island news
Now is the time to begin the booking process for your fly fishing travel for the 2023 Fall season, and for Winter and Spring 2024!
If you want to secure the best dates in prime time for fly fishing, booking in advance is the only way. We consider October and November, and March through May as the prime months for fly fishing, with December through February good winter fishing, especially for big bones. Those double digit monster bones love the cooler water. And if your focus is tarpon along with the bones and the occasional permit, June is a great choice.
A word about DIY fishing......Eleuthera is one of the most popular islands for DIY fly fishing, and therefore, many of the obvious flats are fished pretty hard, and the bonefish have become educated (actually, extremely spooky). So the more you get away from these well-known areas, and off into more remote areas, the better chances you'll have of finding fish that will eat a fly instead of bolting to the next island. Places like Savannah Sound and Pelican Cay, are fished heavily so you have a good chance of seeing other anglers in these spots. DIY in the Bahamas is really just that...you have to do it on your own, be resourceful, be a good angler, or Hire a guide!
HARBOUR ISLAND - By far our favorite place to stay, fish, vacation on Eleuthera. The primary fishing areas are around North Eleuthera, and in the vast creek systems. There are good wade fishing options for anglers who want to fish on their own right off the town of Harbour Island, and across the bay on the inside of Whale Point. All the guides in this area are independent and they mostly fish flats that are a 10 to 25 minutes run from the Harbour Island dock, which includes an extensive creek system that cuts into the mainland of North Eleuthera. There are also some areas you can wade fish on your own off the northwestern side of the island.
Our favorite places to stay on Harbour Island are: Coral Sands Resort: The ocean suites are large, airy, with balconies and luxurious bathrooms. The beach cottages, each one-of-a-kind are gorgeous, with all amenities. And if you want over-the-top there are private homes available. Coral Sands gourmet restaurant overlooks lush gardens and the deep blue ocean, and the beach bar and restaurant is a casual treat. And the beach is perfect, right next door to the Pink Sands. For after dinner, we love the large living room and bar in the main hotel. Great spot for an after dinner drink and a Cuban cigar.
AND staying at the Pink Sands Resort is also a fun experience. The elegant yet casual accommodations, superb dining, attentive service, tennis courts, swimming pool, and idyllic beach combine to create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing vacation, and the Blue Bar overlooking the beach and ocean is a great spot for lunch.
Other cool places to stay include: Bahama House an exclusive Eleven Experience property, The Dunmore Beach, chic and beautiful, The Landing (amazing restaurant), The Rock House (great restaurant too), Valentine's Resort and Marina, Ocean View Club, and Runaway Hill Club. Diving, snorkeling, and a variety of other watersports and activities are super fun!
FOR DINING: Don't miss The Landing, and you'll need a reservation in season to get in. The lobster, hog snapper, and chocolate soufflés are out of this world! BEST spot for lunch: Sip Sip, on the bluff above the beach, just down the beach to the south of Coral Sands. Perfect ocean views, fresh seafood and Goombay Smashes. On the expensive side, but so is all of Harbour Island. Call for a reservation: 333-3316.
PRIVATE CHARTERS - If you want to go island hopping, fish a few days on another island, call Bahama Hoppers - Based at Odyssey Aviation - Nassau, Bahamas - (MYNN), and office at White Crown Aviation - North Eleuthera Airport (MYEH). 242-335-1650. They can pick you up and take you to just about any airport in the Bahamas.
Another top Air Charter option is Southern Air/GHL Travel. Great service here, and they work with several top charter pilots who own their own aircraft. And great pricing, much better than any other charter company in the Bahamas. Email Stephen directly for information.
If you want to secure the best dates in prime time for fly fishing, booking in advance is the only way. We consider October and November, and March through May as the prime months for fly fishing, with December through February good winter fishing, especially for big bones. Those double digit monster bones love the cooler water. And if your focus is tarpon along with the bones and the occasional permit, June is a great choice.
A word about DIY fishing......Eleuthera is one of the most popular islands for DIY fly fishing, and therefore, many of the obvious flats are fished pretty hard, and the bonefish have become educated (actually, extremely spooky). So the more you get away from these well-known areas, and off into more remote areas, the better chances you'll have of finding fish that will eat a fly instead of bolting to the next island. Places like Savannah Sound and Pelican Cay, are fished heavily so you have a good chance of seeing other anglers in these spots. DIY in the Bahamas is really just that...you have to do it on your own, be resourceful, be a good angler, or Hire a guide!
