Small Hope Bay in North Andros is an all-inclusive resort with 21 beachfront rooms in a relaxed, friendly and informal setting. Also features a first-class fishing programme – fly-fishing for bonefish is the focus, but reef and offshore fishing trips can also be organised.
Run by renowned American skipper, Grant Hartman, Baja Anglers is one of the premier charters in Cabo San Lucas, specializing in fly-fishing and light-tackle sport for everything that swims in these fish-loaded waters. From striped marlin on the fly to roosterfish from the beach, Grant and his team are past masters in the field, with the testimonials to prove it.
A small beachfront residence in sleepy Punta Allen, Ascension Bay Bonefish Club caters for six anglers at a time, with spacious, comfy lodgings, authentic local food and access to some of the finest saltwater flats fishing in the Caribbean. Bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook are the big four, with supplementary action from barracuda and jacks along the way.
Not specifically a bonefishing lodge, Kamalame Cay is a classic ‘barefoot chic’ resort sitting towards the north end of Andros Island, with a range of 19 upscale beachfront rooms and suites, and prime bonefishing on its doorstep. With a reputation for excellence, a stunning location and plenty going on besides the fishing, this is a perennial favourite for people travelling with non-fishing spouses.
Headed up by Captain Dale Bishop, Shallow Waters Charters specializes in fishing charters in the Lower Florida Keys, from Marathon to Big Pine, and Key West to the Marquesas. Bonefish, tarpon and permit are top of the list, but all the flats species of the Keys are on the menu.
Captain Mike Weinhofer brings over 20 years of Key West charter experience to his Compass Rose operation, and is widely recognized as one of the area’s most-respected and frequently-requested guides. Captain Mike fishes the Key West reefs, wrecks, offshore, and inshore waters including Key West Harbor, targeting everything from sailfish and wahoo to tarpon and permit (and everything else in between).
A seaside Mayan retreat five miles north of the fishing village of Xcalak, and less than 10 miles from the Belize border, Casa de Suenos is perfect for fishermen looking for something affordable and out of the way. World-class flats fishing, white sand beaches, seclusion and solitude are the order of the day here. With rates starting at $55 per night, and DIY bonefishing right out your door, this is a great option for fishermen on a budget.
Desroches Island Fly Fishing Adventures is a comparatively new operation in the Seychelles, lying 140 miles south-west of Mahe. The island combines luxury lodging and all the amenities you would expect at an upscale Seychelles resort with a knockout fishing program that focuses on the remote flats of the St Joseph’s and Poivre Atolls. Resident species include: bonefish, milkfish, Indo-Pacific permit, giant trevally and triggerfish, as well as reef and bluewater species such as marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado, barracuda, wahoo, jacks, grouper and snapper. The standard of accommodation and alternative activities for non-fishermen makes this a great option for those travelling with wives (or husbands) and partners who don’t fish.
A sportfisherman’s paradise lying 400 miles south-west of the main island Mahe, Farquhar Atoll is the most southerly atoll in the Seychelles chain. Measuring 11 miles north to south and six miles east to west, Farquhar comprises the islands Ile du Nord, Ile du Sud, along with the smaller Manaha and Goëlettes Islands, and the Trois Isles.
A remote and unforgiving environment, Farquhar is almost completely uninhabited – from a human perspective at least. Its waters, however, are filled with a mind-boggling array of fish. From wading hard-bottomed flats in search of monster GTs and double-digit bonefish to bluewater sport with wahoo, yellowfin tuna and dogtooth tuna (to name just a few), this place has the lot. It’s a long journey, one that should only be undertaken by proficient and dedicated fishermen, but it’s worth it.
Roughly 250 miles south-west of Mahé, Alphonse Island Resort is about as remote as fishing lodges get – located in the Indian Ocean, this destination gives fly-fishermen the chance to fish the legendary waters of Alphonse, Bojitier and St. Francois.
Catering to 10 anglers at a time, the resort offers single-occupancy accommodation in luxury chalets, top-of-the-line Seychellois fishing guides, complete isolation and, of course, access to some serious flats fishing. Alphonse and St Francois are home to bountiful numbers of bonefish, milkfish, triggerfish, trevally, Indo-Pacific permit) and plenty more.
