Long Island

Bonefish are skitterish creatures destined to lives of habit and routine. Find them rooting in the marl one day or on a turtle grass flat another day and chances are you'll find them again in that same spot on the same tide on the exact same moon phase. Bonefish don't play dice with their livelyhood and a productive flat that is riddled with worm, shrimp and crab burrows, is placed on any successful bonefish's monthly or weekly dining schedule.

Of course, the predators are privy to this schedule too and the flats on which bonefish feed are a war zone. Sharks and 'cudas dog every move made by these nervous schools of wary bonefish. It is for this reason that bonefish are also so very unpredictable. Marauding sharks and barracudas and even osprey and dolphin, learn these predictable patterns of bonefish movement just as well as the best of the local guides. In the remote and vast regions of the southern Bahamas finding these wandering fish can be, at times, quite a challenge. In certain areas, the habitat can be so extensive, so seemingly unlimited, that locating bonefish can be difficult amongst the miles and miles of shimmering white sand flats.

In the Bahamas, Long Island is nestled in the southern reaches of this bonefish-rich nation, and for the traveling angler, this island is unique. Long Island is an unusual combination of huge, hard-bottomed white sand flats, coral sand dikes and mangrove cays all laced with deep pale blue azure channels. The long abandoned "Diamond Crystal" salt salinas are a fine example of natural habitat reclamation and now serve as a perfect nursery to prolific numbers of two to four pound bonefish. Vast in scope, this area, near the settlement of Deadman's Cay, is a huge labyrinth of creeks connecting miles of hard-packed sand flats, perfect for the wading fisherman. Tidal flows predictably bring in fresh ocean water, which nourishes the many worms, clams, crabs and baitfish that attract large schools of bonefish. Moving through these channels and up onto the flats, the fish gorge themselves in the relative protection of this sheltered area. For the avid bonefisherman, especially for those anglers seeking lots of shotsat fish, this is a jackpot of tailing and cruising bonefish. On the right tide, the fishing is usually fast and furious with only short pauses between casts. the perfect situation for those anglers seeking to gain a lot of experience in a short time with these legendary gamefish. Long Island also has good populations of larger bonefish, usually found on the "outside" flats where the havens of deep water and coral reefs are found. While fewer in number, these bigger fish will, in their bid for freedom, test both your mettle and the quality of your reel's drag system.

The blending of these two geographical areas (interior salt ponds and exterior more oceanic flats) allows the itinerant angler two delightful options: stalking classic deeper water flats for large singles and doubles or wading the shallow salinas looking for a sea of silver tails in the hot Bahamian sun. The guides run high quality well-maintained Rahming flats boats or similar craft perfect for poling the outside edges or quietly moving through the salinas. Experienced and very polite, these native guides have respected bonefish pedigrees that come with names like Knowles, Cartwright, Bain, Smith and Adderley. These families are some of the original players in our sport and what they may lack in the way of Florida Key's "flash" factor, they make up with by simply fishing hard every day. Years spent on the flats have taught them to understand and quickly decipher the complexities of bonefish behavior and movement. keys to any angler's success or failure. Weather and wind, tide and moon phase, are only a fewof a thousand variables that can affect fishing. While it must be said that excellent habitat and experienced, well-motivated guides do not guarantee fishing success, you must, at least, have these two elements in order to have any chance of success on your next adventure. Easy to get to with daily afternoon flights, Long Island's best lodges have these essential core elements of habitat and guides making them an excellent choice for your next trip. We have selected three excellent, yet different, ways to experience Deadman's Cay...

Atlantic Hideaway
...for anglers on a limited budget.

