North Andros, Bahamas

Stafford Creek Lodge

North Andros, Bahamas

Stafford Creek Lodge

Why We Like It

One of the top angling operations in the Bahamas, Stafford Creek Lodge offers the perfect blend of comfort, tranquility and outstanding inshore fishing. The lodge owner and head guide is Prescott Smith, son of legendary bonefish guide Capt. Charlie Smith, who concocted the popular “Crazy Charlie” fly. Prescott and his stable of seasoned guides consistently lead fly anglers to unforgettable action not only with bonefish but also with permit and tarpon, both plentiful and reliable enough to target in nearby hotspots like the Joulter Cays and Andros’ west side. 

While not beachfront, this lodge is located on the shore of Stafford Creek, one of Andros’ major coastal creeks, in a bend that offers great views and remains fairly protected while still benefiting from the ocean breezes. Accommodations are roomy, well appointed, and surrounded by beautiful, tropical landscaping. Gathering areas in the main building and outdoors are perfect for relaxing and exchanging stories with fellow anglers who are welcomed back from fishing with a cocktail followed by appetizers. In short, the accommodations, the food, and the service here are superb.

Season

Year Round

Species

Barracuda, Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon

Accomodations

This lodge is located on the shores of Stafford Creek

Occupancy

10 Guests

Lodge Features & Amenities

Amazing Food

Beginner Friendly

Couples Friendly

Diehard Approved

Luxury

Wi-Fi

The Stafford Creek Lodge Experience

Stafford Creek is a waterfront lodge offering spacious, well-appointed, air-conditioned rooms with private baths. The large dining room, the bar and the adjacent living area with satellite TV are just a few steps from the rooms. The covered veranda, dock, and several gazebos surrounded by tropical landscaping are perfect for hanging out and mingling with fellow guests while enjoying cocktails, appetizers, and the view. The food is excellent, and the well-stocked bar serves up cold beers and a variety of cocktails.

Prescott and his team of experienced guides have intimate knowledge of several vast and prolific stretches of water where anglers can tangle with bonefish, permit, tarpon, barracuda, and other inshore game. Good fishing, along with the desired shelter during periods of strong winds, can often be found in Stafford Creek itself as well as in neighboring oceanside shallows. To the north lie the expansive and fertile flats of the Joulter Cays, where you will marvel at the scenery and the bonefish, permit, and other interesting fishes patrolling the pristine waters. Just around Andros’ northwest tip unfold miles and miles of undeveloped coastline on the fabled west side of the island, where numerous freshwater creeks emptying onto the shallow Great Bahama Bank produce the most reliable tarpon fishing in the region, while also serving up the forage coveted by the many bonefish and permit that inhabit the area.

Bonefish of 3 to 5 pounds abound, 6 to 8 pounders are common in the area, and specimens of 10 pounds or more are encountered frequently. Permit and tarpon are also available and, during the right conditions, both are abundant and reliable enough to target.

While much of the fishing in the region entails stalking fish from a skiff propelled by the guide with a push pole, wading is a possibility in certain spots. The bottom of many flats consists of sand, coral, limestone, or a combination of any of the above, and are firm enough to wade. Proper wading footwear, however, is highly recommended, to ensure good footing and protection against sharp coral and jagged bottom structure. 



Fishing Schedule
Unless you prefer otherwise, guides at Stafford Creek Lodge base fishing hours on the tides to ensure the best possible results. Depending on the time of year and the chosen destination, you may head out as early as 5:30 a.m. and return 9 or 10 hours later. But don’t worry, you won’t have to start your day without having coffee and breakfast first, and you will not miss dinner. 

Boats
Stafford Creek Lodge guides are equipped with modern, well-maintained flats skiffs from renowned brands like Hell’s Bay, Maverick, Dolphin, Hewes and Action Craft, designed to reach the fishing grounds quickly and comfortably, provide a stable fishing platform and quietly sneak up on fish in skinny water.



Loaner Gear
While the lodge tries to keep a few fly outfits to lend guests in the event their gear is misplaced or damaged during the trip, its remote location can make fixing or replacing tackle difficult, so 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 located on the shores of Stafford Creek, in a tranquil bend that offers great views and remains fairly sheltered while still benefiting from the ocean breezes. It has five spacious, air-conditioned double rooms tastefully-furnished with local hardwood furniture, full baths and a veranda overlooking the water. The main building has a large dining room, a bar, and an adjacent living area with comfortable seating and satellite TV for those who want to keep up with the news or catch a big game. A nice dock, several gazebos and tropical landscaping give the place great appeal, as do several outdoor spaces for anglers to socialize while enjoying their favorite libations, appetizers, and the view. The bar is well stocked, and the service, and the food are excellent. 

Cuisine
At Stafford Creek Lodge, anglers start the day with a hearty Bahamian breakfast. Staff packs lunches into coolers and transfer them to the boats. Refreshing cocktails and appetizers will be ready on the veranda upon anglers’ return from the water. For dinner, Chef Stacy Smith delights guests with a variety of international dishes and her refined versions of Bahamian specialties. Local seafood including fresh tuna, mahi, snapper, grouper, conch, and lobster are frequently on the menu, which also includes fresh vegetables and fruits, pastas, chicken, pork, and other meats. 

The main courses are always accompanied by delicious side dishes and followed with amazing desserts. Stacy and her staff are happy to accommodate special requests, be it for dietary requirements or just personal preference.

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

Andros boasts a large population of wild boars, and Stafford Creek Lodge offers cast-and-blast packages that include guided hunts as well as fishing. Sightseeing can also be arranged, and a quick cab ride will get you to one of many nearby beaches ideal for swimming and surf combing.

Despite being the largest landmass in the Bahamas, Andros is mostly undeveloped and lacks a big airport. In addition, the island is divided into three sections, with water in between. Anglers headed to Stafford Creek Lodge must fly into Andros Town (Fresh Creek) or San Andros.

Depending on where your trip originates and your preferred travel dates and times, you may have to fly to Nassau, overnight there and catch a LeAir (242-377-2356, flyleair.com) or Western Air (242-377-2222, westernairbahamas.com) flight to Andros the next morning. However, Makers Air (954-771-0330, makersiar.com) offers direct daily flights from Fort Lauderdale, and Midcurrent can also suggest charter flight options from South Florida. Stafford Creek Lodge will arrange a cab to pick you up at Andros Town or San Andros airport and take you to the lodge, about 20 minutes away.

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)
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing: $5,928 per person
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing: $4,899 per person
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing: $3,975 per person
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing: $3,075 per person
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing: $2,180 per person

Single Occupancy (single room and single angler per boat)
7 Nights / 6 Fishing Days: $11,855 per person
6 Nights / 5 Fishing Days: $9,798 per person
5 Nights / 4 Fishing Days: $7,950 per person
4 Nights / 3 Fishing Days: $6,150 per person
3 Nights / 2 Fishing Days: $4,360 per person

Contact Midcurrent to discuss cast-and-blast (fishing and boar hunting) packages. 

Included:

  • The number of nights lodging specified in the package 
  • Daily guided fishing
  • All meals and soft drinks at the lodge
  • Complimentary cocktails with appetizers
  • Laundry service

Not Included:

  • Airfare to Nassau and Andros Town or San Andros
  • Hotel in Nassau (if necessary)
  • Airport transfers 
  • Gratuities for fishing guides and lodge staff
  • Other alcoholic beverages
  • Bahamas fishing license ($20 per angler per week)
  • Bahamian VAT (10% tax on goods and services)

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.

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