BAHAMAS
Transcription
BAHAMAS
BAHAMAS.COM/FISHING BAHAMAS.COM/FISHING The Islands Of The Little Bahama Bank BAHAMAS SPANISH CAY GREEN TURTLE CAY TREASURE CAY WEST END th MOORES ISLAND w 3 es tP FT. LAUDERDALE ro vi 11 BIMINI ISLANDS 12 MIAMI ABACO de 13 nc e GREAT HARBOUR CAY Ch ne l Elbow Bank BERRY ISLANDS th r No 2014 Fishing Map & Angler's Guide 2014/ 2015 Fishing Map & Angler's Guide BAHAMAS at B 9 ah KEMPS BAY EXUMA CAYS 16 Bahamas Billfish Championship, Leg 3 Dates: June 4-7, 2014 Location: Treasure Cay Bahamas Billfish Championship Final Leg Dates: June 18-21, 2014 Location: Marsh Harbour, Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour Abaco Marlin Outboard Series Leg II Dates: July 9–12, 2014 Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina - Fishing Tournaments Wahoo Smackdown IV Dates: Feb. 27 - March 1, 2014 14 STANIEL CAY Celebrity Billfish Invitational Dates: April 24 - 26, 2014 NFL HOF 5 GREAT EXUMA BIMINI & BERRY ISLANDS *Bimini Big Game Club – ( #11 ) North Bimini (242) 347-3391 / (800) 867-4764 • www.biggameclubbimini.com Bimini Sands Resort & Marina – ( #12 ) South Bimini (242) 347-3500 • www.biminisands.com *Carriearl Boutique Resort – ( #13 ) Great Harbour Island (242) 367-8785 • www.carriearl.com Ebbie’s Bimini Bonefish Club, Porgy Bay (242) 347-2053 • www.biminibonefishclub.com CAT ISLAND *Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina – ( #14 ) South Cat Island (242) 342-7050 • www.hawks-nest.com CROOKED ISLAND Crooked Island Bonefishing, Crooked Island (242) 344-2409 • www.cribonefishing.com Crooked Island Lodge, Pittstown Point (242) 344-2507/2430 • www.pittstownpoint.com GRAND BAHAMA East End Lodge, McLean’s Town (561) 354-8005 • www.eastendlodge.com Grand Bahama Bonefishing, Freeport (336) 817-7395 / (242) 373-1896 • www.grandbahamabonefishing.com H20 Bonefishing* Pelican Bay Hotel & Suites, Freeport (242) 359-4958 / (954) 364-7590 • www.h20bonefishing.com North Riding Point Club, North Riding Point (242) 353-4250 • www.northridingpointclub.net Old Bahama Bay Resort, West End (242) 350-6500 / 1-(877) 784-6835 • www.oldbahamabay.com Deep Water Cay Club, Deep Water Cay (242) 353-3073 • www.deepwatercay.com ELEUTHERA The Duck Inn Cottages, Governor’s Harbour (242) 332-2608 • www.duckinncottages.com *Valentines Resort – ( #15 ) Harbour Island (242) 333-2142 / 1 (866) 389-6864 • www.valentinesresort.com GEORGETOWN RUM CAY LONG ISLAND Bonefish Exuma, Great Exuma (Hermitage) (242) 336-2299 • www.bonefishexuma.com *Staniel Cay Yacht Club – ( #16 ) Staniel Cay (242) 355-2024 / 1-(954) 467-6658 • www.stanielcay.com CLARENCE TOWN d e ok 10/25/13- 2/28/14 and 8/11/14-12/19/14 *All food and beverage charges at our restaurant & bar reduce your boat’s dockage fees until dockage is free! t8PSME$MBTT%JOJOH "#"$0#")"."4 t1PPM-BVOESZ4IPXFST 64 t'VFM$IBOEMFSZ 3FTPSU t'SFF8J'J XXXHSFFOUVSUMFDMVCDPN Isl o Cr COLONEL HILL PLANA CAY CROOKED ISLAND SEAL CAY ge NURSE CAY a ss RAGGED ISLANDS ACKLINS ISLAND k Baycaner Beach Resort, Pirate’s Well (242) 339-3726 • www.baycanerbeach.com s bu NASSAU n Ba na Pa ua ABRAHAM’S BAY ag ay CAY VERDE M um l Co HOGSTY REEF A MAYAGUANA ISLAND LITTLE INAGUA ISLAND Map Key Free Dockage Special* Entrance dredged to 7'MLW and new 6 brand new deeper slip finger piers. nd Pa a MAYAGUANA NOTE: (*) denotes member of Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board e g sa s FLAMINGO CAY LONG ISLAND Secret Soul Fly Fishing, Nassau, New Providence (242) 327-4320 / (242) 376-0321 • www.secret-soul.com Fly Fishing Adventure, Nassau, New Providence (242) 456-2105 • [email protected] SAMANA CAY 17 JUMENTOS CAYS EXUMA Cape Santa Maria Resort & Fishing Club, Cape Santa Maria (242) 