island news
Now is the time to begin the booking process Fall/Winter 24/25!
If you want to secure the best dates for your fly fishing in prime time, booking in advance is the only way. We consider March through May as the prime months for fly fishing for bonefish, 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.
Exuma is easy to reach, with regular flights into George Town Airport On American and Delta from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Also daily flights from Nassau, plus private charter flight options.
Our company, Tight Loop Travel, LLC can can arrange all your travel, hotels, bonefishing guides, rental cars and boats and more -- so all you do is relax and enjoy. We can also coordinate your stay on Nassau and or other islands so you can see more of the islands!
Private Island Experiences - A number of private islands can be reached directly via private boat and or private aircraft. We can make all your travel plans and book your reservation to spectacular private island like Fowl Cay, Musha Cay, and Over Yonder Cay. See more details below for some special options for you and your family or group of friends.
Private Home Rentals - If you're looking more for a DIY vacation, or staying a week or longer, renting a private home is the ideal option. We have a great inventory of the best homes for rent on Exuma, from remote locations up north, to prime beachfront near Emerald Bay, and quiet locations south of George Town where you can walk right out onto the flats and start fishing. Email Stephen for details.
And its easy to get provisions for your rental home in George Town and around the island. George Town has a couple of grocery stores and other shops to get provisions. Exuma Markets is the largest grocery store on the island, but we also really like Prime Island Meats. They are located 5 miles south of the airport and their overall selection of fresh seafood, imported meats, fruits and vegetables is the best on the island. They also offer call ahead ordering. +1 242-336-3627. They are closed on Sundays.Convenience Stores: (Liquor/Wine/Beer): Bowes Shopping plaza is a strip mall 3 miles north of the airport. Also, Smitty's (basic food, liquor and pharmacy) is located 6 miles south of the airport.
If you want to secure the best dates for your fly fishing in prime time, booking in advance is the only way. We consider March through May as the prime months for fly fishing for bonefish, 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.
Exuma is easy to reach, with regular flights into George Town Airport On American and Delta from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Also daily flights from Nassau, plus private charter flight options.
Our company, Tight Loop Travel, LLC can can arrange all your travel, hotels, bonefishing guides, rental cars and boats and more -- so all you do is relax and enjoy. We can also coordinate your stay on Nassau and or other islands so you can see more of the islands!
Private Island Experiences - A number of private islands can be reached directly via private boat and or private aircraft. We can make all your travel plans and book your reservation to spectacular private island like Fowl Cay, Musha Cay, and Over Yonder Cay. See more details below for some special options for you and your family or group of friends.
Private Home Rentals - If you're looking more for a DIY vacation, or staying a week or longer, renting a private home is the ideal option. We have a great inventory of the best homes for rent on Exuma, from remote locations up north, to prime beachfront near Emerald Bay, and quiet locations south of George Town where you can walk right out onto the flats and start fishing. Email Stephen for details.
And its easy to get provisions for your rental home in George Town and around the island. George Town has a couple of grocery stores and other shops to get provisions. Exuma Markets is the largest grocery store on the island, but we also really like Prime Island Meats. They are located 5 miles south of the airport and their overall selection of fresh seafood, imported meats, fruits and vegetables is the best on the island. They also offer call ahead ordering. +1 242-336-3627. They are closed on Sundays.Convenience Stores: (Liquor/Wine/Beer): Bowes Shopping plaza is a strip mall 3 miles north of the airport. Also, Smitty's (basic food, liquor and pharmacy) is located 6 miles south of the airport.
featured lodges/resorts - our top recommendations
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Club Peace and Plenty - One of our favorite all-time places to stay, relax, and fish. This is the classic in the heart of George Town, right on the water, excellent restaurant, home of the Goombay Smash, easy walking distance to other restaurants in town. Or take the ferry over to Stocking Island and enjoy the gorgeous beaches and private beach club. Easy to rent a boat or car to explore the island on your own, and of course we can book you with the best bonefishing guides. Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip.
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Kahari Resort (A Peace & Plenty Sister Resort) - The sister lodge of Peace & Plenty located on Stocking Island. Kahari is a boutique, eco-friendly resort surrounded by calm, turquoise waters and lush landscaping. 12 water front bungalows where you can enjoy an authentic and intimate Bahamian experience. The adventure starts with a 5-minute boat ride from The Peace & Plenty Hotel in George Town. At Kahari you will have the opportunity to explore a myriad of nearby uninhabited islands and sand bars or just relax on our world-class beach. Our resort utilizes renewable energy sources and combines privacy, personalized attention and fine gastronomy that invites our guests to unwind and enjoy the unique natural wonders of our island. Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip.
