On the heels of second annual Big Yard Bonefish Classic at Swain's Cay Lodge, a fly fishing tournament that has raised over $150,000 for Andros' Mangrove Cay Park Project to date, Yellow Dog Community and Conservation Foundation is now adding a new event to raise important funding to help rebuild the historic McClean's Town community.
McClean's Town is located on the east end of Grand Bahama Island and was devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. The primary challenge for McClean's Town has been rebuilding houses and infrastructure in the community to attract residents to return home. Most were forced to leave since their homes were destroyed and have not returned. Once a thriving community of 250 residents, McClean's Town now supports only around 50 people.
The McClean's Town Invitational is a permit-focused fly fishing tournament at East End Lodge designed to raise funds for the rebuilding of homes and a community center, with $50,000 of YDCCF funds already donated to the cause. The tournament will feature eight teams of two anglers per team.
Tournament Details:Â This is a multi-species, fly only, and catch and release event. All fish must be kept in the water as much as possible while measuring and taking photos.
- Permit must be over 18"- 200 points
- Bonefish must be over 18" to score - 18" to 24" is 10 points, 24" to 30" is 20 points, and over 30" is 50 points
- Barracuda must be over 30" to score and is 20 points
- Mutton Snapper must be over 18" and is 40 points
- Cubera Snapper must be over 18" and is worth 100 points
- Tarpon must be over 24" and is worth 100 points - just grab the leader to score.
- Catch three of the species in one day and add 300 points - catch all four and add 500 points
Tournament Itinerary:
- October 14 - 20, 2024
- October 14 - Arrive to Freeport International Airport. There are commercial flights, and we will most likely have a charter flight as well. Plan to arrive by 2PM. Transportation from Freeport down to East End will be provided. Monday afternoon/evening is the McClean's Town Conch Cracking Festival and we will join the community in this annual celebration. This will give you an opportunity to meet residents and experience the town to help understand why we're working to help them rebuild.
- October 15 - Practice day of fishing. Review rules and regulations of tournament. Welcome dinner and live auction.
- October 16, 17, 18 and 19 - Tournament fishing days
- October 20 - Depart Grand Bahama
Awards:
- Grand Champion Team
- Grand Champion Angler
- Runner Up Grand Champ Angler
- Runner Up Grand Champ Angler
- Biggest permit
- Most permit
- Biggest Bonefish
- Most Bonefish
- Most Cuda
- Most Tarpon
Rates:Â Packages includes six nights and five guided fishing days (two anglers per skiff). The lodge has both single and double occupancy rooms (first come first serve for single rooms).
- Single room and double fishing package: $6,510.00 + Tax Deductible Tournament fee of $500 = $7,010.00
- Double occupancy room and fishing package: $5,875 + Tax Deductible Tournament fee of $500 = $6,375.00
What’s Included:
- Round trip ground transfer to and from Freeport International Airport and East End Lodge
- All accommodations at the lodge as specified
- Daily guided fishing
- All meals while at the lodge
- Purified bottled water and coffee
- Complimentary wine is served at dinner
- Fishing equipment is available for use at no additional charge (G. Loomis Rods and Hatch Reels)
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Bahamas VAT tax on package
What’s Not Included:
- Air transportation to and from Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
- Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and juices
- Flies and terminal tackle
- Bahamas fishing license
- Gratuities for fishing guides and the lodge staff
- Bahamas VAT tax on all additional purchases
Contact Yellow Dog to learn more!
