Andros island,
Bahamas
PRE-TRIP &
TRAVEL PLANNER
Welcome
Aboard!
Gear up for an exceptional trip to Andros Island in the Bahamas, the BONEFISH CAPITAL OF THE WORLD…
We have gathered up all the key information needed to help you plan your travels.
Click below for the printable version of this planner, along with a detailed gear and packing list
andros
LOCATION &TRAVEL INFO
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TCH Highly recommends travel insurance for all your adventures.
Please reach out to us if you need assistance choosing the right insurance for you.
We have a recommended link to share from a travel agent friend (NOT an affiliate link for us but as with most travel agencies, a portion of the cost of your policy would be paid to them as commission, full disclosure!!!). If interested, click on the link below. We are happy to discuss other options that may be better suited for your needs and preferences as well! We are in the works to offer an affiliate link of our own soon for a great adventure travel insurance provider, feel free to contact Samantha.
PLEASE MAKE SURE ANY POLICY YOU PURCHASE COVERS YOU FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO THE BAHAMAS, AS WELL AS FOR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FISHING, AS NOT ALL DO. IF EVEN JUST CONSIDERING ANY POLICY AT ALL, WE WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND MEDICAL TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR EVERY CLIENT ON EVERY TRIP.
BE SURE TO PROVIDE US THE POLICY NUMBER, COMPANY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER IF YOU DO PURCHASE ANY POLICY. IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE THIS INFO AND CAN DETERMINE THE POLICY REQUIREMENTS, AS THEY CAN VARY.
SEND TRAVEL INSURANCE DETAILS TO: SAMANTHA
This trip offers unique payment terms due to the seasonality of the location:
Be sure to book a changeable or refundable ticket, or book using a credit card that offers trip interruption coverage, or get covered with travel insurance.
We highly recommend travel insurance to all our anglers, on all our trips. If you would like recommendations for travel insurance, please reach out to Samantha.
Make sure that you book a flight to arrive in the designated window provided for pick-up and drop-off.
Flights booked outside the required window that result in additional shuttle runs WILL result in a fee of at least $50/angler each way.
We work hard to keep the cost as low as possible for each of our guests. We price our trips based off the cost of a shuttle run during a specific window out of consideration for everyone and staff availability.
Please send Samantha your travel plans once you have them set.
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Once at the lodge, you will take a tour and settle into your room.
Appetizers will start around 6 pm with dinner to follow.After dinner, we go over what you can expect for the week: Fishing partners, guide assignments, weather, fish stories and of course answer any questions the group may have.
Morning comes early so be sure to get some rest.
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A grab and go breakfast will be prepared on the morning of departure.
We will run shuttles based on when you need to leave - Please book your flight to depart in the morning from Fresh Creek to Nassau and we will arrange a shuttle to take you to the airport. (Most likely, this will be the 7:30 am flight.)
If you have made other arrangements, please let us know prior to the trip.
Documentation
Travelers MUST have a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of trip date, with 2 blank unstamped pages and it must not be damaged. US Citizens traveling from the U.S. for up to 90 days are not required to get a Tourist Visa.
We are proud to be partnering with
orlando
outfitters
on our Bahamas Bonefish program!
They're ready and waiting to assist you with your gear needs for this trip. Reach out to their friendly staff and they'll get you set up!
TRAVEL INFO
Getting to and from Andros Island
Book your flight to Nassau, where you will take a jumper flight to Fresh Creek, or fly directly into Fresh Creek from Ft. Lauderdale. With either option for travel, please book your flights to arrive at Fresh Creek Airport after 2pm
Option one:
Book your flight to Ft. Lauderdale through any carrier and then book a flight from Ft. Lauderdale into Fresh Creek (ASD) via Makers air
https://makersair.com/
Option two
Book your flight into Nassau through any carrier and book a jumper flight from Nassau to Fresh Creek, Andros via Le Air
https://www.flyleair.com/bookonline/
If you choose to fly through Nassau, it is often easier to overnight there, then take the jumper (Le Air) flight the following day.
Arrive in Fresh Creek, Andros any time after 2pm on your scheduled arrival day.
If you have any questions about flights or getting to Fresh Creek Airport on Andros, please reach out to us.
Please make sure to fill out the travel details form we sent once you have your flights booked.
fishing
the bonefish
capital of the world
Andros is known for its bonefish and these silver bullets are your primary target. Typically the average size is in the 5 pound class, however on the west side of the island, you will see fish in the double digits. Other species occasionally seen on the flats are the elusive Bahamian permit, barracuda and tarpon feeding on baitfish and fleeing crustaceans.
Our awesome crew of local Bahamian guides will show you the beautiful flats surrounding the island. Guides will pick you up right in front of the lodge at the dock on Cargill Creek.
