Andros Island is our favorite Bahamian destination, and considered by many people to be the “Bonefishing Capital” of the World. We would certainly endorse this title.

Located one hundred fifty miles southeast of Miami, and thirty-six miles west of Nassau, Andros is surrounded by the best saltwater flats habitat on the planet. The North, Middle, and South Bights are the heart of this famous fishery, but they are only the beginning. Andros sprawls over one hundred miles from the Joulters Cays on the northern end, to the Water Cays and Curly Cut Cays on the southern tip, and spans forty miles from the east coast to the West Side. Composed of serpentine channels and creeks, fresh and salt water lakes, verdant mangrove cays, and countless miles of sandy flats, Andros is blessed with more fertile fishing grounds than any other area in the Caribbean.

Roaming these flats are uncountable numbers of bonefish averaging three to six pounds. There are also abundant fish in the six- to nine-pound class, plus many unforgettable double-digit giants. If you’re looking for BIG bonefish, Andros is THE place to take your shot. Andros also offers year-round tarpon fishing, plus seasonal fishing for permit, barracuda, sharks, jacks, snappers, amberjack, grouper, billfish, wahoo, tuna, mackerel and dolphin.

The local atmosphere on Andros is a blend of casual every day life, Caribbean charm and friendliness, plus a pinch of superstition. Most people follow a simple routine. Nothing is hurried. No traffic. People go to work. Children dress in uniforms and go to school. People believe in local witch doctors, and in the spirit of the mythical Chickcharnie, a small bird-like being with huge eyes and a penchant for mischief. Potions are mixed and blended and taken for good health. People possess ambition and pride, but there is no demanding timetable set for progress.

The roughly eight thousand residents of Andros are concentrated on the eastern coast. The western coast is unsettled and relatively unexplored, as are many of the interior lakes. Andros is The Bahamas’ most important farming region, and the largest source of fresh water. Farmland, plus pine and hardwood forests, cover the northern part of the island. Hardwoods include mahogany, horseflesh (used in shipbuilding), and lignum vitae, also known as sailor’s cure because its sap provided the most effective treatment for syphilis until the 1900s.

Bird life is more prolific on Andros than most other islands, and so is insect life. Due to the large amount of fresh water, mosquitoes, sand flies and green-headed horse flies, known locally as “doctor flies,” are abundant, especially when the wind is down.

Historically, Andros has always been a mysterious island. Spanish sailors visited in the 16th century and called the island “La Isla del Espiritu Santo,” Island of the Holy Spirit. This name came from the Spanish belief that the Holy Spirit lives over water, and Andros presented itself to them more as water than land.

Andros’s dense lush interior - a combination of mangrove swamps, thorny underbrush, and thick forests - was seen as virtually impenetrable, and perhaps haunted. This inaccessibility and mystique was the draw for runaway slaves and Seminole Indians escaping from the Florida Everglades in the mid-19th century. These refugees settled in Red Bay due to its peace and obscurity.

Logging, farming, fishing and sponging has dominated the Andros economy over the past hundred years. Conservation efforts have put an end to logging, at least for the time being, while farming, commercial fishing and sponging are still important revenue sources. Tourism, which focuses on sportfishing, eco-tours, and diving, is the fastest growing sector of the new economy.

The island residents are quickly adapting to this tourism-based economy. Young men are training to become professional fishing guides. New lodges are being built, old ones are being renovated. Taxi services have improved dramatically. Most important, the locals look forward to sharing their island with visitors, to revealing their secret treasures. This type of outgoing sincerity goes well beyond just good service, and leaves many visitors with a desire to return.

In spite of its size and proximity to Nassau, Andros is one of the least visited of the Out Islands. This is partly due to the overall lack of development, and until recently, the lack of promoted adventure activities.

Small Hope Bay Lodge has made a consistent and successful effort to promote Andros as a diving and snorkeling destination. The island has more dive sites than any other Bahamian location. The world’s third largest barrier reef is just offshore, and the Tongue of the Ocean creates unparalleled wall diving.

Small Hope is an ideal place for families and couples looking for a relaxing remote location. Swim, windsurf, dive, snorkel, bike, hike, explore blue holes, and eat great food on your own schedule. Guided bonefishing, reef and offshore fishing can also be arranged.

A new resort in the South Bight, Tiamo, has set a new standard for eco-tourism lodges throughout the islands, and is also a romantic spot for a honeymoon. And yes, they’ve got some great bonefish right of the beach in front of their spacious cottages.

The fastest and easiest way to reach Andros is by air. Several charter carriers make this convenient with non-stop service from Ft. Lauderdale. We usually fly into Nassau on American, Delta, or Continental. Western Air offers reliable service from Nassau to the four airports on Andros: Andros Town, San Andros, Mangrove Cay, and Congo Town.

Fishing Highlights
Traditionally, the best times to fish Andros are March through late-June, then again in October and November. December, January and February can be excellent, though these months have a greater chance of suffering through cold fronts that can bring high winds, cloud cover and chilly temperatures. July, August, and September are the main tropical storm and hurricane months.

With due consideration given to the so-called best times for good fishing and good weather, we’d like to say that all saltwater flats fishing is at the whim of Mother Nature. The weather can be good or bad any time. We have given up any attempts at predictions. The weather is the weather, so learn to deal with it. Expect windy conditions at all times. Hope for sun but be prepared for clouds, which makes seeing fish extremely difficult. Be ready for any condition, then you will feel particularly blessed and appreciative on those gorgeous calm days.

That said, let’s get back to January and February. If these are the only two months you can go flats fishing, Andros is a great place to take your shot, especially if you are after big bonefish. More double-digit bonefish are landed in February than any other month. Also keep in mind that Andros covers a vast fishing area. There are miles of creeks, especially on the northeast coast, where anglers can fish in relative calm even on the windiest of days.

