Who is best suited to this destination?
Soul Fly Lodge is well suited for bonefish anglers of all skill levels. Guests that specifically want to target permit should come prepared knowing that these fish pose a great challenge, even by permit standards.
Where is the lodge?
Soul Fly Lodge is located on Great Harbour Cay, within the Berry Islands.
How do I get there?
Majority of guests fly into Fort Lauderdale International (FLL) and then head over to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE). From there you will take a connecting flight via Makers Air to Great Harbour Cay. Options also exist for connecting flights through Nassau, the main international airport in the Bahamas.
When should I go?
The season runs from September to June. There is not a bad time to be a guest at Soul Fly when they are open. If your goal is to target Permit, we find that March until June can be the most productive period.
How will I fish?
Two anglers and a guide set out in a flats skiff each day. These boats are well equipped for fly fishing and have all the needed safety equipment. Opportunities for wading are also possible depending on tides and weather.
Is there wade fishing?
Yes, the flats surrounding Soul Fly are hard, white sand that are ideal for the angler looking for a wade fishery.
Where will I fish?
Anglers fish a varied network of lagoons, flats and creeks throughout the Berry Islands. Guests may also have the opportunity for a longer run to the Joulter Cays, if the weather cooperates.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
Soul Fly fishes the entire Berry Islands chain, which is around 26 miles long. Run times can be anywhere from 15-50 minutes depending on desired target species.
What type(s) of fish will I catch?
While Bonefish are the primary target in through the Bahamas, Soul Fly has built a reputation around Permit. The Berry Islands offer some of the best permit fishing in the Bahamas. There are also opportunities for Barracuda, Mutton Snapper, and Triggerfish.
How many fish will I catch?
An average angler on an average day stands a good chance at landing a handful of bonefish. Permit are much tougher, and a successful week permit fishing often yields one or two fish.
Will I see other anglers?
Soul Fly Lodge is the only dedicated fly fishing lodge on the island. If you do see other anglers on the flats, they will likely be lodge guests.
What are the guides like?
Bahamian guides have a reputation for being “passionate.” This means they show their emotions, especially disappointment at poorly executed casts or missed opportunities, more than we might like. 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?
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. The wading is not strenuous, but being able to be on your feet in the water for a couple miles is a bonus.
Are there any special skills required?
Saltwater fly fishing inherently requires special skills to be highly successful. Contrary to a lot of public perception, it is not necessary to be able to cast a long distance. Sure, it’s great if you have the ability to cast 70+ feet, but if it takes you five or six false casts to reach that distance, the length is worthless because the bonefish will typically be gone. It is far more important to be accurate and speedy from 40 feet to 60 feet. Meaning, it is far better to be able to consistently deal with the wind from any direction and make your presentation to the fish in three false casts or less.
Does the lodge provide equipment?
Yes, the lodge offers guests free use of Thomas and Thomas fly rods each paired with Nautilus reels. Terminal tackle is not provided and guests are asked to bring their own flies, leaders, and tippet.
What is your favorite setup for the trip?
For Bonefish, a fast-action 9-foot, 8-weight rod is ideal for Soul Fly paired with floating, weight forward, tropical line and a high-quality disc drag reel is preferred.
For Permit, a fast action, 9-foot 9 weight is preferred. The Permit in the Berry’s tend to be on the larger side, the pulling power from a 9 can be very helpful.
What are the options if weather conditions become challenging?
If weather prevents the boats from leaving the dock, guests will have to wait it out at the lodge.
What is a typical day like?
Every day starts at the coffee and tea bar which is available to guests by 6AM each morning. As the sun crests over the horizon breakfast orders are taken and you’ll hop in the truck at 7:45AM to head to the marina. From there anglers and their guide chat about a plan for the day and hit the flats.
Each guide prides themselves on tailoring the day to what their clients hopes
to accomplish. You will head back to the Marina around 4PM, for your transfer
back to the lodge for appetizers and dinner.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge?
The lodge has a refined setting, but the goal is to keep it casual. Guests are generally found lounging in the common spaces swapping fish stories from the day.
Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge?
Yes, a lodge manager will always be present on site.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Guests will enjoy meals in the dining area, prepared with fresh local ingredients. The chef prepared meals are of top quality and get raving reviews from guests.
What is the alcohol policy?
Beer, wine and standard liquor are included. If you require something specific, feel free to bring it along.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
The main lodge offers guests 6 guest rooms, giving guests the chance to upgrade to
a single if space is available. The building itself is older, but has been very well maintained and serves as a great homebase for your stay at Soul Fly.
Is there internet and/or cell service?
Soul Fly does offer reliable Wi-Fi available at the lodge. Cell service is spotty, so you will have to check with your provider.
Are there other activities?
The lodge offers yoga and a massage therapist on site. There is also a beautiful white sand beach just behind the lodge for guests to enjoy.
Are there any other expenses?
Any purchases made outside the lodge or at the lodge’s fly shop will be the responsibility of the guest.
Do I need a visa?
No. U.S. anglers are not required any special visas to visit the Bahamas, only a valid U.S. passport.
