Pre-trip planner Bahamas

PRE-TRIP PLANNER

BAHAMAS

BAHAMAS

GETAWAY FLY FISHING

PLANNING YOUR TRIP BAHAMAS Bahamas is an independent country, part of Commonwealth, residing South East of Florida and North of Cuba. The Bahamas consists of approximately 700 islands of which only 30 are inhabited. The capital, Nassau and international airport is on the island New Providence.

Among the southernmost islands are Acklins and Crooked. We fish the flats around Acklins Island where Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn has grown a solid reputation. Bahamas and Acklins Island is without doubt a true fishing adventure and a very special experience.

FLIGHTS Plan for at least one overnight stay in Nassau. This allows to acclimatize and start the trip well rested the following morning – and a hotel stay gives a buffer in case of flight delays to Nassau. There are only two weekly flights to Acklins so we don’t want to miss the planned departure. In Nassau we usually stay at the Orange Hill Hotel near the airport.

Getaway Fly Fishing can arrange your booking if you wish.

Have any medicines you need in the hand luggage as well.

The airport on Acklins Island is called Spring Point. Bahamas Air flies to Spring Point.

Your will go through airport security for travel within the Bahamas, so get to the airport early.

ALCOHOL

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Bottled water and soft drinks (3 each day) are complimentary at the lodge. Beer can be purchased by the bottle at the lodge or in local stores. The beer of the Bahamas is Kalik, 5% alc./vol. Any other beverages should be brought with you from Nassau Airport.

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after departure. We recommend bringing copies in your hand luggage and on your phone. If passing through the USA on your way to or from the Bahamas, foreigners to the USA must apply for a visa (ESTA).

You will find the application here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

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As airport security rules change constantly, we recommend that you pack your rods, reels and flies in the checked in luggage. We recommend bringing a waterproof day pack as hand luggage (and use it when wading the flats as well). It is smart to put your flats boots, wading socks, cap, sunglasses and an extra set of pants/underwear/shirt in your hand luggage. Thus, in case of delayed luggage, you can still go fishing, borrowing fishing gear from another person in the group.

NASSAU

Upon entry into the Bahamas you will complete a tourist information card. A copy will be given to you, do not lose it; upon departure you will surrender it.

If you have an extra day to spend in Nassau, you can visit the local fish market on Potter’s Cay or experience all the Bahamian fish species in the Great Atlantis Aquarium – or even do some shopping.

PACKING

TRANSFERS

Check with your airline for baggage limits on your international flights. For the domestic flight Nassau – Acklins, please check here for limits, and note the special restrictions for Acklins: https://www.bahamasair.com/optionalfees/

Early Wednesday or Saturday morning we leave for the airport in Nassau.

The plane typically touches ground on Acklins around noon, where you will be met by staff of Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn.

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BAHAMAS

GETAWAY FLY FISHING

THE BASICS TIME ZONE

GRATUITIES

During the winter months, Bahamas time zone is GMT -5.

Tips for staff at Grey’s Point is $30-40.

If you purchase fishing days with a guide, you should tip him no less than $45 per day.

ELECTRICITY Electrical outlets are 120 volts, US standard plugs. Bring an adapter if needed.

COMMUNICATIONS

Make sure you have a valid travel insurance – possibly including cancellation insurance.

Depending on your cell provider your mobile should work in Nassau, and it is usually also possible to get reception around the lodge at Acklins. You will have WiFi at Grey’s Point, though the connection might be a bit unstable.

VACCINATIONS

CURRENCY (AND CASH)

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

The Bahamian currency is Bahamian Dollar (BSD, same rate as USD) but there is no need to bring anything but US-dollars, which are accepted everywhere in the Bahamas. We recommend bringing the US-dollars you need, though it is possible to find ATMs in Nassau. You will need US-dollars in cash for:

If you have special dietary requirements or food allergies, please let us know when you book the trip.

– Tipping the staff at Grey’s Point ($30-40) – Fishing license $20-30 (depending on length of your stay) plus 12% VAT – Possibly extra soft or alcoholic drinks – Dining, transportation and tips while in Nassau – Possible fishing with a guide - Possibly a departure tax in the airport Cash should be used for anything purchased at the lodge. Credit cards are not accepted at the lodge.

