The Bahamas

The Bahamas is the most-fished saltwater fly destination on the planet, and for good reason — 22 of our trips run here, ranging from budget-friendly DIY-adjacent outposts to full-service luxury lodges with private flats access. The fishery is bonefish-dominant but offers real shots at permit, tarpon, jacks, and barracuda depending on island and season.

Andros is the heavyweight. At 104 miles long it's the largest island in the chain, and its creeks, flats, and mangrove mazes hold more bonefish than any single ecosystem in the Caribbean. The west side is big-fish water — genuine trophies over 10 pounds are a real possibility at Bair's, Mars Bay, and the Creek — while the east side and middle Andros fish for volume and educate every novice on their first trip.

Abaco is the finesse destination. The flats are crystal-skinny, the fish average 3–5 pounds but are notoriously spooky, and guides run from settlements like Marsh Harbour and Schooner Bay. Grand Bahama and Eleuthera offer DIY-friendly wading plus lodge options. The Out Islands — Long Island, Acklins, Crooked, Inagua — are the expedition end of the spectrum: bigger fish, fewer anglers, less infrastructure. Acklins and Crooked regularly produce double-digit bonefish.

Permit are the wildcard. The east side of Andros and the eastern flats of Abaco hold resident populations; March–June is peak. Migratory tarpon push into the bights each spring. A true Bahamas grand slam (bonefish + permit + tarpon in a day) is an uncommon accomplishment, but shots at all three are routine on the right tides.

Nassau (NAS) and Freeport (FPO) are the international gateways; from there you connect via Bahamasair, Silver Airways, or lodge charter to the Out Islands. Many Abaco and Andros lodges run private charters direct from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and West Palm Beach (PBI), which cuts the same-day connection hassle significantly. December through June is high season; storms reduce options July–October.