HARBOUR ISLAND - By far our favorite place to stay, fish, vacation on Eleuthera. The primary fishing areas are around North Eleuthera, and in the vast creek systems. There are good wade fishing options for anglers who want to fish on their own right off the town of Harbour Island, and across the bay on the inside of Whale Point. All the guides in this area are independent and they mostly fish flats that are a 10 to 25 minutes run from the Harbour Island dock, which includes an extensive creek system that cuts into the mainland of North Eleuthera. There are also some areas you can wade fish on your own off the northwestern side of the island.
Our favorite places to stay on Harbour Island are: Coral Sands Resort: The ocean suites are large, airy, with balconies and luxurious bathrooms. The beach cottages, each one-of-a-kind are gorgeous, with all amenities. And if you want over-the-top there are private homes available. Coral Sands gourmet restaurant overlooks lush gardens and the deep blue ocean, and the beach bar and restaurant is a casual treat. And the beach is perfect, right next door to the Pink Sands. For after dinner, we love the large living room and bar in the main hotel. Great spot for an after dinner drink and a Cuban cigar.
AND staying at the Pink Sands Resort is also a fun experience. The elegant yet casual accommodations, superb dining, attentive service, tennis courts, swimming pool, and idyllic beach combine to create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing vacation, and the Blue Bar overlooking the beach and ocean is a great spot for lunch.
Other cool places to stay include: Bahama House an exclusive Eleven Experience property, The Dunmore Beach, chic and beautiful, The Landing (amazing restaurant), The Rock House (great restaurant too), Valentine's Resort and Marina, Ocean View Club, and Runaway Hill Club. Diving, snorkeling, and a variety of other watersports and activities are super fun!
FOR DINING: Don't miss The Landing, and you'll need a reservation in season to get in. The lobster, hog snapper, and chocolate soufflés are out of this world! BEST spot for lunch: Sip Sip, on the bluff above the beach, just down the beach to the south of Coral Sands. Perfect ocean views, fresh seafood and Goombay Smashes. On the expensive side, but so is all of Harbour Island. Call for a reservation: 333-3316.
PRIVATE CHARTERS - If you want to go island hopping, fish a few days on another island, call Bahama Hoppers - Based at Odyssey Aviation - Nassau, Bahamas - (MYNN), and office at White Crown Aviation - North Eleuthera Airport (MYEH). 242-335-1650. They can pick you up and take you to just about any airport in the Bahamas.
Another top Air Charter option is Southern Air/GHL Travel. Great service here, and they work with several top charter pilots who own their own aircraft. And great pricing, much better than any other charter company in the Bahamas. Email Stephen directly for information.
FEATURED LODGES/RESORTS - OUR TOP RECOMMENDATIONS
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The Coral Sands - Harbour Island - Perfect beachfront location, oceanfront restaurant, colonial dining in the main lodge, spacious living areas, fun bar, and top accommodations. The one and two-bedroom beach cottages are exquisite. And we can arrange top guides for bonefishing plus many other island adventures. Coral Sands is a Virtuoso property which means we can add great amenities to your reservation at no cost when you book with us; included breakfast, free Wi-Fi, rooms upgrades, early check-in, late check-out and other options may apply depending on availability. Email Stephen for more information.
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Pink Sands - Harbour Island - A great overall property; perfectly landscape gardens and lawns, serene garden restaurant, tennis court, swimming pool and that idyllic beachfront location with beachfront bar. Lunch is fabulous overlooking the pink sands and turquoise water. One of the original hotels that made Harbour Island famous, combining luxury and charm. And we love the ocean view cottages. We can arrange top guides for bonefishing plus many other island adventures. Email Stephen for more information.
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French Leave Resort - Governors Harbour - A tranquil and secluded escape on the crystal clear, azure blue waters of Governors Harbour. Enjoy the warm tropical breezes and unspoiled beauty of the pink sand beach and the breathtaking views throughout the resort. Dine at the resorts top rated 1648- An Island Restaurant and participate in a variety of water sports. Local boat rentals and charters are available or personal boats and yachts may be docked at the resort marina or at one of our five moorings. Fish with top independent guides in the area, including Paul Petty. Email Stephen for more information. This resort is part of the Bonvoy Marriott reward program. We can get you special amenities when you book with us, including free breakfast, room upgrades and more.
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ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Sunset Cove and Rainbow Room - One of the best places on the island for DIY anglers to base themselves, rent a car, and enjoy a relaxing vacation. Comfortable, affordable accommodations, and one of the best restaurants on the island. Email Stephen for more information.
Villa Allamanda - Cool modern island-style boutique hotel on a hilltop overlooking the Atlantic, just a short walk from pink sand beaches. Five minutes from Governor's Harbour. Plenty of beach and Eco-activities or hire an independent bonefishing guide. Email Stephen for more information.
