Black Fly Lodge - Bahamas Fly Fishing on Great Abaco
MADISON RIVER VALLEY ~ YELLOWSTONE RIVER VALLEY ~ GALLATIN RIVER VALLEY ~ BOZEMAN ~ ENNIS ~ LIVINGSTON ~ BIG SKY ~ GARDINER
406-522-9854
Montana Angler Fly Fishing, 76 Lucille Lane, Bozeman MT 59718
406-522-9854
Montana Angler Fly Fishing, 76 Lucille Lane, Bozeman MT 59718
Bone-fishing in the Bahamas has long been a
popular and legendary pursuit. The fishing in
southern Abaco has been one of those closely
guarded secrets passed on quietly from one
fly enthusiast to another, with the hopes they
wouldn't tell too many of their friends. As you
explore this unique fishery, you will learn why
one might be hesitant to disclose information
about the huge Bonefish, the incredible
numbers of Permit, and the legitimate shots at
Tarpon that are all present in Abaco.
The diversity of the fishing is here is astounding. Whether targeting double-digit Bones' on seldom fished flats, or stalking tailing Permit, you will be amazed at what they have found. With access to the legendary 'Moore's Island', and its large tarpon run, a 'Grand Slam' becomes a real possibility.
Black Fly is the newest Nervous Waters lodge. Initially, guests will be hosted at a smaller, temporary lodge, while a permanent home is built just minutes away at Schooner Bay. As with all Nervous Waters lodges, both properties will offer comfortable and well appointed accommodations, world class cuisine, top of the line boats operated by seasoned, expert guides, and a staff committed to providing the utmost service and attention to detail.
The diversity of the fishing is here is astounding. Whether targeting double-digit Bones' on seldom fished flats, or stalking tailing Permit, you will be amazed at what they have found. With access to the legendary 'Moore's Island', and its large tarpon run, a 'Grand Slam' becomes a real possibility.
Black Fly is the newest Nervous Waters lodge. Initially, guests will be hosted at a smaller, temporary lodge, while a permanent home is built just minutes away at Schooner Bay. As with all Nervous Waters lodges, both properties will offer comfortable and well appointed accommodations, world class cuisine, top of the line boats operated by seasoned, expert guides, and a staff committed to providing the utmost service and attention to detail.
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Dining
Food is the final subject listed in most fishing lodge brochures but we think it's almost the first thing that anglers care about. In a recent "Angling Report" issue an angler had gone to a lodge in the Bahamas and had a great week but was never served a Bahamian meal the whole time he was there. Clint Kemp is not only one of the greatest general managers of a fishing lodge and also one of the best Bahamian chefs....except for maybe his father Anthony. The lodge serves conch daily in some form or another and fish or lobster will appear several times during your stay. Don't forget about stone crab claws in season or fried lobster sandwiches for lunch.
Fishing Program
Bonefishing in the Bahamas has long been a popular and legendary pursuit. Bonefishing in Southern Abaco on the other hand, has been one of those closely guarded secrets passed on quietly from one fly enthusiast to another, hoping they wouldn't tell too many of their friends. Each day, with each new group of anglers, we learn more about why no one wanted to talk about the huge bonefish, the incredible numbers of permit and the legitimate shots at tarpon that are possible in Abaco. The fishing grounds that surround Black Fly Bonefish Club and the new town of Schooner Bay form six distinct zones each rich in a variety of species and large enough to support the entire lodge fleet if weather were to force all boats to fish in one zone. Only the most severe weather would cause a cancellation. Each zone supports similar species yet each has a unique offering in both species and habitat. Bonefish, Permit, Mutton Snappers, Sharks, Barracuda, and Tarpon are among the species found in these waters and given the number and the size of the fish we observed makes the fishing at Schooner Bay simply world class. The Black Fly lodge boats are on trailers and can be launched at the Schooner Bay ramp or trailered to other locations within twenty minutes of Schooner Bay.
Zone 1: Schooner Bay Ramp Northward for 15 miles to the southern edge of the Marls out to Big Mangrove Cay.
Fishing can begin as soon as the boat is launched from the ramp at Schooner Bay. The shallow water inlet is home to resident fish and here we observed mudding schools of fish and large single fish in double digit sizes all within a few hundred yards of the ramp. A run though the mangrove creek from the inlet is exhilarating and builds the anticipation of days fishing. Fishing can resume soon as the boat clears the creek. Schools of fish were observed feeding in the bay and working the edges of the numerous islands. We worked north into numerous flats systems where we observed schools of juvenile bonefish evidence of a healthy estuary and breeding ground for the bonefish stock. The wade fishing is exceptional in zone one with miles of firm bottom flats that drop off into deeper mud and grass flats. It would take weeks if not months to explore all that zone one has to offer in the extensive creek system that forms the southern reaches of the world famous Marls. Working westward we fished the area around Big Mangrove Cay. This is a series of small cays that are surrounded by deep water and turtle grass flats. As the tide came in we observed muds of feeding fish working the flats and numerous schools feeding along the shore. Sharks and Barracuda were in abundance and according to Paul, Permit are usually seen in good numbers.
