CENTRAL
ANDROS ISLAND
BAHAMAS
A massive archipelago made up of hundreds of tiny islets, cays (pronounced “keys”), vast networks of mangrove lined channels, sediment-formed sweeping sandbanks, and three main islands.
Though Andros is the Bahamian “island” with the greatest land mass, it’s also the least populated “island” in the chain formation that is referred to as “The Islands of the Bahamas”.
The unique geology of this dynamic fishery creates an unparalleled Bonefish sanctuary you won’t want to leave!
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This location offers world-class fly fishing for a variety of species.
BONEFISH: Our primary target, since they gather here in large numbers. Our window is prime for double-digit (10+ pounds) Bones, fleeing for warmer water since, as the weather cools, the water in the ocean does, too!
(Our target species needs more space. Check out the next section below “TARGETING BONEFISH”)
OTHER KEY SPECIES WE TARGET:
BARRACUDA: Nicknamed “The Tiger of the Sea” for a reason. . . . This species is an AMBUSH PREDATOR that aggressively feeds on smaller fish. They use their long, slender, torpedo-like bodies to blast into super-speed attacks, and razor sharp teeth to annihilate their prey (or your fly). If the Bonefish bite has slowed,
Targeting this species requires special gear, to protect your rig from that impressive set of teeth.
Even Disney sees this species as a formidable opponent - tapping this species as the one to eat Nemo’s mom, Coral.
While the average Barracuda found around Andros is 3-4 feet long and weighs 5-20 pounds, anglers can find plenty of trophy size “LOGS” that exceed 30-40+ pounds and 50+ inches, often found down deep along the barrier reefs and drop-offs.
PERMIT: For starters, this species is nicknamed “The Black-Tailed Devil.”On the rare perfect day, some very patient anglers may opt to tip their guide at the start of their fishing day and request that they target this species. Most Andros guides are used to getting anglers on vast numbers of Big Bones, this species is much more of a gamble.
If there’s a chance anywhere around Central Andros, it will be in the deep, hard-bottom flats of the North Bight, adjacent to the flats near Behring Point, or along the edges of the West Side (as permit make their way into the marl flats and drop-offs to feed.
You’re not going to encounter large, tailing schools but if an incoming tide pushes onto the flats during a perfectly calm, bright, sunny day - it may be worth a shot for some anglers.
If an accurate, 50-foot double haul cast with natural fly presentation isn’t on your list, then we’d skip this species at this location. Want to target Permit? Contact us!
It’s not all skill, though. Permit have the pull of a Jack Crevalle, aerial acrobatics that rival tarpon, and are as difficult to see as a Bonefish. With a 5-7% success rate, sometimes, it’s just comes down to luck!
Considered to be the holy grail of species to HUNT (more than fish) on a fly rod.
TARPON: Nicknamed the “Silver King”, anglers will find resident fish (30-80 pounds), holed up deep within the North, Middle and South bight’s intricate system of mangroves, but may find some of the larger, migratory fish. When cold fronts move in, they’ll dive into the deeper channels and conserve energy by being pretty lethargic. However, you’ll find them rolling or laying up in the creeks.
Without a doubt, one of the most challenging species to fight on a fly rod.
Their wild jumps and strong pull will put your gear and your strength, to the test!
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Bonefish are an
Called the “Grey Ghost of the Flats”, they are practically invisible to the untrained eye as they glide along the white sand.
An elusive species with incredible speed and strong takes. Hook one, and hold on!
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Late January - Early February
Our annual winter escape to paradise! This window offers the perfect sweet spot for optimal weather (permitting), targeting trophy-sized Bonefish - and the fewest BUGS. Cooler weather brings comfortable days on the water, with brisk early morning boat rides. Temperatures during this period peak around 78°F and drop to 65°F or so at night.
In the Bahamas, the period of clearing weather that follows a winter cold front is called a “Bluebird Cold Front”. It’s that picturesque weather you can almost feel in photographs of The Bahamas.
Winds shifting to the north or northeast push the rain/storm clouds out and bring in cool, dry air. Atmospheric pressure peaks, the temp “plummets”, and there’s nothing but bright, brilliant “bluebird skies”, as far as the eye can see.
