I have an opportunity to go bonefishing next spring (April?)--I'm an avid trout fisherman but this is the first time for me for salt water. I'm bringing along my nonfishing spouse. I'll get a guide. Any preferences between these two locales for bones? Other flats fish opportunities? Nice place to stay with wife so she can be happy while I'm away? Thanks!!
I picked Andros after some research, any other better places in the Bahamas?
ps I have heard that the Bahamas are the better bonefishing area than Belize--fish bigger, more wading, just better all around bonefishing...while Belize is known more more permit. Is this right??
if you're bringing the wife you definitely ought to look at grand bahama-freeport. it's a big resort area with plenty to do both day and night. the fish in grand bahama are big and plentiful. and it is not overly fished like some other destinations because the government promotes it as a tourist-casinos,restaurants, night life destination and does not promote it as a fishing destination. i've been going for 5 years. pm me if you want details.
Thanks! I'll look more at the Bahamas. This is primarily a fishing trip, my wife is content to read and lounge, but we both like great food/restaurants and I'd like a nice pool area and someone for her to talk to other than fisherman.
Exuma is a great destination for bones, however don't expect to do any fishing on your own there without a lot of aggression and hassle from the local guides. I won't go back even though I hooked a bone well into the teens that I had no prayer of landing on foot.
If you are looking for a pristine (rural) tropical experience you can't beat Acklins. If you are trying to blend a vacation with a lady friend and some premium bonefishing, Neal's recommendation for Grand Bahama seems top notch. I've heard Eleuthera is pretty but not much going on for a non-fishing travel companion, and Acklins has even less going on but the hardcore anglers like it that way. I remember when the sound of shoaling bonefish was the loudest noise.
I spent a week on San Pedro Island Belize last summer. The bones were plentiful, easy to catch but small. Most of the time when bone fishing, the guides would look for muds and it was basically blind casting, not really what one envisions when going bone fishing. There were bigger bones around but not in great numbers. What Belize does offer is a shot at bones, permit, tarpon and snook in the same area. El Pescador offers activites for the fisher and non fisher, and the prices were very reasonable as their dollar is pegged to USD. Wonderful people and a beautiful island but if you are specifically targeting bones I wold go elsewhere.
Hi Jeff
I have not fished in Belize because I have always understood that the bones are very small. I know the Bahamas pretty well though.
The only place on Andros that I would take a non fishing partner is Kamalame Cay. It is very expensive though.
On Grand Bahama there are a number ofd fishing options and you can stay in large resorts or smaller hotels.
It really depends on your budget.
Great Exuma is also Ok to take a partner.
DIY fishing in The Bahamas is generally difficult and it is normal to fish with a guide or from a fishing Lodge.
Normally the best bonefishing is to be had in areas that have not been spoiled by mass tourism.
The bones are much smaller in Belize but Permit shots come quickly and often.
Guides in Belize are fantastic and the flats are some of the prettiest you will ever see.
If you really want to score points with the Mrs. take a look at Victoria House. You won't be disappointed. San Pedro is a great little city right down the road with a very fun nightlife and great little restaurants run by US ex-pats.
A little late to chime in on this one, but if "getting away from it all" is part of your plan, I recommend Turneffe Atoll in Belize. I just got back from Turneffe Flats Lodge and it was fantastic. I haven't done too much saltwater flyfishing in my life, and this was my first good shot at a slam, and I managed to have the best time possible. Tons of bones, lots of permit, and tarpoon galore all over the atoll. My wife went with and she doesn't fish but still had a great time. She had a guide to herself for all kinds of activities (snorkeling, manatee searches, etc.), and there weren't too many opportunities for her to go shopping (you are on the island by yourself pretty much. It was great to get away from phones, tv, internet, everything. Great food, great place, really great fishing.....
Oh yeah, I got the "ground rules double" rather than the slam. Multiple bonefish, a permit, and a shattered rod from a big tarpoon. All in the same day. Got stronger equipment on the way for the next trip down there.
Try Small hope bay on Andros is nice for the non agling companion. It will be a longer drive for you to fish the bights, but it is a nice place for your wife and they can book very good guides for you.
(link removed) chainlynx, your gesture is thoughtful but by policy we do not allow links to commercial interests on the site without sponsorship. thanks just the same
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