338-5273 / 1-(800) 663-7090 • www.capesantamaria.com Deadman’s Cay Lodge, Deadman’s Cay (242) 337-1056 /(242) 337-0246 • www.deadmansbones.com *Gems at Paradise, Clarence Town (242) 337-3016-9 / 1-(800) 668-4752 • www.gemsatparadise.com Greenwich Creek Lodge, Cartwright, Long Island (242) 337-6278 • www.greenwichcreeklodge.comLong Island Bonefishing Lodge – ( #17 ) Deadman’s Cay (242) 472-2609/337-0166 • Longislandbonefishinglodge.com Long Island Breeze, Salt Pond (242) 338-0103 / 1-(954) 605-1826 • www.longislandbreezeresort.com *Stella Maris Resort Club (2420 338-2051 / 1 (800) 426-0466 • www.stellamarisresort.com Wahoo Smackdown V Dates: Nov. 2014 Location: Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, Alice Town Bimini CONCEPTION ISLAND Exuma Sound an The Islands Of The *Andros Bay Cottage Fishing Lodge, Cargil Creek (242) 368-5266 • www.androsbaycottagebahamas.com Andros Island Bonefish Club, Cargil Creek (242) 368-5167 • www.androsbonefishing.com Andros Rod & Gun Club, Flamingo Cay (954) 495-4915 / (954) 812-9569 • www.flamingocay.com Andros South Bonefishing Lodge, Congo Town (242) 369-1406 / (800) 344-3628 • www.androssouth.com Bair’s Lodge – ( #5 ) South Andros (866) 333-6437 • www.bairslodge.com Big Charlies & Faith’s Fishing Lodge, Behing Point (242) 368-4297 • www.bigcharlieandros.net Broadshad Cay Lodge – ( #6 ) Andros Island, Bahamas (242) 368-4261 / (242) 225-0082 • www.broadshadcaylodge.com Kamalame Cay, Kamalame Cay (242) 368-6281 / (800) 790-7971 • www.kamalame.com Mangrove Cay Club, Mangrove Cay (242) 369-0731 / (242) 379-0732 • www.mangrovecayclub.com Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge, Mars Bay (242) 369-5091 • www.androsbonefish.com Mount Pleasant Lodge, Mangrove Cay (242) 368-5171/5183 • www.mtpleasantfish.com *Nathan’s Lodge, Kemp’s Bay (242) 369-1707 • www.nathanslodge.com North Andros Fly Fishing – ( #7 ) San Andros (242) 329-2661 • www.northandrosflyfishing.com Pleasant Bay Bonefish Lodge, South Andros (242) 369-5551 • www.pleasantbaybonefishlodge.com *Small Hope Bay Lodge, Fresh Creek, Andros (242) 368-2014 / FX: (242) 368-20115 • www.smallhope.com Stafford Creek Lodge, Fresh Creek (242) 368-6259/6050 / 1-(954) 676-4158 • www.staffordcreeklodge.com *Swain’s Cay Lodge – ( #8 ) Mangrove Cay (242) 422-5018 • www.swainscaylodge.com *Tiamo Resorts – ( #9 ) South Andros (242) 225-6871 / 1-(786) 374-2442 • www.tiamoresorts.com Tranquility Hill Bonefish Lodge – ( #10 ) Behring Point (242) 368-4132 / 1-(860) 331-8467 • www.tranquilityhilllodge.com Two Boys Inn, Behring Point (242) 368-4067 • www.twoboysinn.com SAN SALVADOR COCKBURN TOWN ce MyOutIslands.com FUEL CREDIT LITTLE SAN SALVADOR eO For special fishing offers, visit: INSTANT Hawk’s Nest 14th Annual Billfish Blast Dates: May 25-29, 2014 Location: Cat Island CAT ISLAND Th SAN SALVADOR 300 $ Hon.Obie Wilchcombe, M.P. Minister Bahamas Billfish Championship, Leg 2 Dates: May 21-24, 2014 Location: Green Turtle Club, Green Turtle Cay Abaco Marlin Outboard Series Leg I Dates: June 25–28, 2014 Of RUM CAY Bahamas Billfish Championship, Leg 1 Dates: May 7-10, 2014 Location: Guana Cay ARTHUR’S TOWN WADERICK WELLS CAY ue LONG ISLAND Boat Dockage Offer I am pleased to welcome members of the fly fishing community to celebrate with us in this our golden anniversary in tourism, and discover why so many renowned anglers including Ernest Hemmingway have concluded that even sports fishing is indeed better in The Bahamas. Sincerely, Hawk’s Nest 3rd Annual Hang ‘Em High Tournament Dates: April 6-10, 2014 Location: Cat Island Bahamas Billfish Championship Dates: June 18-21, 2014 HAWKSBILL CAY ng OR Baker’s Bay Invitational Dates: May 27-31, 2014 