Mangrove Cay Club

Mangrove Cay Club is one of the few destinations that brings together all the critical elements of a great fly fishing lodge – location, management, amenities, guides, equipment, cuisine, and spectacular flats fishing. Mangrove Cay is an island in the center of Andros Island and the Club has set the bar remarkably high for Bahamian bonefishing destinations. With uncharacteristically short runs to some of the most famous trophy bonefish flats in the world, it is easy to make the case that this is the Bahamas’ premier flats and bonefishing lodge.

From immaculate 16-foot Dolphin flats skiffs, anglers fish the hallowed waters of the North, South and Middle Bights in addition to the famous waters of the West Side of Andros Island[caps??]. The guide staff at Mangrove Cay Club is among the best in all Andros, having spent their entire lives learning the nuances of their home waters. Additionally, the lodge offers high-quality loaner gear, a fly shop stocked with the right flies and any smaller items you might have forgotten, as well as a fly tying table.

Guests at Mangrove Cay Club have boat access to the north, middle and south Bights, the north and south West Side, the eastern flats, and the southwest cays of Andros Island. There is a nearly-infinite number of places to fish and guides choose based on tides, wind, weather, and angler preference. Guests fish with professional, Bahamian guides on flats skiffs at a ratio of two-to-one. The guides are rotated during the stay and anglers can generally expect to fish with a new guide every third day. This rotation is a great way to match guides with guests and provides the opportunity for anglers to engage with the entire guide staff, each of whom has a different personality and style. Mangrove Cay uses 16’ Dolphin skiffs with Yamaha 85 hp engines to address the need for speed, comfort and safety while traveling from flat to flat. The boats are configured with elevated poling platforms and have fittings on the casting deck for a removable leaning bar. Most of the fishing is done from but there are times when wading is the preferred option. Guests should let their guide know if interested in wade-fishing and the guides will plan accordingly.

Occasionally, high winds make fishing from the boats impractical and getting to the flats uncomfortable. On these days, guests have the option of using the Big Boat – a 26-foot twin hull with twin 150 hp engines – as a ferry to transport angler and guide to lee shores and creeks for wade fishing. Having this option has saved the fishing day for Mangrove Cay Club guests when those at other lodges may have been resigned to a good book. The Big Boat can also be used for transport to the remote and seldom-fished southwest side of Andros. This area is a vast collection of hard-bottom, sandy flats that are home to huge schools of bonefish. Anglers are dropped off with their guide to wade the flats while the captain stays with the boat, and the captain can then be summoned to move from flat to flat.

Note: There is a surcharge of $650 for this option and the Big Boat can take up to 6 anglers.

Although Andros Island is renowned for the abundance and size of its bonefish, Mangrove Cay also has an exceptional blue water fishery right out its back door. This combination of inshore and offshore fishing opportunities ensures that time spent at Mangrove Cay is filled with a variety of fishing experiences.

Mangrove Cay Club accommodates a maximum of 16 guests. There are eight suites contained within four cottages spread out along the shore, screened from each other by a lush growth of trees. All are a short walk on a sand path to the main lodge. Each of the four cottages is divided into two suites, separated by a thick, soundproof wall. The suites have high ceilings and ceiling fans, an air-conditioned bedroom, sitting room, a private bathroom, and a private porch overlooking Middle Bight. On the outside wall of each suite is a rod rack that will hold four rods, a bucket for soaking reels and a convenient freshwater hose for washing rods and all other equipment each day.

Mangrove Cay offers classic cuisine, Bahamian favorites, and indulgent desserts. The planned dinner menu is posted every morning before you go fishing so that you may request a different entrée if you wish. Breakfast begins at 6:30 with coffee made from freshly ground beans, teas, fruit juices, cold cereals and fresh milk, yogurt, fresh fruit, and freshly baked pastries. A hot breakfast follows, featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, pancakes, or French toast. Lunches are packed in coolers of ice and taken out on the boats. Guests build their own lunches from a selection of breads and lunch meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Freshly baked cookies, granola bars, potato chips and fresh fruit complement the selection. Bottled water is packed in your cooler by the guide and soft drinks, Gatorade and cold beer are also available.

