Photo: Jim Klug – Yellow Dog Flyfishing.
The following is a summary of some of the best fly fishing destinations on Andros Island, The Bahamas
By Skip Clement
Are there other great stays in The Bahamas’ Andros Island besides these Yellow Dog properties profiled below? Yes, of course, but I picked these because they checked all the boxes, and the information on all the properties was verified as advertised. Add to that an already well-established reputation that Jim Klug has maintained throughout the fly fishing community and outdoor travel industry, and my posting this became an easy job.
QUALIFIERS:
- Fishery
- Guide Caliber
- Equipment
- Accommodations
- Ambience
- Food
About Andros Island:
Andros Island is known as the “Bonefish Capital of the World.” A comprehensive system of natural channels bisects the islands, creating hundreds of square miles of shallow lagoons and white sand flats where bonefish flourish – everything from easy-to-catch mudding bonefish and schoolie-sized fish to some of the largest bonefish that swim in the Bahamas. And there are always seasonal opportunities for tarpon and permit.
Interactive Google map of Andros Island . . .
Swain’s Cay Lodge
- Beachfront and garden view cottages or three bedroom villa – capacity -is 14 Anglers. Located on a white sand beach of Mangrove Cay, Andros, Swain’s Cay Lodge is a full-service bonefishing operation and beach resort ideally situated and built for anglers, non-anglers, families, and couples.
- The Lodge offers Wi-Fi in the office and Main Lodge. Cell phone service is available depending on individual plans.
- Swain’s Cay guides are excellent captains with many years of experience. They run 16 and 17-foot Action Craft and Dolphin Skiffs with 75HP Yamaha. All skiffs are outfitted with poling platforms, poles, plenty of rod storage, coolers with plenty of ice, and cushioned seats. For offshore days, you will fish aboard The Reel Time, a 24-foot, twin-engine center console catamaran. Offshore spin gear, lures, bait, and plugs are provided for bluewater days, but please bring all your fly gear.
- Swain’s Cay Lodge . . .
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Bairs Lodge
- Bair’s has established itself as a top high-end operation with excellent fishing for bonefish with occasional shots at tarpon, permit, barracuda, jacks, and several types of snapper. Offshore fishing may be arranged seasonally for wahoo, tuna, and dorado. Bair’s Lodge offers exceptional personalized guest service to small groups of 12 anglers per week. Cuisine includes Bahamian specialties and fresh seafood.
- Plantation-style building surrounded by tropical flowers and palm trees on a sparkling white sandbank. Plush sofas line the airy living and dining areas, along with an indoor bar, satellite television, and fully-stocked fly-tying table for guest use. Telephone and internet service are available in the main office.
- Light and airy, with tiled floors, crisp bedding, and luxurious ensuite bathrooms, most guest rooms open directly to a long ocean-view verandah a quick walk from the beach. Convenient rod racks sit beside outdoor showers, with fresh-water hoses to wash down your tackle in the evenings.
Broad Shad Cay Lodge
- In 2009, after years of planning and construction, well-known Andros guide, Captain Andy Smith, opened one of the most beautiful, most exclusive small lodge operations in all of the Bahamas. Impressively well-situated on its private island in a very remote location in the “North Bight” of Andros, the Broad Shad Cay consists of two bedrooms, the main dining room and lounge, and a wrap-around deck offering unbeatable views of the surrounding waters.
- This one-of-a-kind destination is situated equidistant between the east and west coasts of Andros. Since the tides come from both coasts, this location allows anglers to fish optimum tides throughout the day with minimal running time in a boat.
- Small and exclusive, Broad Shad offers a great location, first-rate accommodations, and the opportunity to learn the subtler aspects of flats fishing from Andy Smith and his expert team of guides. Capacity is limited to four guests per week.
Mangrove Cay Lodge
- The Mangrove Cay Club is a fantastic option for anglers seeking an upscale fishing destination and high-end amenities in the heart of the “bights” of Andros. Its prime location allows for anglers to fish the north, middle, and south bights of this huge island, where guides can position you on optimal tides throughout each fishing day.
- You can also explore both coasts of the island and cover a phenomenal amount of fishing area, making this one of the most diverse bonefishing destinations in all of the Bahamas.
- Full-time guides are well-suited to work with beginner and novice anglers and can target both trophy bones or pure numbers of schooling bones, as well as occasional tarpon on the famed West Side.
- The Club’s accommodations are well-appointed, with comfortable waterfront suites located just steps away from a private dock from which you will launch for your fishing adventure every day.
- Mangrove Cay’s main social area and bar overlook the Middle Bight, providing the perfect setting for post-fishing socializing, catching a ball game on television, or shark fishing off the dock at night.
- Up to 16 guests.
Red Bay Sunset Lodge
- Located a few miles north of the historic sponge settlement of Red Bays on Andros’ famed northwest coast is Benry Smith’s new Red Bay Sunset Lodge.
- Built in 2018 by Benry himself, this six-person operation specializes in trophy bonefish, resident tarpon, and the occasional large, ocean permit.
- Benry is the son of Captain Charlie Smith, The Godfather of bonefishing on Andros, and also known as Crazy Charlie. Benry has been in the fly fishing industry since he could walk and tied flies for his father.
- Red Bay Sunset Lodge is a small, quaint, family-operated lodge that accommodates six guests in three double-occupancy rooms.
- The lodge has a fly-tying bench and plenty of comfortable social space.
- This lodge is totally off the grid, so the freshwater is treated from Andros pure groundwater, and all power comes from the lodge’s generator.
Family and couples resort stays with a great fly fishing component
Kamalame Cay Resort . . .
Of the numerous bonefish destinations found throughout the Bahamas, none offer the elegance, privacy, and high-end resort amenities of Kamalame Cay. This 97-acre private island resort is the perfect retreat for couples and families seeking a unique Caribbean experience catering to both anglers and non-anglers alike.
Small Hope Bay Lodge
Ian Davis photo.
An all-inclusive beach resort caters perfectly to couples and families seeking a reasonably priced vacation in the Bahamas. Small Hope Bay Lodge is a family-owned and operated resort that offers numerous non-angling activities, including one of the top-rated snorkel and scuba programs in the Bahamas. The lodge overlooks a white sandy beach, with direct access to the ocean, a protected shallow bay, and an inland creek—all of which are ideal for fishing, kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling. This is indeed one of the finest values in the Bahamas for hardcore anglers, families, and couples.
This ad paid for by Tom Karrow.
