Part 2: Bahamas on the Run - Andros South Lodge

After a few days fishing and getting to know the crew at Mangrove Cay Club, it was time to head back across the South Bight to Andros South Lodge. Connecting Middle and South Andros, a free public ferry runs daily and serves as a quick and easy option for both travelers and locals. The mix of passengers was fun to take in; everyone from tourists, kids in school uniforms, and even a couple of doctors commuting home utilized the resource.

Back on South Andros, I was greeted in the harbor by Rose, one of the Operations Managers a Andros South Lodge. Rose and her husband Phil, who is both the other manager and head guide, are two of the nicest people you’ll come across. They both will go out of their way to make sure you’re taken care of. By the end of your stay, you really do feel like family.

The lodge sits in the small village of Kemp’s Bay, right on the beach. The main lodge and dining area are the first buildings you’ll see when you walk in. On your way down to the water, you’ll pass an old skiff set up in the sand; grab a rod, hop on the bow, and take a few shots at the casting hoops laid out in front of you. It’s a perfect way to tune up anything you and your guide worked on during the day. Keep walking and you’ll hit the beach and tiki bar, where stories tend to get better as the sun goes down and the beers get colder.

Andros South Lodge prides itself on being a true fishing-focused destination. Accommodations are simple, clean, and best of all private rooms for everyone is included. That’s a huge bonus, and it’s very rare that a lodge offers this at no extra cost. Each room is comfortable, with a queen bed, private bathroom, and plenty of additional space for gear and clothes.

The food is another highlight. The kitchen does a great job using fresh island ingredients, and it’s not uncommon to see fish, lobster, and chicken making regular appearances at dinner. Cold beers are always within reach (and encouraged), and dessert every night is a nice way to cap things off.

Days start early with a quick but hearty breakfast. By 7:45 AM, we were loaded into the lodge trucks, rods in tow, for the short five minute drive to the dock. The guides were ready and waiting with comfortable skiffs ready to roll. They each use a Hell’s Bay Professional, which is a very roomy boat with plenty of space for extra gear and rods. Rose directed us to our boats, and we headed out for a great day fishing.

Among the many great attributes of Andros South Lodge, they are part of our Sage Experiences program. This allows guests the use of premium Sage rods and reels, paired up with RIO fly lines, at no extra charge to them. It takes the guessing game out of the question “What should I bring with me!?” Having the right gear for the job makes life much easier!

Day 1
My first day on the water was with Prince, an incredibly kind guide with a serious passion for bonefish. We made the longest run of the trip out to a flat known as “The Airport.” It’s one of the coolest places I’ve ever fished, about half a mile of white sand with nothing else in sight.

As we pulled up, it was clear we weren’t alone, both sharks and barracuda were everywhere. Naturally, we broke out the Cuda rod. After having our fun with those, we hopped out and walked the flat in search of big bonefish (and maybe even a permit, or so I’d heard). The Bonefish didn’t cooperate out here, but it was still an unforgettable spot and one I’d go back to in a heartbeat.

Day 2
Day two was with Norman, a seasoned veteran who’s been guiding in the Bahamas longer than I’ve been alive. We focused on the “middle ground,” the area between the lodge and the west side of Andros.

This was classic bonefishing, with fish slowly cruising along mangrove edges, tails up as they fed. Norman’s eyes were unreal, calling out fish long before I could even think about seeing them. We put together a solid day with plenty of fish to hand, and headed back to the lodge feeling pretty good about things.

Day 3
On day three, I got out with Charlie. Every guide was great, but I had been told more than once to make sure I fished with him.

Up to this point, all my fishing had been from the boat, but tough light conditions had us changing things up. Charlie suggested we hop out and wade a super shallow flat where fish might be tucked in tight. We worked slowly along the shoreline, picking off a few fish as we went. I did have one painful moment when the biggest fish I hooked yet managed to rub the fly out on the sand. One of those you think about for the rest of the day!

On the walk back, I asked Charlie the name of the flat. He just smiled and said, “Charlie’s Flat.” Fair enough.

Day 4
My final day on the water was with Ellie, and we headed back toward the middle ground and west side. At our first stop, we spotted a massive wake pushing toward us, big enough that we both assumed it was a shark.

We eased a little closer, and suddenly the largest bonefish I’ve ever seen appeared and blew out right at the boat and disappeared underneath us. Total chaos. We just looked at each other… what just happened? That fish is going to stick with me for a while.

We finished the day with a good number of solid fish, but honestly, that one moment stole the show.

Back at the dock, Phil was there to drive me in, but before we left he asked, “Want to try something cool?” That’s not a question I usually say no to...

We walked out onto the bridge over the channel and looked down to see hundreds of bonefish stacked up, feeding hard on the falling tide. He tied on a fly, and we spent a few minutes casting into the school, watching fish compete and chase the shrimp pattern. It was incredible to see them that aggressive.

Phil’s passion for bonefish is on another level, and it comes through the second you start talking with him. His goal is for every angler to leave with a better understanding of the fish, and to have hopefully learned a thing or two.

Four days went by quickly, and just like that it was time to wrap things up at Andros South Lodge. I can’t say enough about how well guests are treated here, every guide and staff member goes above and beyond to make sure you have an unforgettable trip. I’m already looking forward to the next visit.

After packing up and saying my goodbyes, it was time to move on.

Next stop? Mars Bay Lodge!