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Bahamas Bonefishing - Do it yourself

13K views 14 replies 10 participants last post by  fisheze 
#1 ·
With the prices of Bahamian lodges continuing to climb it seem's that more and more people are seeking do it yourself (guide included)packages.

Living in the Tampa area allow's me to get over to the Bahamas six or seven times a year. However, my budget (o.k., o.k. my wife) does not allow me spend on average 475 a day to fish.

In order to get around this I usually choose to shun staying at the traditional bonefish lodges, and secure independent guides and lodging.

Gathering this information can be challenging to say the least. It seems as if I get most of the good information when I am down in the Islands. Hopefully, those of you reading this will share not only guide names but also lodging information.

I realize that different people have different requirement's in regards to accomodation's. I can tell you that my standards focus more on a place to sleep with air conditioning - because I am there primarily to fish.

I will offer up my top location's with Guides and numbers, in the hopes that other's will do so as well.

Bimini
Lodging: Bimini Blue Water Resort (Marlin Cottage). This is the cottage where Hemingway stayed while writing a good portion of Island's in the Stream, and it sit's right next to the Compleat Angler. 3 bedroom's, 3 Bath's, kitchen, and two porches. Total cost about 300 buck's a night. Divide that by six people and each pay's 150.00 a night for the entire three night stay.

Guides: Although the guides are aging and no young blood is replacing them, You have access to five of the best.
1. BoneFish Ray 242-347-2269 (His wife Shelia co-ordinates his calendar and can also secure other guides.
2. Ansil Saunders - 242-347-3391
3. Bonefish Rudy (experienced fly casters only) 242- 347-2266.
They all charge 300 for a full day, and 200 for a half day.

There is also a Kayak rental place right across the street if you want to take a break it fish on your own one day.

Grand Bahama:
Lodging anywhere I can get it (lately it has been the Old Princess Casino which is undergoing renovation's. They have been running a deal for 60.00 buck's a night.

Guides:
Both of these are as good as they get and come from one of the original "Bonefishing Families" on Grand Bahama.

1.Stanley Glinton: CP 242 477 8088, H 242 353 3047
2.Leroy Glinton:CP242 351 8672, H 242 353 3047
 
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#4 ·
I will do a full breakdown of our Exuma DIY trip on our return. Right now the only firm cost I have is hotel accomodation at the Seven Sisters at Palm = $100 per night. Guides look approx $200-$250.

For those who want to go giuideless, rent boats etc., I'll check this out whilst there plus info on locations where you won't run into a guide with clients. That does tend to get them upset!
 
#5 ·
Doing research on Bonefishing which will include a nice beach for my wife to enjoy while I
fish. Thanks for the info. Looks like Grand Bahamas fits into my budget. Keep the info coming.
A friend of ours mentioned Turtle Cay any idea where that might be?
FishHawk
 
#6 ·
mdbones,
Thanks for the info ! I think we all dream of hitting the flats in the Bahamas. I'm tired of just talking about it and I want to get a small group together next year. Lets start planning now and start living our dreams. Next month at the CCA-Cape Cod meeting we will have a slide show by Kent Jackson and Harry Graff on "Bonefishing the Tropics", or you can see the same show at CCA- South Shore this month(I think?).
Anyone interested in getting a trip together can reply here or send me a private e-mail.

Let's fish them bones !
 
#9 ·
Ok, I felt the tug. Now, wait for the next one, Bump,SET, Gotch ya ! Yee Haa !
You know what the say Fred, an idle mind is such a waste ! Of course, I have no problems in that department.
I am serious about a trip next year, so, let's see if we can hook us up a few more live ones and start planning.
ANY MORE TAKERS ?
 
#10 ·
Fishhawk's Question about (Green?) Turtle Cay -

Fishhawk,

If your friends are referring to Green Turtle Cay, it is located in the Abaco's just north of Marsh Harbour. I looked at that location last year while planning my 10 year anniversary. The only notes that I have written in my Bahamas file are cut and pasted below. I eventually chose Harbour Island in Eleuthera - which is also a great choice. It has a number of decent hotels (Coral Sands, Rumora Bay Club), and one world class hotel (Pink Sands). It is also home to one of the finest guides in the Bahamas (Bonefish Joe Cleare 242-333-2663). You also have the ability to wade on your own on the dump flat right next to downtown (make sure that you have an early or late incoming and you will see numerous tails). My wife, who does not fish loved every minute of the trip. The only downside to this trip was the cost. It has to be one of the most expensive places to fish in the Bahamas.


Mike

Green Turtle Cay - Central Abaco - Remote
Green Turtle Cay Club, casual atmosphere 242-365-4271
Airport - 5 minute Cab, 15 minute Ferry
Jen - Beach, Eat, no spa
Bonefishing - Guides Availible via GTCC call front desk (250-300 a day) - DIY, Two Bay's Cocco, and Bluff Harbour Cay both within walking distance - productive on incoming tides, Hard wadeable bottom. Guided Marl trips can be accessed via ferry, cab, and guide
 
#11 · (Edited)
Brian

I am always interested in a fishing trip to an exotic location - I like to do one a year - more if I can get away with it:D

A friend of mine has a development project going on down in Exuma right now which might make for an economic option.

I wouldn't mind trying another location though - or even making a trip back to the Yucatan - Ascension Bay is a blast!

I could probably get the U.K. contingent to hook up with us. The bigger the group, the better the deal we can get. We can chat a bit more at the upcoming events.

Oh I almost forgot - "bump..gotcha....weeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!
:D :D :D :D :D
 
#12 ·
I'd love to partake in this, but I think my wife would have me shot if I went to the tropics without her sun-worshiping self. Especially if I brought up the topic nowadays while we shiver in the deep freeze in the northeast.

Can we pretend the trip is to the bug-infested north country bush?

:devil:
 
#13 ·
Juro,
Send me your house address and I'll start sending you bug net hats and bug repellant.
Adrian,
I'm open to locals (due mainly to inexperiance), and would beg for someone more traveled than I to recommend, and hopefully join in on the venue. Please, any advice on how many, how much and how long would be great. I already know how come ! BECAUSE I GOTTA CATCH A BONE !!!:eyecrazy:
 
#14 ·
All this talk about the Bahamas makes me want to go! ...So I think I will. :)
Heading to Exuma in a couple of weeks. The guides there are very reasonable $295 a day. A wonderful island with super nice people.

And for those who want to do it on their own, I'd suggest Eleuthera. I usually stay at The Duck Inn at Governor's Harbour. Rent a car and you can get to all the bonefishing beaches on your own. John at the Duck Inn will give you a booklet with driving directions to all the beaches.
Angie
 
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