Boating and Fishing
Andros fishermen claim the island is the world's best bonefishing location, and legends at Central Andros's south end are famed for pioneering the field of fly-fishing and island fishing lodges. The four main fishing regions are the hard-to-reach West Side flats, the creeks (Stafford, Staniard, and Fresh Creek), the Joulters Cays north of Andros, and the bights between Central and South Andros. Fishermen will find a wealth of knowledgeable bonefishing guides in the Cargill Creek–Behring Point area who will take you into the Northern Bight and West Side for some of the world's best bonefishing. Full-day fishing excursions cost about $500 to $600 for two. Better value are the lodges' guided bonefishing, lodging, and dining packages that work out to range from $400 to $660 per person per day at the half-dozen lodges in the area.
Reef and deep-sea fishing excursions are secondary although you can catch snapper, and in season, grouper, along with game fish mahimahi, wahoo, and tuna.
Andra "Andy" Smith. Based in Central Andros, Andy Smith is highly recommended for guiding anglers through Andros's bights and to the bonefish-rich West Side. Andy guides both novice and professional bonefishers. You can book him through Small Hope Bay Lodge. Cargill Creek, Andros Island. 242/368–4261.
Andros Island Bonefish Club. Near Behring Point and overlooking beautiful Cargill Creek, Andros Island Bonefish Club is one of the Bahamas’ top lodges, with attractive rooms in cottages spread over a large waterfront garden. The air-conditioned dining room lounge and the breezy waterfront bar are perfect for gathering and swapping stories. Expect great native food and pleasant service. Owner Rupert Leadon is an expert fishing guide and has more experts on tap. Fishing-dining-lodging packages run from $500 per night without taxes. An excellent choice for fishing devotees but not suitable for children or those wanting a beachfront stay. Cargill Creek, Andros Island. 242/368--5167.
Charlie Neymour. Legend and expert guide Charlie Neymour is popular for guided fishing expeditions, and now has, with his wife Fatiha, a cute new bonefishing lodge with excellent cuisine and fishing, dining, and lodging packages. Located in Behring Point near the expansive flats. Cargill Creek, Andros Island. 242/368–4297; www.bigcharlieandros.net.
Small Hope Bay Lodge. A popular Andros diving and bonefishing resort, Small Hope Bay Lodge has bone-, deep-sea, fly-, and reef fishing, as well as a "West Side Overnight"—a two-night camping and bone- and tarpon-fishing trip to the island's remote western end. Regular rates to fish along Fresh Creek run $290–$400 for a half day and $450–$550 for a full day (full-day trips include all gear and lunch). Small Hope books seven of the top bonefishing guides in Andros including Glaister Wallace, known for his magical casting skills. Book in advance. Small Hope Bay, Fresh Creek, Andros Island. 242/368–2014; 800/223–6961; www.smallhope.com.