Zone 2: Schooner Bay Ramp southward to Sandy Point
Zone 2 is an 18 mile shoreline extending from Schooner Bay to Sandy Point. Numerous islands, creeks and flats create an unlimited habitat for many species. Small to large bays form the shore line providing cover in the wind and huge numbers of fish. We observed large schools of mudding fish along this shore observing in one school hundreds of bonefish, jacks, and snappers all feeding together. It was in Zone 2 that we observed one of the most amazing schools of tailing fishing we had ever seen. For some one hundred yards it looked like the flat had come alive with a thousand sparkling tails. It was one of those moments where you are just amazed with wonder as you witness how it must have looked 100 years ago.
Zone 3: Cross Harbour Flats System
The Cross Harbor Flats System comes directly out of the blue waters of Hole in the Wall making it one of the best flats in the Bahamas for really big fish. Large numbers of Permit and double digit bones can be seen regularly on this flat. In speaking to visiting angler they reported getting numerous shots at large Permit. This flat system would be accessed by a 20 minute drive from Schooner to Sandy Point.
Zone 4: Blue water and ocean flats
The blue water fly fishing opportunities at Schooner are unprecedented. The legendary blue water of Southern Abaco is only minutes from the mouth of the Schooner Bay Harbor. Dorado, Tuna, Billfish and many other species abound in this rich offshore environment. This blue water zone is virgin territory for anglers seeking the thrill of connecting with large ocean fish on the fly. When weather permits the run to Hole in the Wall will produce amazing opportunity to connect with some of the toughest fighting fish in the world as well as exploring ocean flats that hold very large bones and permit.
Zone 5: Cherokee Sound
A twenty minute trailer to Cherokee Sound will put our anglers in one of the best ocean flats on the planet. Lush turtle grass flats that intersect gin clear white sand flats have produced some of the largest Bonefish ever caught. This area will be the zone that receives the most pressure making the fish a bit more challenging to catch, however the numbers and size of these fish are legendary.
Zone 6: Moore's Island
Moore's Island is the largest of some 10 -12 cays that sit on the edge of the northwest providence channel and comprises about a 20 sq. mile area of most beautiful fishing we had ever seen and undoubtedly one of the most remarkable fly fishing destinations in the world. Eighteen miles from the Schooner Bay ramp a quick thirty minute run across relatively shallow water brings you to the edge of fishing fantasy. The tide was just coming in when we arrived at Moore's and large schools of bones were moving onto the flats. Within minutes we were seeing double digit fish and the rest of the day was simply surreal. At one point we polled to a mud where what looked like thousands of bones many double digits were feeding along with large mutton snappers. Paul was able to pole the boat into the center of the fish and from any direction you could cast to large fish. Schools of bones, tailing permit and mutton snappers were all over the flats. We were in awe and Paul was telling us this was an off day. With a summer run of Tarpon, Mores Island has grand slam potential and records will be broken here.
Location
~ We are located at the southern end of Abaco Island, a 20 minute drive from Marsh Harbour.
~ Unlike most other islands in the Bahamas, anglers can fly directly from Florida to Marsh Harbour.
~ Commercial airlines with daily direct flights from the U.S. are American Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Airlines and Bahamas Air. These companies operate via Miami, West Palm Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale. Airgate is another airline, servicing Abaco from St. Augustine and New Smyrna.
~ For groups of 4 or more, charters, such as Cherokee Air, are generally more economical and can be tailored to your schedule.
~ Via Nassau: Bahamas Air, Sky Bahamas, Western Air, and Abaco Air have multiple flights a day.
Rates
Rates are per person based on double occupancy and shared guide
High Season: Oct 2011 to Mar 2012
7 nights / 6 days fishing $ 4,850
6 nights / 5 days fishing $ 4,195
5 nights / 4 days fishing $ 3,650
4 nights / 3 days fishing $ 2,950
3 nights / 2 days fishing $ 2,220
Peak Season: Apr to Jul 2012
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing $ 4,995
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing $ 4,395
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing $ 3,825
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing $ 3,095
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing $ 2,250
Included:
Lodging, meals, alcohol, professional guiding and transportation between the lodge and Marsh Harbour Airport.
Not included:
Transportation to Abaco, flies and other fishing equipment, personal items and gratuities.
