Broad Shad Cay

Broad Shad Cay is a small, intimate lodge owned and operated by legendary bonefish guide Andy Smith and his wife Sharon. Bonefishing is a way of life for the Smith family—Andy’s father, Charlie Smith, was one of the Bahamas’ original bonefish guides. Charlie is well known for creating the ever-popular and effective Crazy Charlie bonefish fly.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Andy specializes in hunting 10-plus-pound bonefish over Andros’ white sand flats. His calm and focused demeanor, combined with an acute understanding of the patterns and habits of large bonefish, make him one of the top flats guides in the world. Fishing with Andy is all about catching fish, but sharing a boat with him offers an education, too—even seasoned anglers elevate their bonefishing game by spending a day on the water with this legendary man.

Situated on a remote, private island in the middle of Andros’ North Bight, Broad Shad offers an ideal location—run times are short to the most productive flats on the east and west sides of Andros. This allows Andy’s guests to fish the best flats durning the most favorable tides throughout the day. It also assures maximum time on the water—a most ideal bonefishing situation.

Broad Shad Cay accommodates four guests per week. The small and exclusive lodge offers two comfortable bedrooms, a dining room, a lounge, and a panoramic deck with mesmerizing views of the surrounding waters. Watching a Bahamian sunset from the deck surrounded by friends with fresh Kaliks in hand is an irreplaceable experience.

Book a trip to Broad Shad, fish under the guidance of Andy and his top-tier guides, and you’re bound to have a bonefishing experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Broad Shad Cay is all about big bonefish and minimal run times. No matter your skill level, under the supervision of Captain Andy Smith and his well-trained team you should get multiple shots at 10-pound or larger bonefish during your stay. We can’t guarantee that you’ll get a fly to land in front of or get eaten by one of those fish, but following your guide’s instruction gives you a great shot at a lifetime bone.

Depending on tides and conditions you will fish either the hard-bottom seaside flats on the eastern shore, the cuts and creeks of the inner bight, or the deep backcountry of Andros’ still-wild west side, which is filled with lagoons, troughs, passages—and large, untouched bones. Andy and his guides access these waters in modern flats boats. However, there are some spots where anglers can wade. Additionally, Andy tends to prefer slightly deeper flats where big bones feel safe. Make sure you pack some heavier flies, because the biggest bones won’t touch anything that’s not right on the bottom. In addition to bonefish, large permit and tarpon may be available at certain times of the year.

Boats and Equipment
Andy fishes out of a custom Maverick HPX loaded with all the bells and whistles. Other guides use an array of flats boats including Mavericks, Hewes, and Dolphins.

A 29-foot center console with twin 225-hp outboards ferries anglers to and from the cay. This boat can be used for bluewater fishing on request.

Guests should bring all their own gear, including rods, reels, wading boots, flies, and terminal tackle—onsite gear options are limited.

The Broad Shad Cay Lodge is located on a private island in the middle of North Bight with no other lodge within a 20-mile radius. Built in 2009 by Andy and his brother, the lodge is surrounded by clear blue waters and lush green trees. Here you can give your mind peace and relaxation. Since there are no roads, the only way to access the lodge is via boat transfer. Once you land on Broad Shad Cay, drink up the solitude and feel yourself unwind.

Rooms offer two queen-sized beds covered overhead by beautiful timbered ceilings. Each room has air conditioners and fans. There are nightstands, dressers, and even hair dryers. Rooms also offer a refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, juices, water, and Kalik, a refreshing local beer.

Bathrooms are restocked with fresh towels and basic toiletries each day.

Broad Shad Lodge is located on a private island in Andros’ North Bight. There are no roads on the small island, meaning no traffic, no horns, no nothing. If you’re looking for a place to totally unplug or you have a spouse or partner who wants to soak up some solitude with their fishing, this is the place to be. You won’t find organized activities at Broad Shad, but a network of trails allows guests to wander the island and check out abundant bird and sea life. Not up for a hike? No problem—you can unwind on the lodge’s 360-degree wraparound deck with a book or binoculars. This place is relaxation at its finest.

Most guests fly into Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport and then take one of two daily flights to Andros Town Airport at Fresh Creek. A driver takes arrivals to Behring Point Harbor, about a 15-minute drive through the Bahamian landscape.

Andy picks up guests from Behring Point and takes them to the lodge in his 29-foot center console. Alternatively, charter flights are available from Miami to Andros Town. Seaplanes can also be chartered from Nassau straight to the lodge. Feel free to call us at Midcurrent for more information.

Arrival and Departure Times
Check-in and check-out times are flexible depending on occupancy and flight schedules. Most trips offer three to five days of blissful guided fishing. However, all trips are customizable to your schedule. Call us at Midcurrent for details.

Midcurrent’s services are completely free. Clients will not pay more than if booked directly with a lodge. All rates are per person based on double occupancy, and listed in U.S. dollars.

2023 Rates

Double Occupancy
7 Nights / 6 Fishing Days = $5,963
6 Nights / 5 Fishing Days = $4,969
5 Nights / 4 Fishing Days = $3,975
4 Nights / 3 Fishing Days = $2,982
3 Nights / 2 Fishing Days = $1,988

Single Occupancy
7 Nights / 6 Fishing Days = $11,925
6 Nights / 5 Fishing Days = $9,938
5 Nights / 4 Fishing Days = $7,950
4 Nights / 3 Fishing Days = $5,963
3 Nights / 2 Fishing Days = $3,975

What’s Included
Accommodations at Broad Shad
All meals at the lodge; lunch on the water
Daily guided fishing
Boat transfers to and from the lodge
All drinks, including alcohol and bottled water

What’s Not Included
Airfare from your hometown to Andros Town
Airport taxi transfers to and from the dock at Cargill Creek
Gratuities for guides and staff
Airport departure taxes
Bahamas fishing license: $5 per day; $10 per week; $20 per month; $50 per year
Bahamian VAT Tax (12%)

At Midcurrent, we are always happy to help you book a trip without charging any fee. We do not believe in extra payments, which is why even if you book a trip directly through the lodge, or through outfitters, the amount will be exactly the same.

Capacity at Broad Shad Cay is extremely limited. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance must be paid 10 days before arrival. Deposits can be made via electronic wire payment, check or credit card. (Mastercard or Visa).