Overview
Andros Island is the least developed inhabited island in the Bahamas, despite also being the largest. Add in the fact that large swaths of the island are protected by a national park, and you've got a recipe for pristine, undisturbed bonefish habitat. And lots of it. That's why many bonefish anglers consider Andros to be the bonefishing capital of the world. Bair's Lodge, on South Andros Island, is one of the most renowned and well-respected lodges in all of the Bahamas, thanks to its beauty, impeccable service, long-tenured and highly-skilled guide team, and advantageous oceanfront location. Oh ... and what might just be the best fire pit on the planet.
The Fishing
The bonefish on Andros grow big. Many Andros Island "schoolies" would be trophies elsewhere—with 4-6 pound bonefish regularly plucked from large schools. And skilled anglers come from all over the world to hunt Andros's true giants—those that crack the 10 pound mark—which typically travel in small groups, pairs, or as solitary fish.
If you've heard the term "bulletproof Bair's," you might already know that the geography of South Andros and the location of Bair's Lodge combine to offer anglers nearly invulnerable fishing, at least from the factors that can complicate your average bonefish trip—namely tides and W-I-N-D (which should always be spelled, never spoken). From the lodge's eastern coast locale, Bair's skiffs can access flats on the island's eastern shore, within its protected middle grounds, and straight through to its western shore flats. The lodge is also within striking distance of the island's remote southern grounds (approximately a 35 minute skiff ride from the lodge). The result? There's almost always some place to find the right tides and hide from cast-killing ocean "breezes."
Accomodations
LODGING: Bair's Lodge is an intimate, plantation-style lodge that accommodates a maximum of 10 anglers at a time. The lodge features a small fly shop for those forgotten items or for souvenirs, a beautiful dining room, a beachfront patio surrounded by towering palms, as well as oceanfront lounge chairs for relaxing by the surf. And then there's the lodge's fire pit. We did mention the fire pit, right? Rumor is it's the best place in the world to enjoy a cigar.
FOOD/DRINK: Enjoy truly fine, chef-prepared meals that might have you thinking you're dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant. The lodge's (fully open) bar is well-stocked, with spirits, cold beers, soft drinks, plenty of ice, a blender and mixers for cocktails.
CONNECTIVITY: Dependable Wi-Fi is available at the lodge.
Sample Itinerary
Just a short ride from the airport, arrive at Bair's Lodge, where you'll be greeted by a cocktail, drop your bags, and take off your shoes. You won't need them for the rest of the week. Enjoy appetizers on the lodge's patio, relax in a hammock strung between two palms, or grab a book and head to the white sand beaches and grab a lounge chair. Relax. Tomorrow, you fish.
Not only is there no trailering at Bair's Lodge, thanks to its oceanfront location, you'll be greeted by your guide from the day mere paces from your room. While you finish up a delicious breakfast in the lodge's dining room, your guides will prep your skiff out front and be ready to hit South Andros's legendary bonefish flats as soon as you are.
You've got a day on South Andros's flats under your belt. It's time to consult with your guide on the plan for day 2. Maybe you spent the first day shaking off the rust by seeking out and casting to some of the island's large schools of bonefish. Is today the day to walk the western flats with your guide to hunt for ones and twos, looking for the big 8-12 pound bones that Andros is famous for? Or will you pole the edges of the mangrove, perched on the bow looking for bonefish hunting in the shallows?
What the rest of the week holds is a mystery but one thing is certain—options abound. Is today a good day to spend the morning chasing barracuda? Or is it back to the bonefish flats, knowing that Bair's bulletproof nature will allow you to find good fishing even when the universe seems like it wants to stack the odds against you?
Included
- Guided fishing Fully guided skiff-serviced and walk-and-wade fishing
- Ground transportation Airport transfers to the lodge
- Lodging Lodging at Bair's boutique, intimate lodge
- Meals Fine, chef-prepared fare
- Beverages Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included
- Equipment Lug less gear. High quality loaner rods and reels available.
- Licenses Licenses and permits for your trip are included
Getting There
Service to Bair's Lodge is through Congo Town airport (TZN), which is just a short drive from the lodge. Congo Town is easily reached by connecting through Nassau in the Bahamas, or directly from the U.S. through Ft. Lauderdale executive airport. Flight costs can vary widely depending on your origin and itinerary, but can be economical with a bit of knowledge and smart planning. Don't worry — we'll talk through the options with you and help you pick the best route.
