Abaco Lodge

Abaco Lodge is located on the western side of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas and combines a luxurious lodging experience with some of the best shallow water bonefish angling found anywhere in the world. The traveling angler will appreciate beautifully appointed and luxurious seaside rooms that overlook a pristine bonefish paradise. Abaco Lodge offers the perfect blend of hardcore angling destination combined with a fine dining and luxury lodging experience rivaling any in the Bahamas.

Abaco Lodge provides unparalleled access to the famed Marls of Abaco, encompassing a 400 square mile array of prime bonefish habitat. The shear number of islands, flats, channels, mangroves, and beaches that comprise The Marls will leave an angler's mind spinning with possibility and the realization that it would take a lifetime to fully explore

In addition to the Marls, Abaco Lodge offers incredible fishing on the ocean side of Great Abaco, where encounters with supersized bonefish are a possibility. Untapped areas such as Cherokee Sound, the Bight of Robinson and Snake Cay are minutes from the lodge which can offer some challenging and thrilling opportunities. Abaco Lodge offers access to both the east and west side of the island which allows the guides to work around tides and weather conditions to make the most of your days on the water.

Access to the famous flats of the Marls is just out the backdoor of Abaco Lodge. Runs to the flats are typically 10 minutes to an hour depending on the fishing goals of the day. Most days begin promptly with breakfast served at 7am. Guests typically leave the lodge dock at 8am and then return around 4pm. After returning to the lodge, the order of the day is cocktails, appetizers and fishing stories with dinner getting started around 6:30pm. Anglers fish two per skiff with a single guide from modern flats skiffs with well-maintained and modern outboard engines that are purpose-built to access the shallow water bonefish flats of the Marls Floating lines. 8wt fly rods with matching high-quality saltwater reels are the typical tools of choice for this fishery.

The bonefish average two to four pounds, which larger fish certainly possible up to double digits. The ocean-side flats can regularly offer shots at some of the largest bonefish in the Bahamas. While spook and tough to catch, it's always fun to try your wand at these large and high instinctual fish during a week at Abaco Lodge. Anglers often have the potential to run into permit in this part of the Bahamas and while it's true here as anywhere else, if you commit to try and catch one your catch rates may be low, but all it takes is one. Barracuda and jack crevalle are also encountered at times. Trips to the blue water to target billfish, dorado, wahoo and tuna can also be arranged in advance and require additional payments.

Day 1: Arrive Marsh Harbour, transfer to lodge (approximately 15 minutes) and get settled in.

Days 2-7: Six full days guided fishing.

Day 8: Depart Marsh Harbour, depart for home

2024-25 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

High Season:

• 7 night/6 day package: $8,250 plus tax
• 6 night/5 day package: $7,550 plus tax
• 5 night/4 day package: $6,950 plus tax
• 4 night/3 day package: $5,800 plus tax
• 3 night/2 day package: $4,475 plus tax

Included: Accommodations, meals, local alcohol, ground transfer to/from airport, guided fishing, loaner tackle (rods/reels/lines)

Not Included: Airfare, taxes, laundry service, staff and guide gratuities

Species: Bonefish, jacks, barracuda, tarpon, permit

Season: January - June

Capacity: 12 anglers

Location: Great Abaco Island, Bahamas

Who is best suited to this destination? Beginner to advanced anglers interested in fly fishing for bonefish and value a luxury lodging and dining program. Those anglers who are looking for a well-run, easily accessed, and closer-to-home operation that provides a full complement of amenities and creature-comforts will Appreciate Abaco Lodge.

Where is the lodge? Abaco Lodge is located on the western shore of Great Abaco Island about 15 minutes away from the town of Marsh Harbour.

How do I get there? Guests can fly directly to Marsh Harbour from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale or Atlanta. The lodge is only 15 minutes away from the international airport in Marsh Harbour.

When should I go? Peak months are March through May with the fall season being very productive as well. Do not overlook October and November as a secondary season, particularly if you are interested in targeting larger specimens.

How will I fish? Anglers fish two per boat with a single guide in pristine Hells Bay flats skiffs and take turns fishing from the bow of the boat.

Is there wade fishing? Very little wade fishing is available at Abaco Lodge, most of the fishing is accomplished from the boat.