Just beware - bright, clear skies means the fish can see EVERYTHING.
Don’t worry, though. “Cold” for this fishery is still nothing short of paradise for saltwater anglers!
The island’s unique geography allows guides and anglers to pivot in their tactics and approach, and even which species to target, and where!
For more details, check out our ANDROS, BAHAMAS - BONEFISH BROCHURE.
Visit our TRIP CALENDAR for current availability.
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The combination of ideal water temperatures, tropical weather, and the unique geographical formation make Central Andros the prime location to target vast numbers of Bonefish.
Our annual visit coincides with the changing seasons. When the weather back home becomes less conducive to shorts and T-shirts (with or without the sleeves cut off), anglers can escape to paradise with us!
You’ll see a lot more double-digit Big Bones during this window. While this species can handle a range of water temps, the smaller “schoolies” aren’t as adept at maintaining when the water is coldest. Temperature directly impacts a fish’s metabolism, which slows when they’re cold. Juveniles are more susceptible to succumb to cold fronts. They’ll slow their feeding when cold, and their activity level, further limiting their metabolic functions.
Deeper water acts as a thermal blanket for these younger, smaller fish, leaving the bigger, older fish to roam the cooling flats as their food sources remain.
Bigger Bones are better at regulating their body temps for longer periods.
You’ll especially see “Big Bones” move onto the flats during the “Bluebird Cold Front”, as the period immediately following the peak period of cold can rapidly increase the water temp on the shallow flats. They’ll hole up in these warm pockets to recharge their metabolism, hungry and ready to eat your fly!
Our window also brings low-angle sun that makes spotting cruising fish MUCH easier - though you’ll still rely heavily on your guide’s trained eye to spot them. Your guide will be able to spot fish long before you do.
The dropping temps bring some days with stronger north-northeast winds. Practice your cast before you get to Andros!
You’ll need to:
BE ACCURATE: Your guide will spot a fish, point, and tell you to cast. If you aren’t sure, ask distance and direction, and do your best to aim!
BE QUICK: Like any dynamic fishery, opportunities won’t last. Anglers who reset quickly and are at the ready will be much more successful.
ADAPT: Making sure to account for the current conditions and a willingness to change up your process or plan is essential to a successful Andros trip.
TRUST YOUR GUIDE: We’ve spent YEARS gathering the best guide crew on the island of Andros.
Your guide will be able to spot fish long before you do. They’re eyes are trained to catch the
Best of all, Central Andros offers anglers a variety of other species to target, if the Bonefish bite has slowed. The island’s bights, extensive system of creeks and mangrove boundaries provide shelter for the various species fleeing cooling water. The possibilities are endless, come see for yourself!
For more details, check out our ANDROS BROCHURE.
Visit our TRIP CALENDAR for program dates and availability.
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While many have “island” in their name, The Islands of the Bahamas would be the proper reference, as it’s comprised of individual groupings of small, and tiny, land masses surrounded by water.
Andros is not your typical small, ocean-surrounded land mass. Comprised of 3 “main” land masses, the island’s unique formation naturally splits Andros into sections:
North Andros
Central Andros
South Andros
You’ll need to travel by air or boat to reach South Andros. No road connects between Central & South Andros, but there is one road that connects Central and North Andros.
We rely on the farms in North Andros to supply fresh produce during our program. Most are owned and operated by Mennonites, near Blanket Sound.
We’ve picked Central Andros for our annual pop-up because it provides anglers with the best experience possible.
ACCESS: Positioned between the North, Middle and South Bights (wide, shallow water channels that cut completely across the entire island).
VARIETY: Bights, ocean drop-offs, barrier reefs, shallow shoreline, sandbars, tidal flats, mangrove creeks and channels - All productive zones for anglers to choose from.
PRODUCTIVITY: Large numbers of 3-5 pound fish abound, with double-digit “Big Bones” caught every season! The numbers (and the nickname) don’t lie. It is, after all, CENTRAL ANDROS, in particular, that anglers call “The Bonefishing Capital of the World”!
Escape with us to The Bahamas this Winter, and see for yourself!
For more details on this location’s program, check out our ANDROS BROCHURE.
Check our TRIP CALENDAR for current programs, dates and availability.
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