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2014 Saltwater Guide Sporting and Bespoke Travel Worldwide
Introduction by Managing Director, Tarquin Millington-Drake Welcome to our Saltwater Guide 2014 - why is Frontiers good value? Frontiers is a company with its roots in the world of saltwater fly fishing having evolved the concept of saltwater destination fishing and putting some now famous destinations such as Alphonse Island and Christmas Island on the destination map. The Saltwater Guide is the definitive guide to the world of saltwater, including our most popular destinations such as Alphonse and Desroches Islands in the Seychelles, Los Roques in Venezuela, and the Delphi Club and Abaco Lodge in the Bahamas. Costa Rica and Guatemala for the bluewater fishing are also very popular. We also have new destinations such as Mars Bay and Crooked Island in the Bahamas, the former a superb hardcore fishing destination, the latter perfect for the non-fisher too, both at great prices. This guide is produced with the aid of our specialist saltwater team in our US office. Although we feel we know our subject well, we cannot hope to match their specialist knowledge of what is a very broad subject, nor their consistent site-inspection trips to keep up to date with all these destinations. When contacting us, our first request will likely be to ask to speak to you. We believe that five or ten minutes on the phone, or even face to face, gives us the best possible start to giving you the most appropriate advice. So much more is gleaned from a five-minute chat than an email tennis match. We get to know you and details emerge simply by having a conversation that otherwise would not. When we make recommendations, prices will be as listed on the lodge's website or brochure in the currency of that lodge's choosing. There are no mark-ups or currency buffering. Our clients therefore receive our advice and experienced perspective at no extra cost followed by ongoing support from our administrative team. It does not stop there as we have 24-hour live support in place so when things do go wrong (flight delays etc), we are there to help put them right.
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The Seychelles, Desroches Island Desroches Island is an outstanding fishing destination combined with a five-star luxury resort and spa. This idyllic island is an excellent choice for avid fishermen travelling with non-fishing partners and families. There is the choice of wonderful private beach suites, as well as luxurious villas to cater to even the largest of parties. The unspoiled waters of Desroches, St Joseph’s and Poivre atolls are home to an incredible variety of fish species, with bonefish, permit, Giant trevally, sailfish, dogtooth and yellowfin tuna and many more. The diversity makes it a paradise for adventurous fly fishers. Poivre or St Joseph’s atolls offer stellar surroundings and healthy bonefish populations. They also have the largest concentration of Indo-Pacific permit in the Seychelles. There is some bonefishing on Desroches, but the best is on the outer island about an hour by fast boat depending on the weather. Guides are usually South African and are of a world-class standard. The surrounding blue water around Desroches, as well as Poivre and St Joseph's, is known for excellent offshore fly fishing, the majority of which is done within sight of the island of Desroches. It must be the shortest run out to bluewater fishing with lines able to go down within almost a minute of leaving the dock! There are good numbers of sailfish, yellowfin and dogtooth tuna, dorado, barracuda and wahoo, as well as multiple species of trevally. The non-angler will enjoy an impressive array of recreational activities including swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, bicycling and more. Desroches also features the luxury Escape spa. There is a central area with a beautiful beachside pool with bars and restaurants overlooking the pool and beach. If you’re looking for a destination with exotic appeal, great fishing, luxury accommodation and outstanding amenities, Desroches Island Resort is it. With daily flights to and from the island, Frontiers can customise a package based on your needs.
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The Seychelles, Alphonse Island... Perhaps the world's best saltwater fishery with a plentiful and extraordinary species mix encompassing flats and bluewater. Since the first fly line settled on the turquoise waters of the St Francois flats in the late 1990s, Alphonse Island on the St Francois Atoll has maintained its unsurpassed reputation as one of the premier flats destinations in the saltwater world. This is the world-class destination. Strict conservation rules have been in effect for nearly 10 years, ensuring a bright future for this amazing fishery. The hard sand coralline flats stretch over an expanse of four by seven miles, and along with the thriving reefs of St Francois, house an amazing assortment of game fish. Steady streams of aggressive bonefish pour onto the flats with the incoming tide, offering the realistic chance to catch 25 plus bonefish a day and many more. Despite plentiful bonefish, many anglers focus on opportunities to chase other challenging species, including the explosive and aggressive Giant trevally; the Giant’s smaller more colourful cousin the bluefin trevally; the powerful and quirky-looking triggerfish; and the always-challenging milkfish. More than 60 different species have been caught on a fly since Alphonse Island opened. Together, guide and fisherman tailor the day to meet personal fishing objectives. The reason for this is that each species, particularly the GTs, triggers and milkfish, require a planned approach with tackle properly prepared and anglers and guide agreeing to invest the time in success. Guides will tell you if conditions are not right for a particular species so that your time can be best used. Anglers will find the guides at Alphonse to be some of the most skilled, hospitable and accommodating they have ever fished beside. Alphonse Island now enjoys a very experienced team starting with the new ownership led by Keith Rose-Innes who was a head guide on Ponoi before going on to run other successful saltwater operations. He is supported by a guide team with years on the flats and a wellestablished house team. The food is excellent, taking full advantage of the bounty from the sea. Anglers and non-anglers will enjoy their own private paradise.