Payment Terms:
*A deposit of 50% confirms a reservation. Deposits are non-refundable, unless client replacement is found. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. At this point, participants are responsible for total land costs and no refunds will be made for unused land transportation, accommodations, or included meals.
*Non-fisher rates: 40% off depending on availability
Food is the final subject listed in most fishing lodge brochures but we think it's almost the first thing that anglers care about. In a recent "Angling Report" issue an angler had gone to a lodge in the Bahamas and had a great week but was never served a Bahamian meal the whole time he was there. Clint Kemp is not only one of the greatest general managers of a fishing lodge and also one of the best Bahamian chefs....except for maybe his father Anthony. The lodge serves conch daily in some form or another and fish or lobster will appear several times during your stay. Don't forget about stone crab claws in season or fried lobster sandwiches for lunch.
Fishing Program
Bonefishing in the Bahamas has long been a popular and legendary pursuit. Bonefishing in Southern Abaco on the other hand, has been one of those closely guarded secrets passed on quietly from one fly enthusiast to another, hoping they wouldn't tell too many of their friends. Each day, with each new group of anglers, we learn more about why no one wanted to talk about the huge bonefish, the incredible numbers of permit and the legitimate shots at tarpon that are possible in Abaco. The fishing grounds that surround Black Fly Bonefish Club and the new town of Schooner Bay form six distinct zones each rich in a variety of species and large enough to support the entire lodge fleet if weather were to force all boats to fish in one zone. Only the most severe weather would cause a cancellation. Each zone supports similar species yet each has a unique offering in both species and habitat. Bonefish, Permit, Mutton Snappers, Sharks, Barracuda, and Tarpon are among the species found in these waters and given the number and the size of the fish we observed makes the fishing at Schooner Bay simply world class. The Black Fly lodge boats are on trailers and can be launched at the Schooner Bay ramp or trailered to other locations within twenty minutes of Schooner Bay.
Zone 1: Schooner Bay Ramp Northward for 15 miles to the southern edge of the Marls out to Big Mangrove Cay.
Fishing can begin as soon as the boat is launched from the ramp at Schooner Bay. The shallow water inlet is home to resident fish and here we observed mudding schools of fish and large single fish in double digit sizes all within a few hundred yards of the ramp. A run though the mangrove creek from the inlet is exhilarating and builds the anticipation of days fishing. Fishing can resume soon as the boat clears the creek. Schools of fish were observed feeding in the bay and working the edges of the numerous islands. We worked north into numerous flats systems where we observed schools of juvenile bonefish evidence of a healthy estuary and breeding ground for the bonefish stock. The wade fishing is exceptional in zone one with miles of firm bottom flats that drop off into deeper mud and grass flats. It would take weeks if not months to explore all that zone one has to offer in the extensive creek system that forms the southern reaches of the world famous Marls. Working westward we fished the area around Big Mangrove Cay. This is a series of small cays that are surrounded by deep water and turtle grass flats. As the tide came in we observed muds of feeding fish working the flats and numerous schools feeding along the shore. Sharks and Barracuda were in abundance and according to Paul, Permit are usually seen in good numbers.
Zone 2: Schooner Bay Ramp southward to Sandy Point
Zone 2 is an 18 mile shoreline extending from Schooner Bay to Sandy Point. Numerous islands, creeks and flats create an unlimited habitat for many species. Small to large bays form the shore line providing cover in the wind and huge numbers of fish. We observed large schools of mudding fish along this shore observing in one school hundreds of bonefish, jacks, and snappers all feeding together. It was in Zone 2 that we observed one of the most amazing schools of tailing fishing we had ever seen. For some one hundred yards it looked like the flat had come alive with a thousand sparkling tails. It was one of those moments where you are just amazed with wonder as you witness how it must have looked 100 years ago.
Zone 3: Cross Harbour Flats System
The Cross Harbor Flats System comes directly out of the blue waters of Hole in the Wall making it one of the best flats in the Bahamas for really big fish. Large numbers of Permit and double digit bones can be seen regularly on this flat. In speaking to visiting angler they reported getting numerous shots at large Permit. This flat system would be accessed by a 20 minute drive from Schooner to Sandy Point.
Zone 4: Blue water and ocean flats
The blue water fly fishing opportunities at Schooner are unprecedented. The legendary blue water of Southern Abaco is only minutes from the mouth of the Schooner Bay Harbor. Dorado, Tuna, Billfish and many other species abound in this rich offshore environment. This blue water zone is virgin territory for anglers seeking the thrill of connecting with large ocean fish on the fly. When weather permits the run to Hole in the Wall will produce amazing opportunity to connect with some of the toughest fighting fish in the world as well as exploring ocean flats that hold very large bones and permit.
