Welcome to your Fly Water Travel trip guide. We’re excited to help you prepare for your upcoming adventure! Inside, you’ll find everything you need: your to-do list, travel logistics, destination notes, and a curated tackle guide tailored to your trip.
Getting Ready
We’ve created a quick checklist of essential tasks to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. If questions come up or you need anything at all, just give us a call, we’re here to help every step of the way.
To-Do List:
✓ Arrange flights to/from South Andros/Congo Town Airport (COX or TZN)
✓ Complete your personal online guest registration form
✓ Get travel cash
From how to get there and what documents you’ll need to tipping guidelines and destination details, this section covers the practical information to ensure smooth travels.
Getting to the Lodge:
To reach Caerula Mar Club, guests need to arrange travel to the Congo Town Airport (COX/TZN), located on South Andros Island. Guests can connect to Congo Town through either Fort Lauderdale (FXE) or Nassau (NAS). Flight options can be found below.
Arrival Day:
Guests are encouraged to arrive in Congo Town after 2 PM.
Departure Day:
Guests are encouraged to depart from Congo Town prior to the Club's 11 AM checkout time.
Flight Options:
There are a few flight options for reaching Congo Town, South Andros. Please note that the Congo Town airport uses two airport codes (COX/TZN), though it is one airport.
Makers Air
2331 Northwest 55th Ct. Hangar 19 A
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
954-771-0330
Makers Air is the most popular and convenient option for reaching the lodge. This is a seat fare option offering flights between the US and Congo Town (COX) with direct, nonstop daily flights between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) and Congo Town (COX).
Note: Makers operates from the centrally located Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), allowing for easy connections with flights within the United States. Outbound guests clear US Customs in Fort Lauderdale, which is typically a smooth process.
Western Air
242-329-4000
Western Air offers flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Nassau (NAS) daily. Flights from Nassau to Congo Town (TZN) do not operate every day of the week. Please check their website for availability and allow extra time to clear US Customs in Nassau.
Note: Western Air accepts credit cards and cash for payment. When checking in with Western Air in Nassau (if booked over the phone), you will need cash or a valid credit card to pay for your round-trip ticket.
Aztec Airways (Private Charter)
954-351-9313
Groups of six or more passengers may also consider a private charter from Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) with Aztec Airways. This option is affordable and convenient, but again, it requires a set number of passengers to charter.
Documentation Requirements:
To enter the Bahamas, all guests are required to have the following:
- Passport: Valid for the duration of the trip
Notes:
- Visas: Visas are not required for US or UK passengers. Guests from other nationalities should check with their local consulate for entry requirements.
- Departure Tax: A Bahamian departure tax of approximately $15 is due on departure. This tax may already be included in your airline ticket price.
Currency:
US dollars (USD) may be used freely for the purchase of goods and services; therefore, no money conversion is needed. It is very important that all anglers arriving on Andros come prepared with enough cash for their entire stay, as banking and cash acquisition is a major challenge on the island.
Travel Cash:
We recommend each guest travel with $800-$1000 (USD) per week of travel for guide gratuities and miscellaneous purchases.
Credit Cards:
The Club readily accepts credit cards on the property.
Gratuities:
The following are guidelines. Gratuities are up to the discretion of the individual guest.
- Guides: $150 (USD) per boat per day ($75 per angler if sharing a boat).
Tips (in cash) can be left with the guide at the end of each day and should be given to the guide at the dock before getting out of the boat. It’s helpful to be prepared, have cash handy and if possible, to discuss tipping with your fishing partner before reaching the dock. Alternatively, tips can be left with the guide at the end of the week via cash or credit card. If leaving tips at the end of the week, guests are asked to inform their guide at the end of each day.
- Lodge Staff: A 13% gratuity has been added to your bill for any food and beverage purchases.
Additional gratuities for the staff at Caerula Mar Club can be left at our discretion.
Fishing Licenses:
Fishing licenses are not included in your package and will need be purchased prior to arrival.
Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi:
- Cell Coverage: Guests are advised to check with their cell phone provider on international cellular plans.
- Wi-Fi: The club has Wi-Fi available throughout the lodge.
Power:
The lodge has 24-hour power
Laundry:
Laundry service is available
Water:
Bottled water is readily available
Beverages/Alcohol:
- Beer, Wine and Alcohol: There is no alcohol included in the standard lodge package.
- Soft Drinks and Mixers: Non-alcoholic drinks are not included in your package.
Guests are welcome to bring along any alcohol that they prefer.
Biting Insects:
The island and fishery do have biting insects. Sandflies, no-see-ums, doctor flies, and mosquitoes are examples of what you might experience during your stay. It’s important to be prepared with loose fitting clothing and bug repellent. Tight fitting clothing can allow mosquitoes and doctor flies to bite through it.
Climate:
Temperatures typically range from the low 70’s to the mid 90’s. Isolated afternoon thundershowers are a possibility year-round. Wind can be a factor while fishing and the sun is very strong. July through November are the wet months in the region with October through November presenting the highest risk of hurricanes. Small biting flies are common in the evening hours especially when the wind dies down.
Emergency Medical Assistance:
The closest medical facility is in Nassau, approximately 30 minutes by air from the lodge. Guests are responsible for disclosing any special medical, physical, or dietary needs to the lodge ahead of time.
Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:
Global Rescue
Here you’ll find everything you need to be ready on the water. You’ll find our preferred setups, favorite flies, recommended packing list, and notes on tackle available at the lodge.
Caerula Mar Club Tackle Overview
We recommend traveling to the Bahamas with 2 single hand setups. The first is a 9 ft. 8-weight set up with a floating line and the second is a 9’ 10-weight set up with a floating line. 8-weight rods are the perfect all around rod for Bonefish, able to handle both smaller and bigger fish, while also having the backbone to perform well in the wind. 10-weight rods are used to target Barracuda, which can grow to a significant size worthy of a stronger rod. Both setups should be paired with high quality salt water reels, with about 150-200 yards of 20 or 30 pound backing.
Caerula Mar Club does not provide loaner equipment for guest use. Please be prepared to bring your own rods, reels, leader/tippet, flies, and flats boots.
Caerula Mar Club Bonefish Setup
8-weight rods are the gold standard when it comes to fly fishing for Bonefish, able to handle anything from lightweight to heavy lead eyed flies. They are light in hand and provide enough backbone for the fish you will cast to on the Bahamian Flats. Tropical weight forward floating lines tend to be our lines of choice for any 8-weight Bonefish application.
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Regular price $1,150.00Regular priceSale price $1,150.00 -
ENFORCER 7/8
Saltwater Specific
Regular price $600.00Regular priceSale price $600.00 -
Elite Flats Pro
All Around - Saltwater
Regular price $129.99Regular priceSale price $129.99 -
Saltwater Leader
Saltwater All Around - Go-To
Regular price $7.99 – $17.99Regular priceSale price $7.99 – $17.99
Caerula Mar Club Barracuda Setup
Barracuda are one of the most underappreciated fish targeted with a fly rod. They provide anglers with ample opportunities and are generally willing to eat a fly either subsurface or on topwater. 10-weight fly rods are used for these fish in order to cast larger flies, as well as slowing the fish down when they make their blistering runs. Tropical weight forward floating lines with a heavy front taper make it easy to turn over the larger flies used for these fish.
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Regular price $1,150.00Regular priceSale price $1,150.00 -
ENFORCER 9/10
Saltwater Specific
Regular price $600.00Regular priceSale price $600.00 -
Elite Tropical Outbound Short
Power Cast / Shooting Line
Regular price $129.99Regular priceSale price $129.99 -
Toothy Critter Leader
Nylon Butt / Bite Resistant Wire tippet
Regular price $13.99Regular priceSale price $13.99
Caerula Mar Club Recommended Leaders/Tippet
10-12 ft. tapered leaders in 16LB and 20LB are the most commonly reached for. Pair these with 16LB and 20LB Fluorocarbon tippet fand you will be set up for success. When fishing for Barracuda, we recommend the RIO Toothy Critter as their, teeth can easily slice through standard Mono or Fluoro.