Pineapple Fields Resort - Twenty minutes south of Governor's Harbour, on the doorstep of a two-mile pink sand beach, this is a beach bums dream. Condo style accommodations set in lush gardens, with A/C and all the comforts you'd want for a laid-back get away from it all vacation. Eco and water activities, yoga, surfing, or just hanging out and catching rays. And yep, you can bonefish on your own (best to rent a car), or book a top guide like Paul Petty. And don't forget Tippy’s Beachfront Bar and Restaurant. Killer seafood and island cocktails. Email Stephen for more information.
Spanish Wells Yacht Haven & Resort - A boutique hotel with six guest rooms, one villa and a 30 slip all-weather marina. The property features a swimming pool, a restaurant & bar serving Mediterranean and Bahamian cuisine, and a gift shop. Also located on site are laundry facilities and showers for marina guests. Bonefishing guides can be arranged. Email Stephen for more information.
Rock House - Adults Only (18 years plus) ambiance. Boutique hotel with 10 uniquely decorated rooms (with king size beds), including a luxurious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite featuring a whirlpool tub and expansive living room, a pool, gym and a private beach club area on the beach. Note: The hotel is on the hill overlooking the bay and marina, but they provide transportation to the beach. The thing we like best about Rock House is the restaurant; situated in the British Colonial style main house and serving amazing fresh seafood and overall exceptional cuisine and a tempting wine list. For dinner, request a table with sunset views across the bay, or romantic poolside setting. Email Stephen for more information.
Valentines Resort and Marina - Luxury suites and villas on the marina in Harbour Island. Select from one-bedroom or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, or a Junior Suite with a kitchenette. Junior Villas and one-bedroom villas or townhouses sleep up to four guests, and our two-bedroom villas or townhouses sleep up to six guests. No matter which option you choose, the suites offer accommodations for families of all sizes. Both fine and casual dining options on the property and a poolside bar. State-of-the-art marina and some of the best offshore fishing in the Caribbean including wahoo, tuna, marlin, dorado in season.
Villa Allamanda - Cool modern island-style boutique hotel on a hilltop overlooking the Atlantic, just a short walk from pink sand beaches. Five minutes from Governor's Harbour. Plenty of beach and Eco-activities or hire an independent bonefishing guide. Email Stephen for more information.
Pineapple Fields Resort - Twenty minutes south of Governor's Harbour, on the doorstep of a two-mile pink sand beach, this is a beach bums dream. Condo style accommodations set in lush gardens, with A/C and all the comforts you'd want for a laid-back get away from it all vacation. Eco and water activities, yoga, surfing, or just hanging out and catching rays. And yep, you can bonefish on your own (best to rent a car), or book a top guide like Paul Petty. And don't forget Tippy’s Beachfront Bar and Restaurant. Killer seafood and island cocktails. Email Stephen for more information.
Spanish Wells Yacht Haven & Resort - A boutique hotel with six guest rooms, one villa and a 30 slip all-weather marina. The property features a swimming pool, a restaurant & bar serving Mediterranean and Bahamian cuisine, and a gift shop. Also located on site are laundry facilities and showers for marina guests. Bonefishing guides can be arranged. Email Stephen for more information.
Rock House - Adults Only (18 years plus) ambiance. Boutique hotel with 10 uniquely decorated rooms (with king size beds), including a luxurious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite featuring a whirlpool tub and expansive living room, a pool, gym and a private beach club area on the beach. Note: The hotel is on the hill overlooking the bay and marina, but they provide transportation to the beach. The thing we like best about Rock House is the restaurant; situated in the British Colonial style main house and serving amazing fresh seafood and overall exceptional cuisine and a tempting wine list. For dinner, request a table with sunset views across the bay, or romantic poolside setting. Email Stephen for more information.
Valentines Resort and Marina - Luxury suites and villas on the marina in Harbour Island. Select from one-bedroom or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, or a Junior Suite with a kitchenette. Junior Villas and one-bedroom villas or townhouses sleep up to four guests, and our two-bedroom villas or townhouses sleep up to six guests. No matter which option you choose, the suites offer accommodations for families of all sizes. Both fine and casual dining options on the property and a poolside bar. State-of-the-art marina and some of the best offshore fishing in the Caribbean including wahoo, tuna, marlin, dorado in season.
flats fishing patterns - fishing reports
FLATS FISHING PATTERNS: Fairly normal fall weather patterns are in effect.
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. Our favorite jackets include the PATAGONIA Super Cell Jacket and Pants, and Theta SL by Arc Teryx.
Our favorite flies include #4-6 Gotchas, #4 Borski's Bonefish Critter, #4-6 Pink Bone Wigglers, #4-6 Greg's Flats Fly, #4-6 Beck's Sililegs, #4-6 Pink Hoovers, #4-6 Spawning Shrimp, and #4-8 Mantis Shrimp.