Location: Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club Great Guana Cay, Abaco Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour - Fishing Tournaments HIGHBOURNE CAY NORMAN’S CAY nk Ba ANDROS HARBOUR ISLAND This map serves to assist visiting anglers in choosing a desirable region or island within our country to fish, as well as highlight a broad cross section of accommodation facilities and guiding services available. From billfish to bonefish, fishers of all skill sets and preferences can rest assured of both the bountiful fishery and variety of species to be found throughout The Islands of The Bahamas. Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Invitational Dates: June 11-14, 2014 8 a ANDROS EXUMAS Winner’s Circle Charities Invitational Hosted by Mike Schmidt & HMY Yachts Dates: April 30 - May 3, 2014 Location: Old Bahama Bay Grand Bahama Island Custom Shootout Dates: May 14-17, 2014 am ACKLINS 100 OFFER This Bahamas Fishing Map & Anglers’ Guide is an example of the quality promotional material produced to facilitate the millions of international guests who visit our shores each year for diverse vacation experiences. Atlantic Ocean BAHAMAS DIRECTORY OF FISHING LODGES & RESORTS Acklins Island Lodge, Mason Bay (242) 344-3678 / FX: (242) 344-3180 • www.acklinsislandlodge.com *Chester’s Highway Inn Bonefish Lodge, Northern Acklins (242) 344-3114 / (305) 921-0238 • www.chesterhighwayinn.com Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn, Grey’s Point (242) 344-3210 / (242) 375-2632 • www.greyspointbonefishinn.com ELEUTHERA 1st Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament Dates: April 24-28, 2014 Location: Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina Grand Bahama Island www.extremekayakfishing.com GOVERNORS HARBOUR NASSAU To Gr e ACKLINS FLY FISHING For fifty years, The Islands of The Bahamas have been leading the way in Caribbean tourism. ELEUTHERA ANDROS 10 ISLAND Abaco Lodge – ( #1 ) Bustick Bight (242) 367-5909 • www.abacolodge.com Black Fly Bonefish Club, Schooner Bay (242) 366-2048 • www.blackflylodge.com Bluff House Resort (#2 ) Green Turtle Cay (800) 745-4911 / (242) 365-4247 • www.bluffhouse.com Delphi Club – ( #3 ) South of Marsh Harbour (242) 366-2222 • www.delphi-bahamas.com *Green Turtle Club – ( #4 ) Green Turtle Cay (866) 528-0539 / (242) 365-4271 Oeisha’s Resort, Sandy Point (314) 664-4106 / (242) 336-4139 www.oeishasresort.com Rickmon Bonefishing Lodge, Sandy Point (800) 628-1447 • www.angleradventures.com $ HARBOUR ISLAND DUNMORE TOWN s ea 6 FRESH CREEK THE ABACOS CROOKED ISLAND 15 NEW PROVIDENCE THE COMPETITION AIN’T PRETTY CAT ISLAND n de Hawks Nest Annual Wahoo Championship Dates: February 2-6, 2014 Location: Cat Island 7 Out Here... BIMINI WORLD CLASS MARLIN a Ch vi o r tP NICHOLLS TOWN BERRY ISLANDS l e nn ce an CAT CAY OCEAN CAY RIDING ROCKS SOUTH RIDING ROCK ORANGE CAY ABACOS HOPE TOWN & ELBOW CAY 1 N or GUANA CAY MARSH HARBOUR GRAND BAHAMA FREEPORT 4 THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS Map Illustration © 2013 Clif Art PALM BEACH 2 2014 BAHAMAS FISHING TOURNAMENTS MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF TOURISM WALKERS CAY Location of Advertisers ( See Listings ) The publisher wishes to thank the following for their photo contributions... Bluff House Resort, Broad Shad Cay, Green Turtle Club, Long Island Bonefishing Lodge, North Andros Flyfishing, Tiamo Resort, Tranquility Hill Bonefish Lodge, And all the owners and mangers that helped make this map possible, with a special thanks to the Minister and his team at The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism board GREAT INAGUA ISLAND MATTHEW TOWN NOTE: This map