Bahamas Bonefish

[dublhaul]

Rarely post, but read regularly.  Had a great trip to South Andros a couple of weeks ago.  Two friends and I went to Mars Bay Lodge, which none of us had fished.  Turned out to be a great choice.  Friendly staff, meals were great, and fishing was very good.  Boats ran flawlessly, and having a leaning bar and padded seats with seaYou cannot view this attachment. tbacks made the rides comfortable.  Guides were top notch and very personable.  We caught lots of smaller fish, a goodly number of 4-6 lbers, and one of my buddies caught one that guide said was a 10-lber.  My best was "only" 8-9 lbs, which was great.  Highly recommend the lodge.You cannot view this attachment.

[Woolly Bugger]

Sweet! I've always wanted to go after dem bones

[driver]

Thanks, for posting. It nice to have a good review of a lodge here, so we can go back for reference if any of us ever want to go.

[dublhaul]

Well, as I found out, after having not gone bonefishing in over a decade, things have changed.  Prices have increased significantly, to be expected.  Total costs (airfare, advertised cost, any tips, local transport, "staff services", etc.) are usually, but not always clearly spelled out.  Where we were, all the "extras" were listed.  But, those can add up.  Separate guide tips, tips to staff, etc. can add a few hundred bucks.  Ask about fishing from boats only, or in combination with wading.  Most do both, but if you can't wade, they'll fish you in boats only.

The best news - - - the fish are there!  And hungry.

I'd suggest going to one of the big sporting travel agencies (Frontiers, The Fly Shop, Yellow Dog, etc.), and ask them any question that comes up.  And find out all you can about "issues".  While many reviews are the complaints, if there's a pattern, investigate.  Poor food, surly guides, undependable boats, dirty rooms, etc.  The big travel agencies aren't going to keep lodges with bad reps on their lists, but it helps to ask.  Certainly to compare "A" to "B".

And, if you're concerned about age being an issue, of the seven guys staying at the lodge the week we were there, six were over 70.  The seventh was the son-in-law of one of the others, and probably at least in his late 40s, if not 50s.

All that said, bonefish are terrific fly rod quarry, the flats are alive with life, and I'd highly recommend spending some of your kids' (grandkids, in my case) college savings funds to give it a try.

And I apologize for the lengthy post.  Driven by enthusiasm from trip!