Zone 5: Cherokee Sound
A twenty minute trailer to Cherokee Sound will put our anglers in one of the best ocean flats on the planet. Lush turtle grass flats that intersect gin clear white sand flats have produced some of the largest Bonefish ever caught. This area will be the zone that receives the most pressure making the fish a bit more challenging to catch, however the numbers and size of these fish are legendary.
Zone 6: Moore's Island
Moore's Island is the largest of some 10 -12 cays that sit on the edge of the northwest providence channel and comprises about a 20 sq. mile area of most beautiful fishing we had ever seen and undoubtedly one of the most remarkable fly fishing destinations in the world. Eighteen miles from the Schooner Bay ramp a quick thirty minute run across relatively shallow water brings you to the edge of fishing fantasy. The tide was just coming in when we arrived at Moore's and large schools of bones were moving onto the flats. Within minutes we were seeing double digit fish and the rest of the day was simply surreal. At one point we polled to a mud where what looked like thousands of bones many double digits were feeding along with large mutton snappers. Paul was able to pole the boat into the center of the fish and from any direction you could cast to large fish. Schools of bones, tailing permit and mutton snappers were all over the flats. We were in awe and Paul was telling us this was an off day. With a summer run of Tarpon, Mores Island has grand slam potential and records will be broken here.
Location
~ We are located at the southern end of Abaco Island, a 20 minute drive from Marsh Harbour.
~ Unlike most other islands in the Bahamas, anglers can fly directly from Florida to Marsh Harbour.
~ Commercial airlines with daily direct flights from the U.S. are American Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Airlines and Bahamas Air. These companies operate via Miami, West Palm Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale. Airgate is another airline, servicing Abaco from St. Augustine and New Smyrna.
~ For groups of 4 or more, charters, such as Cherokee Air, are generally more economical and can be tailored to your schedule.
~ Via Nassau: Bahamas Air, Sky Bahamas, Western Air, and Abaco Air have multiple flights a day.
Rates
Rates are per person based on double occupancy and shared guide
High Season: Oct 2011 to Mar 2012
7 nights / 6 days fishing $ 4,850
6 nights / 5 days fishing $ 4,195
5 nights / 4 days fishing $ 3,650
4 nights / 3 days fishing $ 2,950
3 nights / 2 days fishing $ 2,220
Peak Season: Apr to Jul 2012
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing $ 4,995
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing $ 4,395
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing $ 3,825
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing $ 3,095
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing $ 2,250
Included:
Lodging, meals, alcohol, professional guiding and transportation between the lodge and Marsh Harbour Airport.
Not included:
Transportation to Abaco, flies and other fishing equipment, personal items and gratuities.
Payment Terms:
*A deposit of 50% confirms a reservation. Deposits are non-refundable, unless client replacement is found. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. At this point, participants are responsible for total land costs and no refunds will be made for unused land transportation, accommodations, or included meals.
*Non-fisher rates: 40% off depending on availability
Accommodations
The permanent Black Fly Lodge is currently under construction and slated to open soon. The new property will be located in Schooner bay and will be a two story top of the line facility and will house a maximum of 12 anglers. Trips are currently being booked at a well appointed smaller lodge that is located directly on the beach a few minutes up the road. The current lodge can house 6 anglers and is perfect for smaller groups.
~ Capacity: 6 anglers.
~ 5 bedroom suites: 3 singles (queen beds) and 2 doubles (single beds), both air conditioned.
~ Dining room, sitting room, full bar, and fully equipped fly-tying table
~ Telephone and internet access.
~ Beautifully prepared Bahamian specialties concentrating on magnificent fresh-catch
~ Maid and laundry service
~ Fly shop fully equipped with fly lines, leaders, Black Fly shirts and hats, and Bonefish jigs.
~ Other non-fishing activities include the following: snorkeling, kayaking, diving, and golf.
The permanent Black Fly Lodge is currently under construction and slated to open soon. The new property will be located in Schooner bay and will be a two story top of the line facility and will house a maximum of 12 anglers. Trips are currently being booked at a well appointed smaller lodge that is located directly on the beach a few minutes up the road. The current lodge can house 6 anglers and is perfect for smaller groups.
~ Capacity: 6 anglers.
~ 5 bedroom suites: 3 singles (queen beds) and 2 doubles (single beds), both air conditioned.
~ Dining room, sitting room, full bar, and fully equipped fly-tying table
~ Telephone and internet access.
~ Beautifully prepared Bahamian specialties concentrating on magnificent fresh-catch
~ Maid and laundry service
~ Fly shop fully equipped with fly lines, leaders, Black Fly shirts and hats, and Bonefish jigs.
~ Other non-fishing activities include the following: snorkeling, kayaking, diving, and golf.
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