GPS Coordinates: 25°08’43.16″N 78°00’15.15″W
Trip Questionnaire: Please click on the link below. This will take you an electronic questionnaire form that we ask you to complete and submit to The Fly Shop®. Please be sure to click the “Submit” button at the end of the form. The information provided will help us — and the outfitter best coordinate your trip.
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Getting to Joulters Fly Fishing
The most popular option in travel to Joulters Fly Fishing is flying to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) and then taking a short, 12 minute flight into San Andros (code: SAQ) with Western Air. There are many options on many different airlines flying into Nassau. Western Air offers two daily flights between Nassau and San Andros: one at 7:00 AM and the other at 3:30 PM; the turnaround times are typically 30 – 45 minutes later.
Guests often fly in on the afternoon flight and make their departure on the morning flight. Scheduling your flights in and out of Nassau around 12 noon works well and allows sufficient time to clear customs on both sides of your trip.
You can make a reservation on their website (www.westernairbahamas.com) or by calling them in the Bahamas at (242) 377-2222. The round-trip fare on Western Air is usually around $150 – 160 per/person and can be paid online or at their ticket counter in Nassau. Keep in mind, this is the Bahamas, and things rarely operate on time. Sometimes these flights are late, and every once in a while, they will even leave early! So be prepared to be in the waiting area a bit ahead of schedule, and be patient and prepared to wait a bit. There is a decent bar, a Duty Free shop, and a Dunkin’ Donuts for food in the waiting area.
The other option into San Andros is with a private charter on Maker’s Air out of Fort Lauderdale – they offer a charter seat fare that is dependent on their current schedule. You can look them up on their website at https://www.makersair.com, although to book a fare it’s best to give them a call for available seats and pricing at (954) 771-0330. These flights are more expensive but can off-set the cost of having to overnight in Nassau. With Maker’s Air, you’ll clear U.S. customs in Fort Lauderdale at their terminal upon returning back to the States.
If you are flying commercially into Nassau International Airport you will first clear immigrations, retrieve your luggage and clear customs. Once you have cleared customs, you will need to recheck yourself and luggage to San Andros (SAQ) at the nearest Western Air counter.
You must claim your luggage on your first point of entry into the Bahamas and clear immigrations and customs. Failure to claim your luggage will result in your luggage not showing up at your end destination.
Entry & Exit Requirements:
Travel by Air: All U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport in order to enter or re-enter the United States when traveling by air. U.S. citizens do not need visas for short trips to The Bahamas for tourist/business purposes. It is important to note that although the Bahamian government only requires proof of citizenship and identity in order to enter The Bahamas, the U.S. government requires that Americans have a valid passport in order to fly home.
You will complete an immigration card upon arrival. It will be checked at your first point of entry and a copy will be given to you. Be careful not to lose this copy as it must be given to Immigration upon departure.
For charter flights only, there is a departure tax payable at the airport upon departure; the tax is $25 for most points of departure.
Upon exiting the International Arrivals area in Nassau, you will proceed to the Domestic area of the airport to the Western Air counter for check in (you will want to reserve these flights in advance, easy to do online). You will want to arrange your international airfare into Nassau either the night before (in order to catch the 7:00 AM departure), or before 1:30 PM (in order to have time to deplane, clear customs and immigration, and check in for the 3:30 pm flight to San Andros).
As aircraft flying to San Andros (SAQ) are often small twin-engine planes, we recommend carrying a maximum of 40 pounds of luggage, soft sided if possible.
When you arrive at San Andros airport there will be porters available to help you with your gear from the plane to the curb. If we know what time your flight is arriving from Ft Lauderdale or if you are arriving by charter from Nassau give Makesha a call (WhatsApp) that day with your approximate arrival time and we will have one of our favorites (as in has a van for all your gear) taxi drivers there to meet you. ‘Just ask the porter or any of the locals that hang out at the gate leaving the tarmac for James Smith or Alan Russell and they will take you to the lodge. Makesha or Nadia, the lodge supervisor, should be waiting for you on arrival at the lodge. If not, you have their numbers and Nadia lives only two blocks away. She will let you in to your unit and give you your keys.
(San Andros airport is 10 minutes from lodge. If you arrive at Fresh Creek, Andros Town 1 hour south, just take any taxi to San Andros airport and local taxi from there.)
