Freeport, Grand Bahama is a special place. It allows those who travel to the Bahamas for reasons other than purely fishing to sneak off for a day or two and experience some of the best fishing in the world. We fish the waters off the East end of Grand Bahama Island (roughly 40 minutes from Freeport) and target bonefish, mutton snappers, jacks, sharks, barracudas, and the occasional permit with fly rods and spinning gear. We welcome anglers of all skill levels. Come for a day or stay for a month.
Flyfishing for bonefish in the Bahamas is considered to some to be the best fly fishing in the world. Usually trips to the Bahamas involve complicated flights, expensive lodges, booking agencies, and a structured tourist environment.Come fish with us in a comfortable laid back environment, where you can experience some of the best bonefishing the Bahamas has to offer.
Grand Bahama Bonefishing Experience
The East End of Grand Bahama Island is one of the original places where it was realized that bonefish could be caugh on fly. People quickly began to enjoy it, and the business side of bonefishing had a big impact on the economy of the Bahamas. That impact continues today, and on Grand Bahama alone, there are multiple bonefishing operations; some lodges, and others (like myself) that are private guides with our own business and equipment. Kind of like you might see in the Florida Keys. There are many styles of fishing trips here, ones that involve luxury and pampering, and others that provide a nice relaxing day on the water, while allowing you to have your own time after fishing. If you prefer the latter, then I promose you that a day spent on my skiff might be right up your alley.
David Pinder Sr one of the first
bonefishermen on the Island
Your trip will begin either with a pick up at your room, or a short rental car drive to the East end of Grand Bahama. On the way, you may want to pick up some lunch and drinks as a cooler will be provided. Oh yeah, don’t forget some sunblock, polarized sunglasses, a hat, and some foul weather gear...and a camera. Once in McLeans Town we’ll jump in the boat and hit it hard. Some really great fishing is just a stone’s throw from the dock. Even on windy days, the terrain provides plenty of lee shorelines crawling with bonefish.
Rigging up while Bernard brings the boat
Releasing a nice bright fish, North side GBI
Our bonefish here average around 4 pounds with daily catches of 6-8 pound fish as well as multiple daily sightings of double digit bones. Catching those big ones occurs frequently, as long as everything goes correctly. Bonefishing is a fast game, where the fish, the boat, the wind all have to be coordinated properly to ensure a good shot. Fortunately there are a lot of hungry fish around, and expect to get a bunch of shots in a day.
Grand Bahama’s East end is divided by a half a dozen large creek flats that seperate the South side (ocean flats) with the North side (backcountry shorelines and flats). The South side is the stereotypical white sand, while the North is more marl. This is the Everglades of bonefishing, only twice as big as the glades. It is not uncommon on either side not to see another fisherman for days on end. My skiff allows us access to areas in the backcountry that the other guide boats on the island can’t get into.
We have fairly large tides here, which is good, and the tide fluctuation on either side of the island sets up that the perfect tide is usually just a short boat ride away. We tend to fish when and where the tides are best. sometimes that means from the boat, other times wading, and sometimes we sneak up on tailing fish with the boat, then slide out of the boat to close the deal. Any way you do it, it is awesome!
After a long day on the water, stop by the bar, grab a cold Kalik, or the local brew, Sands, spark up a tropical cigar, and enjoy some conch salad or some crawfish (lobster). Just remember to let me know before hand so I can pick up a few bugs while we are out fishing.
Fly Fishing Tackle
Bonefish Flies
Fly Casting To Bonefish
There is one secret to casting a fly to a bonefish less is more. Most of your shots will be from 30-60 feet and require accuracy in all conditions. Work on your double hall, but most importantly relax and let me “guide” your fly...
It is pretty simple here on GBI, bring either an 8 or 9 weight rod with a weight forward floating line. Airflo makes the best bonefish line on the market. A 12 foottapered leader at 12lb test works great.
So many different flies can catch bonefish everywhere they swim. Here in Grand Bahama they tend to like small flies (approx. 2” in length) mayme with some rubber legs. Make sure that they land quietly but sink fast. Don’t forget a crab or two.
Grand Bahama Fly Fishing Video
Fly Fishing
Video Awards
2011
made for:
We recently worked on a short film as part of the Fly Fishing Film Tour’s, The Get Lost Project. The movie is called Keep Left, and we had some incredible fishing while working on it. Look for it online winter 2012!