Turks and Caicos

[venture]

Hey guys.........

I'm off to Turks and Caicos with my new friend, the week of July 4. She already had made plans a while ago and just invited me to come along......she did not have to twist my arm.

I would like to dazzle her with my fly fishing talents......so I could use any help I can get.

Anyone know the bonefish situation around that island? What flies, any perfered guides, or any spots that can be reached from shore without a guide??? ........any and all information will be welcomed, and perhaps rewarded one day......

Thanks in advance,
Howie

[Bella Ragazza]

Hey Howie,

I understand if ya hook em right through the eyes, ya have nothin to worry about...have a wonderful time my friend...and the best of luck to you!

Always,
B.

[brushfly]

Hey Howie,

It's Bob the fly fisherman from Bay Crest. Sounds to me like your no longer in the neighborhood. Hope you are well and happy. Started bangin schoolies in the Harbor the last two weeks. Nothin big but alot of fish.

I went to Club Med in Providenciales back in the day '88. Clearest water I've ever seen and I've traveled alot of the Caribbean. It always pays to bring your own combo, as the waters so clear, you could be hangin on the beach and then see a cuda, jacks or whatever swiming by. By memory, the beach over near Club Med went out relatively flat. Not much structure though. Lack of grass or shell beds. Beautiful for swiming and wading though. I know of a guide in Providenciales by the name of Authur Dean. "Silver Deep" is the co.name. #649-946-5612. www:silverdeep.com.

Do not know anybody who's fished with him but from what I understand he was one of the first to start running charters.

Have a great time in the Caribbean. If your back in the neighborhood drop me a line to go out fishing.

[jazzman]

I was there in early March, staying at a relative's condo in the Sands Resort. Here's what I found out:

1 -- Little schools of small jacks crash bait off the beach every late afternoon. Cast a smallish baitfish fly in, strip, and you'll get a 12 incher. The "blitz" is easy to spot. Some people told me fishing was prohibited on the beach I'm talking about, but a longtime guide told me that was nonsense.

2 -- The bonefishing is mediocre and insanely expensive, although I did hear of some guys having good days. Arthur Dean, who's website is www.silverdeep.com, quote a price of $700 a day!!! and $450 for a half day!!!! I ended up doing a half day with a veteran independent guide named Barr Gardner, who charges closer to normal Carribean rates. We saw some fish, I hooked one, and my friend landed one. Barr also does a shuttle for about $150, where he dropped us off for four hours on the same flat, and we didn't see a thing in the same places we'd fished the day before. I think Gardner is a good and experienced guide, and in the right conditions, you might have a good day. Don't have his phone #, but any of the resorts will give it to you.

Good luck.

[venture]

Thanks guys, and thank you Bella, for that special note that only you and I can understand........and all the best to you.

warmest regards,
howie