Mangrove Cay, Andros in January

[englishman]

Has anyone had any experience fishing Mangrove Cay in January, what could I expect of the fishing at this time of year or are there better choices for this time of year?
Since I could only probably afford to fish with a guide for 2 or 3 days what are the prospects for accessible and wade able flats in the area.
Any help or ideas would be most helpful and appreciated
Thanks :)

[Tarpon41]

Has anyone had any experience fishing Mangrove Cay in January, what could I expect of the fishing at this time of year or are there better choices for this time of year?
Since I could only probably afford to fish with a guide for 2 or 3 days what are the prospects for accessible and wade able flats in the area.
Any help or ideas would be most helpful and appreciated
Thanks :)

Mad Dogs and Englishmen...

The bights of Andros are great in January all my double D bones were caught in that month BUT it is weather determined and I fish specific independent guides out of Bering Point not lodge based guides...while I have not stayed on Mangrove I have fished the waters with north bight guides...in the bights of andros guiding is essentially the only opportunity for serious income...we are full employment...thus DIY can be difficult in a diplomatic sense...IMHO at this time of year best to show up then book the independent guide when the weather looks good...your selected time is not the busy season because of weather and I have never failed in over twenty years of last week of December to mid-January to get my first choice of a senior guide. High probability of 10-15 knot wind but the big fish are there and minimal bugs

[englishman]

Thank you for your honest opinion, I do understand that weather could be an issue, as for DIY for some of the days of the week, is this really much of an issue down there?
I understand that this is their main means of income but I would think the guides would be happy to get 2 or 3 days work out of a week than none at all, for me 6 days at $400 a day plus tips is just too expensive.
Again thanks for the input .

[SpexnReds]

Andros is a wonderful place, especially that time of year if you hit it right. As previously mentioned, weather can be an issue but the good news is that if you are there for a week you will get some good days as bad weather will move in and out pretty quickly in the winter. However, expect a consistent 10 knot wind. If you are wade fishing, you will love this because you can sneak right up on bones, literally getting within 15 ft of them. Fishing from a boat is a different story and is wholly dependant on your casting skills and guide, that is why I suggest primarily wading in strong winds. I fish with Charlie Neymour when I am down there, but I do know of a few flats that yield themselves to DIY on the northern bight. If you are in that area, find out where Young Sound is. I saw several 10-13/14 lb fish there last may in 25 knot winds, and I was blown away. We were wading and I managed to hook into an 11lber, but it broke free. It is a nice shallow flat that is surrounded by deep water, which means a haven for bonefish. However, I must warn you that it is only really productive on high tides and that you have to be very, very careful because you can find yourself in a dangerous situation if you hang around the edge. Currents are strong and there are plenty of mammoth-sized bullsharks, which you will definitely want to avoid. But it is definitely an option to consider that is not hard to reach on your own.

[Tarpon41]

Thank you for your honest opinion, I do understand that weather could be an issue, as for DIY for some of the days of the week, is this really much of an issue down there?
I understand that this is their main means of income but I would think the guides would be happy to get 2 or 3 days work out of a week than none at all, for me 6 days at $400 a day plus tips is just too expensive.
Again thanks for the input .

How did you come by 400 per day?? direct booking of guide price or lodging price?...is the exchange rate better for you in bahamas than usa..cause if not then if you are weather flexible I can suggest key west with two specific guides at $500.00 per day..you get in key west same temp as andros when there are no fronts and you get with a couple of sun and 80s temp days tarpon and permit on the flats at that time...however, it's still possible to book senior independent guides outside of the lodge vig/drag for 300-350.
you can DIY

[englishman]

I did talk to one of the independents for Mangrove Cay and that is what he was asking for a days guiding ($400) so this is what I have been basing things on.
Thanks for the Help, tight lines to all

[Tarpon41]

What are you thinking as to lodging? would you consider bering point area? my suggestion for specific guides would be Ivan Neymour and Andy Smith...both are independent guides....I have fished Ivan for over 25 years...while he is connected with Tranquillity Hill...he still books independent as for where to stay if you book Ivan as him where to stay that will not be a problem with you fishing him exclusively