also very good but you have to play the tides just right. Offshore Anglers have been having good tuna and dorado action from Hawk's Nest.
Hawks Nest Resort and Marina - It is common for offshore boats to take over thirty dorado a day in the waters off Hawk's Nest, both in the Exuma Sound, and in the currents between Cat Island and Long Island. Or you can fish the adjacent creeks for bonefish, and you'll rarely see another angler. Hawk's Nest has deluxe air-conditioned accommodations at reasonable prices. Accommodations overlook the pool, a strip of white sand beach, and the aquamarine Exuma Sound beyond. The restaurant serves fresh seafood, including grilled wahoo, Bahamian-style grouper, and succulent conch salad, or you can enjoy a rack of lamb. The bar is a fun place to hang out and make of fishing stories. The expanded 28-slip marina has new docks, air-conditioned fish-cleaning shed, gas and diesel fuel, electricity, ice and water. The resort also has a comprehensive diving and snorkeling program. A 4,600-foot private airstrip is on the resort property for easy access, or you can fly in commercial to New Bight.
Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip.
Air Service: Cat Island Air (242-377-3318) flies daily to New Bight from Nassau. They are reliable and inexpensive. Southern Air (242-377-2014) flies from Nassau to Arthur's Town, and is the best service for the northern portion of the island. Lynx Air (888-596-9247 FREE) and Gulfstream (Continental's commuter) fly into New Bight from Fort Lauderdale. You can also charter directly to Hawk's Nest, landing at the airstrip there.
Fishing Reports: Good fishing in general around the island. The creek flats behind Hawks Nest Marina continue to fish well, but take your insect repellent. When the wind is down, fish the ocean side flats south of Greenwood Beach Resort or the larger flats in front of Pigeon Cay and Bennett's Harbour. Orange Creek area is also very good but you have to play the tides just right. Offshore Anglers have been having good tuna and dorado action from Hawk's Nest.
Hawks Nest Resort and Marina - It is common for offshore boats to take over thirty dorado a day in the waters off Hawk's Nest, both in the Exuma Sound, and in the currents between Cat Island and Long Island. Or you can fish the adjacent creeks for bonefish, and you'll rarely see another angler. Hawk's Nest has deluxe air-conditioned accommodations at reasonable prices. Accommodations overlook the pool, a strip of white sand beach, and the aquamarine Exuma Sound beyond. The restaurant serves fresh seafood, including grilled wahoo, Bahamian-style grouper, and succulent conch salad, or you can enjoy a rack of lamb. The bar is a fun place to hang out and make of fishing stories. The expanded 28-slip marina has new docks, air-conditioned fish-cleaning shed, gas and diesel fuel, electricity, ice and water. The resort also has a comprehensive diving and snorkeling program. A 4,600-foot private airstrip is on the resort property for easy access, or you can fly in commercial to New Bight.
Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip.