Mars Bay Lodge

Mars Bay is situated on the southeastern tip of Andros and offers anglers a short and easy skiff ride to pristine flats teeming with unpressured bonefish. Mars Bay is the literal end of the road; to go any further south one would have to get on in a boat. This location puts anglers ten miles closer to the best fishing grounds on the south end of Andros than the nearest lodge. For anglers, this translates into an extra hour of fishing every day, and an entire extra day over the course of the week. In addition, the lodge itself is located on a flat large enough to fit a dozen fishermen.

Mars Bay Lodge guests fish primarily for bonefish but have occasional shots at tarpon and permit as well. Ideally located to access the Southern Cays and flats of Andros, the lodge enjoys easy access some of the least pressured flats on the island. Pairs of anglers fish with one professional, Bahamian guide and can expect to wade-fish and fish from skiffs as well. Anglers encounter classic sight-casting opportunities to smaller schools of five to twenty fish in the two-plus pound class, large schools of fish, as well as shots at cruising doubles and singles sometimes exceeding ten pounds! Other species encountered include barracuda, jacks, and several types of snapper.

All of the fishing boats are equipped with push poles, platforms, and lean bars. Mars Bay acquired brand new motors for their boats for the 2018 season, and the owner maintains all the boats and motors personally. The lodge runs four boats but keeps five in top shape. If one isn’t running properly, they can have a back-up ready to go in minutes.

Mars Bay Lodge is a fly fishing lodge for dedicated bonefish anglers. The lodge has a laid-back vibe, but rest assured that everything runs on time and as scheduled. One public review said the lodge “runs like a Swiss watch”. Bill Howard, the owner, is the host and he attends to all the details, having managed the lodge since it opened in 2002. He is hands-on and has the reputation as being the hardest working lodge manager in the Bahamas. He works alongside an excellent staff of fly fishing guides, cooks, and maids.

The lodge is intimate and accepts eight angling guests. The typical day begins around 6:00 am with coffee. Breakfasts are served at 7:00 and consist of classic American fare, as well as cereal and oatmeal. By 7:30 guests depart the lodge for a one-minute drive to the dock, then take off for the fishing day. The fishing day wraps up by 6:00 pm and upon return to the lodge, hors d’oeuvres are waiting as are cold drinks. A three-course dinner is served at 7:00 pm and the menu is Bahamian or American. Dinners start with a soup or salad and main courses are seafood or fresh meats. Desserts follow and might be a cheesecake, coconut pie or key lime pie.

2024-25 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

• 7 night/6 day package: $6,300
• 6 night/5 day package: $5,800
• 5 night/4 day package: $5,150
• 4 night/3 day package: $4,550

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, beer and alcohol, transfers between Congo Town airport and the lodge, all ground transportation on South Andros, wireless internet, guided fishing

Not Included: Airfare to/from Congo Town, staff, and guide gratuities

Species: Bonefish, tarpon, permit, barracuda, jacks, several types of snapper

Season: October - June

Capacity: 8 anglers