The roar of the big block Chevy 454 was near deafening as Garner, a.k.a. “G”, throttled down the un-baffled beast of a V-8, sending the airboat skidding into white sugar sand covered by a skinny five inches of water. Hordes of bonefish were still scattering like cockroaches suddenly exposed to light as fly rods were grabbed and five of my fishing pals poured over the gunnels like Marines storming off a landing craft on the beach of Iwo Jima in different directions onto a hard-bottomed flat so perfectly bleached that it burnt the backs of my eyes. This was to be our first day of bonefishing South Caicos Island and I was dumbfounded by the 360° vista of nothing but shin-high water covering dazzling white sand as far as my eyes could see.

“Holy $#@t!” I said to myself, “this is absolutely amazing!” I was quickly shaken back to reality by “G” prodding me with the tip of my fly rod and saying, “…Pat, what-da-hell man, you need to go after them bones…”, so, jumping off the deck, I headed the opposite direction of the rest, scanning the seemingly endless flats around me. I was feeling a little guilty heading my own direction, but something told me to go this way and when you get that feeling, especially when fishing or hunting, you don’t argue. I had waded along for four or five minutes, when off to my right something caught my eye… a translucent fin! A closer look confirmed it to be a very nice-sized bonefish lazily swimming my flank, oblivious to my presence, happily feeding as he went.

I maneuvered myself into position, legs shaking like a leaf (I was pumped! ). I made my play when the fish was about fifty feet out, launching a cast in its general direction. “Damn”, I muttered, at least 12 feet off target. But to my astonishment, the big-headed bone immediately switched direction, swam over to my fly, as if he owned the flat I was on, and on my first long strip postured, dorsal fin erect, and inhaled my #4 Squimp. I had enough composure to strip set, and the fish, feeling the hook… did nothing. What the hell, I thought, this is crazy! The bone swam around me once (quite apparently unaware of the hook fixed in its mouth, and the 17-pound fluorocarbon leader tethering it to my reel), then lazily motored along his originally intended route. As the line came tight, I again put the bone to the bone – still nothing! Finally, out of exasperation, I began banging the rod with my free hand, which immediately got the reaction I was looking for and it was off to the races – the fly line and half my backing was pulled through the guides at an astonishing rate. I survived the first run and then three more, each consecutively shorter though all into my backing, and had the fish at my feet, cradled in my hand, when the fly popped out. I estimated the fish (ironically, my biggest of the trip) between 7 and 8 pounds. “G” shouted out, “Nice bone, mon!” Wow, if this is how the rest of our trip was going to play out, we were in for one hell of a bonefishing adventure…

The rest of our day on the mega-flats of South Caicos was not much different than the morning assault. We would tool around, circumnavigating the flats in the airboat until we intercepted consistent schools of bonefish, then bail out in hot pursuit to hound the fish until they either disappeared, or we got bored and wanted to exercise some new water.

Welcome to South Caicos!

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Reservations & Rates

For Travel June 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023
The 7 nights/6 day package at Turks & Caicos is $5,565 per person (double occupancy, 2 or 1 bedroom ocean-view suite)

For Travel November 1, 2022 - May 31, 2023 and November 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
The 7 nights/6 day package at Turks & Caicos is $6,265 per person (double occupancy, 2 or 1 bedroom ocean-view suite)

Additional options as well as Single Occupancy are available as well as shorter duration trips. Please call for more information.

Your angling package at Turks & Caicos includes round trip transportation from the South Caicos airport to your accommodations, three meals daily, non-alcohol beverages, accommodations, fishing license, guide and boat.

Not included in your Turks & Caicos package are International flights to and from Providenciales, domestic flights from Providenciales to South Caicos, alcoholic beverages, gratuities and items of personal nature.

The Fly Shop® is not in the insurance business, but we recommend Travel Guard coverage as a service with a desire to see your best interests protected. It is impossible to know when an unfortunate situation (loss of luggage, fly rods, illness in the family, or an accident) may occur. However, such things can and do happen, and this insurance can provide a means of recourse against non-refundable financial losses.

