bahamas bahamas CROOKED ISLAND LODGE [Crooked Island, Bahamas] Crooked Island is one of the least-visited islands and most productive fisheries in the Bahamas; about as far from the U.S. mainland as one can get and still be in Bahamian waters. The location of Crooked is important when you consider that weather patterns in this area are usually more consistent and warmer than other Bahamian islands further to the north, especially throughout the winter months. Crooked Island Lodge is located at the tip of Pittstown Point, providing direct ocean views from every room. The lodge accommodates a maximum of 12 anglers per week, something that the owners believe will ensure the quality of fishing for many years to come. Aside from the fantastic numbers of bonefish in the area, permit and tarpon can be found during most months of the year, and the guides on the island are eager to fish for them. The Crooked Island fishery may be the most diverse in the entire Bahamas. The expansive lodge grounds include a pleasant swimming beach, and sea kayaks are available for guests to tour the coast and visit the historic lighthouse. 7 night / 6 fishing day package (double occupancy) $2,451.00 per person. THE SOUTHERN BAHAMAS— THE “OUT-ISLANDS” The Out-Islands are the smaller, off-the-grid islands generally located in the Southeastern part of the Bahamas. Beyond the capital of Nassau, these outer islands and cays are sparsely populated by the steadfast descendants of English Puritans, African slaves, and Loyalist planters who moved from the Carolinas after winding up on the losing side of the American Revolution. A visit to this part of the Bahamas is much like taking a step back in time. If you want nightlife, crowds and condos, stick to the more developed islands in the Bahamas. If you’re looking for a completely different experience, however, then the Out-Islands are the complete opposite. These are destinations that are characterized by small populations of incredibly friendly people and some of the most pristine and untouched saltwater flats on the planet. ACKLINS ISLAND LODGE [Acklins Island, Bahamas] Tiny Acklins Island is completely surrounded by over 1,500 square miles of shallow, wadeable flats that see very little fishing pressure. As a result, this area is home to fantastic numbers of happy, naive bonefish. Because of the size and characteristics of the area flats, wading is the main game on Acklins. Whether you are fishing the oceanside flats for larger bones, or the flats located inside the Bight, you can expect to be wade fishing 85% of the time. 7 night / 6 fishing day packages (double occupancy) start at $3,085.0000 per person. STELLA MARIS RESORT [Long Island, Bahamas] DEADMAN’S CAY [Long Island, Bahamas] If you are looking for a remote, low-profile, and economical flats destination, then Deadman’s Cay Lodge on the Bahamian out-island of Long Island should be high on your list. Located in the middle of Long Island, Deadman’s offers great fishing and one of the best values anywhere in the Bahamas. With very little fishing pressure in this area, you can experience consistently good fishing on thousands of acres of untouched, uncrowded flats. 7 night / 6 fishing day packages (double occupancy) $2,225.00 per person. MAYAGUANA BONEFISHING [Mayaguana, Bahamas] A fantastic do-it-yourself trip option, a visit to Mayaguana offers great fishing for large bonefish on one of the most remote and least-visited islands in all of the Bahamas. A great laid-back atmosphere, friendly people, a high value for the dollar, and a totally unique fishery that is ideally suited for experienced anglers seeking big bones and something different. Great opportunities for wading and sightfishing on hard, white-sand flats. 7 night, non-guided package (double occupancy) $1,000.00 per person. Located on the northern end of Long Island, Stella Maris is an “elegantly casual,” full-service beach resort that caters to both serious flats angler as well as families, large groups, and non-anglers. Stella Maris is located on a very private 3,000 acres, with a variety of accommodations and activities to suit everyone. If you’re looking for a romantic vacation, a family retreat, the next location for a corporate function, or a focused, hard-core fishing trip, then Stella Maris has all the bases covered. From comfortable lodge accommodations to private, four-bedroom oceanfront houses, you can customize the lodging options at Stella Maris to match the specific needs of your group. As for the angling opportunities, the bonefishing on Long Island’s uncrowded flats can honestly be described as incredible. Schools of bonefish in the Stella Maris area can number anywhere from 40 to over 400, with fish ranging in size from two to over ten pounds. Add this destination to the list of ideas for the next family trip or a future vacation with a non-angling significant other. Contact Yellow Dog for custom rates and package details. 32 • phone: 406-585-8667 • toll free: 888-777-5060 email: info@yellowdogflyfishing.com • website: www.yellowdogflyfishing.com • 33