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...Bijoutier and St Francois No matter what your interest, Alphonse and St Francois are quite extraordinary places to fish, a marine park on steroids! During the 2012/2013 season an astonishing 14,000 gamefish were caught on fly through the season with new 'slams' set with various combinations of fish caught in one day, the most prestigious being a GT, permit, milkfish and triggerfish all in one day, the Golden Grand Slam. The milkfish fishing has been truly outstandng with some days every guest hooking or landing a milkfish. Alphonse truly is the only milkfish destination in the world today. The bluewater fishing has been re-opened with great success with sailfish aplenty and the new 'Bill and Bones' in a day target that guests are enjoying trying to achieve. There are also plenty of yellowfin and dogtooth tuna, various species of trevally and, following a moratorium on catching them for some years, the big barracuda are back! These are in addition to plentiful bottom fish as well, such as grouper and jobfish. Non-anglers are very welcome too. There is a total of 15 A-frame accommodations and four newly upgraded villas available alongside the dining and bar area and fishing centre. The outstanding guides and management team combine to make trips to Alphonse memorable. The fishing centre has tackle for hire but we recommend giving us prior notice. Rates for the 2013 to 2014 season are $7,600 per person based on single accommodation and shared boat for the seven-night / six-day fishing package. The non-fishing companion rate is $4,370 if sharing a chalet with a fishing partner. A bonus for Frontiers' clients only, is a special layover upgrade that provides our clients with meet-and-greet service and transfers to a comfortable day-room facility in the Eden Luxury Apartments, just a short drive from the airport. Here, weary travellers will have a chance to unwind after their trip back from Alphonse and to shower and relax in comfort before returning to the airport to check-in for their long flight home.
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The Seychelles, Farquhar Atoll The fishing at Farquhar has become synonymous with the term ‘fly-fishing paradise’ and has provided the opportunity to fish some of the finest and most productive flats the Indian Ocean has to offer. Farquhar Atoll is the most southerly atoll in the Seychelles chain of islands lying just over 435 miles to the south-west of the main island Mahe. The large ear-shaped lagoon provides easy access to the countless flats, channels and surf zones, which make Farquhar such a diverse fishery. The flats consist of hard, white sand, turtle grass and broken coral, which make for comfortable wading. Anglers can wade and sight fish to an impressive variety of species, which include bonefish, various trevally species including the ferocious trophy-sized Giant trevally, the finicky Indo-Pacific permit, triggerfish, barracuda, Bumphead parrotfish and milkfish. If stalking bonefish in skinny water, throwing crab flies at the colourful and charismatic tailing triggerfish or holding your nerve as a large GT charges in at your fly appeals, then Farquhar is the place! The deep water begins very close to shore and spending time tussling with some of the monsters which prowl the deep is very exciting and rewarding; the sailfishing is currently superb. Whether it’s on the flats or offshore, the guides will help you identify your desired target species and the areas which they frequent and explain the correct techniques with which to catch them. They will without question go the extra mile for your fish of a lifetime. Accommodation on Farquhar takes the form of a basic but comfortable guesthouse, which caters for eight to ten anglers at one time. Everyone is accommodated in the main lodge, which is fully air-conditioned.
