Andros South Lodge
Why Andros South Lodge?
As a Sage Experiences Outfitter, you'll enjoy premium Sage and RIO Products tackle available for your use that is perfectly matched to the fishery.
Enjoy a fun, laid-back, affordable, and all-inclusive Bahamian bonefishing destination.
Sight-fish hard-sand flats, channels, creeks, and vast, skinny-water lagoons for bonefish.
Fish out of flats skiffs or while wading
Stay in private, single-occupancy rooms with attached bathrooms.
Andros South prides itself on friendly service, great food and a fine-tuned fishing program that shows the best of what this remarkable region of the Bahamas has to offer. Located on the southeastern shore of Andros Island in the settlement of Kemp's Bay, Andros South Lodge offers bonefishing in some of the most diverse, productive, and least-traveled waters in the Bahamas. The lodge doesn't boast white tablecloths or day spas, but instead gives anglers clean and simple accommodations, skilled guides, quality equipment and a solid Bahamas fly fishing program.
Anglers at Andros South have access to miles of easy-to-wade white sand flats, hidden and unspoiled mangrove creeks, remote inland lakes and numerous other locations that offer shelter from the wind. Add to that remote, rarely-visited cays home to schools of bonefish numbering in the thousands, and expansive, ocean-side flats that attract bruisers from the deep, and it's easy to see that this operation offers a unique, quality saltwater fly fishing experience every day of your trip.
The day starts early at Andros South. Prior to daybreak, lights are on in the dining room and guests are welcome to pour a cup of coffee and enjoy it on our outdoor patio while the sun rises. After breakfast, around 7:30AM, the lodge van departs for the nearby dock. Guests fish two per guide out of flats skiffs and are on their way to fishing grounds by 8:00AM each morning. Selecting from an array of areas to fly fish and depending upon winds, tides and personal preferences, guests will be casting within 15 minutes to an hour from their departure time. Many of the flats of South Andros are also wade-able, so if anglers wish and conditions allow, there is the option to forgo the boat and fish from foot. Typically, anglers return to the dock by 4:30PM but options to fly fish for longer periods may be available and should be coordinated prior to departure.
Ideally situated midway between the South Bite and Curly Cut Cays, Andros South accesses some of the most remote flats, while also providing many sheltered locations irrespective of wind direction. Andros has been a name synonymous with big bonefish, and names like Grassy Creek, Deep Creek, Little Creek, the Water Cays and Curley Cut Cays are intrinsically linked to sight-fishing for some of the world's largest bonefish.
At the end of the fly fishing day, while waiting for all boats to return, guests may enjoy a cold beverage at the Little Creek Bar, a colorful meeting place right at the dock. Discussing the day's angling and enjoying an ice-cold Kalik (a Bahamian favorite beer) is a great way to complete a day on the flats of South Andros Island.
Rooms at Andros South are clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned. Guests have private rooms, each with their own bathroom and hot shower. Each room has tile floors and is furnished with comfortable beds, dressers, and nightstands. The lodge grounds are well-maintained and filled with coconut palms and a variety of other native plants. Between the guest rooms and the beach there is plenty of open, sandy space to practice casting in preparation for the next day of fishing. To the south of the lodge are the cottages and homes of local families - warm friendly folks and a wonderful addition to the experience. The Tiki Hut is a favorite spot to enjoy coffee in the morning, a cold Kalik in the afternoon, or conversation with fellow anglers at any time.
The dining room is welcoming and laid back, and is the perfect place to enjoy great meals, cocktails, and conversation with friends both new and old. Breakfasts are traditional American cuisine and start at 6:30AM. Guests are asked to prepare their own lunches, choosing from cold cuts, fresh breads, tuna fish, meats, snacks, fruit, cookies, sodas and juices. Returning to the lodge after fishing, guests are served appetizers and beverages on the patio. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are complimentary at Andros South and cocktails may be mixed at the bar. The lodge provides a selection of complimentary mixers and a variety of spirits may be purchased by the bottle. Guests may also wish to make alcohol purchases at one of the duty-free shops at the airport.
Dinners are served family-style at 6:30PM and they showcase the tastes and flavors of the Bahamas. The finest and freshest products the island can provide are used, featuring local fish, lobster, chicken and conch along with tasty desserts such as key lime and coconut pies. Guests with dietary requirements are requested to notify the lodge prior to arriving so they can adjust to personal needs and preferences.
Day 1:Arrive Congo Town, South Andros (COX) in the afternoon. Guests are met by a lodge representative who will drive them to the lodge (20 minutes).
Days 2-6:Full days guided fishing on the flats of Andros Island.
Day 7:Depart lodge after breakfast, return to Congo Town to catch flights home.
2024-25 Rates: Per person based on single occupancy and shared guiding
October 2024 - January 2025:
7 night/6 day package: $5,250 plus 10% VAT
6 night/5 day package: $4,850 plus 10% VAT
5 night/4 day package: $4,350 plus 10% VAT
4 night/3 day package: $3,750 plus 10% VAT
3 night/2 day package: $3,050 plus 10% VAT
February - July 2025:
7 night/6 day package: $6,350 plus 10% VAT
6 night/5 day package: $5,850 plus 10% VAT
5 night/4 day package: $5,150 plus 10% VAT
4 night/3 day package: $4,350 plus 10% VAT
3 night/2 day package: $3,400 plus 10% VAT
Note: If you prefer a private boat option, there is a single angler stipend of $550 plus 10% VAT per day to ensure the other seat in the boat is not occupied.
Included: Accommodations, meals and beverages including beer, wine and alcohol at the lodge, VAT, transfers between Congo Town airport and the lodge, all ground transportation on South Andros, fishing license, guided fishing (on a “willing to share” basis unless otherwise noted), and Sage rods/reels & RIO fly lines.