is not to scale and is intended for use as a reference only, not for navigation © 2014 Multimedia Group Ltd. Nassau, The Bahamas Historic Bluff House is back t New owners and management t 8 new guest room suites overlooking the Sea of Abaco t 1,2,3 bedroom villas for rent. t 38 slip marina t 100 seat Jolly Roger Bar and Bistro with pool overlooking the marina t 60 seat brand new Bluff House Beach Bar and Grill tX X XCMVõIPVTFDPN Watermakers Air Ft. Lauderdale to The Exuma Cays Staniel Cay, Andros, + Others Just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, the archipelago of The Bahamas stretches east and southward for hundreds-of-miles. More than 700 pristine islands and cays are surrounded by thousands of square miles of bonefish flats. Experienced anglers will tell you that the Fly & Fish the Same Day! Comfortable & Reliable Flights Private Hangar w/ Complimentary Parking, WiFi, TV, Beverages, & Snacks 954.771.0330 | [email protected] | www.watermakersair.com FishingMap.indd 1 11/20/13 3:55 PM Andy Smith’s The Bahamas’ best place to hunt big fish. Built by Andros fishing legend Andy Smith, the lodge is located on a private cay with access to the finest bonefishing flats in the world. And nothing in sight but untouched cays and interminable sky... 'SFTI$SFFLt"OESPT*TMBOE#BIBNBT 1IPOFt&NBJMQPMFEFFQ!IPUNBJMDPN WHAT TO BRING FLY-FISHING THE BAHAMAS WANT TO FLY IN AND GO FISHING? Bahamas has the cleanest water to be found anywhere -- and one of the most magnificent saltwater fisheries in the earth. As one of those anglers, with more than fifty years fishing almost every island, I certainly agree. When it comes to bonefishing destinations, The Bahamas is legendary. Many of the islands are blessed with flats that stretch for miles and miles. Many of these flats offer areas with vast schools of bonefish, yet others with larger trophy size bones. Throughout my years of fishing here, I’ve indeed taken my share of bonefish in the eight to eleven pounds class. Many areas, especially in the northern and southern islands, offer the fly fisher a good chance at a Grand Slam -- the unique experience of taking a bonefish, permit and tarpon in the same day. The Bahamas is also one of the very few places where anglers may have a chance to sight cast to one of my favorite fish, the mutton snapper. There’s not many places in the world you can do that. Except for a few days of cold weather in the winter months, the fishing is year around. The warm tropical Gulf Stream assures day time temperatures average between the low 70s to the high 80s. Even through the hot days of summer flats fishing can be quite good, and during these months, many lodges offer fishing packages that are quite attractive – especially if you’re traveling with family. Active anglers also like being so close to the States, which allows them to get-away with either long and/or short trips. With English being the official language, it certainly makes things much easier to communicate, especially while fishing with your guide. And speaking of guides, you won’t find better guides anywhere. They are perhaps, the second best reason to fish these bountiful waters, Guides here are worth their salt and their handson knowledge of the local fishing grounds almost guarantees a successful day. Bonefish are plentiful and usually eager to take a fly, making this destination a great location for beginners and young anglers. Other fly rod species you may find in the flats or creeks are permit, tarpon, mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, barracuda, jack crevalle, horse-eye jack, a variety of sharks and some other exotic creatures. Looking for more than bonefish? Some camps