Long Island Bahamas Bonefish

[nohackle]

Starting to plan a trip to Long Island Bahamas for spring 2007. I have a few leads on areas to go off Long Island, but I'm wondering if anyone has had recent experience there.

Can anyone recommend Long Island guides?

Any recommendations for rental houses or lodges?

Thanks!

[jrinstmbt]

I've been to Long Island 8 times in the last 14 yrs - last trip two years ago. Stayed at Pilot's Rest, Coral Garden Apts, and a house I can't remember on Cape Santa Maria. Pilot's Rest is our favorite, due to the space, views, and constant breeze. Coral Gardens is closest to the airport Flat - ~ 1/2 mile. A car is an option for both places at a discounted rate.

Best guide on the North end is Jeddy (can't remember his last name), can't find his number right away, but you can probably contact him via Craig @ his restaurant - Pratt's Take Away. Fly fishes on his own whenever he's not guiding, lobstering or conching - knows fish movement & behavior well, and usually can spot fish far enough away to set you up for easy shots. Also have fished w/Welly Taylor & have heard good things about Locksley Cartwright...Inel (Pilot's Rest) or Alfred (Coral Garden's) can put you in touch with any of those three. I would avoid the 'popular' guy w/the fancy website...

Here's a comprehensive link for everything Long Island:

Everything Long Island (http://www.bahamas-li.net/lidirect.html)

Please contact me should you need more info, including flats you can drive to and wade on your own, restaurants, what to bring, and where the coldest least expensive Kalik on the island can be found...

[Vic T]

Clyde Knowles at Mangrove Bush may be the best guide on the island. He is top knotch in every category and a real hunter of bonefish.
Also Colin Cartwright is a good guide with the best kept secret lodge on the island (and his wife is an exceptional cook). He is located in Mangrove Bush (one minute from airport at Deadmans Cay).
Their rates and service will amaze you.
I fish there a lot.
Send me a private email for phone numbers.

[nohackle]

Gentlemen,

Thanks a lot for the information. I'll send emails to you for additional information.

Mike (nohackle)

[widdoes]

Mike- if you don't have it, I can recommend the Bahamas Fly Fishing Guide by Stephen and Kim Vletas. Check out their website for more info and guide recs: http://www.bahamasflyfishingguide.com/index.html
Haven't been to LI, so I can't offer specific help- sorry. Post your report so we can all share in your good fortune :)
-Wild John

[dbutcher]

Dwight Knowles was a really nice and competent guide. Stayed south at Lochabar Beach, in a private one bedroom place called Whistling Duck. Stupendous. --127-3-