island news
Now is the time to begin the booking process for Fall/Winter 24/25! Abaco has made a good comeback and the fly fishing is fantastic. The Delphi Club is one of our favorite lodges in the Caribbean, for amazing fly-fishing, and also for relaxing, eating great food, and enjoying quality time with friends and loved ones.
NEW BONEFISHING LODGE AT SANDY POINT - GALLOUP'S BONEFISH LODGE - OK, this is OLD NEWS now. Eleven Experience has purchased this famous lodge from Galloup, and will probably re-open it for the 2025 season. Stephen worked with Eleven for a couple of years to help create Eleven Angling, so it's safe to say that when the lodge re-opens it should be a winner. Sandy point is an ideal location, situated on a peninsula at the southwestern end of the island, right on some incredible bonefish and permit flats. Plus there is quick access to a vast array of flats and creeks and the Southern Marls, all without long boat or van rides. We can say from many days of fishing out of Sandy Point, that the quality and variety of fishing here is some of the best anywhere. Email Stephen for more details and to begin thinking about a future trip.
Abaco is one of the best overall destinations in the Bahamas -- Think about it-- immaculate powdery sand beaches, full-service marinas, Out Island charm combined with ease of travel convenience and top-quality accommodations--you have a lot going on. Then add in world-class golf courses at Treasure Cay and Winding Bay, tennis, diving, snorkeling, and just hanging out. And oh, did we mention some of the best bonefishing on the planet. If you're looking for high numbers of fish, and lots of shots, you can't beat the Marls, and there are a number of northern access points that are used by only a handful of guides. Want shots at big fish? Not a problem out of Crossing Rock, Cherokee Sound, Coopers Town, or Crown Haven, and again, these areas receive very little fishing pressure. Abaco is a place you can bring the entire family, and fish as much or as little as you want. A number of locations on Abaco are still closed as a result of Hurricane Dorian. Please be in touch with us for the most recent updates.
The Abacos offer some of the best sailing anywhere in the Caribbean. The offshore cays, from Green Turtle Cay, to Great Guana Cay, Man-O-War Cay, and Elbow Cay, have protected harbors, laid-back resorts, a selection of restaurants, miles of beach you can have to yourself, and remote bonefishing, reef fishing, and offshore fishing.
PRIVATE CHARTERS - If you want to go island hopping, fish a few days on another island, call Bahama Hoppers - Based at Odessey 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.
NEW BONEFISHING LODGE AT SANDY POINT - GALLOUP'S BONEFISH LODGE - OK, this is OLD NEWS now. Eleven Experience has purchased this famous lodge from Galloup, and will probably re-open it for the 2025 season. Stephen worked with Eleven for a couple of years to help create Eleven Angling, so it's safe to say that when the lodge re-opens it should be a winner. Sandy point is an ideal location, situated on a peninsula at the southwestern end of the island, right on some incredible bonefish and permit flats. Plus there is quick access to a vast array of flats and creeks and the Southern Marls, all without long boat or van rides. We can say from many days of fishing out of Sandy Point, that the quality and variety of fishing here is some of the best anywhere. Email Stephen for more details and to begin thinking about a future trip.
Abaco is one of the best overall destinations in the Bahamas -- Think about it-- immaculate powdery sand beaches, full-service marinas, Out Island charm combined with ease of travel convenience and top-quality accommodations--you have a lot going on. Then add in world-class golf courses at Treasure Cay and Winding Bay, tennis, diving, snorkeling, and just hanging out. And oh, did we mention some of the best bonefishing on the planet. If you're looking for high numbers of fish, and lots of shots, you can't beat the Marls, and there are a number of northern access points that are used by only a handful of guides. Want shots at big fish? Not a problem out of Crossing Rock, Cherokee Sound, Coopers Town, or Crown Haven, and again, these areas receive very little fishing pressure. Abaco is a place you can bring the entire family, and fish as much or as little as you want. A number of locations on Abaco are still closed as a result of Hurricane Dorian. Please be in touch with us for the most recent updates.
The Abacos offer some of the best sailing anywhere in the Caribbean. The offshore cays, from Green Turtle Cay, to Great Guana Cay, Man-O-War Cay, and Elbow Cay, have protected harbors, laid-back resorts, a selection of restaurants, miles of beach you can have to yourself, and remote bonefishing, reef fishing, and offshore fishing.
