Where Next?

[TimOBrien]

I'm interested in everyones opinion on a new fishing location. Ive only fished for bones down in the yucatan along with other species. Ive read about Abaco, Turks & Caicos, Bonaire, St. Maarten, Tortola, etc.. What is a decent destination where I can hire a guide, rent a little place, and fish on my own for a reasonable price? I know this is a topic that we see on this forum a bunch, but if you guys dont mind I would appreciate some advice.

[gotcha]

Tim: I have been fortunate to fish some of the areas that you mentioned. I will list my experiences of the destinations mentioned (I am sure that others will have a different opinion) however; on my trips, this is what I found.
1) Abaco: Amazing, can not say enough. If BIG BONES are what you want, this is a fantastic destination (Lots and Lots of double digit bones here if the weather cooperates). 2) Turks and Caicos, well I can say one thing about the place, their board of tourism does a fantastic job of publisizing Provo. Nice beaches, nice resturants, very, very pricy ! As far as size and numbers, does not even come close to the Bahamas (for about 3X the price). In my opinion, not a good bonefish destination. 3) Bonaire: never been, do not know anyone who has, my opinion here is irrelevant. 4) St. Maarten: I have spent lots of time here. Great beaches, fantastic night life, good shoping. Good blue water fishing. In the winter months the wahoo show up in great numbers off their banks. However, I would not suggest it for a great inshore destination. 5) Tortola (and Virgin Gorda). GREAT SUMMERTIME MARLIN fishing !!!!. Amazing beaches. I have not done much inshore fishing here. If big bones are your affliction, I just have not heard much about this area.
Hope this helps, would love to hear what the post thinks as well. If you need more info about these places PM me. P.S. I am going to Mexico in 2 months. I need a little advice as well !!!

[SpexnReds]

Well, Stafford Creek Lodge in the Bahamas is a good place to go (I believe it's on Andros Island). You can do alot of DIY fishing there, it isn't too pricey, and the bonefish are HUGE. If you would like, I think you can hire some of the famous guides on the island (such as Andy Smith and Charlie Neymour) to pick you up at the lodge and take you fishing. If you want a real experience, go to the Christmas Islands (this can get pricey)-the guides there will take you to the fish, but they don't know much about fishing, so this leaves it for you to do a little DIY fishing. And by any coindidence is the author Tim O'Brien?

[Brugal]

I have to disagree with Gotcha.
I loved the Turks and Caicos! I fished with Edward from Catch the Wave and had an amazing time. Caught two double didgits and six 8-9 pounders and a few smaller ones --127-3- . Yes, the day was perfect! In my experience they even fought like a bigger fish. Yes, expensive place but it was well worth my money!

[Capt. John]

Bahamas is the place you can do alot of fishing on your own but like anywhere if you don't know the area you will spend many hours figuring it out on your own, always 10X more productive with a guide. Weather can be a big factor there...
Los Roques is the best bonefish, weather and flats place there is (in my opinion), a bit more $ than Bahamas.
Also some great new small tarpon fisheries in Mexico, good prices if you are looking for that type of stuff. I have dates booked there for Feb. and looking to book more in March... --125-3

[TimOBrien]

Thanks for the advice Gotcha. Tortola does have beautiful beaches. I was there a couple of years ago, but didnt know about the fishery. I decided to wait till next year for the Bahamas. Instead I'm heading back to Casa Blanca in January. I can't get enough of that place. If you need any info on Yucatan fishing let me know.