Travel Insurance Information

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Seasons at Turks & Caicos

The typical season on South Caicos is November through June. Normal trade winds are manageable at 10 – 15 knots and from the south east and most of the flats have the added advantage of being in the lee of the wind on the west side of the island. During fall and winter months South can get some cold fronts coming down from the Bahamas, but they push through real hard and don't linger long and are mostly dissipated by the time they hit. After a cold front you might get a west wind for a day, then

turning to the normal south east. Interesting too, and very significant is that even in severe winds, in excess of 35 plus knots, during a strong storm or tropical depression, the flats remain clear – no milking-up and the flats and the fish are on. This phenomenon is extremely rare in the saltwater fly fishing world; a real bonus and could save a trip during an inclement weather period.

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Getting to Turks & Caicos

Getting to Turks & Caicos is relatively painless, especially from the Midwest or Eastern seaboard.

American Airlines offers three daily flights from Miami, and once a day service from JFK as well as direct flights from Boston. Delta offers six-times a week service from Atlanta and US Airways offers daily flights

from Charlotte, Boston and Philadelphia. Air Canada offers direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. Coming from the west coast, I caught a non-stop Delta red-eye flight from Sacramento to Atlanta arriving in the morning with enough time for breakfast, connecting on another Delta flight to Provo, a short 2 hour jaunt. A valid Passport is mandatory for entry into Turks and Caicos and return into the States. All flights arrive and depart from the nation's only international Airport Providenciales, airport code PLS. Immigrations and Customs is simple, quick and a pleasant experience, with friendly government officials.

South Caicos and East Bay Resort is located on the island of South Caicos, a beautiful and tranquil island in the Turks & Caicos. Providenciales is the most densely populated island in the Turks & Caicos and home to the Providenciales International Airport (PLS).

Getting from Providenciales to South Caicos is quick and easy, with several scenic options available for our guests. We invite you to learn more below or contact us if you have any questions.

The easiest way to get to South Caicos is by catching a scenic 15 minute flight with InterCaribbean Airways.

Flights from Providenciales (PLS) to South Caicos (XSC) Daily at 8:30 AM and 3:45 PM

Flights from South Caicos (XSC) to Providenciales (PLS) Daily at 9:10 AM and 4:30 PM

To ensure that your travels go smoothly, we recommend booking your preferred InterCaribbean flights as soon as your international flights have been arranged.

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Lodging at Turks & Caicos

East Bay Resort is perched on the best beach in South Caicos. Set in the aquatic sanctuary of Admiral Cockburn National Park, most rooms feature breathtaking views of the beach, ocean, and the surrounding natural landscape.

Our full-service resort offers luxury amenities and a calm, tranquil small island vibe. Guests can take relaxation to the next level with a treatment from Ayur Spa. Indulge in a massage, facial, body scrub, and more from our extensive spa menu, including couples and wellness packages.

Guests will also enjoy exclusive access to East Bay Beach and pool, complimentary use of tennis courts and fitness center, as well as complimentary shuttle service to grocery stores and restaurants on South Caicos, complimentary airport shuttle on South Caicos, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.

East Bay Resort boasts a comprehensive watersports program with Reef Divers, including snorkel gear, kayak, and paddleboard rental. These eco-friendly activities can be enjoyed in the calm waters directly off of our private beach.

“…This resort offers stunning quality accommodation…”

“…This resort offers stunning quality accommodation, great food, and probably the best (unspoiled) beach and cleanest water in the Caribbean…” — Tripadvisor review May 1, 2017 Boston, Mass

Standard Queen Rooms are perfect for single travelers or couples seeking an incredible value on accommodations.

Modern and comfortable, these 288 square foot air-conditioned rooms feature a queen size bed, bathroom with walk-in shower, coffee maker, microwave, mini-fridge, flat screen TV with cable, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a safety deposit box.

Please note that these are not beachfront rooms, and they do not have a balcony or kitchen.

