Welcome to Bahamas

 

Location, Type of Fishing:

Approximately 240 miles southeast of Nassau in the Bahamas lies the chevron-shaped atoll of Crooked Island and Acklins. Often mentioned together due to their proximity to one another, these two large land masses are at the center of an island chain, separated from one another by just a short, narrow passage. Totaling some 500 square miles, Crooked Island and Acklins are sandwiched between the mostly unpopulated Long Cay to the west and the uninhabitable Castle Island on the far south end. At the heart of the atoll is a gigantic lagoon known as the Bight of Acklins. Sheltered from mass tourism due to the fact that it is very remote, this secluded atoll is in almost as natural a state as it was when Christopher Columbus first sailed past here on his voyage to the New World in 1492. That same narrow waterway that Columbus sailed through on the leeward side of the island, known as the Crooked Island Passage, later became an important trade route, and the islands once had a reputation as a hide-out for swashbuckling pirates and buccaneers. Today, tourism is largely driven by fishermen seeking out this distant atoll in search of a new kind of treasure that can be found on the flats here, with bonefish and permit being at the top of the list. The fishing is largely unaffected by pressure, and the opportunities here are seemingly endless. A place full of natural beauty, there are miles of pristine flats that extend as far as the eye can see along perfect white sand beaches. A magical place to behold, it is truly a place where a fly fisherman’s dreams can come true.

 

• Season: November through August
• Species: Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Barracuda, Jacks and Triggerfish
• Rods: 7-12 wt. Saltwater, Fast-action
• Rates: 7 nights/ 6 days fishing $3,290.00

 

                                                                                                                                         

 

 

 

 

What Makes It Special:

With nearly 50,000 acres of fishable flats, the Bight of Acklins has the largest bonefishing area in the world. The shallow lagoon at the heart of this island chain has a good hard-bottom, made mostly of sand that is ideal for wading. The location of the Crooked & Acklins Trophy Lodge at Major’s Bay on the north shore of Crooked Island allows you to fish all of the best areas of Acklins and Crooked Island in the same week. In fact, the available fishing area is so big, you don’t ever have to fish the same flat twice. Achlins has a number of secret coves along its rocky and desolate coastline, perfect for hiding stashes of bonefish. Conversely, Crooked Island is characterized by generous sandy-bottom flats extending for miles, bordered by the occasional deep cut and channel, providing the ideal sanctuary for inshore flats species like bonefish, permit and migrating tarpon. Not just an expansive marine environment, it is also one of the richest, with gamefish thriving on an abundance of shrimp, crabs, starfish, urchins, octopus and other baitfish that the ecosystem supports. With a small number of boats fishing such a large area, much of it goes untouched in a week, and bonefish and permit rarely see a fly. There are also tremendous fly fishing opportunities for shark, barracuda, jacks and triggerfish. Many of these fish are targeted so infrequently, they will eagerly pounce a well-presented fly. When you combine the extensive and varied fishing program of Crooked & Acklins Trophy Lodge with its excellent price, you get an exceptional value for a first-rate package.

 

 

Fishing:

Just like everywhere in the Bahamas, expect to see a lot of bonefish on the flats while fishing the waters of Crooked & Acklins. The guides make their living on bonefishing, so your forearms might get tired fighting with some pretty tough bones throughout the week. But unlike other destinations in the Bahamas, the guides at Crooked & Acklins are developing a fairly decent permit fishing program on the atoll, with a good number of fish being found around channels and deep cuts. On the flats, you’ll typically see them on top of rays, which is a great fly fishing opportunity. Crooked & Acklins is not a great tarpon destination, but they are seeing more and more of them on the flats, especially in the spring and summer months. The lodge has no more than 5 boats on the water in any given week, making your stay at Crooked & Acklins very exclusive and private. All natives to the atoll, the guides have over 20 years of experience and are very familiar with the numerous flats of this lagoon. They operate a variety of flats-style super skiffs equipped with 90-150 HP outboards, poling platforms, and level casting decks. While you may be provided a special fly or two by the guide, you're going to want to bring all of your own gear as there is no fly shop available to purchase flies or new gear.

