Bang Gang Club Andros Island

[Something Fishy]

Anyone ever been to the Bang Bang Club on the North Bight of Andros? (I know, it sounds more like a strip club than a fishing lodge.) Location appears to be ideal, but I've had trouble reaching them and the only report I get on the place is that it's rundown and "quirky."

[Strat]

I think you can book there through yellow dog outfitters...which might not be a bad idea if the place is 'quirky'

[sweet+salt]

Bang Bang is well west in the Middle Bight...a very fishy location with easy access to the great West Side. "Quirky" means that, as the guides go home most evenings to their East Side families, should a good wind blow they may very well not make it into the camp the next morning. It has the old luxury of a swiming pool that, when I stayed there s few years ago, held no water. Of course we had fun anyway.

[JGH]

I know someone who's fished there. Says it's "rustic". Maybe worth a trip for the historic value. I've fished the flats near it with other guides, and they are beautiful. Charlie Smith who runs it is like 1000 years old. If I could go anywhere in the Bahamas, I'm not sure that would be the place.

[En Fuego]

We drove past it two years ago in a boat with our guide. I recall it was on an island. It was hard to imagine staying there and looked rundown. But in all fairness, we just drove by it. One of the others in our group stopped to get a "Crazy Charlie" from the man himself. That would be the only reason to stop or go there.

There are many other places I would consider first. PS. It is called Bang Bang Club because they used to hunt ducks (maybe still do). No stripper anywhere near it.

[Tarpon41]

Anyone ever been to the Bang Bang Club on the North Bight of Andros? (I know, it sounds more like a strip club than a fishing lodge.) Location appears to be ideal, but I've had trouble reaching them and the only report I get on the place is that it's rundown and "quirky."

I have not stayed there;however, I started to fish with Charlie Smith 25 years ago at the old Charlie's Haven before and after it burned...I have not fished Charlie in four years I have on Pot Key(Bang Bang Club) numerous times before Charlie's dream was built. There are numerous stories about the club. It was originally serviced by old Chalk and its origin about 1945-46...it operated successfully before independence and operated accordingly...some of the original ruins are still there...I'll try and find some of my pics taken about 15-20 years ago...the rumors...it was the very secret bonefish/booze/ladies of quality hangout(now called trophies for old duffs with loot) for the rich and famous...it was a Hemingway spot during his cuban years...lastly a story by one of the guides who was born there and as a young boy saw or thought he saw a big woman blonde with a white man with curly hair and he talked like those from what he called 'merican england.:)

When I fished the Haven...Charlie Smith was the best fly fshing flats guide I have ever experienced...he not only found fish...big fish... and permit and tarpon but he could stop the boat position it for me a lefty...then call the fish at 80 feet incoming going left...that said the Haven was many times dark generator down...flush toilet with saltwater...food?? learned to bring cans of tuna and lime juice...but the fishing was always outstanding.

If you want an rustic adventure, with a genuine article, but not necessarily a good time fishing...try what a previous poster said yellow dog web site...if you want to fish go to tranquillity hill lodge bering point...and request Ivan Neymour as your guide, then Andy Smith...go when you can get Ivan or Andy for all the days you fish...

The picture is Bonefish Ivan 20 years ago...that's my Wes Jordan two piece 8' 7 wt. caught 12 that day on the "Bamboo" he always could and still does find the most bonefish...

[En Fuego]

Something Fishy,

I second the recommendation to go to Tranquility Hill. Our group has gone someplace every year for the last 6 years and we picked Tranquility Hill twice in a row. Nice rooms, good bar,and some of the best local food.

Ivan is a legend as is the owner of the lodge Ray Mackey. But Ivan's son Dwayne is quickly developing a reputation and really wants to surpass his dad. Its rare to find a young bahamian guide like Dwayne. All willl put you on double digit bones.

Sorry if I got off the thread, but only hoped to put you on to a good lodge.

[Bonemon]

Just got back from our trip to Bairs lodge in south andros its the place to go
on andros. You can fish deep creek little creek and grassy creek for bigger fish and
fish the south for big schools to wade fish. The lodge is pricey but well worth it
the food is better than you would eat at home and the service is out of this world.
I fished the middle bight at Ruperts place Bonefish club and this place blows it away
not even close except our guide there was one his sons and was fantastic. Just an
idea if your looking for a nicer place with great people.
Cheers

[Tarpon41]

Fishy

I forgot to add IMHO Andros is no different from any other venue...it's the guide...while Bonefish Charlie may be past his prime as I must admit I am also...I caught my first Permit with him about 20 years ago...drove down from Fresh Creek about 9 or 10 am, Charlie was just cleaning up after cooking for his guests at the Haven who were out in the bight...try for Permit Charlie?...don't got no Dolphin all out... just whaler with bad johnson...lets go...so across the north bight to ocean flat Big Wood Key...in a 13 whaler with a 15 hp johnson hitting on one cylinder...took us an hour to get to Black Rock middle of north bight...big permit I buffed two casts...then another hour to the ocean flats off Big Wood Key...got my first permit about 15 lbs on an old dark brown Permit Puff...

If you are game and Yellow Dog will book you in...I'd go just to say you have fished with Bonefish Charlie...if you go... in addition to the gear...a bottle of single malt...two bottles of good chard or better yet genuine Chablis vineyard labeled...why 'cause you want Charlie to fix lobster with his brown sauce...or just maybe his prep of a bonefish...