If you are an active traveler who spends every waking moment enjoying the beach, pool and other island adventures, this may be just the room for you!
Features:
Queen size bed / Full bathroom with walk-in shower / Air conditioning / Microwave / Coffee Maker / Mini Fridge / Cable TV and free Wi-Fi / Hair dryer / Iron and ironing board / Safety deposit box

East Bay Resort’s one-bedroom deluxe beachfront suites include astonishing panoramic ocean views, 992 square feet of living space with full kitchen, ocean front living room, and a large balcony overlooking the swimming pool, beach and the ocean. Maximum occupancy 2 adults and 2 children. View: Ocean – Pool – Beach

Features:
King size bed with a panoramic ocean view and private bathroom / Queen size pullout bed in the living room / 32 feet of beach frontage with breathtaking ocean views / 16-foot ocean front balcony with beautiful outdoor furniture / 1 powder room / Fully equipped kitchen including dishwasher / Air Conditioning / Complimentary Cable TV and high-speed internet / Hair dryer, iron and ironing board / Laptop size safety deposit box

The two-bedroom deluxe oceanfront suite at East Bay Resort is particularly impressive. This 1,268 square foot unit features panoramic ocean views and occupies 32 feet of beach frontage. The large 16-foot oceanfront balcony flows seamlessly to the living area, blurring the line where indoor living ends and outdoor living begins. View: Ocean – Pool – Beach

The grand open concept living area includes a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, a dining area, and comfortable living room complete with a queen size sofa bed and flat screen TV with cable television service.

Ocean views are enjoyed from the master bedroom, which is furnished with a king size bed and has direct access to a large four-piece ensuite. The second bedroom has a queen size bed and a private ensuite.

Other amenities in this air conditioned, two-bedroom deluxe oceanfront suite include a laptop size safety deposit box, and a powder room.

This suite at our South Caicos luxury resort comfortably accommodates four adults and two children.

Features:
King size bed in master bedroom with a private bathroom and ocean view / Queen size bed in second bedroom with a private bathroom / 32 feet of beach frontage with breathtaking panoramic ocean views / 16-foot ocean-front balcony with beautiful outdoor furnishings / A large fully equipped kitchen / A powder room and laundry facility / Complimentary cable TV and high-speed internet in the living room and the master bedroom / Air Conditioning / Hair dryer, iron and ironing board / Laptop size safety deposit box / 4’x6′ private storage locker

The two-bedroom beachfront corner suite is ideally suited to families or friends traveling together. This 1,280 square foot unit features incredible ocean views in both east and west directions. It occupies an amazing 48 feet of beach frontage! View: Ocean – Pool – Beach

Make yourself at home in the breezy open concept kitchen, dining and living room area. This suite offers direct access to a large 16-foot-long balcony overlooking the swimming pool, East Bay Beach and the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

The fully equipped kitchen has all of the dishware, cookware, utensils and appliances needed to prepare meals. Enjoy eating dinner while admiring ocean views from the dining area, and then relax in the living room while watching a movie on the flat screen TV.

The master bedroom features a king size bed, a view of the ocean and a large private ensuite. The second and equally comfortable bedroom is furnished with a queen size bed. Both bedrooms have flat screen TV’s, and hair dryers in washrooms. A laptop size safety deposit box is located in the master bedroom.

For added convenience, this suite has a washer and dryer. When you stay in the two-bedroom beachfront suite, our Turks and Caicos beachfront hotel is truly a home away from home.

Features:
King Bed in Master bedroom facing the ocean with a large private bathroom / Queen Bed in second bedroom with private bathroom / Queen size pullout sofa bed in the living area / 48 feet of beach frontage with breathtaking ocean views / 16-foot oceanfront balcony with beautiful outdoor furnishings / Fully equipped kitchen with dining area facing the ocean / Air Conditioning / Complimentary cable TV and high-speed internet / Hair dryer, iron and ironing-board / Laptop size safety deposit box / 4’x6′ private storage locker

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Fishing at Turks & Caicos

The staff and guides will do everything in their power to provide you with a fishing and lodge experience of a lifetime.

A typical day has fresh ground coffee brewing at 6:00 a.m. followed by a hearty breakfast buffet ready by 7:00 a.m. After breakfast you take a short walk downhill, to the airboat. Leaving the beach no later than 8:00

a.m. and most rides to the flats take no longer than 5 - 20 minutes.