If taxi drivers are not there for any reason, there are always other taxi drivers there and most of them know the “Sportsman’s Lodge” in Nichols Town. If not, or you have other transportation, the lodge is at the very end of Reeve St where it tees into Swamp St. at the ocean. When you come to the stop sign at the end of Reeves St you are literally aimed right at the driveway of the lodge so just go straight across the street into the driveway and the lodge is about 100 feet up the driveway on your right, an aqua blue building on the oceanfront.
Day of Departure:
Please reconfirm your flight arrangements with the lodge the night before departure. Western Air has two daily flights departing San Andros (SAQ) to Nassau (NAS), one at 7:30 AM and one at 4:45 PM. Most guests choose to take the morning flight, which matches well with midday departures home from Nassau (11:00 PM or later is recommended).
Contact Information
Should any problems occur during your travel, including significant flight delays please be sure to have the following contact information with you. Please feel free to contact The Fly Shop® or the lodge directly.
(Check-in) Nadia Jones (242) 471-7279 – Home (242) 329-2310
(Chef) Makeisha Lewis (242) 471-2726
(Taxi) James Smith (242) 801-7300
(Taxi) Alan Russel (242) 357-2876
(Guide and Partner) Elias Griffin (242) 471-5299
(Guide and Partner) Greg Roberts (242) 471-0117
Kent Rianda Cell or WhatsApp* (760) 914-1466 Office in Calif
The Fly Shop®
(800) 669-3474 | (530) 222-3555 | travel@theflyshop.com
Emergency Assistance:
In case of emergencies involving the death, injury, welfare, or arrest of an American citizen in The Bahamas or the Turks and Caicos Islands, please call (242) 328-3496 or (242) 311-1181 x9 during business hours, and (242) 357-7004 at all other times. (Please note that the Duty Officer who answers this number will not be able to assist with visa or routine passport matters.)
Communication:
WhatsApp is the universal means of communication in the Bahamas and to/from from the United States. It is a free app for your iPhone or Android that will let you call, text, facetime, send files and photos all at no charge to anyone who also has the app.
General Travel Information
Staying in Nassau:
There are many options for your stay in Nassau, ranging from small family-owned inns situated in quieter areas to full-scale casino/resorts on Cable Beach and Paradise Island. There is an array of restaurants and clubs, day cruises and other activities. Below are some of our recommendations.
Hotels:
Orange Hill Beach Inn
West Bay Street
(242) 327-7157 | Info@orangehill.com
- Orange Hill is a quaint family-owned inn 5 minutes from the airport. It is a convenient, economical choice for our traveling anglers. It sits across the street from a nice quiet beach and has a small bar/restaurant and a refreshing outdoor pool.
Sandy Port Hotel and Resort
West Bay Street
(242) 327-4279 | info@sandyport.com
- SandyPort Hotel is part of the greater SandyPort Development. It is located 10 minutes from the airport and can be a great choice for your over-night in Nassau. You will find a variety of dining options, stores and even a health club within walking distance of your accommodations. It has a relaxing atmosphere and a very professional staff.
British Colonial Hilton
No. 1 Bay Street
(242) 322-3301
- The British Colonial is a beautiful, well-appointed, luxury hotel situated right in the heart of the action on famous Bay Street. The grounds are amazingly quiet considering where it is situated. It is everything you expect from an International Hilton property and places you within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants of downtown.
Atlantis Resort and Casino
Paradise Island
(242) 363-2000 x 65401
- The grandeur of “The Atlantis” is hard to describe. It truly is a “mega” resort in the spirit of Las Vegas. It houses one of the largest aquariums in the world, a Vegas-style casino and numerous shops and restaurants. It hums with energy and activity 24 hours a day. If you are staying elsewhere in Nassau, it is worth taking a taxi to Paradise Island and wandering through.
Restaurants in Nassau:
Indigo Cafe and Deli
West Bay St. and Skyline Drive
(242) 327-2535
- Indigo is a relaxing, stylish Cafe with a very eclectic menu of wonderfully prepared foods. Choose from local Bahamian, Asian, and European cuisine, even an impressive selection of fantastic sushi! They also have a full-service bar and espresso.
The Poop Deck West
Sandy Port on the Beach/West Bay Street
(242) 327-3325
- An island favorite, the Poop Deck features a full bar, great steak, seafood and traditional Bahamian dishes
Twin Brothers
Arowak Cay
(242) 328-5033
- Located at the Arowak Cay Fish Fry Grounds, Twin Brothers is a fun, relaxing place to enjoy great local Bahamian cuisine. It is a favorite among the locals. Enough said?