South of Governor's Harbour is the settlement of North Palmetto Point, where Unique Village Resort offers comfortable accommodations, swimming pool, restaurant, and a great base of operations for DIY fishing the tranquil and productive southern portion of the island. The most popular area to wade fish is Savannah Sound. There are big bones here but they can be spooky so longer leaders and stealth are required. The people at Unique Village are very friendly and can hook you up with a guide. We have had good reports from friends who fished with Denny Rankine (phone +1 242-332-6166) and enjoyed the experience. There are also a number of rental property options in this area posted on various web sites.
Area bonefishing guides: Paul Petty (Governor's Harbour) - phone +1 242-332-2963; Addison Cooper (Palmetto Point) - phone +1 242-332-1288 or +1 242-332-1830; Julius Rankine (Savannah Sound) - phone +1 242-332-6524 or +1 242-464-0039 (Cell); Lorenzo Hunt (Tarpum Bay) - phone +1 242-334-4289; Alfred McKinney Jr. (Deep Creek) - phone +1 242-334-8097 or +1 242-334-8184.
REEF/OFFSHORE: Decent action for tuna and marlin, grouper and snapper. Valentine’s Resort and Marina offers reef and offshore fishing trips, bonefishing guides, and a complete dive center. The resort also features luxury suites and villas for rental or for sale, from one to three bedrooms. The marina-side restaurant serves good seafood, and often has live music in the afternoons and evenings. Nice spot for afternoon beers and conch fritters. You can contact them directly at 242.333.2142.
independent guides
Harbour Island Bonefishing Guides: Patrick Roberts (Harbour Island) +1 242-333-3014 or +1 242-422-9029; Stuart Cleare (Bonefish Joe's Son, Harbour Island) - phone +1 242-464-0148; Vincent Cleare (Bonefish Joe's Brother, Harbour Island) - phone +1 242-333-2154; Jarod Roberts (Harbour Island) - phone +1 242-553-5498. Each guide has his own terms, conditions, and pricing. Be sure this is very clear when booking, and get a written confirmation if possible.
A word about booking independent guides - These guides are often out fishing, so best to contact them between 6 pm and 8 pm Eastern time. We do not book any of these independent guides as day trips if you have already booked your own accommodations. In that case, you need top be in touch with these guides directly to book you own trip.
If you would like us to book your trip and accommodations, please be in touch, and in that case, we can also book your fishing guides. Please Email Stephen directly for more information on booking the best accommodations, locations, and guides on Eleuthera.
Gregory Town - Captain Sean Morgan: 242-551-0641. Reef fishing and deep sea fishing charters or bonefishing guide, wading or by boat.
Hatchet Bay/Alicetown - Gershom Pinder: 242-464-0754. Bonefish guide, wading or by boat.
Governor's Harbour and southern area bonefishing guides: Paul Petty (Governor's Harbour) - phone +1 242-332-2963; Addison Cooper (Palmetto Point) - phone +1 242-332-1288 or +1 242-332-1830; Julius Rankine (Savannah Sound) - phone +1 242-332-6524 or +1 242-464-0039 (Cell); Lorenzo Hunt (Tarpum Bay) - phone +1 242-334-4289; Alfred McKinney Jr. (Deep Creek) - phone +1 242-334-8097 or +1 242-334-8184.
Spanish Wells: Bulls Eye Bonefishing with Captain Shaw Underwood.242-359-7067.
A word about booking independent guides - These guides are often out fishing, so best to contact them between 6 pm and 8 pm Eastern time. We do not book any of these independent guides as day trips if you have already booked your own accommodations. In that case, you need top be in touch with these guides directly to book you own trip.
If you would like us to book your trip and accommodations, please be in touch, and in that case, we can also book your fishing guides. Please Email Stephen directly for more information on booking the best accommodations, locations, and guides on Eleuthera.
Gregory Town - Captain Sean Morgan: 242-551-0641. Reef fishing and deep sea fishing charters or bonefishing guide, wading or by boat.
Hatchet Bay/Alicetown - Gershom Pinder: 242-464-0754. Bonefish guide, wading or by boat.
Governor's Harbour and southern area bonefishing guides: Paul Petty (Governor's Harbour) - phone +1 242-332-2963; Addison Cooper (Palmetto Point) - phone +1 242-332-1288 or +1 242-332-1830; Julius Rankine (Savannah Sound) - phone +1 242-332-6524 or +1 242-464-0039 (Cell); Lorenzo Hunt (Tarpum Bay) - phone +1 242-334-4289; Alfred McKinney Jr. (Deep Creek) - phone +1 242-334-8097 or +1 242-334-8184.
Spanish Wells: Bulls Eye Bonefishing with Captain Shaw Underwood.242-359-7067.