DATES: March 2nd - 9th, 2024
LOCATION: Swains Cay Lodge, Andros Island Bahamas
PRICE: $5,495 double occupancy / 7 nights 6 days fishing
Hosted By George Costa of TCO State College
MORE INFO: Call or email George Costa for more information:
Email: georgecosta@tcoflyfishing.com | Call: (814) 689-3654 x 4 – State College
Click here to view our Essential Gear List
Situated on the Middle Bight of Andros Island, Swains Cay lodge has quick and easy access to the best bone-fishing flats in the Bahamas. Bones are plentiful here with multiple double-digit fish caught every year of the flats. The fabled west side of Andros is less than an hour boat ride from the docks and offers legit shots at permit and tarpon as well.
Richard French, our travel partner and owner of Slipstream Travel was able to negotiate an amazing all-inclusive package for us that includes:
- 7 nights, 6 days fishing
- Airfare from Nassau to Mangrove Cay
- All meals
- Rates are based on double/double (2 per room and boat).
Whether you’re a seasoned flats pro or thinking about taking your first tropical flats trip, join TCO for this fantastic opportunity to get your feet wet (wink wink) and learn the ins and outs of bone-fishing in one of the best places in the world to do it! George from TCO State College will be holding clinics every evening covering lots of the bone-fishing basics, from knots and casting to approach and stalking the flats. Anglers new to the flats will appreciate the hands-on approach the guides at Swains provide and will get lessons every night on improving their flats game.
THE FISHING
One of the unique aspects of fishing from Swains Cay Lodge is that it allows guests the opportunity to fish both the South and Middle Bite. This program gives anglers an excellent overview of the fishing environment during their stay. Anglers going south will go to Lisbon Creek to meet their guides and guests going north will go to Moxie Town to meet their guides/skiffs.
The flats around Mangrove Cay are almost limitless and it would take you 20 trips or more to exhaust all the new water available. The marl in this part of the Bahamas, particularly in the north section of Mangrove Cay, is white in color, which allows for very good visibility. In general, it’s a soft bottom, so keep this in mind if you are interested in wading. There are some good hard packed sand bottom areas so let your guide know if you are interested in wading when you get in the skiff so that he can then plan his day accordingly. Guests fishing the south part of the Mangrove Cay Bite will generally be fishing from the boat as the wading in this part of Andros is extremely limited.
What you find, both north and south of Mangrove Cay, is an enormous network of flats, creeks, rivers, bays, and mangrove estuaries that combine to create the best big bonefish destination in the Bahamas. The environment is ideally suited to producing very big bonefish. Guests can anticipate fishing in one to three feet of water in most situations, and most of the fishing for bones will take place from the skiff.
If the weather cooperates, guests also have the option of making the hour-long skiff run over to the west side of Andros to fish for the day. This west side area holds an almost mythical place in all bonefish enthusiast’s consciousness, and this area can produce some monster fish.
THE LODGING
There are four separate buildings at Swains Cay Lodge that house guests and where you stay will depend on the size of the group you are with. Each room has A/C, a private bath with hot & cold water and two beds. The rooms are clean and comfortable and come with daily maid service. The walk from any of the rooms to the bar dining area and beach is no more than 2 minutes and, in some cases, only 15 seconds. Everything on the property is close by, in fact you can try your hand at fishing the flat in front of the lodge for resident bonefish!
The dining and bar area are right on the beach and just a short walk from the rooms. Outside, there are tables and chairs for cocktails, along with a ping pong table and an assortment of other games. Inside you’ll find a long dining room table that seats up to 20 guests and a bar, which has a few comfortable stools where guests can socialize and catch up on the day’s events.
GETTING THERE
Many major US, Canadian and European air carriers fly into Nassau daily, so there are plenty of international flight options. If you do fly through Nassau, please be aware that Nassau’s International Airport is divided into two sections: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. They are in different buildings, and you must go outside the international terminal (where you’ll arrive) to make your connecting Domestic flight. Just remember, you must clear Bahamas Customs with your luggage in Nassau before you make your connection to Mangrove Cay.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Accommodations at Swain's Cay Lodge
- Daily Guided fishing
- All meals at lodge
- Transfers to and from boat ramps for fishing
- Bottled water
- Full use of kayaks and bikes
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- *Round trip airfare from Nassau to Mangrove Cay ($175 savings)
- Transfers to and from airport and lodge on Mangrove Cay
- Lodge Room Levies
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- VAT Fee - 10% ($549.50)
- Airfare to and from Nassau
- Alcoholic beverages and sodas at lodge
- Gratuity for guides and staff
- Fly fishing equipment and flies
- Vat at 10.00% on services/sales outside of packages i.e., bar, other activities, fly-shop.
Contact George at TCO State College for details and to book your Bahamas adventure!
Email: georgecosta@tcoflyfishing.com | Call: (814) 689-3654 x 4 – State College