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Abaco Lodge Bahamas Fly Fishing The Marls

Customer Rating 83%
Tour Code BAH002

Fly Fishing The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a tropical island located around 280 kilometres off the coast of Florida, and it’s home to numerous well-known fly fishing lodges, including the popular Abaco Lodge. This famous saltwater fly fishing destination is situated in the Abacos, an area which cups the eastern edge of Grand Bahama Island at the northernmost tip of the archipelago. It’s the only Bonefishing resort in the area, known as the Marls, and is one of the top-rated fishing locations in the entire region.

The lodge has an incredible, quite moving story. Back in 2019, it was entirely decimated by hurricane Dorian, a catastrophic Category 5 Atlantic hurricane, the most intense tropical cyclone on record to strike the Bahamas. Everything got destroyed, not just the buildings but the flats, fish and fishing. Everything needed time to heal, but the Covid Pandemic hit, and the rebuild got delayed and delayed again. Still, those involved kept the faith, and finally, after three long years, the construction was finished, the paint was dry, and the new and improved resort could open again.

The incredible comeback story of this famous, exciting flats fishery is one we’re happy to share, and we look forward to supporting and sending travelling rods to this fantastic resort once again. So, if you love saltwater flats fishing and want to experience some of the best Bonefish fishing on the planet, then Abaco Lodge will tick all the right boxes.

Fishing The Marls

The Bahamas has been a popular destination for travelling saltwater fly-fishing anglers for decades; its tropical climate, fun-loving people, and laid-back pace, combined with its spectacular fishing, attract rods from around the globe. Essentially a sprawling island archipelago consisting of hundreds of islands and cays spread over 280,000+ square kilometres of ocean space, it offers anglers a wealth of opportunities for all flats species, including Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit.

The northern end of the chain starts about 75 miles offshore of West Palm Beach, Florida, with Grand Bahama Island. Great Abaco Island lies just to the northeast. And below Abaco, past the bustling resorts of Nassau, and reaching as far south as the Turks and Caicos and Cuba, lies a string of less-populated ‘outer islands,’ including Andros, Eleuthera, Cat, Long Island, Crooked, Acklins, and Mayaguana.

Abaco Lodge, nestled on the island’s west side, allows anglers to wet a line in the famous Marls fishery and is the only fly fishing operation to do so. A vast region of water with a 450 square kilometre footprint, peppered with unpopulated pine forest islands, mangrove cays, and a blooming Bonefish population, this pristine wilderness preserve is considered by many to be one of the most exciting flats fisheries in the Caribbean.

Bonefish In The Bahamas

Abaco Lodge’s Marl region offers an almost infinite amount of skinny water, the type of habitat foraging flats fish love. From its central location, it’s possible to fish the Marls from as far south as Cross Harbour to its northern extremities off the west side of Treasure Cay, with a run of anywhere between five and forty-five minutes. While a twenty-minute run west also puts you within striking distance of Marl’s ocean-side edge.

Throughout this fishery, the Bonefish reign supreme and are the prime draw for visiting anglers. Thanks to the ideal mix of sheltered habitats and abundant food sources, the populations of these ‘Grey Ghosts’ has bloomed. They average between 2lb to 4lb, but larger fish in the 5lb to 8lb class get landed weekly; although harder to catch, they can be found in good numbers and provide a true challenge.

Permit and juvenile Tarpon are also prevalent throughout, and shots for these fish can be frequent, so much so that anglers should get tackled up for targeting both species. Barracuda, Jack Crevalle, plus various shark species, also call the Marls home and complete the species list.

In addition to beautiful flats, Abaco has an incredible blue-water fishery for Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Wahoo, and Tuna, depending on the season. Arrangments can be made for this, but you need to book early and be prepared to pay an additional charge for this style of fishing.

Guides & Skiffs

When fishing the Marls at Abaco, each day begins with the guides and management deciding what areas to fish, based on the weather conditions, tides and seasonal activity. The lodge will work with you to tailor your day accordingly if you have any particular preference, such as wading versus boat fishing. 

The guides are some of the most knowledgeable in the Bahamas; they know the Marls and the ocean intimately and possess an uncanny ability to find fish. They know every inch of the fishing grounds, from the blue holes that attract the juvenile Tarpon to the productive flats and cays. The fishing is done across the entire area, from the ocean-side inlets, mangrove cays, and stadium-size flats, with cruising and tailing bones in numbers unlike anywhere else in the Bahamas. Fish average 3lb to 5lb, and it’s not unusual to boat 10 to 20 fish daily.

Typical Fishing Day:
6:30 am Coffee ready at the buffet table
7:00 am Breakfast
8:00 am Depart dock
4:00 pm Return to the lodge
4:00 pm Onwards cocktail hour
5:30 pm Appetizers
6:30 pm Dinner

All the fishing gets done from the lodge’s meticulously maintained Maverick flats skiffs, widely recognized as the ultimate flats boats. They’re beautiful, quiet, comfortable and fast, allowing access to the shallowest flats safely and with maximum comfort. Each features padded seats, backrests, line mats and lean bars on the bow. They also come equipped with first-aid kits and an emergency satellite.