 

Lodge:

It is believed that Columbus came through the narrow straits of the Crooked Island Passage, sailing close to shore in search of gold, but the only treasure he found was the jasmine-like fragrance in the air coming from the island. The scent was purported to emanate from the flowers of the Cascarilla shrub, and the aromatic scent of those sweet-smelling flowers and herbs is still being carried on the breeze today at Crooked & Acklins Trophy Lodge. Stay in recently-renovated, deluxe accommodations located right on a private beach with direct access the beautiful waters of Major’s Bay. The lodge is a mere ten minutes away from the airport at Colonel Hill. A family run operation, the lodge accommodates up to 10 anglers per week in 5 large, spacious double rooms with private baths. In each room, find a quiet space made comfortable by climate controlled air conditioning, helping to ensure the ultimate in rest and relaxation. All of your meals are included in fishing packages while staying at the lodge and are served family-style. The lodge has an excellent cook, and the food served at the restaurant in the main lodge is delicious and varied, including local specialties like fresh fish and lobster as well as the ubiquitous and very tasty conch salad. Alcohol is not included in fishing packages, but you may purchase cold beer and spirits at the bar. Snacks are available and most guests like to congregate at the bar before dinner in a friendly and calm atmosphere where you can stay cool in the A/C after the day’s fishing.

 

 

How to Get There:

Seemingly lost in time, this atoll of “Out Islands” is very sparsely populated with only around 850 people on both Acklins Island and Crooked Island, making it a truly well-kept secret that is quite peaceful, tranquil and very isolated. Due to its remoteness, the fly fishing program at Crooked & Acklins Trophy Lodge is typically offered in week-long packages with guests arriving on a Saturday and departing on the following Saturday. The lodge will facilitate longer stays of 10 or 14 days.  The Bahamas have but one major International Airport, located in Nassau/New Providence (NAS). It is the hub for all the domestic flights to the Outer Islands. Due to the long travel day, depending on where you begin, we recommend that you fly into Nassau the day before your package is scheduled to begin. That way you can rest up, have a meal, be refreshed and ready to be at the airport

terminal early the next morning. A representative of the lodge will be there to greet you before your flight to the island. Bahamas Air services Crooked Island on Saturdays and Wednesdays, with some flights including a stopover at Spring Point (Acklins) before continuing to Crooked Island (CRI). Be sure to not disembark the plane until you have landed at Crooked Island. A representative of the lodge will be there  to greet you when you get off the plane, to help with your luggage and transfer you to the lodge, just a few minutes away by car.

 

 

Typical Day:

A typical day begins with fresh-brewed coffee in the restaurant of the main lodge beginning at 7 am, followed by breakfast at 7:30 am. Hot breakfasts are made to order. Enjoy eggs, anyway you like, with a side breakfast meat, like bacon, sausage or ham and toast. For a lighter breakfast, there is always a variety of fresh fruits, yogurt, cereals, milk and juice. Have your gear ready to go for the day when you leave the room, because shortly after you finish your breakfast, you will be transferring to the dock to head out for the day, about a 10 to 15 minute drive. Lunches are packed in coolers with sodas and water on ice. Plan on leaving the dock by 8:30 am. Lunch is generally taken in the boat while on the flats with your guide, but you may be able to have it on land, when permitted by the guide. Plan on returning to the dock at the end of the day around 5 pm, having fished for 8 hours. Back at the lodge, you can walk right out your door for a refreshing dip in the ocean, go snorkeling in the protected bay or just feel free to walk the beach for miles in the either direction. Guests meet back at the restaurant in the main lodge for snacks and drinks at the bar before dinner, which is generally served at about 7 pm.

 

What’s Included:

Ground transportation to the lodge, lodging, meals and non-alcoholic drinks, and 6 days of guided fishing.

Not included: International air to/from Nassau, domestic air to/from Crooked Island, staff and guide gratuities, single room or single angler supplement available at an additional cost.

 

Non-angling Activities:

Due to the fact it is such a far-flung destination, non-anglers are welcome but not encouraged, because activities on the island are quite limited and not very family or couple-friendly. Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, monuments tours, beachcombing, and birdwatching are recommended activities for non-anglers visiting the island or the angler looking for something to do on a day off from fishing.