...from Betty and Steve
In early January we travelled to Andros Island in the Bahamas for some flats fishing for bonefish. Andros Island is 104 miles long and 40 miles across at its widest point. It is separated into three islands separated by 3 channels called bights that run east to west. The island is composed of dense forests of pines, mangroves and wetlands. Just offshore is the Andros Barrier Reef which is the world's third largest.
There are more than 180 freshwater blue holes (called cenotes in Mexico) that can be visited . Andros Island is known as the eco-tourism capital of the Bahamas,. It is off the beaten path and lightly populated by very friendly English speaking Bahamians who also speak their own local patois somewhat like the Jamaicans.
Andros is known for its larger sized bonefish, and double digit fish are not uncommon. Barracuda can be found in waters between the shore and the reef- in 6 to 10 feet. We fished with 8wt. rods, floating salt water lines and 16 pound tapered leaders. We were asked if we had any 20 pound leaders as that is what is recommended for the bigger fish. These bones are not leader shy.
Big Charlie's lodge is small and very low key comfortable for up to 8 anglers. Fresh seafood and locally grown veggies complimented most meals. The weather wasn't the best with storm systems coming and going but during sunny periods we got onto some good fish. The guides are all local and grew up on Andros so they always know where to get you out of the wind if necessary, and of course they can spot fish like ospreys. It was great to whittle 8 days off our winter.
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