To learn more about saltwater fly fishing in the Bahamas at Abaco Lodge, visit our YouTube channel

Accommodation

The newly built lodge at Abaco is bright and charming and welcomes guests with spectacular waterfront views. It consists of 7 double rooms, all featuring air conditioning and a private bathroom. Wireless Internet will keep you connected back home, and phone service is available, with excellent cell coverage throughout the island.

There is a small pool outside the lodges, the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cold beer and a fire pit where you can meet under the setting sun and exchange the day’s fishing stories.  

  • Capacity: 8 rods.
  • Accommodations: 7 Doubles with two king/queen size beds. All have air conditioning and private bathrooms.
  • Pool Area: Kick back with a drink and enjoy the view.
  • Main Lodge: Dining room, sitting room, bar and fully equipped fly-tying table.
  • Telephone and Wifi Available
  • Meals: Beautifully prepared Bahamian specialities concentrating on magnificent fresh seafood.
  • Full Daily Maid Service and Laundry Services are available.
  • Fly Shop: is fully equipped with flies, rods, reels, lines, selected items of flats wear and local crafts.
  • Non-Fishing Activities include snorkelling, kayaking, diving and golf.
  • Lunches: Picnic lunches and cold drinks get taken to the flats in a YETI cooler.

Food & Drink 

The food and drink on offer at Abaco is a magical encounter between the treasures of the sea, history, culture and people. The lodge prides itself on serving the finest cuisine, specialising in fresh fish, Conch and Lobster. 

Each day begins with a full breakfast featuring a variety of cereals, fresh fruits and eggs, bacon, sausages, and grits. Each day the chef will also make an array of baked bread and pastries, and the coffee gets created from freshly ground beans. 

A daily lunch menu card allows you to choose the next day’s lunch and the contents of the boat coolers. After you return from fishing, you will find cold beers, spirits, a blender for cocktails, and stacks of soft drinks. A wide range of local spirits is also available free of charge.

Delicious appetisers get served before dinner on the veranda, and you’ll have the chance to sample local specialities such as cracked Conch, Grouper fingers, and Conch salad. The culinary emphasis is on mixing local dishes with light, fresh recipes such as Snapper with mango salsa and some barbecued fish. Desserts will vary from chocolate decadence to key lime parfaits.

House wines such as Malbec from Argentina, Chilean Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon get served with dinner. Still, if you have a preferred brand, the lodge can ensure they have some for you on arrival. Otherwise, you can bring your own bottle.

When you book, please mention any requirements or food allergies you might have so that we can inform the chef at the lodge. Salads get offered in the coolers for lunches for those on low-carbohydrate diets. There is also a good supply of drinking water on offer from their reverse osmosis system. You will also find water in your bedroom and your boat, and you can drink tap water.

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Itinerary

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

The below itinerary is flexible should you require additional fishing days or additional free days to explore; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.

Day 1:

Depart Any international Airport (See Details)

Arrive Nassau Depart from Nassau

Arrive Marsh Harbour

At the airport, your host and a driver will meet you. Once your bags are loaded into our air-conditioned transport, you will be driven straight to the lodge about 10 minutes north.

When you arrive at the lodge, the staff will greet you and show you to your room, where you will find your bags.

Overnight Accommodation: Abaco Lodge (Single Rooms) F/B

Day 2 & 3: Fishing Days

Breakfast is served at 7am and you will leave the dock at 8pm for a full day’s flats fishing.

The fishing is based on two rods to one guide; fishing from the lodges Maverick skiffs, widely recognized as the ultimate flats boats, allowing to access the shallowest flats safely and in maximum comfort. The ride out to the fishing grounds is anywhere between five and forty-five minutes.

Overnight Accommodation: Abaco Lodge (Single Rooms) F/B

Day 4 & 5: Fishing Days

The fishing at Abaco Lodge is some of the best found in the Bahamas, and the vast area known as the Marls is one of the best Bonefish fishing areas in the world.

Each day your guide will come up with a plan, based and the tide, weather and conditions, tailoring the fishing to suit your needs, whether you prefer boat fishing or wading. In the right conditions catching between ten and twenty Bonefish isn’t unusual.

Overnight Accommodation: Abaco Lodge (Single Rooms) F/B

Day 6:

After lunch, you will be returned to Marsh Harbour Airport to start your return journey home.

Depart Marsh Harbour

Arrive Nassau Depart Nassau

Day 7:

Arrive Home

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Satisfaction Score 83%

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FISHING Seasons

The season runs from October to June.