Clay Oven
Downtown
(242) 325-8639
- A wonderful, reasonably priced authentic Indian Restaurant. This is where our manager eats when he’s in Nassau!
Green Parrot
Paradise Island/Hurricane Hole
(242) 322-6900
- A well-known, very popular outdoor bar and grill that sits on the Hurricane Hole Marina. This is a fun place to hang out day and night watching the boat traffic in and out of Nassau Harbor, while chatting with the crews of the many yachts that are parked in the marina.
Staying in Ft. Lauderdale:
Here are a few recommendations for lodging and entertainment for our guests who have some time in Fort Lauderdale on either side of their trip to the Bahamas.
Hotels:
Courtyard® by Marriott®
Port 400 Gulf Stream Way/Dania Beach, Florida 33004
(954) 342-8333
- The Courtyard at the Fort Lauderdale Airport is a hotel that’s just a couple of miles from the airport. The rooms are nice and the hotel shares a parking lot with the IGFA Museum, Bass Pro Shops, and the Islamorada Fish Company. The Courtyard provides free shuttle service to and from the airport. Ask for the Deneki Outdoors corporate rate.
Restaurants & Attractions:
Seminole Hard Rock Casino
1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314
(866) 502-7529
- About 15 minutes from the airport and its hotels is the large Hard Rock Casino complex on the Seminole Indian reservation. In addition to the hotel and casino, the complex includes 18 restaurants in a variety of styles, all with outdoor seating, 13 bars and clubs, and some high-end shopping. The cuisine includes something for everyone, and the people-watching is a sport unto itself!
IGFA Museum
300 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach, FL 33004
(954) 922-4212
- If you want to see some really big fish, stop off at the IGFA Museum and Hall of Fame. It’s located very near the airport and the Wyndham.
General Information
Phone Service:
Cell phones work most places, including around the lodge. Be sure you have a plan that allows for international coverage, however, or you may end up with an unwelcome surprise when your next bill comes! Always be sure to turn your data off when traveling International, too.
Internet/Wi-Fi:
There is decent, usually reliable Wi-Fi at Joulters Fly Fishing. This is a remote island and service can come and go…but most of the time it works great.
Electrical Outlets:
The electrical outlets are AC 110 volts (same as the U.S.) and most appliances will work fine. There is a hair dryer available at the lodge if needed.
Insects:
Mosquitoes and “doctor flies” in the Bahamas are prominent during the rainy season, from March through September. Year round, tiny biting “No See’ums” can also come out at dawn and dusk and whenever the winds are exceptionally calm. The Bahamian doctor fly is basically a large horsefly on steroids, whose bite will draw blood. (Why do they call them doctor flies? “Because when de bite, mon, it feels like a SHOT!”) They prefer salt-coated skin, and love to harass anglers who are wading shallow waters and mangrove-filled areas. Wearing long pants and long sleeves while fishing, and insect repellent (with DEET) will deter these bugs. If you can find it, Avon Skin-So-Soft is the best deterrent for No-See-Ums.
The lodge does spray for insects regularly, and has Citronella Plants around the veranda, which is typically effective in deterring most annoying pests. Still, it’s a good idea to bring some bug spray just in case.
Gratuities:
Gratuities at Joulters Fly Fishing come in two forms: daily tips for guides at the end of each day, and a single tip for the lodge staff at the end of your stay. The local economy here is cash-based, so the preferred method for tipping is in cash. Tips cannot be put on a credit card, and a check won’t do them any good. Please bring cash! $USD Dollars and Bahamian currency are interchangeable on the island, and either works fine.
Guide Gratuities:
Guide tips vary widely but have averaged roughly $80 – $100 per boat per day ($40 – $50 per angler if two anglers share a boat). Tipping for guides can be done at the dock each day or at the end of the week. If guides are tipped at the end of the week, you will need to indicate what amount is intended for each guide and on which day. If you intend to tip at the end of the week, be sure to let your guide know that at the end of each day. The best time to give the guide his tip is at the beach just before getting out of the boat.
Communications:
Wi-Fi is available at Andros South, though the bandwidth is limited. Cell service is available, and it’s a good idea to contact your provider for availability before arriving on South Andros.