Lunch is taken on the fly on the fishing grounds and consists of sandwiches (some of the best we've ever eaten at any fishing lodge), chips, cookies and fruit. Plenty of iced-down soft drinks and bottled water are stocked in the cooler each day. Usually back on the beach at approximately 4:30 p.m., although some days are or can be extended. You get a very full day of fishing.

You'll be back at the lodge in plenty of time to take a shower, enjoy an adult beverage and feast on some conch fritters, before a delicious dinner is served at 7:30 p.m. or so.

Eqiupment & Flies:
- Patrick Pendergast
One of the nicest aspects of a bonefishing trip – (and for that matter any saltwater fly fishing trip) – is the equipment you need to assemble and pack is relatively simple and compact. In my case I carried a seven and eight weight fly rod, Scott Sector saltwater models, 9 foot in length. One was rigged with a Nautilus NV 8/9 and the other an Abel Super 8, both lined with Scientific Anglers Mastery Saltwater floating line. These fish are NOT leader shy: 9 foot Fluorocarbon leaders tapered between 15 – 17 pounds was what I had and used.

Flies were just as straightforward as the rest of my equipment. A #6 Squimp worked well in most cases, but a #2 standard Gotcha produced the best. Other flies I had luck on were a #4 Pink Puff, #4 white, Nasty Charlie, a #2 Magnum Mantis Shrimp and a #4 Enrico’s Spawning Shrimp (translucent). Light tan, white or off-white patterns are the colors to lean toward when assembling a fly selection for South. Very nice barracuda are prevalent on the flats of South and everyone we threw to ate! If you want to have some 'cuda fun, bring some wire tippet and a few Paulson's Ka-Cudda flies.

Expect to be on your feet in the water walking for better than 8 hours a day while hunting bones on South Caicos. Be sure to bring well fitted and broken in wading booties or boots with heavy duty soles. You'll also want to bring a couple pair of lightweight socks to wear under your wading boots to help keep sand out and prevent blisters. Gravel guards are not a bad idea either.

The flats of South Caicos are wide open with little if any shade within miles. Be sure to bring a good hat that offers plenty of face and neck coverage. I wore a Buff® as well sun gloves for added sun protection. And, of course, bring plenty of Sunscreen, waterproof, UVA, UVB, paba free with some physical block like zinc oxide SPF 30+. Apply the sunscreen in the morning before breakfast and reapply after lunch. Do not underestimate the sun's intensity; it will cook you if you let it!

What Makes This Destination Special and Unique?

• The flats of South Caicos Island are enormous, some of the largest flats we have ever seen and explored, anywhere in the world. I would take months of fishing to fish all the flats they have to choose from. This allows the outfitter to rest large portions of his fishery, allowing the bonefish to live a natural and non-pressured life – happy, rested and aggressive to flies. This translates into world-class fishing for anglers.

• This is the only bonefishing destination we know of that is 100% wade fishing! If you like to hunt bonefish on foot, on beautiful white sands flats that stretch to the horizon, then South Caicos is the place to go. We can’t think of a more suitable destination for wade fishers.

• The Island of South Caicos and its expansive flats system is wilderness flats fishing at its finest. There are no other outfitters or guides fishing these flats and Governmental regulations protect the bonefish from commercial harvest. That translates late into spectacular fly fishing opportunities for saltwater fly fishers in a virtual bonefish national park.

• Beyond the Blue South Caicos is a well-financed and professionally operated bonefishing operation with an onsite owner and very hardworking and accommodating staff. You count on the entire lodge team to take care of all the logistics that make a trip successful and enjoyable. Your job is to relax, have fun, and fish your tail off! It’s just that simple…

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Making Reservations to Turks & Caicos

To make a reservation, please give us a call at 800-669-3474 during business hours (Monday - Friday • 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM), or email us at travel@theflyshop.com anytime. We can give you the answers you need, detailed explanations to questions you might have, or check on availability and confirm your reservation in minutes.