Bonefish

Season: October to June
Peak: April to May
Weight: 1lb to 10lb
Average Weight: 5lb

Permit

Season: October to June
Peak: April to May
Weight: 1lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 7lb

Tarpon

Season: October to June
Peak: April to May
Weight: 5lb to 50lb
Average Weight: 15lb

Package Details

Prices from
£6,946
per person

Included

  • All international flights
  • All internal flights
  • Airport Transfers
  • All accommodations as per itinerary
  • Four days of guided fishing
  • Loaner rods & reels
  • All meals at Lodge
  • All beer, wine & spirits
  • Fishing licence

Excluded

  • Personal holiday insurance
  • Terminal tackle
  • Tips for guides and all camp staff
  • Government taxes

Optional extras

  • Flight upgrades
  • Additional nights at the lodge
  • Additional nights in Nassau

Price Supplements

N/A

View Latest Availability

Dates, Prices & Availability

Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.

From To Duration Price Availability
01/03/2024 31/03/2024 7 £7,158 Enquire Now
01/04/2024 30/04/2024 7 £7,158 Sold Out
01/05/2024 31/05/2024 7 £7,158 Enquire Now
01/06/2024 30/06/2024 7 £7,158 Enquire Now
01/10/2024 31/10/2024 7 £7,177 Sold Out
01/11/2024 30/11/2024 7 £6,946 Sold Out
01/12/2024 31/12/2024 7 £6,946 Sold Out
01/01/2025 31/01/2025 7 £7,445 Sold Out
01/02/2025 28/02/2025 7 £7,445 Enquire Now
01/03/2025 31/03/2025 7 £7,445 Enquire Now
01/04/2025 30/04/2025 7 £7,445 Sold Out
01/05/2025 31/05/2025 7 £7,445 Enquire Now
01/06/2025 30/06/2025 7 £7,445 Enquire Now
01/10/2025 31/10/2025 7 £7,222 Sold Out
01/11/2025 30/11/2025 7 £7,222 Sold Out
01/12/2025 31/12/2025 7 £7,222 Sold Out

Price Notes

Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.

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Make an Enquiry

To speak to an expert or receive more information about when is the best time to travel? What can you expect from your holiday? Who are the tour guides? Will someone be there to meet me? Plus, many more questions. Either call our offices, e-mail us or fill in the form, and we will get back to you asap.
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16 Alston Road
Hellesdon Park
Norwich
Norfolk
NR6 5DS

Reviews

Trevor

Had a great time chasing the Bones, the guides are amazing at spotting these fish, sometimes they had to be under my feet for me to see them.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Trevor, ha ha yes they can be very hard to spot at times, but glad you managed to bag a few. Regards Mathew

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Dr Bloor

A long way to travel but thats the beauty of the fishing.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Yes you are correct its a long way to travel, however the travel is quite straight forward and as you have clearly stated well worth the effort. Look forward in assisting you with all your future travels Regards Phil

Fishing
Guides
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Staff & Service
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Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Bruce

The experience was more like staying at a friend’s house who just happens to have a professional staff at your service.

My 12 year old son says it was the best holiday ever !

We loved it and will recommend it to our friends and family.

We probably won’t be able to return next year but we will return for sure in the not to distant future.

Thanks for everything

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Bruce, all the staff said it was a pleasure having both you and your son.

Fishing
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Accommodation
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Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Thomas

Everything we expected and more.

Fishing was great and the guides were very helpful – finding fish and positioning the boat for the best possible cast.

Accommodations were very comfortable and the staff were professional and polite.

The food was fantastic and imaginative.

We will definitely be back in the spring for a longer trip and hopefully bring another couple with us.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Thank you for the review and kind words, we will all look forward in you returning soon.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Matt

Amenities and hospitality was top notch.

Guides are very well versed in their craft and knowledgeable about all things related to the island and surrounding area.

In total a wonderful holiday.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Matt, we agree such a wonderful destination to make such a wonderful holiday, see you again soon.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Michael

The experience left us wanting nothing while not being over the top, we are not the Ritz and Four Seasons types and Abaco Lodge was a comfortable, luxurious experience with great food and gret people while never making us feel uncomfortable or guilty of opulence. simple yet elegant we love it.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Wow such a nice review and comments.

Thank you for taking the time to complete a customers feedback, very much appreciated.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

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Canarreos Cuba

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Cayo Paredón Cuba

Cayo Paredón is the hottest, newest destination in the portfolio of our partners Fly Fishing the Run. Located in the province of Camaguey, the easternmost, most significant and flattest region in the centre of Cuba, it's a saltwater fly fishing paradise, home to all the 'Grand Slam' species.

Fanning Island & Christmas Island Combo Trip

This unique combo trip offers travelling anglers the opportunity to fish both the serene island atolls of Fanning Island and Christmas Island in one trip. It's a trip tailor-made for the serious saltwater fly angler, who yearns to visit some of the most remote places on earth to wet a fly in pursuit of their quarry.

Latest Reports

Abaco Lodge Fishing Report 13th July 2023

We are thrilled to announce a successful reopening here at Abaco Lodge. Our reopening season flew by, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests back in October, both new and old. The lodge has...
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