PRIVATE CHARTERS - If you want to go island hopping, fish a few days on another island, call Bahama Hoppers - Based at Odessey 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.
featured lodges/resorts - our top recommendations
The Delphi Club/Rolling Harbour - A luxury bonefishing lodge/hotel on the Atlantic coast, south of Winding Bay, with stunning views of the beach and the ocean. Designed in the style of an 18th century colonial plantation house, the 8 bedroom lodge sits high on a bluff above the beach. The lodge is operated normally by renting rooms, like a hotel, which can be booked with a bonefishing package, but the entire house can be rented for private groups. Fly Fishing focuses on The Marls, one of our favorite fisheries for bonefish, tarpon, permit and other species. Reservations are normally Saturday to Saturday, but can be flexible. Non-anglers will be equally entertained in comfortable style with amenities from a swimming pool and spa treatments, to island tours, snorkeling, diving, and other activities. The restaurant (and chef) are excellent, with gourmet dining and fresh seafood specialties. and the bar is well-stocked with your favorite spirits and a fine selection of wines. Please EMAIL Stephen for more information, and to book your spots at this luxury bonefishing destination. |
Elbow Reef Boutique Hotel - Elbow Cay - We love Elbow Cay, our favorite overall Cay to enjoy the best of the island life - relaxed vibes, gorgeous beaches, watersports, surfing, fresh seafood, and excellent fly fishing. This is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of life, guaranteed to put you in a tranquil state of mind. Wake to the sound of the rolling waves from one of the eight luxurious suites. Sit by the pool, take a walk on the beachfront, explore the nearby marina, visit Hope Town and the famous lighthouse, snorkel the local reef, or hop over to neighboring islands. And of course enjoy fantastic saltwater flats fishing with top guides or DIY. Whatever the day brings, come home to relax and simply take it all in.
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ELEVEN ANGLING BONEFISH LODGE - SANDY POINT - Email Stephen for information. The lodge will probably re-open in 2025.
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Black Fly Lodge/Schooner Bay - This popular lodge doesn't have a lot of space available, so please get in touch as soon as you can to check on availability.
One of the top bonefishing lodges in the Bahamas. If you want to fish Sandy Point, Moore's Island, the Southern Marls, outside ocean flats and offshore blue water, this is a great upscale option operated by serious anglers. Partner's in the lodge include Vaughn Cochran and his wife, Jean, and ace guide Paul Pinder. Here you get the best of both worlds; world-class fishing and stylish comfort. The lodge is located overlooking the new Schooner Bay marina which is taking boats up to 70 feet. Lots are also for sale in Schooner Bay, and this is developing into one of the nicest, low key marina communities in the Bahamas. Arriving is a breeze down the main island highway from Marsh Harbour. Now is the time to book for the upcoming fall, winter and spring season. October and November are two of our favorite months in the Bahamas. Please contact Stephen for more information, and to book your spots at this exciting new bonefishing haven.
Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour - All good at the resort, and they have reopened the marina.
The ideal base of operations in Marsh Harbour for anglers, boaters and vacationers. The resort is 50 acres of lush tropical gardens and palm-tree-lined beaches, with 72 oceanfront rooms, 6 spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom villas with fully equipped kitchens and 4 one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens. The Angler's Restaurant sits at the water's edge overlooking the 200 slip Boat Harbour marina. International cuisine, and Bahamian specialties are served in the airy peaked-ceiling dining room, while burgers and conch salads are served at the poolside bar. This place rocks during fishing tournaments and Spring Break, and is often full so make your reservations as far in advance as possible. Offshore, reef, and bonefishing guides can be arranged. Boat rentals are available at the marina. A short walk takes you into Marsh Harbour for shopping, or to hit the restaurants and bars strewn along the water. Wally's is our favorite restaurant on Abaco, and one of the best in the islands.
One of the top bonefishing lodges in the Bahamas. If you want to fish Sandy Point, Moore's Island, the Southern Marls, outside ocean flats and offshore blue water, this is a great upscale option operated by serious anglers. Partner's in the lodge include Vaughn Cochran and his wife, Jean, and ace guide Paul Pinder. Here you get the best of both worlds; world-class fishing and stylish comfort. The lodge is located overlooking the new Schooner Bay marina which is taking boats up to 70 feet. Lots are also for sale in Schooner Bay, and this is developing into one of the nicest, low key marina communities in the Bahamas. Arriving is a breeze down the main island highway from Marsh Harbour. Now is the time to book for the upcoming fall, winter and spring season. October and November are two of our favorite months in the Bahamas. Please contact Stephen for more information, and to book your spots at this exciting new bonefishing haven.
Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour - All good at the resort, and they have reopened the marina.
The ideal base of operations in Marsh Harbour for anglers, boaters and vacationers. The resort is 50 acres of lush tropical gardens and palm-tree-lined beaches, with 72 oceanfront rooms, 6 spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom villas with fully equipped kitchens and 4 one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens. The Angler's Restaurant sits at the water's edge overlooking the 200 slip Boat Harbour marina. International cuisine, and Bahamian specialties are served in the airy peaked-ceiling dining room, while burgers and conch salads are served at the poolside bar. This place rocks during fishing tournaments and Spring Break, and is often full so make your reservations as far in advance as possible. Offshore, reef, and bonefishing guides can be arranged. Boat rentals are available at the marina. A short walk takes you into Marsh Harbour for shopping, or to hit the restaurants and bars strewn along the water. Wally's is our favorite restaurant on Abaco, and one of the best in the islands.
flats fishing patterns - fishing reports
Winter is here, prevailing winds from the northeast. 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 bonefish flies include Gotcha Clouser Minnows #2-6, EP Spawning Shrimp #2-6, Craven's Bonefish Junk #4-6, Greg's Flats Fly #4-6, Gotchas and Bunny Gotchas #2-6, Beck's Sililegs #4-6, Peterson's Spawning Shrimp #2-6,, and Tan Mantis Shrimp #4-6. For permit go with hard-bodied epoxy crabs, brown or tan #2-4, Flexo Crab #2-4, Stok's Strong Arm Merkin #2-4, or a good old Rag Head #2-4.
Fishing Areas - Coopers Town/Treasure Cay/Northern Marls - The Coopers Town area features hard flats that offer easy wading, while the northern Marls flats can be a little soft and mushy, but well worth the effort. Anglers staying at Treasure Cay will have a 15 minute drive to reach the boats that fish the northern Marls, and a 20 minute drive to reach the boats that fish out of Coopers Town. Running times from both locations to reach the best flats range from 5 to 20 minutes. One of our recommended guides for fishing northern Abaco is Joe Pritchard. Justin Sands is also a first-class guide, and fishing out of his Hell's Bay boat is a pleasure as the hull will run in almost no water. Treasure Cay and Marsh Harbour are an ideal locations for anglers traveling with non-anglers, so pack up whoever wants to go and book your trip.
Our favorite bonefish flies include Gotcha Clouser Minnows #2-6, EP Spawning Shrimp #2-6, Craven's Bonefish Junk #4-6, Greg's Flats Fly #4-6, Gotchas and Bunny Gotchas #2-6, Beck's Sililegs #4-6, Peterson's Spawning Shrimp #2-6,, and Tan Mantis Shrimp #4-6. For permit go with hard-bodied epoxy crabs, brown or tan #2-4, Flexo Crab #2-4, Stok's Strong Arm Merkin #2-4, or a good old Rag Head #2-4.
Fishing Areas - Coopers Town/Treasure Cay/Northern Marls - The Coopers Town area features hard flats that offer easy wading, while the northern Marls flats can be a little soft and mushy, but well worth the effort. Anglers staying at Treasure Cay will have a 15 minute drive to reach the boats that fish the northern Marls, and a 20 minute drive to reach the boats that fish out of Coopers Town. Running times from both locations to reach the best flats range from 5 to 20 minutes. One of our recommended guides for fishing northern Abaco is Joe Pritchard. Justin Sands is also a first-class guide, and fishing out of his Hell's Bay boat is a pleasure as the hull will run in almost no water. Treasure Cay and Marsh Harbour are an ideal locations for anglers traveling with non-anglers, so pack up whoever wants to go and book your trip.
independent guides and charters
Captain Justin Sands: Treasure Cay, Marls, Marsh Harbour - Contact him through his web page, click on his name, or call 242-367-3526(home) or cell 242- 359-6890.
