bahamas bahamas THE ABACOS ABACO LODGE [The Marls - Abaco, Bahamas] One of the nicer overall operations in the Bahamas, Abaco Lodge is the perfect destination for those seeking “just a little more” than the average fishing lodge. Strategically located in the highly productive Marls area on the eastern side of Abaco, this high-end lodge offers immediate access to an extensive and well-protected flats system that is home to an impressive number of bonefish. All guest rooms at Abaco Lodge are single occupancy with A/C, a private bathroom, and a large deck overlooking the home flats. The main lodge features a well-stocked bar, a large dining area, satellite TV, and a comfortable social area and lounge. Large picture windows overlook the Marls and the lodge’s dock, and there is an outdoor patio with a bar and large sitting area – the most popular gathering spot at the lodge! Adjacent to the main lodge is a freshwater pool and outdoor fire pit. Hands down one of the nicest lodges in the entire region, Abaco Lodge is an operation that delivers consistent fishing action, strong numbers of bonefish, and great accommodations and amenities. 7 night / 6 fishing day packages (single occupancy) start at $4,995.00 per person. The Abacos are a group of islands and cays that form a 120-mile-long chain that stretches over 650 square miles. Throughout this huge area, there are countless numbers of uninhabited cays, pristine beaches, and huge expanses of virgin flats teaming with bonefish. Known for decades as the “Sailing Capital of the World,” the Abacos have come on strong in recent years as a world-class bonefishing destination, with a great offering of high-end lodges, a huge amount of fishable water, and some of the best guides in the country. With direct, daily access in and out of the international airport in Marsh Harbour, this island is a great option for quick and easy travel and immediate access to great fishing. THE DELPHI CLUB [Abaco, Bahamas] BLACKFLY LODGE [Abaco, Bahamas] Located on southern end of Abaco, Blackfly Lodge is a great option for couples and small groups of friends looking for a lodging situation that is both intimate and private. The newly-constructed Blackfly Lodge replaces the original beach house that was home to Blackfly for the first three years of operation. The new lodge – only recently relocated – is now the epicenter of the Schooner Bay residential community on Abaco, a development that features a marina, beautiful white sand beaches, and (in the near future) a small retail village. The layout and setting is ideal for those seeking a quiet place to relax and read a book. Blackfly accommodates a maximum of eight anglers, all in single rooms on the second floor. Large “plantation house” porches wrap around the entire building. Each angler room is named after a famous fishing celebrity, and fly fishing artist Vaughn Cochran has created contemporary portraits of each personality that decorate the corresponding rooms. And as nice as the new lodge itself is, the strongest attribute of this operation is the guide team – some of the most in-demand guides in all of the Bahamas. Clint Kemp, the lodge manager and head guide Paul Pinder are fun to be around, run a tight ship, and create a relaxed, fishing-focused vibe. The waters you will fish each day are uncrowded and pristine, presenting excellent opportunities for big bonefish, occasional permit, tarpon, mutton snappers and numerous other species. There is no doubt that Blackfly provides the most diverse fishing fishing program on Abaco, mainly due to the lodge’s prime location and flexible fishing program. For equipment, the lodge features new East Cape skiffs, fly friendly and incredibly well-designed flats boats. Blackfly also offers blue water fishing from a 31-foot Yellowfin center console offshore boat. The fertile waters off Abaco are well-known for marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin fish, and the occasional sailfish, and combo flats-bluewater itineraries can easily be arranged. 7 night / 6 fishing day packages (single room / double boat) begin at $4,800.00 per person. If you are seeking an upscale, high-end and full-service Bahamian destination, then the Delphi Club on Abaco is an excellent option for both anglers and non-anglers alike. Built in 2009 by Peter Mantle, who previously restored, owned and managed the famous salmon fishing lodge at Delphi in Ireland, the Delphi Club on Abaco is truly a one-of-a-kind fishing operation for the Bahamas. From the moment you arrive at the Club, you will feel a sense of the full history of fly angling in every aspect of the lodge’s design, decor and artwork. The well-managed and diverse fishing program will position you in some of the most productive bonefish habitat found anywhere in the region. While staying at Delphi, guests will be guided in the famous “Marls” area on the East side of the island (an area that offers over 200 square miles of bonefishing flats) and on the East side of the island on the wadeable, sandy flats of Cherokee Sound. This is a destination where you can easily bring non-anglers to enjoy the tropical setting, or take a day off from fishing to relax. Rest assured, however, that as nice as the lodge itself is, the fishing program is paramount to the Delphi experience. 7 night / 6 fishing day packages (double occupancy) $4,995.00 per person. 26 • phone: 406-585-8667 • toll free: 888-777-5060 email: info@yellowdogflyfishing.com • website: www.yellowdogflyfishing.com • 27