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Grand Isle Resort and Spa - Nestled on a mile-long stretch of ivory beach on Emerald Bay, this AAA Four Diamond Award resort is the definition of a tropical paradise, plus it's family friendly, laid-back, and offers easy access to snorkeling, diving, fly fishing, and off-shore fishing. Featuring 78 luxuriously furnished villas of one- to four-bedrooms, the resort offers something for couples, families, and business retreats. Want romance, this is the place. Hang with the family, yep. Do some business; yes, and then go bonefishing. Palapa Grill is one of the best restaurants in the islands, and the SeaStar Spa will eliminate your stress. Work out in the well-equipped fitness center, or catch rays around the elegant infinity swimming pool. Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip.
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Over Yonder Cay - Private Island - Reserve the entire island for your special group or family retreat...or just book one of the villas for a unique romantic couple's getaway.
The island has been transformed into a unique eco-friendly haven for those seeking authentic and sustainable barefoot luxury. This 72 acre ecologically-designed secret sanctuary runs on wind and solar power and produces its own fresh water. The island provides accommodations in four uniquely designed villas with private beaches and breathtaking views. With its own golf course, deep water marina, and fully equipped beach club the choice of activities is near limitless, including amazing remote bonefishing. The island’s staff provide friendly yet discrete luxury service. Easy to reach from Nassau or Staniel Cay. Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip. |
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Fowl Cay - Private Island - We go way back with the founders of Fowl Cay, from spending time together in Jackson Hole at the R Lazy S dude ranch, to time enjoying island life around the Exumas. And we can say that everything they were involved in was first class. Fowl Cay is a private island with a difference: six uniquely beautiful villas spread across a private 50-acre retreat. No neighboring hotels, no passing ships, no crowds – just you and the thrill of exploring a special kind of wilderness. Made up of 365 tiny islands and cays, stretching across more than 120 miles of crystal-clear, warm turquoise water – the natural beauty of the Exumas is one of the most extraordinary settings on the planet. It's time to explore the world of Fowl Cay – no longer just a dream... Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip.
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Staniel Cay Yacht Club and Marina - Centrally located in the emerald chain of the Exuma Cays, Staniel Cay has long been the meeting place of boating enthusiasts, anglers, and get away from it all sun and sand worshipers. Easy access via air from Ft. Lauderdale on scheduled flights with Makers Air, plus good facilities for private aircraft. And the marina can accommodate drafts up to 12 feet at low tide and yachts up to 210 feet. There are a variety of dining options all centered around fresh seafood, and bar options that offer the best of island cocktails. Accommodations? Sure, in a variety of waterfront bungalows, suites and villas.
Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip. |
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Musha Cay - Private Island - “Private” doesn't even begin to describe the exclusivity of this pampering retreat; here, your group of up to 24 guests will have exclusive access to 700 acres of lush island beauty and, as the staff is quick to say, a privacy so rich you'll seem to disappear. There are five spectacular guesthouses for you and your guests, each with its own private beach and unlimited amenities. Experience spectacular sunsets in the elegant waterfront dining room at "The Landings" or at the casual beachfront bars. Your chef will work with you to create menus for your personal taste. Activities include touring on one of five boats, deep sea fishing, sailing on a Hobie Cat or Sunfish Sailboats, windsurfing, water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, bonefishing and shelling. Take a walk on one of seven private beaches, play tennis on a lighted court, explore endless jogging paths, work-out in the air conditioned state-of-the-art gym. Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip.
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additional accommodations
Sandals Emerald Bay Resort - Luxury all-inclusive resort on fabulous Emerald Bay. Truly pristine white sand beaches, gorgeous swimming pool on the beach, variety of restaurants, bars, nightlife, activities galore, and if you rent a car you can fish on your own, explore the island and go shopping in George Town. Email Stephen directly for more details and to begin booking your trip.
Augusta Bay - Formerly the P&P Beach Inn, now remodeled, new owners, this is another class, and we love the Elizabeth Harbour location. 16 luxury rooms with large marble accented bathrooms, all just steps from the water, swimming pool, excellent restaurant. Ideal for couples and groups of anglers looking for a comfortable relaxing place to stay and enjoy the island. Great location to rent a boat and explore and fish on your own.
Hideaways at Palm Bay - Oceanside villas and cottages range from studios to full three-bedroom units, and more economical hillside units run from studios to full two-bedrooms. If you want to settle in and do some cooking on your own, fish with a guide or DIY, this is a great option, and you can keep your rental boat out in front of the resort. Casual, laid-back place with pool and other amenities.
Hideaways at Palm Bay - Oceanside villas and cottages range from studios to full three-bedroom units, and more economical hillside units run from studios to full two-bedrooms. If you want to settle in and do some cooking on your own, fish with a guide or DIY, this is a great option, and you can keep your rental boat out in front of the resort. Casual, laid-back place with pool and other amenities.
flats fishing patterns - fishing reports
Fairly normal summer patterns are in effect with prevailing winds out of the southeast. 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.