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TRAVEL INSURANCE

Always check your local authorities’ recommendations in due time prior to your trip. No special shots are required for Bahamas.

LEAVING ACKLINS The morning of departure, we pack our luggage right after breakfast, followed by the short ride to the airport – the first leg of the journey back home. Officially, there is a departure tax, but most often it is included in your flight ticket.

ACKLINS CONTACTS GREY’S POINT

ACKLINS ISLAND, BAHAMAS ACKLINS - (242) 344-3210

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BAHAMAS

GETAWAY FLY FISHING

THE LODGE & ACKLINS ISLAND ARRIVAL TO THE LODGE We are picked up at the airport on Acklins and driven to the lodge. After a lunch at Grey’s Point you will have plenty of time to unpack and setup your gear. During the afternoon, the tour leader will give an introduction to bonefishing for any newcomers in the group.

ACCOMODATION

At Grey’s Point, we are accommodated in double rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning.

LODGE LIFE

We have cars at our disposal during the stay.

A car will be used for getting to the designated fishing areas. The lodge also has some canoes to be borrowed. They can be used to explore the huge areas of sandy flats near the lodge. You decide the duration of your fishing day, just be back before dusk.

After a day of fishing, you can clean your gear with fresh water, have a shower and enjoy “after fishing” with your fellow anglers. There are no activities in the evening, other than the good company of your group.

Remember that if anything is not to your satisfaction you should acknowledge the tour leader immediately. Then we can try to fix the problem – it will be too late to do something once you are back home.

ACKLINS ISLAND CLIMATE & BIOTOPE

Acklins was mentioned by Columbus in 1492, but not inhabited until the American revolution.

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A number of cotton plantations including up to 1000 slaves were established but abandoned when the soil was depleted around 1830. Now, Acklins only has around 600 inhabitants. Thus, it is pretty relaxed and don’t fear rush hours on the sole highway on the island. Columbus called the islands the ‘Fragrant Isles,’ perhaps because of the aromatic scent of the cascarilla tree’s bark, also called ‘Eleuthera bark’ that is still harvested and sold to produce Campari liquor.

We fish the Bahamas from early November to late March, outside the hurricane season and the average temperature is 25-27°C. Light winds are almost always present and most anglers find the climate very comfortable. However, cold fronts do pass occasionally, and short periods of rain may occur.

The flats are mostly hard bottom sand, which makes it relatively easy to spot fish. However, there are also areas with softer bottom and mangrove areas that puts more demand on the fisherman.

WILDLIFE

Besides some of the best bonefishing in the world, Acklins has a protected reserve for endangered great iguanas south west of Spring Point, and the very rare hutias (guinea pig-like rodents), the only native mammal of The Bahamas. Many birds are around, and you may see flamingos, pelicans, terns, frigate birds, ibises, herons, egrets, hummingbirds, vultures and ospreys among others.

When stalking bonefish, you may also encounter sea turtles and many species of fish, e.g. jacks, permit, barracuda, smaller sharks, rays, snappers, parrot fish and many more.

Tarpon are rare in the months that we fish here.

SAFETY

The flats are huge and typically mangrove areas separate them. When flats fishing, ensure that

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BAHAMAS

GETAWAY FLY FISHING

THE HIKING you know the direction back to the shore and the car, as you may not be able to see that far.

Spring tide is up to 1 meter, so note the time of high tide, and make sure your way back is passable. Bad weather may come fast, and you can lose directions in heavy rain where visibility is almost zero. Stay somewhat close to shore if low pressure fronts are approaching. We recommend always fishing minimum two anglers together.

At times there may be small sand flies that bite. To most, it just itches, but if you are allergic, bring antihistamines.

At rare occasions you may see a drifting “jellyfish” with a purple “sail”. It is the Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis). It has tentacles up to 10 meters in length and they give a painful sting that is venomous, and potentially dangerous. Stay away if you see them.

THE FISHING & THE EQUIPMENT Stingrays sometimes bury themselves in the sand. They have a poisonous spine on the tail, so walk around them if you spot them. Shuffling your feet when wading may avoid that you step on them.

