Bahamas bonefishing is the best in the world!

There’s a reason that most people think of The Bahamas first when they think about bonefishing.  The Islands of The Bahamas have an incredibly vast, fertile system of flats that produce incredible numbers of bonefish, and lots of big ones too.

At the same time, most islands in The Bahamas are relatively undeveloped.  Outside Nassau and Freeport, there really aren’t big cities in The Bahamas.  The impact of development on most of the islands is close to zero, leaving huge areas of flats and mangroves in a pristine, natural state.

Bonefish Habitat

Particularly on islands like South Andros Island, there is a wide range of habitat that supports bonefish.  Ocean side flats, inland ponds, tidal creeks and deep mangrove swamps all provide exactly what bonefish are looking for – protection from predators like sharks and barracudas, and habitat for the food sources that bonefish like: primarily shrimps, crabs and small baitfish.

Fishing Techniques

The vast majority of anglers prefer targeting bonefish here with flies.  Most of the fishing is sightfishing … looking for individual fish or groups of fish, and making casts only when the fish have been located.  Some anglers prefer wading for bonefish, while others prefer fishing out of a skiff that’s being poled by their guide.  Since there’s such a wide range of habitat here, there are plenty of opportunities to do both.

Since the species that bonefish prey on typically flee when they see a predator, the most common way to present a fly mimics this behavior.  Anglers cast in front of a moving bonefish and then strip the fly when the fish gets close.  When the bonefish eats the fly, it’s critical to use a strip set, which ensures that the fly is secured in the hard mouth of the fish.

Andros South Lodge

Deneki Outdoors operates a bonefishing lodge on South Andros Island called Andros South Lodge.  We’d love to help you plan a bonefishing trip … just drop us a line!