Great Exuma and Little Exuma - There are miles of white sand flats that are easily wadable on the outside/windward side of the island. To fish the best of these north of George Town on your own, it's best to rent a car, but to fish the best areas south of George Town we recommend renting a boat. And if you rent a boat you can cruise south of George Town, cross under the bridge to Little Exuma, then you have endless places to fish the lee side of the island, but be careful with the tides and don't get stuck. Of course, the best option is hiring a guide. Things have become disjointed with the guide community on Exuma, but you can see a few recommendations below. Being far enough south in the island, Great and Little Exuma often avoid the cold fronts and cloudy weather that hit the northern island. And even on cloudy days, you can often see the bonefish just fine on the white sandy-bottom flats. Year in and year out, Exuma offers some of the best wade fishing in the Bahamas. And if you choose one of the private island retreats, you'll enjoy remote DIY fishing as good as it gets. Hard to beat the Exumas for combining great bonefishing with an overall relaxing vacation.
A #6 Greg's Flats fly is one of our favorites all over Exuma. Other favorites include #4-8 Gotchas, #4-6 Pink Hoovers, #4-6 Beck's Sililegs, #4-8 Mantis Shrimp, and #6 Pink or Tan Bone Wigglers. For really picky fish, especially on the highly pressured airport flats, we like a #6-8 Pink/Pearl or Tan/Pearl Darting Coral Shrimp. The best on-your-own wading opportunities are available by renting a boat.
REEF/OFFSHORE: OK for tuna and some wahoo. Reef fishing is good year round for jacks, snapper, mackerel and more. Our favorite reef and offshore flies include: #4/0 Abel Anchovies, #2/0White/Chartreuse Clouser's Minnows, #4/0 RM Flatsides, #1/0 Tres Generations, #1/0 Popovics' Jiggies, and Bluewater Baitfish patterns.
Great Exuma and Little Exuma - There are miles of white sand flats that are easily wadable on the outside/windward side of the island. To fish the best of these north of George Town on your own, it's best to rent a car, but to fish the best areas south of George Town we recommend renting a boat. And if you rent a boat you can cruise south of George Town, cross under the bridge to Little Exuma, then you have endless places to fish the lee side of the island, but be careful with the tides and don't get stuck. Of course, the best option is hiring a guide. Things have become disjointed with the guide community on Exuma, but you can see a few recommendations below. Being far enough south in the island, Great and Little Exuma often avoid the cold fronts and cloudy weather that hit the northern island. And even on cloudy days, you can often see the bonefish just fine on the white sandy-bottom flats. Year in and year out, Exuma offers some of the best wade fishing in the Bahamas. And if you choose one of the private island retreats, you'll enjoy remote DIY fishing as good as it gets. Hard to beat the Exumas for combining great bonefishing with an overall relaxing vacation.
A #6 Greg's Flats fly is one of our favorites all over Exuma. Other favorites include #4-8 Gotchas, #4-6 Pink Hoovers, #4-6 Beck's Sililegs, #4-8 Mantis Shrimp, and #6 Pink or Tan Bone Wigglers. For really picky fish, especially on the highly pressured airport flats, we like a #6-8 Pink/Pearl or Tan/Pearl Darting Coral Shrimp. The best on-your-own wading opportunities are available by renting a boat.
REEF/OFFSHORE: OK for tuna and some wahoo. Reef fishing is good year round for jacks, snapper, mackerel and more. Our favorite reef and offshore flies include: #4/0 Abel Anchovies, #2/0White/Chartreuse Clouser's Minnows, #4/0 RM Flatsides, #1/0 Tres Generations, #1/0 Popovics' Jiggies, and Bluewater Baitfish patterns.
independent guides
The professional guide situation on Exuma has become fairly disjointed, and it is amazing that there isn't a single fly fishing lodge on the island, especially after years of Bob Hyde's well-run Peace & Plenty Bonefish Club, and the old Peace & Plenty bonefishing operation. That said, the guides below will all work hard to give you a great fly fishing experience.
Here are some options for contacting individual bonefishing guides:
Bonefish Reno Rolle - (242) 345-5014, (242) 524-4215, [email protected]
Exuma Fly Bonefishing - Marvin Adderley - 242 - 551- 8443, [email protected]
Drexel Rolle - 242-345-5025 or cell 242 357-0243
Stevie Ferguson - 242-345-0153 (home), 242-422-7033 (cell), [email protected]
Garth Thompson - 242-439-7172 (Best on WhatsApp text or call)
JJ Dames - cell - 242-357-0649
Here are some options for contacting individual bonefishing guides:
Bonefish Reno Rolle - (242) 345-5014, (242) 524-4215, [email protected]
Exuma Fly Bonefishing - Marvin Adderley - 242 - 551- 8443, [email protected]
Drexel Rolle - 242-345-5025 or cell 242 357-0243
Stevie Ferguson - 242-345-0153 (home), 242-422-7033 (cell), [email protected]
Garth Thompson - 242-439-7172 (Best on WhatsApp text or call)
JJ Dames - cell - 242-357-0649