and lodges are in close proximity to blue water. They may offer the fly fisher a chance to fish for a variety of pelagic species such as dolphin, bonito, king mackerel, tuna and more. I’ve taken some large dolphin on fly rods during my stay at a bonefish camps. Try to plan at least one day off the flats to do some blue water fly fishing. It can be a wonderful and exciting change of pace. One very important tip… practice casting with your favorite rod before you leave home. Remember this, you can buy your way from home all the way to the flats, and within 30 feet of the bonefish, but those last 30 feet are always up to you. So practice before you travel. No other factor is more important if you want to catch the elusive bonefish. What to bring… a seven or an eight weight rod will serve you well, with a nine to twelve foot leader depending on the wind. Make sure to bring a good quality pair of polarize glasses, in a warm color such as amber or copper. Wear a hat or cap with a dark under brim to reduce glare. If you are going to wade, bring a good pair of tropical wading shoes, a must for comfort and safety. Also bring a good insect repellant and some skin lotion, preferably with aloe. When you arrive at your final destination and step into the bonefish lodge, you’ll love the experience. Expect total immersion into the Bahamian hospitality, with savory local cuisine and wonderful days fishing in ginclear flats. You’ll go home with great memories, new learning experiences and you’ll make new friends too. These are the reasons you’ll keep coming back. I always do... Good luck, Chico Fernandez Weigh In On This: A good compromise between a quiet presentation and the power to turn over a bonefish fly in the wind is a seven or eight weight outfit, ideal for Bahamas’ bonefish. When you have a very calm day, and providing you are a good caster, a six weight will land the fly with minimum disturbance. To cast bigger and heavier flies needed for permit and large barracudas in the flats, big jacks in the deeper creeks and some light blue water fishing for dolphin, bonito, small tuna and such -- a ten weight is perfect. You could also make do with a nine weight. Publisher’s Note: The above information was provided by JM “Chico” Fernandez - distinguished outdoor writer, fishing editor, author of numerous books on Fly Fishing,world-record holder and representative with IGFA, consultant to Costa sunglasses and Hell’s Bay Boats. Email Chico for more information or how to get a his books at: JMCHICO@ BellSouth.net All Inclusive Do It Yourself lodge overlooking picturesque Deadman's Cay Long Island Bonefishing Lodge Experience DIY bonefishing like no other. Call or email for rates & availability Telephone: 1 (242) 472-2609 Email: [email protected] w w w . l o n g i s l a n d b o n e fi s h i n g l o d g e . c o m nonsense! With our subtropical climate, and year-round temperatures averaging between 81°F and 73°F, we’re ideally situated to offer perpetual fly fishing opportunities year round. The Bahamas archipelago of seven hundred islands starts about fifty miles east of Florida’s coast and stretches southward to within fifty miles of Cuba and Hispaniola -one hundred thousand square miles of crystal-clear water teaming with trophy-size fish. Come wet your line. The Northern Bahamas… consisting of Bimini, Grand Bahama and Abaco are closest to the United States. These waters are productive year-round with bones running the Little Bahama Bank and billfish cruising the cobalt blue waters of the surrounding Atlantic. Direct air service, exceptional fishing opportunities and interesting attractions make it ideal for anglers and non-fishing companions. Bimini