Bairs Lodge

Bair's Lodge offers a perfect mix of high-quality bonefishing, a veteran staff of guides, delicious food, comfortable accommodations, and warm hospitality. The lodge sits on a picturesque white sand beach on the east side of South Andros Island. This strategic location offers Bair's Lodge guests great access to some of the most remote and productive flats in the Bahamas. This fishery provides a superb mix of high numbers of fish and larger fish, with both wade-fishing opportunities and wind-protected fishing areas. Anglers who can't get enough time on the water can also test their skills on the wary fish on the flat directly in front of the property.

This intimate and cheerful lodge caters to 12 anglers per week and is also suitable for guests keen on enjoying the Bahamas without fishing. Guests stay in beautifully-appointed, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Bair's staff pay excellent attention to detail and their reputation for friendliness is well-deserved. When it comes to fine amenities, great bonefishing and comfortable accommodations, look no further than Bair's Lodge on South Andros.

Since the early 1990's, Bair's Lodge has become highly regarded as providing the best fishing south Andros has to offer. Strategically situated between the South Bight and Water Cays, near Little Creek, Bair's gives guests easy access to the famed and under-fished flats of the south and west, while providing many sheltered locations within the interior of the Island. In addition to the bonefishing opportunities, Bair's Lodge guests can also try for occasional permit, tarpon and snook, as well as offshore and reef species such as wahoo, tuna, dorado, billfish, snapper, barracuda, and grouper.

Andros Island has long been synonymous with the biggest bonefish in the Caribbean. In particular, the southern and western shores of the island have built a reputation as the place to try for a true giant. The flats, creeks and bights of Andros are some of the largest and most varied in the world, offering opportunities to both wade and fish from the boat. It is these incredible amounts of classic bonefishing environments combined with the numbers and size of bonefish that make South Andros the bonefishing capital of the world.

Each pair of anglers fish with a professional, Bahamian guide out of 18-foot Dolphin flats skiffs powered by Mercury outboards. Every morning, anglers step out of the lodge, into a boat and can be fishing within a few minutes. Guests can also elect to ride further afield to explore the more remote and pristine white-sand flats that Andros is famous for. Deep Creek and Little Creek, each a few minutes run away from the lodge, open into large bays dotted with many small cays, where there are always flats protected from the wind. Both creeks also allow access to the fabled west side and other remote cays to the south and west that, when conditions align, may provide lucky anglers with the possibility of trying for permit and tarpon to complete the famous Grand Slam.

The southern flats are also home to large schools of bonefish. The famous Grassy Creek is a 40-minute boat ride from the lodge and weather permitting, anglers can run on to Hawksbill Creek and Cistern Point. Here, the flats stretch as far as the eye can see. Wading in and among these huge school of bonefish is the experience of a lifetime. Daily schedules can be tailored to suit anglers' needs though typically begin with breakfast at 7:00 am. Fishing usually begins at 8:00 and ends between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. Picnic lunches and cold drinks are taken to the flats in a cooler by the guides.

Perfect for small groups, Bair's Lodge has seven air-conditioned guest rooms, each with a private bathroom. With capacity limited to 12, the staff provides exceptional, personalized service. Superb cuisine includes beautifully prepared Bahamian specialties concentrating on fresh seafood and, when appropriate, the catch of the day.

In addition to the comforts of the dining room, sitting room and bar, anglers will appreciate the convenience of the fly tying table, as well as an on-site fly shop with flies, rods, reels, lines, apparel, and local crafts. The lodge is equipped with a telephone and internet access for their guests and laundry service is also available.

Day 1: Arrive Congo Town. Transfer to lodge (approx. 20 minutes) and get settled in.

Days 2-7: Six full days guided fishing.

Day 8: Depart Lodge.

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 and meals at the lodge, wines, beer, local spirits and non-alcoholic drinks, roundtrip transfers from Congo Town to the lodge, lodge kayak, daily maid service, all Bahamian taxes

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

Species: Bonefish, tarpon, permit, barracuda, jacks, several types of snapper

Season: January to June

Capacity: 12 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? Bair's Lodge is perfect for beginners and advanced anglers alike that prefer comfortable surroundings, fine cuisine and good attention to detail.

Where is the lodge? Bair's Lodge is located on the east side of the southernmost island of Andros in the Bahamas.

How do I get there? Guests fly in to Nassau and connect via Western Air to Congo Town on Andros Island. Options also exist for a scheduled charter seat with Watermakers Air, direct to Congo Town from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

When should I go? Bair's 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 October through January time window. 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 get 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, it's 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? The guides at Bair's Lodge focus on a vast area of southern Andros, including several large lagoons that cross the island, the south end of the island and the famed 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's reasonable to expect runs from 35 - 50 minutes on average.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? The prime focus at Andros 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 to land 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 available fishing area is vast.

What are the guides like? Bahamian guides have a reputation for being “passionate”. This means they show their emotions which may mean they could express disappointment at poorly executed casts or missed opportunities. However, 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. As always, never suffer in silence. If you ever have an issue, be sure to bring it up with lodge management. English is the first language of the guides.

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.

Does the lodge provide equipment? It's best to bring all of your own tackle. The lodge does have a selection of rental equipment and a small fly shop for forgotten odds and ends.

What is a typical day like? What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? Bair's Lodge is like staying at a high-end bed and breakfast on the sea. The staff is friendly and the surroundings are intimate. Bair's feels more like a luxurious guest house, rather than a fishing lodge.

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? Yes, the management team is always on site.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals are rooted in Bahamian cuisine with ample amounts of fresh seafood.

What is the alcohol policy? Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Guest room at Bair's Lodge are air conditioned, beautifully decorated, comfortable and feature ocean views.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Bair's Lodge does have basic wi-fi available at the lodge. Cell service is spotty so you'll 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.

Are there any other expenses? Rod fees, transfer fees, gratuities, purchasing food/bev/accommodations outside the lodge

Do I need a visa? Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? Sand fleas and doctor flies (biting black flies) can be a nuisance. It's recommended to bring long sleeves and pants and a good bug repellent on the trip. We recommend Ultrathon from 3M or Sawyers with picaridin.

We 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.