We are pleased to announce that in April 2009 we opened our new lodge “Abaco Lodge” As with all our properties, you can expect comfortable and well-appointed accommodations, excellent cuisine, top of the line boats operated by seasoned, expert guides, and a management & staff committed to providing the utmost in service and attention to detail. Abaco Lodge is located on the Marls side of Great Abaco Island, in the Bahamas. This area known as the “Marls of Abaco” is a vast expanse of prime, wilderness bonefish habitat, that has long been known by well-travelled bone fishermen as one of the most unique and productive fisheries in the Bahamas.
Abaco has more than 400 square miles of flats, none better known than the Marls on the western side of the island. Abaco lodge is centrally located directly on the Marl side of the island with access to them all. For twenty miles, the average depth is four feet, a bone fisherman couldn’t ask for a better backyard. It would take a lifetime to fish the entire Marls alone but Abaco also offers some incredible fishing on the eastern ocean side of the island. Cherokee Sound, the Bight of Robinson and Snake Cay are only minutes from the lodge and offer opportunities at incredible but challenging bonefish. With the numerous options available, it is very rare to miss a day of fishing due to weather.
The typical trip does not fish on arrival or departure but we can arrange for half-day fishing if your flights allow. Breakfast is severed at seven; we leave the dock at eight and return between four and five. This schedule can be tailored to your needs with advance notice. Your guide takes picnic lunches and cold drinks to the flats in a cooler. We access the Marls directly from the lodge dock; the flats on the ocean side require a short drive. All of the skiffs are equipped with padded seats with a backrest and a lean bar in the front. The majority of the fishing is done from the boat but wading opportunities exist if you prefer. Runs to the flats vary from 10 to 45 minutes. The bonefish on the Marls average 2-4 pounds with the occasional shot at bigger fish. The ocean side flats offer opportunities as some of the largest bonefish in the Bahamas, but they are incredible wary creatures. The Bahamas are primarily a bone fishery and Abaco is no different. There are the occasional shots at permit, tarpon, ‘cudas, jacks, and sharks and we recommend you bring the appropriate tackle just in case. There is nothing like seeing a 20 lb permit tailing or the juvenile tarpon cruising the flat and not having the right gear set up.
FISHING METHODS
Saltwater Fly Fishing.
SPECIES TO CATCH
Bonefish
Season: March to July - Oct to Nov
Peak: April to May
Weight: 1lb to 10lb
Average Weight: 3lb |
Permit
Season: March to July - Oct to Nov
Peak: April to May
Weight: 1lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 7lb |
Note: these figures are complied with catch reports over 5 years, however they can be effected by adverse weather.
TOUR INCLUDES
Flights (WT) International return flights, Internal flights (E) Airport transfers, guided fishing, accommodation at lodge F/B.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
Holiday insurance, personal items, local tips.
OPTIONS
Seat upgrades available with British Airways.
VISA
A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months before expiry, no visa for UK citizens required
Note: If you're flights to Bahamas involve travel through the USA, you will be required before travel to complete an Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) online, which is compulsory for all USA Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) travellers before boarding an air or sea carrier to the USA. For full information and apply online visit our ESTA information page.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations required
PLEASE NOTE
All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press. However, please check these requirements for changes.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is departure tax of around $15 however this can change regularly.
FLIGHT ROUTE AND FLIGHT TIME
UK - Nassau (approx 9.5 hours) Nassau - Marsh harbour (approx 1 hour)
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
(WT/E) 2 checked in items 23 kg (C/B/F) 3 checked in items 23 kg. Most airlines permit each passenger to check in one piece of sporting luggage i.e. a rod holdall, but must not exceed 23 kg.
TRANSFER TIME
Marsh Harbour - Abaco Lodge (approx 10 Minutes)
NATURE PARK
Abaco Island has its own nature park with flamingos, wild boar, iguanas, donkeys and numerous species of bird life.
BEACH EXPLORATION
Mother Nature has provided an 8-mile stretch of beach by the new Seashell Beach Club for exploration and shell collection.
