Bonefish In The Bahamas | 2023

There is something special about escaping winter for a respite in the tropics.  South Andros Lodge is the perfect place to get away from the cold and into the warm tropic sun.  This is our second trip to this lodge with the same friendly staff and guide team.  It is starting to feel like home.

We arrived in the afternoon of Day 1 after a short flight from Fort Lauderdale and a quick transport from the South Congo Town airport.  Our hosts greeted our group with a warm Andros welcome and helped us get settled in our rooms.  A quick adult beverage and some relaxation followed.  We were lucky to have Mia and Marty Shepphard as lodge hosts.  Mia demonstrated and coached us through bonefish-style casting and the clock method of knowing where to aim our casts.

Kitchen staff had appetizers ready for us in the late afternoon followed by dinner in the dining room.  We sampled some white wines Mia was considering.  (Red wines on night two).  

First day of fishing brought us together on the new dock with guides and boats waiting.  The weather was not 100% in our favor, but our experienced guides knew where – and how – to spot those elusive bonefish; ghosts of the sea.  Fishing was a team effort.  Guides working the pole from a high vantage point, angler on casting deck with fly in hand, assistant angler managing fly line on the floor. It was quite the show. 

We were into “the bones” from the start.  It’s a crazy rodeo when fish are spotted, and the speed casting begins.   Screaming reels and flowing adrenaline added to the excitement.  On the last day of fishing, one boat found the trick to catching barracuda on a fly…. sure to be added to the plans in 2024.  

The waters of South Andros Island are rich with diverse marine life.  We saw herons, turtles, manta rays and several species of shark, including a rare sawshark. 

Back at the lodge each night, we relaxed and enjoyed beverages, warm meals and new friendships as we shared stories (mostly true) of the days' adventures.  It was the perfect break from winter.  We can’t wait to return.