Annually, I try to plan a trip with my stepson, Jeremy. Sharing a skiff or a drift boat with your son or daughter offers an opportunity for meaningful conversations, fosters a deep appreciation for nature, an creates lasting memories. Jeremy is an accountant and based on his work calendar, getting away between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the perfect time to escape. He is in the early phases of a flats fishing addiction (mine is acute), and we seem to get pulled toward warmer saltwater locations.  We live in western Pennsylvania and winter has usually crept in by then… some sunshine, vitamin D, coppertone, and hard fighting fish are more than welcomed at that time of the year.

We just returned from the Mangrove Cay Club ideally located on the east side of Andros in the Middle Bight.  Frontiers has represented this fine lodge for over two decades and I have fished there previously, but my last trip was at least 15 years ago.  After a tremendous sailfish experience in Guatemala last year, Jeremy wanted to fish the flats for bonefish, and he had never been to Andros.  I immediately thought of Mangrove Cay and booked our dates the second week of December.

We had a remarkable trip with our last day unquestionably being the best day of bonefishing I have ever experienced in my life.  I was quickly reminded why this lodge is one of the very, very best saltwater operations in the world.

Mangrove Cay Club is a well-known destination for saltwater fly fishing enthusiasts. Established in 2000, the club was created to offer guests a combination of luxury accommodations and exceptional access to the pristine fishing flats of the region. The lodge is situated on the north shore of Mangrove Cay, providing a convenient gateway to some of the finest bonefishing waters in the world.  Frontiers and our sister company was one of the early investing partners in the lodge.

The founders of the club envisioned a place where anglers could enjoy world-class fishing without sacrificing comfort. Liz and Alton Bain, integral figures in the club’s early operations, played a significant role in shaping its reputation for outstanding service and hospitality. The lodge’s design reflects a blend of functionality and elegance, with spacious cottages that prioritize privacy and feature views of the stunning Middle Bight.

In 2011, ownership transitioned to Sweetwater Travel Company and its partners, who collaborated with the original team to maintain and enhance the lodge’s offerings. This partnership ensured that Mangrove Cay Club remained a premier fishing destination while continuing to focus on sustainability and preserving the natural environment of Andros.

Jeremy and I booked a 5-night/4-day package, which for me is the perfect package length.  If you are spending the money and time to go to a fishing lodge, buffer yourself against Mother Nature’s wrath and book a minimum of 3-days on the water.  To me, four or five days is even much better.  After flats fishing for over five decades, I have learned that in four days on the water I average two so/so days, one decent day, and one great day.  This trip we had a small front come through and the two middle days were tough with clouds and wind.  Day 1 was great, and Day 4 was truly exceptional.

Why Andros?

1. Abundant Bonefish Population: Andros is home to some of the largest and most abundant bonefish in the Bahamas. The island’s pristine flats and shallow waters offer ideal conditions for these sought-after fish, making it a prime destination for anglers. I challenge you to find a lodge in the Atlantic and Caribbean that provides a better average size fish and more chances at 8+ pounders!
2. Diverse Habitats: The island features a range of ecosystems, including extensive shallow flats, tidal creeks, and mangrove areas, all of which provide perfect habitats for bonefish. These varied environments offer excellent fishing opportunities year-round.
3. Secluded and Untouched Waters: Andros Island is less developed compared to other fishing destinations, meaning its waters remain relatively untouched. This isolation ensures less fishing pressure, offering a more peaceful and rewarding fishing experience with plenty of opportunities to land large bonefish.

Why Mangrove Cay Club?

1. Prime Location: The lodge offers access to some of the most productive and diverse bonefish flats in the Bahamas. Its proximity to both deep-water drop-offs and extensive shallow flats ensures consistent opportunities for anglers to catch bonefish year-round.
2. Experienced Guides: The club employs some of the most knowledgeable and skilled fishing guides in the industry. With decades of experience, they provide expert insight into local fishing conditions, ensuring that guests have the best possible chances to land trophy bonefish.
3. Exceptional Service and Facilities: Mangrove Cay Club provides top-tier accommodations and personalized service, creating a luxurious and comfortable experience for anglers. From gourmet meals to well-maintained boats, every detail is designed to maximize enjoyment, making it a sought-after destination for both novice and seasoned fishermen.

Today, Mangrove Cay Club is celebrated not only for its remarkable fishing opportunities but also for its dedication to providing a luxurious, relaxing, and eco-conscious experience for visitors over the last 25 years!

Liz and Alton are still at the helm and it’s clear that stability and tenure at the ownership/management level provides a superior lodge experience.  It was great to spend time with them reminiscing about “the old days” in the Bahamas.  We had a lot of laughs and reminded each other of some funny stories from the early years.  More importantly, we talked about the habitat and the number of bonefish.  I continue to be amazed by the resource – even 30 + years since my first visit to the island in the mid-1990s.

If you have been to Mangrove Cay Club, make plans now for a return visit.  If it’s your first experience there, I promise that you will be pleasantly pleased!  Contact our Bahamas Specialist, Joe Linscott for availability, rates, and booking information.

Mike Fitzgerald, President

RELATED POSTS