Bonefishing in this economy

[Larry A]

It seems the best you can at lodges is $2295. Recently my wife and I were able to save considerably by doing most of our own cooking while fishing Sandy Point Abaco Bahamas. We've been going there for 16 years and have always stayed at one of the lodges with a package. This time we stayed at Oeisha's where we first stayed there but which got very run down. It has been completely renovated and I was shocked at how nice the rooms are now. There is a small fridge in every room and cable. There is a fully equipped kitchen, a Weber grill and a full bar wyith a pool table.
Upon arrival in Marsh Harbour we went to a supermarket and loaded up with food for every meal. There is also a lady in town that cooks great Bahamain food for $10 a plate and there is a pizza lady who delivers. The pizza was very good.
There are 3 guides,Patrick,Kendall, and Ferdinan who are willing to work for $350/day and all have comfortable flats boats. There is a $50 fuel charge to go to More's Island. The only caveat is that you need to book early before they get committed to a lodge.
Oeisha's is $110/night double occupancy. Transportation can be arranged from the airport for around $100/person. Based on our trip 6 days fishing/7 nights lodging would be $1800/person double occupancy plus tips and bar bill.
This fishery is outstanding that's why we keep returning.

[DblHaul1]

Interesting that you paid $1,800 per person. We just booked another trip to Punta Allen, Mexico (our 4th trip) for July and our regular lodge Club Grand Slam is running a summer special for dates after June 1 for $1800 per person all-inclusive with airport transfers. I actually prefer fishing in Ascension Bay because of the super slam possibility and I've turned into a snook fishing freak. You can find them on the internet.

[Larry A]

That's a great price for the off season. At Sandy Point the 2 lodges for all inclusive are $2900 and $3200. In Mexico the peso is 15 to 1. I have fished there and agree that the variety is better however if you are looking for big boy bones( 7 to 10 they aren't there.

[DblHaul1]

Sadly, your right about those big bonefish over ten pounds(but they have lots to 6 and 7lbs). They have a few giants and I always spend a day trying to fool them in Santa Rosa. However, I like the fact that in the summer months, I have Ascension Bay all to myself and the area has so many different, varied areas. BIG tarpon and permit that are not being molested and snook and tarpon in the creeks. Plus the price is right.

BTW, whats up with the email barrages from lodges around the world. I have subscriptions with three different fishing magazines and they are obviously selling my name to travel agents. One lodge in Belize claimed they were rolling back prices with a 20% discount and it was still $3,800 per person for a 6 day fishing package. For that price I can fish two weeks in Mexico!

[Larry A]

I think the lodges are hurting. I know that Frontiers has laid off people.

[Albula]

Larry, is the Patrick referred to in your post Patrick Roberts? I've fished with him out of Stanley White's place in the past, and have always wanted to get back there to fish with him individually. Did you go to More's or the Marls on your trip? Thanks for your post.

Mike

[Larry A]

Yes that is Patrick Roberts. We had 15-30 winds for most of the trip but did get to More's once. Got a nice 8 lb. fish and some good permit shots. Did well considering the weather.

[Albula]

Just got back from 8 days in Andros myself (3 in the South, 5 North) and the weather was atrocious up and down the Island with wind, rain, and serious lightning wherever we went. Managed to get some good fishing in nonetheless.

[MoonRunX]

Yea, I completely agree with your thoughts electrajean on the issue. We all know the economy goes down every election year because people get conservative but like you said it is very predictable and nothing is done.

[Evotec]

Why not go diy instead of to a lodge/guide?
A friend of mine and I went to Abaco this summer. Rented a house with cayaks, a dodge van and did our own cooking. all in all the trip costed us 6000usd, flight from norway included. This was a 2week trip. We had 87 bonefish between us, 4 over 10lbs. So a successfull trip I'd say.