Not Included: All airfare, clothing, terminal tackle (leaders, tippet, & flies), staff and guide gratuities.
Species: Bonefish, jacks, barracuda
Season: October - July
Capacity: 10 anglers
Who is best suited to this destination? Andros South is perfect for beginners and advanced anglers alike that do not require luxury surroundings and appreciate affordability. Guests should be bonefish enthusiasts.
Where is the lodge? Andros South Lodge is in Kemp's Bay on the east side of the southernmost island of Andros in the Bahamas.
How do I get there? Majority of guests fly into Ft. Lauderdale International (FLL) and then head over to the Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE). From there you will take a connecting flight via Makers Air to Congo Town on South Andros Island. Options also exist for connecting flights in Nassau, down to Congo Town.
When should I go? Andros South operates from October through early June. Peak months of interest remain March and April, however, more and more anglers are realizing the benefits of the fall fishery October through January. Anglers that can pull away during this time often experience less pressured, more responsive fish, lower rates, and slightly cooler temperatures.
How will I fish? Two anglers and a guide set out in a flats skiff each day. These boats are well equipped for fly fishing and have all the needed safety equipment. Opportunities for wading are also possible depending on tides and weather.
Is there wade fishing? Some wade fishing is possible depending on tides and weather. The far southern end of the island has good wading when the wind is not too strong to safely boat down there. Ultimately, the guides will feel like more water can be covered more effectively from the boat, but wading is possible most days. For wading enthusiasts is reasonable to expect 60% of your fishing from the boat and 40% from your feet. This ratio depends highly on the tides, your preferences, and your guide.
Where will I fish? Anglers fish a varied network of lagoons, flats and creeks towards the interior of southern Andros. Additionally, you may access the expansive hard sand flats on the extreme southern tip of the island or more rarely the West side.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Productive flats can be reached in as little as 15 minutes, however, runs of up to 1.5 hours are possible depending on wind and tides. Generally, it is reasonable to expect runs from 35 - 50 minutes on average.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? The prime focus at Andros South is bonefish. There are also regular encounters with barracuda, sharks, and snapper.
How many fish will I catch? An average angler on an average day stands a good chance at landing double digit numbers of bonefish.
Will I see other anglers? There are several other operations in the area, but the guides do a great job of staying out of each other's way. Rarely will you ever see another boat, but occasionally you will encounter another guide motoring on the horizon. The area is vast with a ton of available terrain.
What are the guides like? Bahamian guides have a reputation for being “passionate” and Andros South's guides are no different. This means they show their emotions, especially disappointment at poorly executed casts or missed opportunities, more than we might like. 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? There are no serious physical demands for this trip. Decent balance is required to cast from the bow of a flats skiff and properly preparing for hot days out in the sun is important.
Are there any special skills required? Saltwater fly fishing inherently requires special skills to be highly successful. Contrary to a lot of public perception, it is not necessary to be able to cast a long distance. Sure, it's great if you have the ability to cast 70+ feet, but if it takes you five or six false casts to reach that distance, the length is worthless because the bonefish will typically be gone. It is far more important to be accurate and speedy from 40 feet to 60 feet. Meaning, it is far better to be able to consistently deal with the wind from any direction and make your presentation to the fish in three false casts or less.
Does the lodge provide equipment? Yes. As a Sage Experiences lodge, Andros South provides premium Sage and RIO Products tackle for its guests at no extra charge. However, please be prepared to have terminal tackle with you, to include leaders, tippet, and flies.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? A fast-action 9-foot, 8-weight rod is ideal for Andros South paired with floating, weight forward, tropical line and a high-quality disc drag reel is preferred.
What are the top flies? Pearl Gotcha (and Gotcha variations), Ververka's Mantis Shrimp, Peterson's Spawning Shrimp, Bonefish Bitter, Christmas Island Specials. RIO's Ka-Cuda is great for targeting barracuda.
What are the options if weather conditions become challenging? The interior of the island is accessed by several large creek systems that offers interior mangrove lagoons, interior leeward islands, and protected flats where the guides can usually find protection and productive water in adverse weather.
What is a typical day like? Clients awake to fresh coffee and a simple breakfast in the main lodge. After breakfast you will be transported to the boat ramp (about 15 minutes away) where you will jump on your skiff and head out for the day. After fishing clients often gather in the beachside tiki hut at the lodge for appetizers, fishing stories and drinks followed by dinner.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? Andros South is a fun, friendly and welcoming destination with good service, simple and casual surroundings, and highly experienced fishing guides. In the evenings you can have dinner in shorts and a t-shirt and grab yourself a cold Kalik beer from the lodge fridge. No one will be there to wipe your brow for you at the end of the fishing day, but in the same breath Andros South is a professional, punctual, hardworking operation positioned on world-class bonefish grounds.
Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? Andros South always has an onsite manager capable of looking after requests, helping with fishing advice and providing support for your trip.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals feature simple, hearty Bahamian favorites including fresh fish, conch, rice, poultry, and pork.
What is the alcohol policy? Beer, wine and standard liquor is included. If you require something specific, feel free to bring it along.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Angling packages include private single-occupancy accommodations. Rooms are simple, air conditioned and have private bathrooms.
Is there internet and/or cell service? Andros South does have basic Wi-Fi available at the lodge. Cell service is spotty, so you will have to check with your provider.
Are there other activities? Yes, but only if you count sitting on the beach drinking a cold Kalik and watching the sun go down. This is a bonefishing camp and little else.
Are there any other expenses? There should be no additional unexpected expenses with a trip to Andros South
Do I need a visa? No. U.S. anglers are not required any special visas to visit the Bahamas, only a valid U.S. passport.