is only 50 miles east of Miami and is renowned for world-record fishing. Visiting anglers enjoy the best of both worlds -- deep sea and flats fishing on a fly or conventional tackle. Both South and North Bimini offer luxury living marina resorts and quaint island-style accommodations. Hemingway loved this place and it’s easy to see why. Grand Bahama, a combination of city and rural environments, gives anglers the choice of upscale resorts in Freeport, plush boutique hotel in West End, or well-appointed lodges as far east as Deep Water Cay. Air service from South Florida is good. Day cruises from Fort Lauderdale are another option. Anglers will find excellent fishing on fringes to the south side or the more expansive northern flats. The East End flats are outstanding for bones and some flats are hard bottom, great for wading. Non-fishing companions will love it here with day-spas, golfing, water sports and memorable encounters with dolphins at UNEXSO. The Abaco Islands are the northern-most chain, about an hour flight from Florida’s three gateways. This popular area is blessed pristine coves, pic- turesque bays, shallow flats and the famed Marls to the west of Marsh Harbor -- all teeming with bonefish. Anglers and yachtsmen return year-after-year to enjoy this precious string of islands, each has its own personality and culture. Non-fishing companions will enjoy island hopping, shelling, shopping and plenty of tempting white sand beaches. World-class lodges, upscale resorts and lovely rental homes are found throughout the Abacos. The Central Bahamas… fringed by the Great Bahama Bank, these islands include New Providence, Andros, The Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Exuma and Cat Island. The best route to these destinations is through Nassau, and then on to your favorite “Out Island” via commuter airlines. On the island of New Providence, visitors will find an endless array of resorts (one for every budget) in Nassau, Cable Beach and Paradise Island. Surprisingly good fishing is found in the tranquil waters of Coral Harbour, Yamacraw, South Beach and Adalade. Andros Island is a compilation of North Andros, Mangrove Cay and South Andros islands, separated by tidal creeks. Andros is the country’s largest island, running about 105 miles in length and about 40 miles wide. Said to be “the bonefishing capital of the world,” this is where serious anglers find a great choice of destinations -each with well-appointed lodges and outstanding guides. San Andros in the north leads to the western side, the east- ern shore and the Joulters Cays. Andros Town allows easy access to Fresh Creek, the eastern foreshore, North Bight and the west-side from Behring Point. Mangrove Cay opens access to Middle Bight, the west-side and fishing flats further south. Congo Town at the southern end boasts excellent fishing along the eastern shore, South Bight through to the west-side, and south as the Curley Cut Cays. The Berry Islands, slightly northeast of Andros include Chub Cay, Great Harbour Cay and several privately owned cays. Commuter service is available. There’s a boutique hotel with clean, comfortable rooms and a stylish restaurant at Great Harbour Cay. Scheduled for early 2014, Chub Cay Club will be renovating its guest accommodations but some rental units may be available. The extensive sandy flats and blue waters surrounding the cays offer excellent shallow water fly and deep-sea fishing. Eleuthera, approximately 60 miles east of Nassau, connects to Harbour Island and Spanish Wells by ferry. Visiting anglers will find quaint hotel accommodations, good restaurants and excellent bonefishing in the surrounding northern and western