Welcome to Bahamas

Location, Type of Fishing:

The Delphi Club at Rolling Bay is a respected, fly fishing lodge set prominently above the picturesque, white-sand beaches and stunning aquamarine waters of the Caribbean on Greater Abaco Island in the Bahamas. Modeled after its sister lodge in the Ireland, the prestigious Delphi Lodge of Connemara, it is more akin to a luxury hotel offering world-class fly fishing than just another run-of-the-mill fishing lodge. From its vantage point atop the coast, the lodge’s post at the edge of a vast wilderness places it in a wonderful position of seclusion. In addition, it provides a phenomenal location for saltwater fly fishing, accessing the many perfect bonefish flats that lie within close reach from its whereabouts on the southern part of the island. The Marls, on the backside of the island, offer over 200 square miles of light-colored mudflats, mangroves and creeks, extending for some 25 miles south from the central part of the island, just west of Marsh Harbour. The soft-bottom flats of this expansive region, while not always suitable for wading, provide the perfect habitat for shrimp and other marine invertebrates, on which bonefish love to feed. Cherokee Sound on the east side of the island provides more great bonefishing options, with some gorgeous hard-bottom flats that are ideal for wading. Whether you prefer wading the flats or being poled around them from a skiff, fishermen of all kinds will most certainly revel in the opportunity to cast at the numerous uneducated bonefish that occupy the diverse waters around the island.

 

• Season: October through July
• Species: Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Snook and Barracuda
• Rods: 8-10 wt. Saltwater, Fast-action
• Rates: 7 nights/ 6 days fishing $5,345.00

 

 

 

 

 

What Makes It Special:

With less pressure and fewer anglers than neighboring Andros, the waters around Southern Greater Abaco provide a truly remarkable fly fishing experience. The marine environment around the island remains some of the most unspoiled bonefish habitat in the Bahamas. The Delphi Club is one of a just few outfits fishing the Marls from the south-side, making it unlikely that you’ll see many boats on these uncrowded waters. Outfitters in the north part normally don’t fish this far south anyway, leaving the fish here relatively unpressured. It is not uncommon to see large schools of tailing bonefish in skinny water on these pristine flats. Guests of the Delphi Club have the ability to fish both sides of the island, as the lodge can easily trailer a boat to different points, giving you access to the flats of Cherokee Sound and the flats south of Crossing Rocks to Sandy Point. By combining all of these marvelous and diverse fisheries into one, the Delphi Club has one of the most comprehensive fishing programs available on the Abacos. Maintaining a healthy and vibrant fishery is not only important to the guides and staff at Delphi Club, but to everyone who lives and works on this unique island chain. The lodge is doing its part to promote conservation and protect their resources from misuse by releasing all caught bonefish, permit and tarpon. Also helping to keep the fishing pressure on these fish light, the lodge has implemented a fly fishing-only policy for its guests, ensuring that this exciting fishery continues to be healthy and strong for a very long time.

 

Fishing:

The majority of the fishing from the lodge is done on the flats of the Marls in skiffs, targeting bonefish with artificial shrimp patterns. A year-round activity in the Bahamas, bonefishing in this area is generally best when the conditions are sunny, with not a lot of wind. Due to the light-color of the bottom around most of the flats, you want good visibility in order to see the fish, and a little bit of wind so they don’t become too spooky. Luckily for the great majority of the year, the conditions in the Bahamas are good or excellent for bonefishing. The Marls is located perfectly on the leeward side of the island, protected from the prevailing winds, and sunshine is a commodity in which the Bahamas is very rich. While bonefish are the main quarry for fly fishermen visiting the Bahamas, don’t think of the fishing at Abaco as just another one-trick pony, as there are various times of year when you are likely to see permit crossing the flats, and sometimes tarpon, too. You might ask your guide to make the run to Moore’s Island, where you can spend the day searching for big permit. Elusive and difficult to feed, the permit around Abaco can be fooled into eating, it just takes a bit of persistence. Occasionally, tarpon can be found on the flats here, as well, although the waters of Abaco are not considered a definitive tarpon fishery. They are usually found with better regularity in some of the coves, bays and harbors around more densely-populated areas. There is an abundance of good fly fishing opportunities for barracuda and shark, as well as, jacks, triggerfish and snapper. The Delphi Club fishes from 16’ Dolphin super skiffs, these agile, light boats are easy for the guides to maneuver in shallow water as they pole you through the variety of habitat found in this diverse environment, which include mudflats, keys, shorelines and creeks. Boats set out from private and public launch points, most just a short van ride from the lodge, anywhere from 10-20 minutes away.

 

Lodge:

The Delphi Club at Rolling Harbour showcases a regal, great house situated among colorful, landscaped gardens delightfully at odds with the rough and untamed wilderness in which it inhabits. Pronounced on the edge of the coastline, it is in perfect juxtaposition to its location as the white sand of the beach below conflicts with the turquoise waters of the ocean nestled against it. A plantation-style building that reckons back to the island’s colonial period, the lodge exudes great ambience and style. Alone and isolated on this vast frontier, you’ll be surprised by the laid-back atmosphere and friendly environment that the staff has created at this wonderfully generous guest house. The luxurious accommodations at the Delphi Club includes 8 well-appointed, lavish rooms equipped with air conditioning and en-suite, private bathrooms. Every room has its own private balcony or porch, perfect for lounging and taking in the incredible ocean views that can be seen from each one. The main floor is an amazing, open space that houses the living/dining area with a prominent, grand table at its center. Elegant and charming, the lodge atmosphere by contrast is quite informal, indicative of island life in the Bahamas. Full-length, glass doors highlight the remarkable views from this large, welcoming room and provide access to the large, wrap-around porch, perfect for soaking in the sights and sounds of this peaceful wilderness. There is an infinity pool with comfortable loungers for cooling off after fishing, as well as beautiful, terraced lawns that extends right down to the beach where guests can occupy beach chairs and reflect at the end of the day.