Remember too that the term “cold front” is a relative term. While a cold front can plunge air temperatures into the high 40s for a day or so, a tropical climate sets the tone. Andros temperatures average 78, with daytime temperatures usually in the 80s. Average water temperature ranges from 70 in January to 90 in August.

The Andros fishery is one of the most varied on earth, yet it can be analyzed with some general rules in mind, as can most other Bahamian fisheries. Flats that drop off into oceanside areas or deeper creeks and channels tend to fish better on the incoming tide. These flats are also better in poor weather conditions, especially when air temperatures drop or rise dramatically. Interior flats and creeks lined with mangroves are usually better on falling tides, and in more stable weather conditions.

We prefer to fish spring tides in Andros as they produce stronger currents and greater changes in water depths. This allows more bonefish to move onto the flats, and to penetrate deeper into remote areas in search of sea crabs. Neap tides, especially in lower tidal periods of the year, bring fewer fish onto the flats, and reduce the fishing area. May has some of the lowest tides of the year, while October has the highest.

Fish are creatures of habit. You need to be observant and patient for maximum success. Make notes in a journal, then try to make predictions about a particular area and a particular tide. This kind of game is lots of fun, and extremely satisfying when your predictions turn into fishing success.

Accomodation
Bair Bahamas Guest House - Little Creek
This comfortable guest house was purchased by Nervous Waters, the premiere Argentina fly-fishing lodging company in the spring and 2003, and completely remodeled in the summer of 2003. The lodge can accommodate up to six anglers at a time in three large air-conditioned suites. Excellent meals are served in the dining room overlooking the beach, with specialties such as fresh seafood, fried chicken, steaks and other delicious treats, including scrumptious key lime pie. The fishing program covers miles flats and creeks around South Andros. Deep Creek, Little Creek and Grassy Creek offer protected fishing in rough weather. If you like to wade fish, this is an ideal location, for large schools of smaller bones, or larger fish cruising alone or in pairs. The well-trained guides are friendly and knowledgeable. Excellent reef and offshore fishing is also available nearby.

Season: October through June.
Suitable For: Anglers only.
What’s Included: Accommodation, all meals, open bar, guided fishing, airport transfers to/from Congo Town, and Bahamian taxes. Single rates are available.
Not Included: Air fare to Congo Town, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, fishing tackle. Congo Air services Congo Town from Nassau. Charter flights are available from Nassau and Ft. Lauderdale.
Pricing: On application.
Contact: Reservations and information - 866.963.7870.
Email: info@oregonrivers.com.

Tranquility Hill Fishing Lodge - Behring Point
Owned and operated by the Neymours and Mackeys, this comfortable lodge features air-conditioned rooms with private baths, a pleasant dining room/bar area with satellite TV, and an outdoor deck overlooking the North Bight. Wadable flats are right out front. Ivan Neymour runs the fishing program, which is one of the best in The Bahamas. Guides are flexible in their fishing hours, meaning you will fish the best tides at the appropriate times. Fishing areas include the North, Middle, and South Bights, outside ocean flats from Bowen Sound to Moxey Town, and the vast West Side region. Bahamian charm and hospitality are in abundant supply here. Guests are made to feel like part of the family and the food is especially good.

Season: October through June.

Suitable For: Anglers only.
What’s Included: Bonefish packages feature air-conditioned rooms with private baths, three meals daily, Bahamian taxes, and guided fishing. Trips of any length are available.

Not Included: Air fare to Andros Town, taxi transfers, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, fishing tackle.
Pricing: On application.
Contact: Reservations and information, telephone/fax - 242.368.4132.
Email: bahamaswriter@hotmail.com.

Small Hope Bay Lodge - Fresh Creek
Small Hope specializes in diving and snorkeling. Twenty cottages are situated right on the beach, each with private bath, double beds and ceiling fans. The magnificent Andros Barrier Reef is one mile offshore, about a 10 minute boat ride. For the ultimate in diving, try the “Over the Wall” dive. Descend up to 185 feet along the 6,000 foot vertical drop of the Tongue of the Ocean. Excellent bonefishing options with independent guides are available in the Fresh Creek, White Bight, Staniard and Stafford Creek areas. Full and half-day reef or offshore fishing trips are available. Small Hope provides air charter service from Ft. Lauderdale to Andros Town. This is a reliable economical way to travel to and from Andros.

Season: October through June.

Suitable For: Anglers and non-anglers.
What’s Included: Round trip airport transfers, beachfront accommodations, three meals daily, afternoon snacks, all bar drinks and beverages, service charges, Bahamian taxes, introductory scuba lessons, and free use of snorkeling equipment, bicycles, sailboats and windsurfers. Trips of any length are available.

Not Included: Air fare to Andros Town airport, gratuities, guided fishing.
Pricing: On application.
Contact: Reservations and information, call 800.223.6961 or 242.368.2014. Fax: 242.368.2015.
Email: SHBinfo@SmallHope.com.
Internet: www.SmallHope.com .

For more great information on fly fishing The Bahamas see:
Mini guide to fly fishing The Bahamas - Abaco Mini guide to fly fishing The Bahamas - Eleuthera, Spanish Wells & Harbour Island Mini guide to fly fishing The Bahamas - Long Island

Stephen and Kim Vletas co-founded the famous Westbank Anglers in 1986 in Jackson, Wyoming and have since also opened stores in Dallas and Charlotte. They believe the only way to write successful travel books is to visit and study each location personally, so, for six to eight weeks every year they travel to The Bahamas to gain the intimate knowledge of fisheries, guides, and all the important details of island life that abound in their books. Check out their website at www.bahamasflyfishingguide.com .