shallows. Exuma, comprising 365 cays (including renowned Staniel Cay) is approximately 140 miles southeast of Nassau. The island’s airport has direct airlift from Florida, trendy accommodations and exceptional bonefishing – especially on the west side, between the many cays and pristine flats running north through Staniel Cay north to Hawksbill cay. Cat Island is home to Mount Alvernia, the highest peak in The Bahamas. Basically undeveloped, the island’s tourism is mostly nature-based. Fly fishing is excellent in these pristine waters and is a popular choice with visitors. Excellent accommodations, cuisine, and guide services are provided by the island’s resorts. The Southern Islands… attract anglers seeking solitude What’s For Dinner: Bonefish and permit in the flats eat mainly juvenile crustaceans and fishes, so their prey is usually very Official Gamefish BAHAMAS GAMEFISH Chart CHART JAN FISH Nicholl's Town, Bahamas [email protected] (242)329-2661 www.northandrosflyfishing.com Phillip Rolle, a Certified Bahamas Flyfishing Guide, born and raised Androsian. A lifetime of experience on the Andros waters. Our affordable packages include guided fishing, lodging, meals, all on-island transportation, all from your tropical three bedroom cottage. FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV FISHING REGULATIONS BAG LIMITS DEC Allison Tuna and unadulterated fly fishing action – the kind of quality fishing that lasts for several days. Another attraction to this area is the “walk and wade” option of bonefishing, which is growing in popularity. Commuter airlines provide regularly scheduled service to the islands from Nassau. Long Island is approximately 165 miles southeast of Nassau, it has two airports, and the Tropic of Cancer passes through the northern quarter. Fly fishing for bones is the big attraction here, and it’s good year-round. Experienced anglers say the best “fights” are found on the expansive flats on the western side, northern and southern foreshores of the island. Top quality lodges offer nice accommodations on the island. Of special interest for first-time visitor anglers is the “do-it-yourself” concept, unique to those fishing Long Island. Acklins and Crooked Island, two of four islands forming an Atoll hugging the Bight of Acklins, are really virgin territories -- a remote region attracting anglers interested in hardcore fishing experiences. The Little Bahama Bank, Great Bahama Bank and Bight of Acklins are earth’s most prolific habitat for shallow-water recreational fishing. The islands comprising these regions of The Bahamas offer world-class fly fishing all year long. Our accommodation and fishing facilities are first class, but the quality that brings anglers back year-after-year is our certified guides. The Islands of The Bahamas are so close, and so safe. Come cast your fly… The boat you fish from, must have a fishing permit aboard. Individual permits are not required. Permits are obtained from Customs officials at ports of entry. Fishing gear is restricted to hook and line and you may not fish with more than six rods at a time. Bag limits are as follows: Amberjack Baracuda Blackfin Tuna Bluefin Tuna Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish/Tuna: Migratory species such as Kingfish, Dolphin, Tuna or Wahoo shall not exceed 18 fish per vessel at any time. Blue Marlin Bonefish Broadbill Swordfish Stone Crabs: Closed season is June 1 to October 15. Minimum harvestable claw is 4”. Harvesting of female is prohibited. Dolphin <Z_XWZdY Turtle: Illegal to export. No vessel shall have any marine turtles on board. Sailfish Mackerel Lobster or Crawfish: No more than 10 tails at any given time. Annual closed season