PROTECTION OF NATURE

All fishing is catch and release only. Therefore, crimp the barb on your hook or use barbless single hooks. Keep fighting time to a minimum.

When handling the catch, keep the fish in the water at all times, except maybe for a quick photo. Use a set of pliers to unhook the fish and release it quickly. Bonefish tend to calm down if held upside down while removing the hook.

Naturally, we leave no litter, including cigarette butts, but bring it to a trash bin.

TOUR LEADER & LOCAL GUIDES Acklins is surrounded by square miles of perfect bonefish flats. You can easily fish these flats for a week without wading the same spots twice.

Wading and stalking the fish on your own is considered the ultimate bonefishing by most fly anglers – at least when you succeed in finding the fish. And at Acklins you usually will.

Your tour leader knows the area and will advise our guests how and where to fish the chosen areas.

Typically, the group is divided into teams that rotates between areas, or fishing zones. This way, everyone on the team will fish new water each day, and the zones gets the needed rest between every visit.

The tour leader is not your guide but will be fishing along with the group, and of course assist any newcomers to bonefishing.

If you wish to fish with a local guide (and boat) for a day or two, we can help you plan this before departure. The price is approximately $450 + tips and the guide (and the costs) can be shared by two anglers.

If you want to book a guide once you are at Acklins the tour leader will help you set this up with the lodge.

You will get your flats fishing license at the lodge.

BONEFISH

The grey ghosts of the flats they are called – and at times they are really difficult to spot.

However, having the sun and the wind in the back, wading a sandy flat, you may see them on a long distance. Bonefish tend to move up the flats and into mangrove cays with rising tide, and vice versa.

Bonefish in the flats eat mainly juvenile crustaceans and fishes, so their prey is usually quite small; less than 5-6 cm. Bonefish search for food at, or near the bottom and normally

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do not react on a fly just below the surface. Therefore, your flies should have different weights to enable them to reach the bottom at different depths quickly. When spotting a bonefish, keep your eyes at it while casting in front of it. Let the fly sink and strip it with small strips until the fish sees it – then you can make a long strip, and hopefully the fish takes the fly. Always set the hook with a strip strike – never lift the rod as you may be used to from trout fishing. The brake on the reel should be set so hard, that the spool stops immediately after a fast drag in the line, but not harder than that.

OTHER SPECIES

Beside the great bonefishing, Acklins offers a healthy population of barracudas. These killers of the flats are often lurking in the deeper parts of the flats or in channels. Sometimes they’ll attack a large and fast-moving baitfish fly with fierce appetite, at other times they’ll act like they couldn’t care less about all our generous offerings. The flats are often visited by smaller sharks as well. At first, they might seem slow and only slightly curious, in some lazy kind of way, but once they pick out a weak bonefish or a baitfish fly...

For some anglers, these species are just a little extra fun to be had on top of their bonefishing – to others these larger predators are at the top of their list.

Small schools of jacks may visit the flats, and they are strong fighters. A fast stripped baitfish fly may tempt them. Permit are occasionally seen as well. They are hard to catch, as they are easily spooked and often not interested in your fly. Your best chance is using a crab or shrimp fly.

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BAHAMAS

GETAWAY FLY FISHING

THE FISHING & THE EQUIPMENT FLY-FISHING TIPS Shortly after breakfast we will pack our backpacks with lunch and plenty of water – and then it is time to go bonefishing. The teams set off towards the chosen fishing areas of the day, either by car or canoe. The flats often go on for miles and you will find plenty of space at Acklins.

Wade slowly, preferably with the wind in the back, holding your fly in one hand and the rod in the other. Pull off 12-15 meters of fly line and let it float behind you while searching for the bones.

Once you find and spot a bonefish the magic begins. Get into position, cast your fly, watch your fly as you strip it, and the bonefish pick up your fly – set the hook and enjoy the screaming reel followed by a great deal of backing leaving the spool. Bonefishing on your own is sight fishing at its best.

FLY RODS

Bonefishing is pretty basic when it comes to choosing your fly tackle. There has, however, been some debate over rods. In many bonefishing situations you’ll want a light rod for accurate and delicate presentations – but one hour later you might want a rod that can punch your fly through heavy winds on an open flat. In any case, you’ll want a rod with some backbone to tame the powers of the bonefish. When choosing the go-to rod for bonefish, we still recommend the classic #8 saltwater rod with a small fight butt: It will not let you down!