 

Dining:

The food here is as top-notch as the accommodations are sophisticated. Truly a highlight of the lodging experience, the kitchen at the Delphi Club features a classically-trained Chef, whose philosophy revolves around the idea that food should be served simple, fresh and delicious. Making use of local fruits and vegetables wherever possible, scrumptious meals typically incorporate fresh seafood caught right off of the island on these local waters. Dinners are served family-style, with guests eating all together around the grand dining table in a familial experience. This long, impressive table is elegantly set, yet the atmosphere around it can range from light and friendly to downright jovial and rowdy at times, depending on the crowd. The food served is earnest, comforting, tasteful, and at the same time prepared with minimal fuss, allowing the true flavor of the ingredients to shine through. Each night there is a set menu, with a choice of meat or fish entrée for the main course. More like a dinner party than a meal, they are so good in fact, don’t be surprised to share this remarkable table with a few, occasional guests from off-property, as patrons from all over the island flock here for the chance to sample this delicious menu. There is an extensive list of exceptional wines available. Dinner is finished with coffee, homemade chocolates and a complimentary after-dinner drink that can be enjoyed in the spacious and warm living area or on the terrace surrounding the main floor.

 

How to Get There:

A trip to the Delphi Club at Rolling Harbour begins with your arrival to the Leonard M. Thompson International Airport in Marsh Harbour on Abaco (MHH). Marsh Harbour is easily accessible with direct flights to the island daily from the International Airports at Miami, Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach. A representative of the lodge will be at the airport to greet you after collecting your luggage and clearing customs. You will be transferred to the lodge in one of the lodge’s club cars or minivan. The Delphi Club at Rolling Harbour is located about 35 to 40-minutes south from Marsh Harbour toward Sandy Point, along a two-lane stretch of paved highway. The last mile of which is down the lodge’s driveway on crushed gravel. There is no need to rent a car during your stay at the Delphi Club, as guests are welcome to use the lodge’s club cars, should you wish to see another part of the island. You may also arrange to have to lodge take you into Marsh Harbour, Little Harbour or Winding Bay to get a bite to eat or do some shopping. Taxi service is also available on the island to take you anywhere, day or night. Fishing packages are typically week-long, with travel days set from Saturday to Saturday, but special arrangements for longer or shorter packages may be entertained. Speak with a 2Salt Travel specialist for more information.

 

Typical Day:

Start your day with a fresh-brewed cup of coffee or assorted hot tea in the dining room of the great room beginning at 6:30 am. The kitchen lays out a hearty breakfast beginning at 7:15 am. Lighter items are laid buffet-style, or you may order hot meals off of the menu, including some great breakfast specialties. Guides will be ready to go by 8 am, picking you up on the ground floor in front of the house. From there you will head-out with your guide in pickups, boat in tow. Drives to the put-ins are relatively quick, and you’ll be heading out on the water to the fishing grounds by 8:30 am. Lunches usually consists of a salad or sandwich, snacks and a dessert. Lunches are ordered from a lunch menu the previous night and are placed in coolers on the boats with ice along with bottled waters. When ordering lunch, you may order soda and beer for your cooler, which will be added on to your tab at the end of the trip. Plan on taking lunch on the boat about noon each day at a lovely spot on one of the flats. You will spend approximately 8 hours on the water before returning to the truck at 4:30 pm for a quick ride back to the lodge by about 5 pm. After a cooling dip in the pool or relaxing swim in the ocean, guests should be excited for the evening’s festivities which begins in the great room with cocktails from the honesty bar and the procession of food that rolls out of the kitchen starting with a sampling of tasty appetizers at 6:15 pm. Dinner begins sometime between 7 pm and 7:30 pm. The fantastic meal culminates with coffee, dessert and a drink. Feel free to check out a book from the library, or enjoy the drinks at the honesty bar before retiring to your room at the end of an event-filled day.

 

What’s Included:

Luxury accommodations, guided fly fishing, all meals, airport transfers to/from the lodge, and Bahamian Value Added Tax.

Not Included: International Air to/from Marsh Harbour, gratuities for the staff and guides, alcohol, beer and soda.

 

Non-angling Activities:

The Delphi Club at Rolling Harbour is a fantastic destination for couples as well as groups of fishermen. Some of the complimentary activities available include strolling inland on the property to see flocks of Abaco parrots, birdwatching from the lodge and beach, beachcombing, kayaking, snorkeling and lounging poolside or at the beach. Additional activities include golf, diving and offshore fishing, as well as massage and beauty treatments in room or by the pool. Non-anglers may also enjoy visiting Marsh Harbour or Elbow Cay for shopping and guided trips. There may be additional costs, please ask before scheduling an additional activity what costs there are associated with it.