is April 1 to July 31. Minimum size limits are 3-3/8 inch carapace length or six inches tail length. Egg-bearing female crawfish are protected. Oceanic Bonito Permit Tarpon Conch: Harvesting and possession of conch without a well formed lip is prohibited. Bag limit at any given time is no more than 6 per boat. Grouper Snapper Shark Vessel Bag Limit: Demersal species (groupers, snappers, etc.) not in excess of sixty (60 lbs.) pounds or 20 scale fish. Wahoo White Marlin *Information subject to change Excellent Gateway to the Joulter Cays Catch Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon Permit like mostly larger crab flies like Merkin, Critter Crab and other crab imitations in #2 and #1 sizes. Barracudas are attracted to long skinny chartreuse flies about six to eight inches or, a large bait fish pattern with a big eye and five or six inches long. Dolphin, bonito, small tunas, big jacks and such will hit a bait fish pattern with big eyes, colored in white or yellow with a dark back in black, green, red or blue -- and a fair amount of flash on the side. (I prefer yellow for dolphin.) Also, big poppers works well on the big fish and are great fun to see the strike. The Reel Deal: A reel with a smooth drag and capacity of 150 yards or more of 20 pound backing will do for bones and permit. For the ten weight rod, a reel with over 250 yards of 30 pound backing is fine. On a windy days, a nine foot leader is perfect for bones with 10 pound tippet and permit with 12 or 16 pound tippet. On calm days, and providing you are a good caster, I recommend a 12 foot leader. WORLD-CLASS DESTINATIONS NORTH TO SOUTH Some say fly-fishing in The Bahamas is seasonal. That’s small; less than two inches. Bonefish flies tied on #4 hooks are the norm in The Bahamas. In areas with big bones, I prefer the larger flies tied on #2 hooks. Many bonefish patterns work as long as they are small and weighted. I like the Crazy Charlie, Gotcha (any shrimp pattern with banded tail), and crab flies like the Merkin. If you’re fishing here for the first time, here are some helpful tips from Chico Fernandez, the man who wrote the book on fly fishing. WATERMAKERS, INC. MARINE DESALINATORS <HDUV2I([FHOOHQFH 2233 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 5XJJHGDQG5HOLDEOH 7Rö*3'6\VWHPV 8QHTXDOHG6HUYLFH5HSDLU %DKDPDV/RFDWLRQV Nassau, Abaco, Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, & Staniel Cay Fresh Water, Any Time, Any Ocean &DOO7ROO)UHH)5(6+RU LQIR#ZDWHUPDNHUVFRPċZZZZDWHUPDNHUVFRP Abaco Vacation Planner Relax... Explore... Discover... The Islands of Abaco in The Bahamas Vacation Home Rentals & Inclusive Packages Office: 1 (242) 367-3529 Mobile: 1 (242) 577-0016 www.AbacoVacationPlanner.com Affiliated With: Lydia Bodamer Vacation Specialist | Real Estate Agent Contact us at [email protected] • 242-422-5018 We offer Guided • Fly Fishing • Reef & Big Game Fishing • Snorkelling reefs & blue holes • Complimentary kayaks & Bikes to explore the island and beaches. 1.800.32 SPORT 140844_BahamasBFG.indd 21 Good to Excellent Good Fair Occasional None The Islands Of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2012-2013 21 Fine Dining -Local, Bahamian & Island Cuisine MAX says "Anglers Welcome... 10/18/12 6:25 PM Great Rates Year-Round" We offer Free Two Fly-Free Tickets & $100 fishing credit on 4 or more night packages. P.O. Box AN 23802 Mangrove Cay Andros Island, The Bahamas Telephone 242-369-0296 / Fax 242-369-0297 Just up George St, before Old Christopher Columbus on the steps of Government House Open: 11:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m., daily RESTAURANT & BAR )BQQZ)PVSt0-QNt%BJMZ4QFDJBMT (FPSHF4USFFUt/BTTBV#BIBNBTt