Although tranquil Andros is one of the least visited of the Bahamas islands, it holds the unofficial title of “the bonefish capital of the world” because of the abundance of shallow mangrove swamps and mud flats around its coastline, which are the ideal habitat for bonefish. Outstandingly strong, fast and elusive, bonefish are a prized game catch for fly fishermen, and a dedicated stream of anglers makes the short flight to Andros from Fort Lauderdale or through neighboring Nassau, particularly in peak season during March and April, to pit their wits against the most coveted natural species in the largest island in the Bahamas.
Bonefish Basics
- Technically, Andros comprises three islands: North Andros, Mangrove Cay and South Andros, which are separated by a network of shallow bights and channels where bonefish congregate among the sea grass beds. Local fishing operators either wade into the mud flats or access these fishing grounds in small skiffs with a shallow draught and a foredeck large enough for the angler to cast a fly. The stealth of the bonefish makes it a prized catch; used to being hunted by barracuda, the silvery fish are extremely wary of the slightest vibration or movement, but once hooked, put up a legendary fight.
Local Wisdom
- Against such a fearsome opponent, anglers should use some local knowledge. A good starting point, the Andros Island Bonefish Club (androsbonefishing.com) sits on Cargill Creek at the eastern end of the Northern Bight, only yards from a popular bonefish habitat where large schools gather. As well as providing accommodations in the lodge, the club makes guided fishing trips to the bonefish grounds at Yellow Cay, Pretty Creek and Land of the Giants. Elsewhere, most of Andros accommodations are in small lodges and guest houses with a bonefishing connection, all of which can organize guided expeditions.
North Andros
- The average bonefish size on North Andros is in the 5- to 7-pound range, but 10-pounders and larger are common. The Joulter Cays present 20 miles of shallow flats, mangrove and deep water channels around the smaller cays. The North Andros Flyfishing Cottage (northandrosflyfishing.com) is just two minutes from the beach and a 10-minute ride from Lowe Sound, the entrance point to the Joulter Cays. Big Charlie’s Lodge (bigcharlieandros.net) is on Cargill Creek and has a wealth of information and tips on bonefishing, not least the reminder to cover up exposed limbs against biting doctor flies while out on the flats.
Mangrove Cay
- Mangrove Cay, the “central island,” covers hundreds of square miles of bonefish flats, where fish come to feed at the rising tide. Local guides, who quietly propel the skiff with a pole, are experts in spotting areas of muddied water or tails emerging from the water as hints of where to cast the fly. The north and south bights that separate Mangrove Cay from the adjoining islands are perfect breeding grounds for larger bonefish. Accommodations are available at Swain’s Cay Lodge (swainscaylodge.com)
South Andros
- Fishing on South Andros focuses on four different habitats: the tidal creeks on the eastern side, the less-explored west side where the bigger fish lurk, the hundreds of tiny cays off the island’s southern tip, and the inland creeks around the middle of the island. Approaches vary from wading the shallow flats to poling around the ocean-side flats where the larger bonefish feed. Schools in the remoter cays can number thousands.
