H2O Bonefishing

Located in the heart of Grand Bahama’s Lucayan Marina, H2O Bonefishing offers a unique solution to the common dilemma of providing adequate activities for both angling and non-angling guests. Here, from a comfortable resort complete with pool and outdoor bar, non-anglers can enjoy the area’s vibrant retail district, casinos and adjoining beaches, while anglers in the group are whisked off by their guides to fly fish the trophy flats of the island’s remote western reaches.

Non-anglers can arrange numerous day-trip options including golf, tennis, equestrian tours, glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling, while anglers test their skills against some of the largest bonefish in the Bahamas. Dinners are not included in packages at H2O Bonefishing, which enables party members to enjoy the town of Freeport and its numerous restaurants each evening.

The Island of Grand Bahama is one of the most expansive bonefishing areas in the Bahamas. It stretches 90 miles east-to-west, and the northern shore features a vast amount of flats, creeks and cays. Bottom structure varies from grass-, hard- and soft-sand flats to harder, light-coral and marl flats, all of which provide excellent feeding areas for bonefish and permit. Fly fishing is done primarily from H2O Bonefishing's fleet of Maverick Mirage flats skiffs but anglers are encouraged to wade during times when large concentrations of bonefish are found tailing in very shallow water. Anglers fish two per boat with professional Bahamian guides.

The bonefish of Grand Bahama Island vary greatly in size and are found in schools, small groups, pairs, and solos. The average size bonefish is a healthy 4- to 6-pounds and bonefish of 7- and 8-pounds are encountered almost daily. The trophy-sized specimens of 10-plus pounds can be located at any time and anglers should be alert and ready to cast their offerings quickly and accurately. Pelican Bay's fly caught record bonefish, so far, is a remarkable 14-and-a-half pounds.

Although Pelican Bay is considered a world-class bonefishing destination, several other great saltwater fly fishing targets frequent the vast north shore flats as well. Permit and tarpon arrive during the spring and can be encountered until December, while barracuda can be found year-round. There is also the possibility of running into packs of the hard-fighting horse eye jacks that average 10- to 15-pounds. H2O Bonefishing therefore encourages all anglers to bring at least one heavier fly rod rated for a 9-, 10- or 11-weight line.

Anglers fishing with H2O Bonefishing stay at Pelican Bay Resort in Lucaya Marina. Pelican Bay Resort is Grand Bahamas’ newest boutique hotel and visitors find Caribbean charm mixed with western European service. Danish architects incorporated sophisticated European design to create magical, timeless Caribbean architecture and luxurious accommodations. Each of the 69 rooms has a private balcony that overlooks the courtyard, marina, shops, and restaurants of Port Lucaya Marketplace. Accommodations offer a choice of one king-size bed or two double beds and include satellite TV, direct dial phone, refrigerator, and in-room coffee maker. Rooms are decorated with colorful island spreads and drapery and white-washed furniture. Floors are Italian tiled. Other amenities include a tropical freshwater pool, hot tub, and pool bar.

H2O Bonefishing is unique in that the program combines world-class bonefishing with easy access to a myriad of non-angling activities. Anglers can ensure a wonderful Caribbean vacation for non-angling members of their family, while at the same time enjoying some of the best bonefishing in the Bahamas. There are five golf courses to choose from, including 2 USGA-certified 18 hole championship courses. Professionally-guided scuba dives depart daily, yards away from resort rooms. Incredible eco-tours are also available, offering guests the chance to see parts of the beautiful island by horseback or sea kayak. Other activities include deep sea and reef fishing, snorkeling trips, glass-bottom boat tours, picnic cruises, parasailing, jet skiing, shell collecting tours, a host of other water-related options for all age groups. There is also gambling at two casinos, duty-free shopping, and numerous fine restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Day 1: Arrive Grand Bahama Island

Days 2 – 7: Full days guided fishing

Day 8: Depart resort

2025 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

• 7 night/6 day package: $4,844
• 6 night/5 day package: $4,187
• 5 night/4 day package: $3,514
• 4 night/3 day package: $2,670
• 3 night/2 day package: $1,868

Included: Accommodations, breakfasts, lunches on the boat on fishing days, guided fishing, hotel guest tax, resort tax

Not Included: Airfare, local transportation, dinners, alcohol, non-angler lunches, lunches on non-fishing days, non-angling activities, equipment rentals, gratuities

Target Species: Bonefish, permit, barracuda

Season: Year-round, though mid-October through mid-June are peak season

Capacity: 12 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? H2O Bonefishing is best suited for experienced saltwater anglers who are interested in targeting large bonefish, which can often mean fewer caught fish but larger specimens overall. Anglers that are looking for a trip with easy flight routes (that avoid Nassau) or are traveling with non-fishing guests will also appreciate a trip to H2O Bonefishing.

