The "Marls of Abaco" are a vast expanse of prime Bonefish wilderness, situated along the western shore of Great Abaco Island, in the Bahamas. Abaco has more than 400 square miles of flats, none better known than the Marls. They have long been known by well traveled bone-fishermen as one of the most unique and productive fisheries in the world.
The acclaimed Abaco Lodge is centrally located directly on the Marls side of the island, with unrivaled access to the flats. 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, for those in pursuit of bigger, harder fish.
Abaco Lodge has established itself as a household name in the fly fishing world. Demand for peak weeks is high, often booked by repeat groups who stake their claim for the following year the day they leave the lodge. As with all Nervous Waters properties, you can expect comfortable and well appointed accommodations, world class cuisine, top of the line boats operated by expert guides, and a staff committed to providing the utmost service and attention to detail.
Rates
Fishing
Accommodations
Rates
Rates
Rates are per person based on double occupancy and shared guide
High Season: Jan-June
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing $ 7,950 per person, VAT $225
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing $ 7,350 per person, VAT $210
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing $ 6,750 per person, VAT $190
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing $ 5,650 per person, VAT $155
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing $ 4,275 per person, VAT $120
Peak Season: Oct-Dec
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing $ 7,550 per person, VAT $230
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing $ 6,995 per person, VAT $215
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing $ 6,450 per person, VAT $195
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing $ 5,350 per person, VAT $165
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing $ 4,050 per person, VAT $130
*VAT is a government tax
Non-angler rates $650 per person per night plus $17 VAT, depending on availability
Full day fishing on arrival/departure day: $950 per boat plus $28 VAT
Half day fishing on arrival/departure day: $800 per boat plus $20 VAT
Single room and boat 75% surcharge
Included:
Lodging, meals, alcohol, professional guiding and transportation between the lodge and Marsh Harbour Airport.
Not included:
Transportation to Abaco Island, flies and other fishing equipment, personal items and gratuities.
Fishing
Fishing Program
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 bonefisherman 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 as well. Cherokee Sound, the Bight of Robinson and Snake Cay are 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 a 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. Picnic lunches and cold drinks are taken to the flats in a cooler by your guide.
You can access the Marls directly from the lodge dock, the flats on the ocean side require a short drive. Abaco Lodge is outfitted with a brand new fleet of Hells Bay Waterman skiffs, the world's finest light tackle fishing skiffs. All of them are equipped with padded seats with a backrest and a lean bar in the front and are powered with Yamaha 50HP engines.
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 bonefishery 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.
In addition to the wonderful flats fishing Abaco has incredible blue water fishing. We are happy to coordinate a day or two with the best captains available in search of marlin, sailfish, Dorado, wahoo, or tuna depending on the season. Arrangements can be made at the lodge but the best captains book early and we recommend you do as well. There will be an additional charge for this fishing.
Accommodations
Accommodations
Abaco Lodge sits on the rocky shoreline of the Marls on the west side of Abaco, just north of Marsh Harbour on the way to Treasure Cay. The lodge consists of eight air conditioned private rooms with private bath, a fully stocked bar, pool, sitting room, an outside fire pit, and patio space. You can fish all day and not miss a beat of what is going on at home; a computer with high speed internet is available for the clients as well as a wireless connection, phone service is available and the lodge has a new flat screen television for all the games.
The lodge has a main bar fully stocked with spirits, cold beers, (in a convenient mini fridge) soft drinks, plenty of ice, a blender and mixers for cocktails. The shop is stocked with the following: Sage rods - Abel reels - Rio lines, backing and tippets - a good selection of flies – sunscreen and lip protectors - Mangrove sungloves - dry bags - Action optics polarized sunglasses – Abaco Lodge Fishing shirts, caps and t-shirts.
Location
~ Abaco lodge is located on the Marls side of Abaco Island, a 10 minute drive from the Marsh Harbour Airport.
~ Unlike most other islands in the Bahamas, anglers can fly directly from Florida to Marsh Harbour.
~ American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Bahamas Air, among others, offer direct service from Miami, West Palm Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale.
~ For groups of 4 or more, chartering is an economical option.
~ Via Nassau, Bahamas Air, Sky Bahamas, Western Air, and Abaco Air have multiple flights a day.
Dining
The lodge takes pride in serving delicious food of fresh local produce, specializing on fresh fish (ahi tuna, grouper, and hog snapper), conch and lobster. The chef bakes bread, pastries and cookies daily. A full breakfast will always feature a variety of cereals, coffee and a selection of teas, as well as fresh fruits. Eggs will be cooked to your preference, with bacon, sausages and grits. Hot cereals are also available. A lunch menu card allows you to choose next day's lunch and the content of the boat coolers. They have an open bar policy at the lodge. On your return from fishing you will find cold beers, spirits, and a blender for cocktails, as well as stacks of soft drinks. Delicious appetizers are served in the veranda, so you can sample local specialties such as cracked conch, grouper fingers and conch salad.
Dinner starts with appetizers such as homemade soups or conch ceviche, and all entrees are served with fresh salads. The emphasis is on mixing local dishes with light fresh recipes such as snapper with mango salsa, and some barbecued fish. Desserts will vary from chocolate decadence to key lime parfaits. House wines such as Argentine Malbecs, Chilean Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon will be served with dinner. After dinner coffee and tea and liquors will be served in the sitting room. The chef can cater to special dietary needs.