There is a reason that saltwater rods are built with sturdy components. The salt, the sand and the sun all put great strain on your tackle. A backup rod is always necessary when travelling.

If possible, choose the same line weight for both your bonefish rods. This will save you the trouble of bringing more fly lines.

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FLY REELS (AND BACKING)

A fly reel in the #8-9 range with a decent and smooth drag will do the job well. In other words, most quality saltwater fly reels on the market today will work nicely. The reel should hold a floating fly line and 200 yards of 20lb backing.

We recommend that you bring an extra line, rod and reel.

FLY LINES

Many different saltwater fly lines have entered the market in recent years. We have tried them all but tend to stick to the traditional Bonefish Tapers for Bahamas since both short- and long range casting with different flies is needed. If you are new to the salt, you might like to overload your rod with a fly line a half to one weightclass up. This will help you load your rod on shorter casts and it will make it easier throwing larger flies too. Your bonefish lines should be floating WF lines. You wade the flats with the fly in your hand, having a good amount of fly line in the water floating behind you, ready to cast when spotting a bonefish. Thus, your line will soak up water after a couple of days, and it may be sanded by the bottom, corals or mangroves – or even cut off when fighting fish in coral areas, i.e. bring spare line(s).

LEADER MATERIAL

We recommend 9-12’ tapered bonefish or saltwater leaders in the 10-20lb range. You can extend the leader with some fluorocarbon tippet material of 0.28-0.33 mm. For barracuda, you will need about 7’ of heavy leader – and a wire tippet!. The wire should preferably hold 30 pounds and not be shorter than 40 cm.

WADERS, WADING BOOTS AND SOCKS

Flats boots that fit are a must. Real flats boots protect your feet much better than e.g. sandals

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BAHAMAS

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THE EQUIPMENT or neoprene boots., so go for the former. We recommend wearing wet wading socks in the boots and fold them round the shaft of the boots to reduce sand inside.

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES

You really want to see as much through the water surface as possible, and sometimes you’d wish you could see even better than that! Polarized sunglasses of high quality are an absolute must.

For sunny days, amber/brown colored glasses are recommended, whereas yellow glasses are good in overcast weather. We suggest bringing two pairs with straps to put around your neck – you will be miserable if you lose your glasses!

To optimize vision, you need a cap, preferably with a long bill, and importantly a black underside of the bill to avoid flare. A spare cap is recommended.

Bring some lens wipes. Your glasses need to be cleaned several times a day when greased by salty mist or splash from fighting fish.

INSECT & SUN PROTECTION

The sun at Bahamas has no mercy – especially not when on the water with a sandy bottom. Sun protection SPF 30+ is what you need. We prefer the spray type as it is not so greasy as the milky types from a tube. You’ll need to refresh your sun screen a couple of times during a day, so bring plenty.

If there are sand flies, they are hard to scare with repellents. The local advice against the itching is plenty of rum!

At times with no wind in mangrove areas, or around sunset there may be mosquitos, so bring along some insect repellent.

CLOTHING

While the hardware hasn’t changed much in bonefishing during the last decades, a lot has

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happened on the ‘software’ scene. Being out on the flats all day with no shade is much more comfortable with today’s clothing. Furthermore, silk-like crewnecks and High UV-Buffs makes it more comfortable than the traditional tropical shirts and hats.

We recommend shirts with long sleeves, fast drying and with UV protection. Long, fast drying lightweight pants, preferably of the zip-off type, also with UV protection are essential.

GLOVES / FINGER GUARDS

Sun gloves, maybe with half fingers and some enforcement where the fly line slides over your fingers are good. Besides protecting from the sun, they may also help protect your hands from any sand flies.

Salt crystals will adhere to your fly line, and to avoid wounds when stripping the line, we recommend bringing a couple of finger guards for your stripping finger(s).

ADDITIONAL CLOTHING

When it rains, it pours. Fortunately, the showers normally do not last long. However, to avoid hypothermia, you should have a light raincoat that can be stowed in your day pack when not in use.

A buff to protect your face and neck from the sun, and any sand flies is also recommended.

