Da Bay Area Bonefish Lodge

Da Bay Area Bonefish Lodge is located in secluded Mar’s Bay, South Andros, steps from a white sandy beach protected by the Andros Barrier Reef (the third largest in the world). It offers beachfront, air-conditioned rooms and suites—all with terracotta tile floor, private bath and satellite TV—adjacent to the main lodge. The big building houses the dining room, a large indoor gathering area and a spacious oceanfront patio where anglers can relax with fellow guests while enjoying appetizers and complimentary beer and cocktails.

Da Bay Area guides have access to a vast fishing area that stretches from Dodem Creek (near the north end of famous Grassy Creek) to the cays off the southern tip of the island and from the oceanside shores of South Andros all the way to the west coast. The combination creates a broad range of productive spots from wide-open flats to protected coves and mangrove-laden creeks. Here anglers will have numerous chances to tangle with bonefish of all sizes, including large schools of 2 to 5 pounders, small pods of 6- to 8-pound specimens, and even double-digit-weight trophies. There’s also always the occasional chance at permit, tarpon, and other inshore species like barracuda, lemon sharks, various jacks, and mutton snapper.

Much of the fishing in Andros is done from flats boats specially designed to float in skinny water, but wading is a possibility in certain spots where the bottom consists of sand, coral, limestone, or a combination of the three and is firm enough to wade. You should bring good wading shoes or boots if you want to wade, in order to maintain good footing and protect your feet from sharp coral.

Fishing Schedule
After breakfast, anglers meet their guides and board the boats at the beach right in front of the lodge for a full day of fishing. That begins around 7:30 a.m. and ends at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Boats
Da Bay Area has a roster of superb local guides, some of whom have been fishing the area for more than 20 years. All guides all equipped with locally built, 17-foot Rahming flats skiffs, designed to carry two anglers comfortably, float shallow, and quietly sneak up on fish in skinny water.

Loaner Gear
While the lodge tries to keep a couple fly outfits to lend guests in the event their gear is misplaced or damaged during the trip, the remote location makes it difficult to fix or replace tackle. It’s best to bring at least one spare rod and reel as well as plenty of flies, leaders, and other essentials. You should also bring your own rain jacket, flats-wading footwear, and polarized sunglasses.

The lodge is spacious, comfortable, and welcoming. It offers well-appointed, beachfront rooms and suites with satellite TV. Single rooms have a queen bed and room to spare for your gear; double rooms have a pair of twin beds and a separate sitting area with a couch and a dinette table; and the suites feature two rooms each with the space, comforts, and conveniences to accommodate families or several good friends.

Cuisine
Anglers staying at Da Bay Area enjoy a hearty breakfast every morning, and staff load boxed lunches consisting of sandwiches, chips, fruit, and cookies into boat coolers for the day. For dinner, Chef Candy meticulously prepares a variety of Bahamian dishes. And while you can expect plenty of local seafood from snapper and grouper to conch and lobster, you’ll also enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, chicken, and other meats during your stay. By the way, Candy will gladly accommodate any special dietary requirements with prior request. All beverages including soft drinks, beer, and cocktails (with the exception of certain liquors) are complementary.

Connectivity
Cell service in south Andros is spotty, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. The lodge has a phone and also provides free Wi-Fi in the main building.

The lodge offers free use of their kayaks and the beach in front is perfect for swimming. But, other than that, Da Bay Area doesn’t really offer many non-angling activities. Most people come here for one particular reason.

Despite being the largest landmass in the Bahamas, Andros is mostly undeveloped and lacks a big airport where large jets can land. In addition, the island is divided into three sections with water in between. Anglers headed to Da Bay Area Bonefish Lodge must fly into Congo Town, the only airport on South Andros. Makers Air (954-771-0330, makersiar.com) offers direct daily flights from Fort Lauderdale, and both LeAir (242-377-2356, flyleair.com) and Western Air (242-377-2222, westernair.flythebahamas.com) fly to Congo Town from Nassau. Midcurrent can also suggest charter flight options.

The lodge will arrange for a cab to pick you up at Congo Town airport. The driver will meet you after you clear Bahamian Customs and take you to the lodge, about 20 minutes away. At the end of your trip, a cab will also take you to the airport for your flight back to Nassau or Florida. Remember that you must pay a $20 departure tax (in cash) before leaving the Bahamas.

Midcurrent’s services are completely free, so you never pay more than if you booked directly with the lodge or outfitter. All rates are per person and listed in U.S. dollars.

2023 Rates

Double Occupancy (shared room and boat)
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing: $2,300.00
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing: $2,932.50
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing: $3,507.50
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing: $4,197.50
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing: $4,887.50

Single Occupancy (single room and single angler per boat)
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing: $2,990.00
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing: $3,795.00
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing: $4,427.50
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing: $5,462.50
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing: $6,382.50

Single Occupancy/Double Fishing (single room and shared boat)
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing: $2,600.00
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing: $3,332.50
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing: $4,007.50
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing: $4,794.50
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing: $5,587.50

Included:

• The number of nights lodging specified in the package
• Daily guided fishing
• All meals and beverages including beer and complimentary cocktails at the lodge
• Bahamas fishing license ($20 per angler per week)
• Bahamian VAT (10% tax on goods and services)

Not Included:

• Airfare to Nassau and Congo Town (South Andros)
• Hotel in Nassau (if necessary)
• Airport transfers in Nassau (if necessary)
• Airport transfers in Andros
• Gratuities for fishing guides and lodge staff
• All gear and flies

Bookings are confirmed with a 50% deposit, made no later than seven days after booking a trip. Balance must be received no later than 90 days prior to the first day of the trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 90 days prior to the first day of the trip in order to receive partial or full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and nonrefundable, with the exception of a medical or family emergency, deemed reasonable at Midcurrent’s discretion.

Booking a trip or making a deposit represents that the client accepts all terms and conditions. Midcurrent’s terms are in addition to any terms and conditions of each individual lodge that Midcurrent represents. Please read those terms carefully—lodge terms, which may differ from Midcurrent’s terms, supersede any agreements between Midcurrent and a client.