Where is the lodge? H20 Bonefishing is located near Freeport (approximately a 15 minute drive) on the southwestern corner of Grand Bahama Island.

How do I get there? To get to H2O Bonefishing, anglers fly to Freeport, Grand Bahama. Flights arrive to Freeport via Fort Lauderdale. From the international airport in Freeport it’s only about a 15 minute drive to the resort.

When should I go? With the exception of the summer months H2O Bonefishing is typically open year-round. The spring fishery is the most popular, but the fall months can offer some of the best fishing of the year with an emphasis on fish size over quantity.

How will I fish? Two anglers and one guide set out in a flats skiff each day. Opportunities for wading are also possible depending on tides and weather.

Is there wade fishing? Most of the fishing at Grand Bahama is accomplished from the skiff. Walk and wade options will likely be few and far between.

Where will I fish? Guests fish the expansive flats on the north side of the island towards the western edge.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Each day anglers depart the resort with their guide by truck where you will tow the fishing skiff to the put it, typically about 25 minutes away from the resort. From the boat launch, the fishing ground are anywhere from 30 minutes away to an hour or more.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? The primary target is bonefish, however, opportunities may exist for barracuda or the very rare shot at permit.

How many fish will I catch? On average anglers tend to catch fewer numbers of fish but caught fish are often larger than other areas in the Bahamas. A typical day may be 3 – 8 landed fish, with shots at fish from 5lb – 10lbs occurring weekly.

Will I see other anglers? The available fishing area is vast, so in general, this is not a heavily-pressured zone. Anglers will occasionally see another boat, but generally guides do an excellent job of steering clear of each other.

What are the guides like? Bahamian guides have a reputation for being passionate. This means that they show their emotions, and they sometimes express disappointment at poorly-executed casts or missed opportunities. They are also quick to laugh, smile and jokingly tease their clients, but they are truly always on the anglers’ team. My advice any time when dealing with foreign guides is to relax, realize that many cultural differences are at play, and that when things get heated in the boat, 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. We have not experienced negative personality issues with any of the Mars Bay guides; in fact, the reality is quite to the contrary.

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. Anglers that are fit and free of physical impairments will find it easier to spend time wading.

Are there any special skills required? Fly fishing for bonefish can be demanding. Anglers often are asked to cast in the wind, make precise presentations at distance and utilize high line speeds to deliver the fly quickly. Anglers that excel with their casting skills are rewarded in the saltwater environment. Having keen eyesight is also advantageous, as finding and seeing bonefish is key to catching them.

Does the lodge provide equipment? Anglers should plan to bring their own equipment and flies.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? I prefer lightweight, fast-action saltwater rods in a 9’, 8wt configuration with tropical floating lines specifically developed for flats fishing.

What are the top flies? Flies for Grand Bahama should be larger (size 2 – 4) than most typical bonefish patterns.

• Peterson’s Spawning Shrimp
• Puglisi Spawning Shrimp
• Rubber Let Gotcha
• Rag Head Crab
• Ververka’s Mantis Shrimp
• Avalon Permit Fly

What is a typical day like? Your day begins with coffee and breakfast at the resort and by 8am your guide is ready to depart the resort by truck with your fishing skiff in tow. Lunch is on the boat and you’ll return to the resort between 3pm – 4pm each day. Dinner is on your own (not included in your package) and guests typically choose one of the many restaurants in around the Lucayan Marina or at the resort. Days typically conclude in the Bones Bar where anglers gather to discuss the day and spin fishing stories.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? H2O Bonefishing has a comfortable, larger resort-style atmosphere. Most guests at the resort are not fishing clientele. Beach access is a short ferry ride away and the Lucayan Marina complex is filled with shops and restaurants and easily accessible from the resort.

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? Yes, Greg Vincent is the owner of H2O Bonefishing and either he or his partner Jason are always available in the mornings prior to departing to fishing, or in the evenings around dinner time in the Bones Bar.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Guests dine at the resort’s buffet-style restaurant in the morning’s before fishing with lunch on the boat. In the evening’s guests either dine at the resort or out at one of the Lucayan Marina’s many restaurants.

What is the alcohol policy? Alcohol is not included in your package and is settled on-site at the Bones Bar.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? H2O Bonefishing’s guests stay at Pelican Bay Resort near Freeport. The resort has a large pool, restaurants and comfortable, well-featured rooms with A/C and sea views. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with modern amenities.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes, there is Wi-Fi available at the resort and in your

Are there other activities? The resort has a large pool area and a number of available activities and excursions that can arranged through third-party touring companies.

Are there any other expenses? The main additional expenses are for dinners out on the town, alcohol and touring activities.

Do I need a visa? No. Travel to the Bahamas only requires a valid passport.

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? We recommend guests only drink filtered or bottled water while in the Bahamas and check the U.S. State Department guidelines for travel.