OTHER ITEMS

You will be a happy bonefisher if you spend that extra money on a waterproof backpack. Some prefer a hip bag, others a back- or sling- pack.

When wading the flats, you’ll need to carry one or two bottles of water, some extra leader and tippet materials, flies, pliers, hook sharpener, lens cleaners, sun screen and possibly your rain coat and (waterproof) camera.

SUGGESTIONS FOR PACKING LISTS PERSONAL EQUIPMENT • Passport, credit card, travel insurance and cash (USD) • Toiletries + any personal medicine • Sunblock (SPF 30+) + sunblock lip balm • Mosquito repellent • Blister patches • Diarrhea medicine • Glasses wipes for cleaning sunglasses • Small flashlight • Travel adapter (electrical outlets are US standard 120 volts) • Pain/aspirin medication (useful after too much sun, jet lag or lack of sleep) • Light sleeping pills (useful on flights and to over come jetlag) • Camera equipment Flats boots/ sneakers and socks for wading • Light trousers with long legs (e.g. zip-off type), offering your legs a break from the sun • Light tropical shirts or crew necks with UV-protection • Caps and/or sun hats with neck and ear cover • Shorts • Sandals or other light footwear • Buff (High UV)

• Polaroid sunglasses with amber lenses for sunny weather + spare (e.g. yellow for cloudy weather) • Light fingerless fishing gloves or sun gloves • Stripping guards • Light raingear • Waterproof backpack FISHING EQUIPMENT • 9’ #7-8 fly rod for bonefish + spare • 9’ #8-9 fly rod for barracuda • #8-9 fly reel with 200m 20-50lb braid backing + spare • #7-9 floating WF Bonefish fly line + spare • #9-10 floating tropical saltwater fly line (barracuda) • 9-12’ tapered Bonefish or Saltwater leader in 10-20lb (min. 3 pc.)

• Fluorocarbon tippet material 0.28-0.33 mm • Short and heavy leader with wire tippet for barracuda • Fly line dressing for cleaning lines • Pliers • Hook sharpener • Line clipper • Measuring tape

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THE FLIES

A selection of small and light crab flies is your best bet in the mangroves.

If you’re ready to hook up with big barracudas, strong jacks you should bring some baitfish flies tied on heavy-wire hooks.

If you are considering targeting Acklins’ challenging permit, bring a selection of larger shrimps and crabs.

Classic shrimp flies are a must on Acklins.

BONEFISH FLIES

Most of your Acklins bonefish flies should be in size 4-6, but of course bonefish is regularly caught on both smaller and bigger flies. Make sure to bring a decent number of flies. While bonefish rarely destroys a lot of them there are several other sharp toothed critters lurking on the flats.

Classic shrimp flies are a must on Acklins. The huge sandflats call for lightly colored bonefish flies and variations of Gotchas, Mantis Shrimps, Puffs and Crazy Charlies. The same goes for the

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modern, lifelike shrimp flies used for European sea trout fishing. Fortunately, Acklins has a healthy population of bones so you will get plenty of opportunities to experiment.

A selection of small and light crab flies is your best bet in the mangroves. In here, the bones are extra wary and alert, but a nice little tan crab with rubber legs is hard to resist for a tailing bonefish. To avoid getting snagged, consider adding a weed guard to some of your flies.

Matching the fly’s overall color to that of the

bottom is important. For a week’s fishing consider bringing 3-5 dozen of flies. Most should be #4 and #6 with some #8 for really spooky fish.

Include eyeless, bead eyes and some lead eyes.

You will need flies that are un-weighted, slightly weighted and a few heavy. We urge you to pinch down the barbs on your flies.

FLIES FOR BARRACUDA AND JACKS

If you’re ready to hook up with big barracudas, strong jacks – or even sharks – you should bring some baitfish flies tied on heavy-wire hooks.

Barracudas like long (30 cm) skinny chartreuse/white baitfish patterns. To effectively hook cudas and increase landing rates, a stinger hook is recommended.

PERMIT FLIES

Permit are seen occasionally. Ideal setup is a 9 or 10 wt fly rod and shrimp/crab-imitation fly patterns in sizes #2 to 1/0.

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