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Saltwater Leader
Saltwater All Around - Go-To
Regular price $7.99 – $17.99Regular priceSale price $7.99 – $17.99 -
Fluoroflex Bonefish/Saltwater Leader
Fluorocarbon - Spooky Fish
Regular price $16.99Regular priceSale price $16.99 -
Toothy Critter Leader
Nylon Butt / Bite Resistant Wire tippet
Regular price $13.99Regular priceSale price $13.99 -
Fluoroflex Saltwater Tippet
Fluorocarbon - Spooky Fish
Regular price $14.99 – $49.99Regular priceSale price $14.99 – $49.99
Support Your Local Fly Shop
If you need assistance with assembling your gear for your upcoming travels, we encourage you to support your local fly shop. This curated list of tackle is handpicked for your destination by our experts and can serve as your shopping list to get your ready for your next adventure. Find your local Far Bank dealer.
Top 5 Flies for The Bahamas
Guests should plan on arriving at the lodge with flies for the week. Our detailed fly selection list below will get you started in the right direction.
Top 5 Flies for the Bahamas:
- Bonefish Gotcha - Pearl, multiple weights if possible (Size 2-6)
- Petersen's Spawning Shrimp - Tan and Pearl (Size 2-6)
- Crazy Charlie – Pearl and Pink, multiple weights if possible (Size 2-6)
- Rio's Morrish Stalking Stuffer – Blonde (Size 4-6)
- Ka-Cuda - Lime (Size 2/0)
Suggested Packing List
We understand packing for an adventure is not easy. On a trip like this it is very important to have everything you need and nothing you do not.
Documents:
Plane tickets, itinerary, passport, credit card, travel cash
Pliers & Nippers:
One good pair of saltwater pliers and/or nippers
Flats Boots:
Flats boots or zip-up neoprene style
Socks:
Neoprene guard socks for wet wading
Flats Shirts:
Three long sleeve, quick-dry flats shirts
Flats Pants:
Two pairs of quick-dry flats pants. Doctor flies can bite through tight clothing.
Clothing:
Two collared shirts to wear around the lodge after fishing. Two pairs of lounging shots. Two pairs of fishing shorts. Four pairs quick dry underwear, one light sweatshirt for airplane and cooler nights, two pairs of socks
Hats:
Two fishing hats
Rain Jacket:
One rain jacket
Sandals:
One pair of lightweight sandals, flip-flops or Crocs
Sun Gloves:
One pair of sun gloves
Face Sun Protection:
One UV-protected “Buff” facial sun protector
Sunglasses:
Two pairs of polarized sunglasses. One rose or yellow for low light conditions and one amber or copper for everything else.
Sunscreen:
One bottle SPF 45+
Tape:
One roll of white athletic tape, for taping fingers. Note: An alternative is stripping guards or gloves.
Backpack:
One waterproof backpack (for use on the airplane and while in the boat)
Headlamp:
One small LED headlamp with batteries
Bug Repellant:
Bring 3M Ultrathon, Avon Skin So Soft, or equivalent repellant.
Toiletries Kit
Toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, razor, lotion, mini shampoo bottle, Advil, liquid bandage (for minor finger cuts), sleep aids, earplugs, band- aids, anti-bacterial ointment, Benadryl, Gold Bond powder, antibiotics (see doctor).
Contact Taylor Goodhue
Taylor is a native Oregonian who has been passionate about fly fishing for as long as he can remember. Prior to joining Fly Water Travel, he worked with Confluence Fly Shop in Bend, Oregon, where he served as an instructor, guide, and sales associate. His deep love for both travel and the sport has taken him across the globe in pursuit of a wide variety of fish species.