Snacks are on the bar when anglers return from fishing and the bar is well stocked with beer, wines, and quality liquors. Hors d’oeuvres are served at 6:00 pm and dinner begins at 7:00 with a salad or a soup. The cook staff limits fried foods at dinner, serving most seafood grilled or poached. Only fresh fruits and vegetables are used. A selection of red and white house wines are poured with dinner and homemade desserts are served as well.

Day 1: To get to Mangrove Cay you have two options.

Option 1 - Make travel arrangements to Congo Town International Airport (COX/TZN) by private charter from Ft. Lauderdale or by commercial flights via Nassau. Once you arrive in Congo Town, your taxi will be waiting to transfer you to the Harbor, where you will board the Lodge’s 26’ center console for a short ride to the Lodge dock.

Option 2 - Make travel arrangements to Clarence A. Bain Airport on Mangrove Cay (MYAB) by private charter from Ft. Lauderdale or by commercial flights via Nassau. Once you arrive in Mangrove Cay, you will be met by a representative of the lodge who will transfer you (10 minutes).

Days 2 - 7: Six full days of guided fishing.

Day 8: On your departure day you will be driven to the airport according to your flight schedule.

2026 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

• 7 night/6 day package: $7,950 plus tax
• 6 night/5 day package: $7,100 plus tax
• 5 night/4 day package: $6,400 plus tax
• 4 night/3 day package: $5,400 plus tax
• 3 night/2 day package: $4,000 plus tax

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, beverages including house wines, bar liquors, beer, bottled water, soft drinks, round-trip transfer between the airport and lodge, guided flats fishing, room taxes

Not Included: Airfare, some wines and liquors, staff & guide gratuities, Bahamian departure tax of $25 where applicable, items of a personal nature (telephone calls, fly shop purchases, etc.)

Season: October - June

Target Species: Bonefish, jacks, barracuda

Capacity: 16 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination?
Anglers looking to a top quality, premium bonefishing experience and appreciate the finer things like amazing cuisine, ultra-comfortable lodging and skilled guides. This is not a great option for budget restricted anglers.

Where is the lodge?
Mangrove Cay Club is located on the outskirts of Moxey Town, which lies on the south shoreline of the Middle Bight of Andros Island in the Bahamas.

How do I get there?
Option 1 - Make travel arrangements to Congo Town International Airport (COX/TZN) by private charter from Ft. Lauderdale or by commercial flights via Nassau. Once you arrive in Congo Town, your taxi will be waiting to transfer you to the Harbor, where you will board the Lodge’s 26’ center console for a short ride to the Lodge dock.

Option 2 - Make travel arrangements to Clarence A. Bain Airport on Mangrove Cay (MYAB) by private charter from Ft. Lauderdale or by commercial flights via Nassau. Once you arrive in Mangrove Cay, you will be met by a representative of the lodge who will transfer you (10 minutes).

When should I go?
Prime time is March – May. The lodge typically is closed starting July – September and then reopens in the fall.

How will I fish?
Two anglers typically set out with their guide aboard 16 foot Dolphin skiffs. Most of the fishing is accomplished from the boat although some wading is possible. Anglers take turns sight fishing to bonefish in shallow water from the bow with floating lines.

Is there wade fishing?
Some wade fishing is definitely possible. Most of the fishing locations are best fished from the boat. It’s reasonable to expect 80% fishing from the boat and 20% while wading. If you really want to wade, be sure to let your guide know that.

Where will I fish?
The vast flats of Andros Island including Water Cay, the West Side and locations around the Middle Bight.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
Runs to the fishing grounds are typically not lengthy. Runs of 15 minutes to 45 minutes are typical. Longer runs are possible depending on your fishing goals. If you are intent on fishing the West Side, runs can be up to an hour.

What type(s) of fish will I catch?
Bonefish are the main game at Mangrove Cay. Some snapper species are available as are barracuda. Very rarely permit are seen and targeted.