Located on a high bluff on the ocean side of Long Island's Deadman's Cay, this brand new, very comfortable lodge has large air-conditioned rooms complete with satellite T.V. and private baths. A short walk down the path to the bluff reveals a beautiful blue grotto protected from the ocean's swells by a line of small barrier islands. This bay is shallow, sheltered and perfect for an early evening swim after a long hot day on the flats. Tastefully adjoined to the Hideaway is a large dining area with a very well-stocked bar. An excellent local chef serves piping hot meals featuring fresh crawfish (lobster), grouper, snapper, conch, chops, chicken and the famous local mutton. Each delicious entree is served in large portions with classic Bahamian seasonings. Breakfast and lunch are also plentiful and excellent. your hosts will see to it that you do not go hungry under their watchful eye. Great guides including the well respected Cartwright Brothers will fullfill your fishing expectations with long fishing days aboard quality Rahming flats skiffs. These guides have a distinguished reputation on Long Island and their knowledge and understanding of the complex tidal workings in the salinas and exterior flats are outstanding. Hosting only six anglers a week, Atlantic Hideaway is a small intimate lodge that may be inexpensive, but doesn't skimp on the essentials dedicated anglers require such as great food, comfortable accommodations, friendly service and first and foremost, great fishing opportunities. The Hideaway is a great "new" addition to our budget-bonefishing program and allows anglers to visit this fantastic area at a very affordable price.

Greenwich Creek
...one of the Bahama's best choices.

Not only is Greenwich Creek one of the top ten bonefishing facilities in the Bahamas, it may be the Bahama's best bargain! Beautiful rooms sit overlooking the extensive tidal flats of Deadman's Cay. Guests of Greenwich Creek have a great view of this area from the lodge's beautiful wrap around lanai porch. just the spot to enjoy a cold Kalik as the sun marks the end of another great day on the flats. This beautiful facility includes large, well-appointed, completely air-conditioned guestrooms, a large freshwater pool and a classic Bahamian-style main dining room and bar. These excellent facilities make Greenwich Creek the best lodge in this area and one of the best in all the Bahamas! Experienced local guides provide easy access to the prime bonefish habitat of Deadman's Cay. Having grown up fishing, these guides are savvy, experienced and know well the ebb and flow of bonefish and their environs. A 28' new center console boat with twin 225 hp engines stands ready to take those anglers interested in reef or blue water fishing out for a shot at the lightly pressured "big blue" and its numerous dorado, wahoo, tuna and marlin that swim near the sharp edges of the reef. This fishery, while weather dependent, can be truly fantastic in April, May and all through the summer. At Greenwich Creek, the food is absolutely first class and features all of your Bahamian favorites including fresh conch, grouper and lobster. Greenwich Creek Bonefish Lodge is the perfect spot for any dedicated angler looking for great fishing and all the amenities. At $2,200.00 per person, per week based on double occupancy, this spot is a real bargain!

Lochabar Beach House
...a lovely retreat off-the-beaten-path.

Located 12 miles south of Deadman's Cay on a beautiful, white sand beach, the lovely Lochabar Beach House was originally built as a private vacation home. Sitting next to one of the island's largest blue holes, this house epitomizes the charm and beauty of the Bahamas. Colorfully decorated with relics from past beachcombing expeditions, this two-story home is the perfect place to stay for groups of anglers and their families. Although there are bonefish flats that do see some fish on lower tidal phases within walking distance of Lochabar, anglers will find the most fishing success by hiring local guides during their stay. Local legend Cecil Knowles and his brothers provide guide services from Deadman's Cay. These guides are very experienced with good boats and equipment and they represent some of the best guides on the island. Sleeping up to eight anglers, this beach house is the perfect location for families with children who want to blend a bit of bonefishing with fun-in-the-sun activities. Intact groups of anglers will also enjoy the complete privacy this home and the opportunity for'"after-hours" fishing. The Lochabar comes complete with a modern kitchen and local markets can provide all the foodstuffs for those interested in cooking part of the time. Island cooks can also be hired to cater sumptuous meals featuring classic Bahamian favorites. There are also many island restaurants that provide wonderful meals including a few "must-sample" choices. Lochabar is a bit "off-the-beaten-path", has a wonderful out-island ambiance and is a fantastic destination for an angler and his family. Prices vary depending on length of stay and number of guests.

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