Based in the quaint fishing community of Crown Haven, with thirty miles of flats stretching to the south, and fifty miles of ocean-side islands and flats to the north west, the variety of fishing locations surrounding Little Abaco is unbeatable. The nearest fishing lodge on Abaco is nearly fifty miles away, so you are assured of unpressured fish and a seemingly endless variety of fishing locations.
Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge is owned and operated by master Bahamian guide Sidney Thomas and his wife Keeta. Sidney has an exceptional bonefishing history. Prior to Little Abaco, Sidney owned and operated Water Cay Bonefish Lodge, as well as working for many of the best lodges on Grand Bahama. Devoted and hardworking, Sidney is the "real deal" when it comes to guiding. Bonefishing is in his blood, and he’s honed his skills to the highest level.
In order to maintain the productivity of this vast habitat, Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge accommodates only six anglers per week. You will fish out of super shallow draft skiffs with veteran guides that call these waters home. A boat’s draft is an important issue in this area. Their skiffs float in just five inches of water, allowing the guides to reach areas that larger, heavier skiffs simply cannot. A day of hunting bonefish in one of these shallow draft skiffs over skinny water has to be experienced to be believed.
The flats surrounding Little Abaco are varied, including soft bottomed back-country lagoons, islands wrapped in hard white sand; lush turtle grass gardens, and everything in between. The guides of Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge can fish the tides on both sides of the island, as tides can vary by as much as four or five hours depending on location. They have a wide variety of fishing options to choose from, with the ability to pole miles of flats or walk and wade until your heart’s content. Depending on the tides, winds and conditions, Sidney and his guides can launch the boats within view of the lodge, or trailer the skiffs to other nearby regions of the island. To the west, east, and north lie some of the best bonefish habitat in all of the Bahamas. Previously difficult to access and demanding either a long boat ride from the east end of Grand Bahama Island or an hour drive from Marsh Harbour, this vast region of prime bonefish habitat is now the “home water” of the Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge!
Seasons at Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge
Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge is open November through August. The bonefish on Abaco are on the flats every day of the season. Big schools of fish are found in the winter months, mixed in with those schools is the chance at real trophy sized fish. Permit show up consistently near the northern cays as soon as the winter winds calm and the water temps climb.
Read More
Late winter - January and February:
A wide variety of fish can be caught at the beginning of the year. These are some of the best months for large bonefish and big barracuda. There are the occasional cold fronts that move through, but the water warms quickly as they pass, and the fish respond by feeding aggressively.
Spring – March, April and May:
These are peak months for hunting bonefish on Abaco. The cold fronts of winter are gone and the tropical disturbances of summer are still months away. Days are long and filled with sunshine, the water is warm and the air is comfortable. As the water temps stabilize in late March, the school fish show up in massive numbers and the big fish mix with the schools. Permit show up consistently on the outside cays as soon as the north winds of winter subside, and the occasional tarpon swims up on the deeper edges of the flats.
Summer – June and July:
During the summer months, the shallow water on the flats heats up during the day, and cools overnight. Bonefish typically feed in the shallows early and late in the day, moving out to slightly deeper flats during the peak heat of the day. Winds are often calm and refreshing afternoon rain showers are common. This may be the perfect time of year for stalking shark, barracuda, and snapper, as well as bonefish. Except for the occasional tropical disturbance, these months offer the calmest winds of the year.
Fall and early winter - September, October, November & December:
If you are looking to stalk some of the biggest bones of the year, plan a trip during the fall and early winter when the water temps of summer begin to cool. Fall air temperatures are very comfortable, with warm days and cool nights, making this time of year an excellent choice for anglers and non-anglers as well.
Getting to Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge
Marsh Harbour is the 3rd largest airport in the Bahamas, and there are numerous daily connecting flights into Marsh Harbour through Nassau, Orlando, Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and more. You’ll be met at the airport by a transfer agent and enjoy a scenic ninety minute drive to the lodge.
Lodging at Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge
The lodge's three guest rooms are tastefully appointed and reflect the natural colors of the Bahamas' waters, reefs and fish. All the guest rooms have high quality air-conditioners, comfy beds, and ceiling fans. The two twin bed rooms share a bath and shower, while the double room has a private bath and shower.
Read More
The main lodge is comfortable, and has a phone line and a large flat screen TV so you can enjoy your favorite sporting event. A stocked cash bar with beer, wine, and many of your favorite spirits await you at the end of each angling day. This sort of unpretentious attitude with a focus always on “fishing first” rounds out the kind of service and attention you can expect while fishing at Little Abaco.
Keeta specializes in cooking traditional out-island fare. Visiting anglers will enjoy an eclectic menu highlighting fantastic local favorites including conch, fresh fish, chicken, pork chops, ribs, and accompanied with sides of garden vegetables, pasta, rice and beans, and fresh salad or coleslaw.
Fishing at Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge
The flats surrounding Little Abaco are varied, including soft bottomed backcountry lagoons, islands wrapped in hard white sand; lush turtle grass gardens, and everything in between. The guides of Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge can fish the tides on both sides of the island, as tides can vary by as much as four or five hours depending on location. They have a wide variety of fishing options to choose from, with the ability to pole miles of flats or walk and wade until your heart's content. Depending on
Read More
the tides, winds and conditions, Sidney and his guides can launch the boats within view of the lodge, or trailer the skiffs to other nearby regions of the island. To the west, east, and north lie some of the best bonefish habitat in all of the Bahamas. Previously difficult to access and demanding either a long boat ride from the east end of Grand Bahama Island or an hour drive from Marsh Harbour, this vast region of prime bonefish habitat is now the “home water” of the Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge!
What Makes This Destination Special and Unique?
• Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge is accessed through Marsh Harbour, Abaco, with daily flights from many US cities including Orlando, Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami. This convenient travel option eliminates time consuming layovers and waiting in airports, getting you fishing, faster.
• Little Abaco is big bonefish country. Bonefish exceeding ten pounds are released every year. This is the place to hunt massive, double digit bonefish.
• Little Abaco Bonefish Lodge is strategically positioned well north of the other Abaco Lodges. Surrounded by a vast complex of flats, islands and backcountry lagoons, you are out of the lodge and into prime bonefish habitat in no time. Less time motoring to the flats equals more time fishing.
• With a maximum capacity of only six anglers, Little Abaco is a perfect destination for small groups of anglers. You can easily book the whole place for you and a few friends and family and have the whole place to yourselves.
• Little Abaco is 100% Bahamian owned and operated. Your guides, dinners, and staff bring you a true Bahamian experience. From the conch salad to the Kalik beer in the fridge, you will eat and breathe the real Bahamas.
Additional Photos