How many fish will I catch?
Catch rates largely depend on skill, experience and fishing conditions. An average angler on an average day can expect to hook 4-10 bonefish. Mangrove Cay is a great destination for those looking for an opportunity to catch a truly large bonefish (over six pounds).

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 area is vast with a ton of available terrain.

What are the guides like?
English is the first language of the Bahamas and all guides speak English. Bahamian guides have a reputation for being “passionate”. This means that some guides may show their emotions or disappointment at poorly executed casts or missed opportunities. This is their nature. 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 the best way possible. As always, never suffer in silence. If you ever have an issue, be sure to bring it up with lodge management.

What are the physical demands?
No special physical demands are required for this trip.

Are there any special skills required?
Intermediate to expert casting skills are appreciated for a trip to Mangrove Cay. A crisp double-haul and the ability to create high line speeds in the wind are good skills to have on any saltwater trip. A hungry 10lb bonefish will not wait around for you to improve your casting so get in some practice before you go!

Does the lodge provide equipment?
Yes, the lodge is well prepared to assist anglers with tackle. Also, they have a well-stocked fly shop, complete with flies, fly lines, clothing, sunglasses sun block, and various other accessories.

What is your favorite setup for the trip?
Fast action 9ft, 8wt fly rods with matching high-quality disc drag reels outfitted with tropical weight-forward floating lines are the go-to setup for this fishery.

General, non-branded overview of tackle (“4- to 6-weight,” “weight-forward floating,” etc.), in written form, followed by bulleted list of Far Bank branded tackle.

What are the top flies?
Pearl Gotchas, rubber-leg Gotchas, Peterson’s Spawning shrimp, Ververka’s Mantis shrimp, assorted Crazy Charlie’s, Bonefish Bitters and Christmas Island Specials are all go-to flies for Mangrove Cay Club.

What are the options if weather conditions become challenging?
Occasionally, high winds make fishing from the boats impractical and getting to the flats uncomfortable. On these days, guests have the option of using the Big Boat – a 26-foot twin hull with twin 150 hp engines – as a ferry to transport angler and guide to lee shores and creeks for wade fishing. (Note: There is a surcharge of $650 for this option and the Big Boat can take up to 6 anglers.)

What is a typical day like?
Guests typically start the day with coffee and breakfast at 7am. The fishing day begins as the skiffs leave the dock at 8am. In a full day on the water you may fish from the lodge all the way to the West Side. A midday lunch break on the boat in standard with a boats returning at 4pm. Post-fishing cocktails, appetizers and fish stories commence shortly after that with dinner served around 6:30pm.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge?
The lodge and vibe of the operation is casual, fun and light-hearted with music playing, lots of laughs and a lively bar area. The staff is friendly and attentive and all guests are made to feel welcome and looked after.

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge?
Yes, Liz and Alton Bain are your hosts and on-site owners. They are a pleasure to spend time with, attentive and run an extremely tight ship. Liz and Alton are among the most experienced and highly-regarded lodge owners in the Bahamas.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Guests eat in the main lodge family style. Meals are thoughtfully prepared, consisting of the finest fresh ingredients. Seafood is a staple here at the lodge.

What is the alcohol policy?
There is a fully stocked bar at the lodge, complete with mixers and spirts. Local Bahamian selections are included in your package and premium alcohol will be added to your tab.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
Accommodations and meals are second to none in the industry. All details are looked after and the food is ample and delicious. Your room is situated right on the water overlooking the sea with a small patio and ultra comfortable beds and lounge area.

Is there internet and/or cell service?
A wireless internet signal is available at the main lodge. Cell phone coverage is doubtful although some anglers with international calling plans may find a signal depending on their provider.

Are there other activities?
Some other activities are available at the lodge including snorkeling, biking, birding and diving.

Are there any other expenses?
Premium alcohol and gratuities are the most common additional expenses.

Do I need a visa?
There are no special visa requirements for visiting the Bahamas.

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances?
There are no particular dangers on a trip to Mangrove Cay. Sometimes, as in many other parts of the Caribbean, black flies, Dr, flies and sand fleas can be a slight nuisance. A good bug repellent is recommended.

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.