The Bahamas are a great location due to their convenience of travel from the United States. Keep in mind that although a lodge can be a great value, that doesn’t mean that they are all suited for beginner anglers. Taking a trip to the Bahamas doesn’t mean breaking the bank. You may sacrifice some of the frills of a higher end lodge, but don’t think that the fishing is any worse.
Big Charlie’s Lodge
Charlie Neymour is a legend among bonefish guides in the Bahamas, and his lodge offers an intimate setting for anglers looking to fish the astounding flats. The lodge can cater up to eight anglers at a time, and rooms have air conditioning, small refrigerators, and private bathrooms. Charlie’s is steeped in tradition where a goodbye banquet and party are held on your final night. There’s a well-stocked bar, and guests are sure to find a fun time, great food, and occasionally some late-night dancing. Chasing big bonefish is the name of the game at Charlie’s, and with large numbers, it’s the perfect destination for anglers new to the salt.
Mount Pleasant Lodge
Mount Pleasant Lodge is located at the end of a long road essentially making it a private operation. Guests can stay in one of the duplexes that overlook the flats and can literally walk out the front door to fish. The bonefishing can be superb on the flats as well as occasional shots at barracuda, tarpon, and permit. This is one of the few options for guests wanting a DIY option as the lodge has no guides of its own. The expanse of flats is ideal for anyone wanting to wade. However, if preferred, guests can request a guide, and the lodge can arrange it. The duplexes have air conditioning, a small kitchenette area, and private bathrooms. The bar, dining room, and main kitchen are all located in the main lodge. This is a great option for families or small groups.
Crooked Island Lodge
Located on Crooked Island, the lodge is just about as far south as one can travel without leaving Bahamian waters. The oceanside resort is traditionally slower than other resorts in the Bahamas, and with the low numbers of people, the fishing can be extremely productive. Like most Bahamian lodges, bonefish again are the targeted fish species. However, some tarpon, permit, barracuda, and jacks are found in the fishery. Guests can stay in one of the 12 different cottages – rooms have air conditioning or either ceiling fans paired with large windows to take advantage of the ocean breeze. Furthermore, guests can relax in the lodge’s pool or take the sea kayaks exploring out on the flats.
Two Boys Inn sits in the heart of the historic bonefishing neighborhood on Andros. Run by Ivan Neymour, and whose entire family are longtime friends of Yellow Dog, Two Boy’s isn’t a large resort but offers guests an intimate, homely atmosphere. Rooms have air conditioning and private bathrooms, and Ivan’s wife Melinda prepares all the meals. Enjoy sharing fish stories around the dinner table and bar while sipping on cold Kaliks. The guides at Two Boys are top tier and have put guests on world-class sized bonefish more than they can count. The great fishing combined with the accommodations make the lodge one of the best values in any of the Bahamas.
Da Bay Area Bonefish Lodge
The lodge sits on the shores of Mars Bay literally offering anglers a walk from their front door to the flats. Each oceanfront suite has air conditioning and private bathrooms. After a long day chasing tailing bonefish, anglers can relax in one of the reading rooms, grab a drink at the complimentary bar, or enjoy the amazing cuisine served by the lodge. The skinny water of the bay is best fished wading, but if guests prefer guides have no qualms about fishing from a skiff. A unique aspect of the fishery is that anglers can hone their skills on the smaller creeks around the lodge before they pursue the large bones in the bay. Da Bay is primarily a fishing-focused destination, but there are excellent beached for lounging and reading for the non-angler.
The fishing season in the Bahamas is year-round – there’s not a wrong time to go. But that’s not to say it isn’t a great escape from the cold of the winter months. If you’re interested to find out more about the lodges offered in the Bahamas, contact Doug McKnight who’s a wealth of knowledge and can answer any of your questions.