Insects on South Andros:
Mosquitoes and “doctor flies” in the Bahamas are always a possibility. Wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts is your best protection, and insect repellent (with DEET) will deter these bugs. Pesky “No See’ums” may come out at dawn and dusk, especially when the winds are calm. A light pair of socks with your pants tucked in will eliminate any bites. Many guests are happy that they packed an anti-Itch cream, that will sooth the No See Um bites.
Gratuities:
Gratuities at Andros South come in two forms: daily tips for guides at the end of each fishing day, and a single tip for the lodge staff at the end of your stay. The economy at South Andros Island is primarily cash-based, so the preferred method for tipping is in cash. US Dollars and Bahamian currency are interchangeable on the island, and either works fine. We encourage you to follow your heart and tip in accordance with the level of service that you feel you received.
Guide Gratuities:
Guide tips average $120 per boat per day, $60 per angler if two anglers share a boat. The best time to give the guide his tip is at the dock just before getting out of the boat. It’s helpful to be prepared, having cash handy and if possible, to discuss tipping with your fishing partner before reaching the dock. When preparing for your trip, it’s helpful to come with a sufficient amount of $5, $10, and $20 bills to cover tipping each day, and to allow for the possibility of an increased tip for an exceptional day. Many guests also like to bring enough cash to purchase a few drinks at the local bar at the end of the fishing day.
Lodge Staff Gratuities:
Tips for the lodge staff are collected once at the end of your stay, and are pooled and divided among the entire lodge staff, including drivers, cooks, housekeepers, and the maintenance crew and host. Lodge staff tips vary widely but have averaged roughly $25 – $35 per angler per day.
Beverages & Liquor:
The lodge will be stocked with mostly food for breakfast and a few snacks and lots of non-alcoholic beverages in the fridge. If you want any additional snacks or beer/liquor, the taxi driver will be happy to swing by the local market and/or the state liquor store on the way to the lodge. US dollars are accepted one for one so you don’t have to worry about money exchange but having small bills is recommended.
Personal Gear
Joulters Fly Fishing is your personal vacation retreat during your time on Andros! Comfortable, casual wear is accepted and encouraged. Flip-flops, sandals, shorts, T-shirts…casual is king. Expect mid-80’s during the days, and high 60’s to low ‘70’s in the evening and early mornings. We recommend long-sleeved shirts and long pants while on the flats (these will help fend off Doctor Flies as well as sunburns!). Liberally apply a waterproof sunblock UVA/UVB of at least 30 SPF+ rating to all exposed skin including your ears and lips. Re-apply occasionally through the day and consider a wide-brimmed hat or Buff. After applying sunscreen, scrub your hands with a scoop of sand and water as bonefish can smell lotion on your fly and will quickly turn away.
Although casual tropical attire will generally work great during your time on the water, there are three fishing specific items that are critical for each angler to bring:
Rain Jacket:
Even on sunny days we suggest including a light weight and breathable rain jacket in your boat bag. Boat spray can occur at any time and a cloudburst can form when least expected. Rain pants are not a bad idea to.
Sunglasses:
Polarized sunglasses with amber or copper lenses are the most popular, and having an extra pair in your boat bag is always the smart thing to do.
Flats Boots:
Since the flats that we wade vary greatly in their bottom surface (hard sand, soft sand, grass, coral) we do not recommend wading sandals; closed toe boots are greatly preferred. Most of the flats are hard white sand, so neoprene-type booties will work here, as well as the stouter wading sneakers/boots.
We are often asked about what socks work best, and strongly recommend the Simms lightweight neoprene socks. They are comfortable and can easily be rinsed and dried for re-use (unlike cotton socks which get real nasty real fast in the saltwater and often need thrown away after minimal use).
Wading Pants:
Lightweight pants are strongly recommended for both sun and insect protection.
Chest, Back, or Fanny Pack:
You may be wading for hours and the boat will be just a spec on the horizon. Be sure to bring a wading pack to carry your flies, leaders, tippet, clippers, a water bottle, camera, etc.
Tools:
Pliers, hemostats, knot tying tool, nippers, hook sharpener, easy hook release.
Tackle & Equipment
Lodge Equipment:
A limited supply of rods, reels, flats boots, etc. are available at the lodge. To reserve equipment, please note that on your online questionnaire so the lodge will know what you are expecting to borrow.
Tackle & Equipment Lists by Species (click on links below):