You will primarily be fishing from skiffs. If you want to spend the day wading be sure to ask your guide before you leave the dock for the day. Depending on the weather, the guides will either head up the east side of the island or into the bight. On light wind days guides may even make the run to the white, sandy flats on the west side. Morning boat runs take anywhere from 30-45 minutes, or if you are headed to the west side, up to an hour.
Bonefish can show up in large schools, small groups or even as singles. Keep your eyes peeled, listen to your guide and be ready to throw your cast as they position the boat for each shot.
When the time comes, remember…. DON’T TROUT SET!!
practice your casting
before you get to andros!
Being able to throw an 8wt all day is important to your success on the water. Hitting a target distance of 40-50 ft+ quickly and accurately will help make your fishing experience more enjoyable!
One o’clock… Two o’clock… 50 feet! 40 feet! Cast!!!
You will often hear the guides giving their instructions quickly. Our amazing guides have sharp eyes that are very used to spotting these stealthy swimmers The guides will often see these fish well before you do… . Make sure to be familiar with “the hands of a clock”. Your guide will call out times to tell you which direction you need to throw your cast.
*12 o’clock is the bow, 3 o’clock is the right of the bow, 9 o’clock to the left!
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Use the link below to go the “Go Outdoors Bahamas” website where you can purchase your fishing license.
https://license.gooutdoorsbahamas.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx#
Download the "Go Outdoors Bahamas" app, just search for it in the app store on your device.
Tap below for an instructional video about the site and app on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhDTXNwTV08
When creating an account, use your passport # as the “Document ID Number”.
There is an option for a 7-day, non-resident, flats fishing license, the cost is $20.
For the proposed fishing area - ANDROS
You do not need the '"durable hard card" unless you would like to purchase one as a keepsake.
When you are finished, make sure that you print off your license.
Keep the printed version with you in an accessible spot when traveling, in case you are asked to show it while going through customs and immigration.
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Guides will not be providing gear for you. You will need to bring your own rods, reels, line, leader, tippet and flies.
Please see the printable planner for a more in depth list and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help selecting the appropriate gear for your trip.
8/9/10wt rods with floating line with appropriately sized, sealed drag saltwater reels.
*Make sure you have at least 200 yards of backing, attached with a good knot to your fly-line*
typical day on
Andros
Island
Are you ready
for beautiful sunsets,
big fish and Caribbean vibes?
All meals
Prepared by your
Travel Creel
private chef
We have the great pleasure of hosting our trip at a lodge located in Cargill Creek - This Central Andros location has been crafted with hospitality and fishing in mind. The lodge is a true family affair, designed and built by locals Danny and Juliette Newbold, backed by their sons Julio and Danny Junior (DJ). Juliette is the head of hospitality for the facility, while Danny and his sons are part of our guide team. The Travel Creel Crew brings most of our goods from Nassau, and will feature fish caught in the same waters you are fishing, so expect conch, grouper and snapper in the menu rotation.
*the lodge features a full bar if you prefer to buy there and not bring your own.
PLEASE INFORM US OF ANY FOOD ALLERGIES OR DIETARY RESTRICTIONS USING THE “CLIENT INTAKE” FORM WE SENT YOU OR IF ALREADY ON FILE WITH US PLEASE EMAIL SAMANTHA@TRAVELCREEL.COM TO ENSURE THE BEST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE!
WHAT is INCLUDED:
4 Days of Guided Fishing
5 Nights of Accommodations
All meals prepared by your Travel Creel Private Chef
Airport Shuttles and Ground Transportation
$5,350/ ANGLER
AIRFARE, BOOZE, GEAR & TERMINAL TACKLE (CHECK THE ATTACHED GEAR LIST FOR DETAILS,) TRAVEL INSURANCE (RECOMMENDED), BAHAMIAN FISHING LICENSE & GRATUITY
ARE NOT INCLUDED.
*Rate is based on double occupancy*
We are pleased to partner with Global Rescue for all our travel and emergency medical evacuation insurance needs. Use THIS LINK to receive a quote or become a member today! We may receive a commission from your purchase if you choose a plan with Global Rescue, the world leader in travel protection.
*Gratuity is a personal choice based on the service you receive and your overall experience.
Typical gratuity (in US Dollars) includes:
- GUIDES: $75/person/day, pooled with your boatmate and paid to your guide at the end of each day of fishing in cash
- CREEL CREW: $200-$250 per angler paid at the end of your stay in cash or using the Cashless Creel Crew page linked in the email you will receive the morning of your departure
- LODGE STAFF: We encourage leaving cash gratuity for housekeeping staff / anyone on site that made your stay enjoyable
- Rosanna / Shuttle: $20+ cash at the end of each shuttle ride (airport, store run, etc.)