Where will I fish? Anglers fish the expansive flats of famed The Marls on the western side of Abaco Island. Trips to the eastern shore of the island are also accomplished for targeting large bonefish. Extended trip to the Treasure Cay area are also possible.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Runs to the fishing grounds are typically not lengthy. Runs of 15 minutes to 45 minutes are typical. Longer runs are possible depending on your fishing goals. In general, the waters of The Marls are well-protected and not subject to an ocean swell.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Bonefish are the main quarry at Abaco Lodge. Fish range in size from 2lb - 8lbs while even larger fish are sometimes found as well. Tarpon, permit, jacks and barracuda can also be found at various times of year depending on your interests.

How many fish will I catch? Anytime a double-digit number of bonefish are hooked it's a great day. It's not uncommon to lose a percentage of bonefish hooked to broken leaders and missed hook sets.

Will I see other anglers? Typically, the only other anglers you will see are those from the lodge. There is a remote possibility you could see anglers from other lodges and the further reaches of Abaco Lodge's angling zone.

What are the guides like? English is the first language of the Bahamas and all guides speak English. Bahamian guides have a reputation for being “passionate”. This means that some guides may show their emotions or disappointment at poorly executed casts or missed opportunities. This is their nature. They are also quick to laugh, smile and tease you but they are always on your team. My advice any time when dealing with foreign guides is to try and relax, realize that many cultural differences are at play and that when things get heated in the boat, try to smile, and laugh your way through it the best way possible. As always, never suffer in silence. If you ever have an issue, be sure to bring it up with lodge management.

What are the physical demands? Physical demands are generally not an issue. Having good balance in the boat while casting is an advantage. Lean bars are available in the skiffs for added bracing.

Are there any special skills required? Fly anglers that are skilled with casting in the wind and double-haul techniques will accel in this fishery.

Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge does have some tackle available for rent, although it's best to bring your own equipment if possible.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? Fast action 9ft, 8wt fly rods with matching high-quality disc drag reels outfitted with tropical weight-forward floating lines are the go-to setup for this fishery.

What are the top flies? Pearl Gotchas, rubber-leg Gotchas, Peterson's Spawning shrimp, Ververka's Mantis shrimp, assorted Crazy Charlie's, Bonefish Bitters and Christmas Island Specials are all go-to flies for Abaco Lodge.

What are the options if weather conditions become challenging? One of the great advantages of fishing in The Marls is that there is almost always a leeward shoreline to find if the wind picks up. With hundreds (if not thousands) of small mangrove island dotting The Marls the guides are adept at finding just the right flat to continue fishing in adverse conditions.

What is a typical day like? Guests typically start the day with coffee and breakfast at 7am. The fishing day begins as the skiffs leave the dock at 8am with a full day on the water of fishing the vast Marls. A midday lunch break on the boat in standard with a boats returning at 4pm. Post-fishing cocktails, appetizers and fish stories commence shortly after that with dinner served around 6:30pm.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? The atmosphere of the lodge is casual, fun and features all the comforts of home. The lodge feels and functions more like a modern home rather than a large resort. The lodge staff are attentive, supportive and more than happy to assist with anything guests need.

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? The owner is not typically on-site, but lodge management is attentive, personable, and always available to help with anything you might need.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Guests eat and commune family-style in the dining room of the main lodge.

What is the alcohol policy? There is a fully stocked bar at the lodge, complete with mixers and spirts. Local Bahamian selections are included in your package and premium alcohol will be added to your tab.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Abaco Lodge features 7 double rooms, each with wither 2 king or queen beds. The guest rooms are beautifully appointed, complete with air-conditioning and views that overlook the Marls. All rooms have private baths with doors that opens to a picturesque and private veranda revealing a brilliant seaside view.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Internet is available at the main lodge. Cell service will depend on your carrier. Please check with your provider.

Are there other activities? Abaco Lodge is primarily a small fishing operation, but eco-touring, blue water trips, diving and a host of other activities can be arranged through third party outfitters in Marsh Harbour.

Are there any other expenses? Rod rental fees, alcohol and gratuities are the most common additional expenses. Trips to Treasure Cay or blue water outings are also an additional expense. As well as any lodging, meals or special transfers you may incur while spending time in Marsh Harbour either prior to after your trip.

Do I need a visa? There are no special visa requirements for visiting the Bahamas.

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? Some mosquitoes and biting black flies can be present. Bringing long sleeves and pants as well as a good bug repellent is a good idea.

recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.