Captain Joe Pritchard - Treasure Cay, Marls, Northern Abaco/Coopers Town - Contact him directly, call +1-242-559-9117
Captain Carey McKenzie, Treasure Cay, +1 242-365-8313
Anglers staying on Great Guana Cay, Elbow Cay, Man '0 War Cay or in Marsh Harbour can also fish with Justin. He can pick you up at the Albury Ferry dock in the morning, fish you all day in the Marls, then drop you back off at the ferry at the end of the day. Anglers should always bring their own lunch and drinks. The guides usually do not provide this, though they can stop on the way to fishing for you to pick up food and drinks but this is a waste of your time. Bring your own lunch and drinks!. Justin also fishes the outside flats around Snake Cay and the Bight of Robinson when the tide is right. Several other good independents provide the same service.
On Green Turtle Cay, Rick Sawyer (242-365-4261) or Ronny Sawyer (242-365-4070) are the bonefishing guides we recommend. You can visit Capt. Rick Sawyer's web site at: Abaco Fly Fish. If you want to try reef fishing for grouper and snapper call Joe Sawyer and 242-365-4173.
Buddy Pinder is another top guide with many years experience and many honors to his credit. Buddy meets clients at the Albury Ferry Dock also so it is easy to hook-up with him. Buddy fishes the Marls and can also fish other areas. He can provide equipment at an additional charge, and flies are included in the daily fee, but we always suggest tha anglers take their own equipment and flies whenever possible. Contact Buddy after 7 pm at 242-366-2163.
Donnie Lowe has a guide service called Bonefish Heaven. Donnie guides around Marsh Harbour, Snake Cay and other areas. Email Donnie at [email protected] or call him at 242-366-2275.
For more information on Abaco guides contact: Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association.
Reef/Offshore: The people at the Treasure Cay Marina and at the Abaco Beach Resort Marina tell us that reef fishing with conventional tackle (bait and lures) is good for yellow tail, and a variety of jacks and grouper. Offshore, pretty good fishing for tuna, an an occasional wahoo. Anglers can contact the Treasure Cay Marina directly at 242.365.8250, or the Abaco Beach Resort Marina directly at 242.367.2158, for more detailed information or to book a charter.
Captain Joe Pritchard - Treasure Cay, Marls, Northern Abaco/Coopers Town - Contact him directly, call +1-242-559-9117
Captain Carey McKenzie, Treasure Cay, +1 242-365-8313
Anglers staying on Great Guana Cay, Elbow Cay, Man '0 War Cay or in Marsh Harbour can also fish with Justin. He can pick you up at the Albury Ferry dock in the morning, fish you all day in the Marls, then drop you back off at the ferry at the end of the day. Anglers should always bring their own lunch and drinks. The guides usually do not provide this, though they can stop on the way to fishing for you to pick up food and drinks but this is a waste of your time. Bring your own lunch and drinks!. Justin also fishes the outside flats around Snake Cay and the Bight of Robinson when the tide is right. Several other good independents provide the same service.
On Green Turtle Cay, Rick Sawyer (242-365-4261) or Ronny Sawyer (242-365-4070) are the bonefishing guides we recommend. You can visit Capt. Rick Sawyer's web site at: Abaco Fly Fish. If you want to try reef fishing for grouper and snapper call Joe Sawyer and 242-365-4173.
Buddy Pinder is another top guide with many years experience and many honors to his credit. Buddy meets clients at the Albury Ferry Dock also so it is easy to hook-up with him. Buddy fishes the Marls and can also fish other areas. He can provide equipment at an additional charge, and flies are included in the daily fee, but we always suggest tha anglers take their own equipment and flies whenever possible. Contact Buddy after 7 pm at 242-366-2163.
Donnie Lowe has a guide service called Bonefish Heaven. Donnie guides around Marsh Harbour, Snake Cay and other areas. Email Donnie at [email protected] or call him at 242-366-2275.
For more information on Abaco guides contact: Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association.
Reef/Offshore: The people at the Treasure Cay Marina and at the Abaco Beach Resort Marina tell us that reef fishing with conventional tackle (bait and lures) is good for yellow tail, and a variety of jacks and grouper. Offshore, pretty good fishing for tuna, an an occasional wahoo. Anglers can contact the Treasure Cay Marina directly at 242.365.8250, or the Abaco Beach Resort Marina directly at 242.367.2158, for more detailed information or to book a charter.