Nassau Bonefish?

[Oliverweagle]

I'm headed to Nassau with the family (on a Disney Cruise of all things!) early May of 06. We will be in Nassau for one day and I'm hoping I'll be able to sneak away for my first bonefish trip. Does anyone know if this will be possible? If so, I'd really appreciate any words of wisdom as well as suggested guides. I have attempted to contact Simoon Bain but no luck as of yet.

Cheers!

[Jim Royston]

If the Disney boat is stopping at their private island just off of Abaco, you might find a few bonefish there.

[Nassau Frank]

It's tough to do with the time most cruises come in a depart. You need prior knowledge and a rental car to get anywhere so a guide is your best bet. I guess Simon is still around - I have a flyer of his at home and will post a phone contact.

[SpexnReds]

Considering this is going to be your first bonefishing trip, don't do it. Actually book a trip for bonefishing. First off, bonefishin on New Providence isn't very hot, its just too commercia. You need to check out the other islands in the bahamas-that's where the big ones are; I suggest Andros. Secondly, you want your first bonefishing trip to be alot of fun and to get into a good number of bones so you can learn from the experience so then you can move on to casting to big singles. A good place to learn the basics is Belize. Turneffe Islands and Ambergris Caye are probably your best bets, they aren't very expensive, and there are TONS of bonefish in the 2-5lb range that will readily take a fly; not to mention the amazing tarpon fishing and the good number of permit in the area. So my advice is, forget Nassau and just enjoy the cruise with your family, and book a trip later with a friend or just by yourself to Belize and go fly fishing! If you want any info on good places to stay on Turneffe Island or Ambergris Caye, shoot me an email-ghensley@usc.edu

[MDBones]

While I would not not say that Nassau would be my first chice to Bonefish - trust me when I tell you that New Providence has plenty of BIG dark backed ocean bones on the shore of the Island. You are on the right track by trying to secure Bonefish Simon.

To the best of my knowledge Simon is living full time in Nassau with the occasional guided trip for longtime clients back in Andros. Getting in touch with him is difficult but if you can - he is one of the better guides in the Bahamas. You also might want to contact Ray Mackey at Tranquility Hill Lodge in Andros and ask him which of the local Behring Point guides are working in Nassau on construction projects. I want to say that Duane (?) headed over to Nassau last June to find steady work until the Season started but he might be back in Andros again. If you can get in touch with him via Ray I am sure that you can negotiate a rate for a day of wading (no boat in NP).

I would suggest setting out on your own - but the reality is that if you are not comfortable with Bonefish behavior and spotting, trying a DIY would ultimatley end up being a nothing more than wasted cab fare and a long walk through the mangroves!

If you have been bonefishing before and are comfortable going out on your own send me a message and I will let you know of some productive flats (but not easy to get to flats).

Mike

[BENWA]

Hi Mike,

I will be in Nassau during the last week of Dec and would like to try for a bonefish. I have fished bones with Peace and Plenty last year with good results (guided) however I would like to try Nassau on my own as I am not sure it will be too productive. I've heard the south side of the island has some decent flats. I will have a rental car and would like to give it a try if you could point me in the direction of any flats, I will be sure to report back any results.

Thanks alot,

Ben Wyatt

While I would not not say that Nassau would be my first chice to Bonefish - trust me when I tell you that New Providence has plenty of BIG dark backed ocean bones on the shore of the Island. You are on the right track by trying to secure Bonefish Simon.

To the best of my knowledge Simon is living full time in Nassau with the occasional guided trip for longtime clients back in Andros. Getting in touch with him is difficult but if you can - he is one of the better guides in the Bahamas. You also might want to contact Ray Mackey at Tranquility Hill Lodge in Andros and ask him which of the local Behring Point guides are working in Nassau on construction projects. I want to say that Duane (?) headed over to Nassau last June to find steady work until the Season started but he might be back in Andros again. If you can get in touch with him via Ray I am sure that you can negotiate a rate for a day of wading (no boat in NP).

I would suggest setting out on your own - but the reality is that if you are not comfortable with Bonefish behavior and spotting, trying a DIY would ultimatley end up being a nothing more than wasted cab fare and a long walk through the mangroves!

If you have been bonefishing before and are comfortable going out on your own send me a message and I will let you know of some productive flats (but not easy to get to flats).

Mike