Andros South Quick Trip: Grabby Bonefish, Family Vibes & Big Fun

Recently I made a quick trip to Andros South Lodge, Bahamas, to check in and see how one of our key partners and Sage Experiences outfitters was getting along. As expected, everything was running smoothly and firing on all cylinders, and I got to sneak in a bit of high quality bonefishing.

Andros South Lodge is a super laid-back and fun program that just makes you feel right at home the moment you arrive. The staff is warm, attentive, and an outright joy to be around. You can also count on leaving the lodge with a few extra wrinkles in your face from all the smiling you’ll be doing. The lodge is unique in that it is one of very few that has a full Bahamian crew running the show. We’ve had a lot of guests this season take the time to express their appreciation for the staff’s hard work and dedication to making their stay great.

Getting There
Easiest travel overall is to fly with Makers Air from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then over to Congo Town Airport, South Andros. Depending on where you come from, you may overnight in Fort Lauderdale the day prior to arriving Andros South Lodge. Flights are out of Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), so you will have to get there by cab or a ride app option from Fort Lauderdale International (FLL). Makers Air is more expensive, to be perfectly transparent, but they are consistent and generally always on time, so missed flights or delays are rare. Other less expensive options are available but admittedly have their fair share of hiccups.

Trip Highlights
Finally, during a break in the weather when the almost constant cloud cover broke, my guide Phil and I set out for some areas that required longer runs to new areas. We spent the morning working the incoming tide, hoping to find some deeper water in the creeks that would allow the skiff inside. Once able, we started pushing back into zones where big fish were known to frequent. We found a couple of average 3-to 4-pound fish along the way and kept pushing back into the creek. As we moved along, a larger fish came into view and pushed out from a small island and was moving our way. I made the shot and the fish ate, but it made a hundred and eighty degree turn and was heading towards the far side of a small island. I applied maximal pressure as we simply didn’t have the ability to move the skiff fast enough to salvage the situation and I ultimately ended up breaking the fish off. Bummer! We rifled through my box to get another fly on the end of my line, in case another fish popped up. I speedily tied one on, and we were back in business. We pushed another 20 yds inside and big fish number two came into play. The last fish was estimated in the 7-to 8-pound range, but Phil thought this one was at least a couple of pounds larger. The fish was moving and after leading it effectively, the fish saw it, came over to investigate and then promptly refused! Without hesitation, Phil and I both looked at each other and said in unison with excitement in our voices, “new fly!”. I scrambled to grab another offering, but this time I grabbed a tried-and-true self-tied Gotcha. We scanned to find the fish again, but to no avail. We shook it off and as soon as I turned and said, “that’s ok, we’ll find another one”, I spotted a slightly smaller fish closer to the mangrove creek edge that was moving our way. The fly landed, sank, I made a couple of small strips in the fish’s path and enticed a crushing eat! The fish made a big run, doing its best to head out of the creek while I did my best to slow it down. Luckily, my knots held against the immense pressure applied, and we finally got the fish to the side of the boat. After a couple of quick pictures and moments of admiration we sent the healthy specimen on its way.

While I always enjoy the thrill of great bonefishing, the biggest highlight of my time at Andros South was the time spent with the staff. They make you feel like family and their warm Bahamian hospitality always shines through.

Andros South Lodge
Andros South Lodge is best suited for anglers that enjoy a laid back, no frills, come-as-you-are, style of lodge. The food is delicious, and the home-made bread is to die for. The guides are professional, knowledgeable, and a joy to spend the day on the water with. You will undoubtedly hone and sharpen your skills as an angler with their help and instruction. The property and rooms are clean, comfortable, and it’s hard to beat a lodge that has single occupancy rooms included. Anglers can then choose to either share a boat or, for an additional upcharge, fish solo.