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Mauritius, St Brandon's If wading and sight casting to double-digit bonefish, gloriously finicky Indo-Pacific permit and trevally species on white sand flats appeals to you...then look no further; St Brandon’s Atoll is the destination for you. St Brandon’s is a group of over 50 small islands, coral ridges and vast sand flats which is cut by three major passes and extends 30 miles from north to south. Situated 268 nautical miles north-east of Mauritius’s main island, this area is rich in fish stocks, flora and fauna. This magical atoll has quickly risen to iconic status and is simply world class! The Gryphon is a 96-foot motor yacht, which is based out of Port Louis and boasts a top speed of 13 knots, has stabilizers, a large indoor and outdoor living area, as well as a fully-rigged game fishing aft deck. She can accommodate up to eight fly fishermen, as well as a crew of four who cater for your every need, plus your superb guide team. This certainly will be the most spectacular bonefishing you will ever encounter. On most tides anglers can expect to see shoals of these shallow water speedsters as well as enormous singles and doubles. Over the past seasons bonefish of up to 34 inches (87 cm) fork length and weighing 15 lbs have been landed. St Brandon’s is also the most productive Indo-Pacific permit fishery any of us have witnessed. St Brandon’s isn’t a place where you are going to get shots at GTs every day, but it is certainly the place to break the 40 inch (100 cm) mark. The fish are all large and you catch more over 40 inches than under. All trips to St Brandon’s are led by a team of world-class professional fly-fishing guides. All guides are fluent in English.
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Venezuela, Los Roques - Sight Cast Superb wading on stunning pancake flats, excellent mixed species fishing including permit, some great autumn tarpon... ...Los Roques is no longer the well-kept secret it used to be. We cannot remember the last time we had a client return from Los Roques having had a poor fishing trip. Los Roques fishes year round - we cannot recommend it highly enough. Once you have fished it, it becomes the standard by which you will judge all other flats destinations. Sure, you will mix it up and try another bonefishing destination once in a while, but the sirens of Los Roques eventually summon you back. The predominance of wading on both pancake flats and along the beaches with baitfish patterns, the good average-size fish, the number and quality of species at certain times of year, the quaint fishing village, and the posadas meticulously operated by their owners, ensure that Los Roques has earned a top spot in our bonefishing destinations. The guides all have different personalities to suit our varied clientele. Some are serious, others humorous, some talkative, others quiet, but each one has great eyes and casting abilities. Sight Cast owner Chris Yrazabal has been fishing these flats and running an outfitting business since 1993. He accommodates anglers in the Posada Acuarela, an inviting inn with 12 spacious rooms featuring en-suite bathrooms, safes, air-conditioning and ceiling fans. The various common and living areas are decorated with artist-posada owner Angelo Belvedere’s artwork, and exude an informal elegance. After a satisfying day on the flats, guests can relax and enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop terrace, where the aromas of homemade bread will eventually lure them back to the Solarium for conversations with other guests and to enjoy a delicious, four-course dinner. Mimo, the manager and chef, quickly makes everyone feel at home by serving memorable meals that put the final touches on a great fishing day. Sight Cast offers flexible arrival / departure days. A seven-night / six-day fishing package is $4,250 per person based on double occupancy and shared boat and guide.
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Los Roques - Mediterraneo Owned by Elena Battani since December 1993, the charming Posada Mediterraneo is located on el Gran Roque just a few feet from the ocean and fishes the same superb flats as Sight Cast. Oswald Valerio, a long-tenured guide for Pez Raton, is now managing the fishing programme on-site at Mediterraneo and also acts as head guide. Repeating clients will remember Oswald’s quick smile, affable demeanour and osprey-like tendencies on the flats. For all of the aforementioned reasons, Oswald ranks as one of the all-time best guides with whom Frontiers' staff have fished. The airy feel of the Posada Mediterraneo beckons one to come and enjoy its simple and relaxed elegance. The Mediterraneo caters to an intimate-size group with only five standard rooms and one suite, all with private safe, plasma TV with cable, hairdryer, and en-suite bathroom with shower. Guests relish the air-conditioning in each room after a day in the Caribbean sun and their hot water shower. The lodge has Wi-Fi as well as a computer in the lobby for guests' use each day. Anglers are thrilled with the complete package - a lodge with an allure of its own, delicious meals, superb guides and productive flats teeming with big bonefish all add up to an appealing experience sure to captivate your heart! This delightful operation has a simple and relaxed ambience that features rooftop terrace dining and à la carte dinners. Posada Mediterraneo offers flexible arrival / departure days. A sevennight / six-day fishing package is $3,995 per person based on double occupancy and shared boat and guide.
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The Bahamas The island chain of the Bahamas covers 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean. They extend over some of the clearest water in the world. The 700 islands and uninhabited cays that make up this archipelago total an estimated land area of 5,382 square miles with something to suit everyone from relaxed fishing lodges to five-star luxury and comfort. The Bahamas caters for all, from the dedicated fisher to the whole family. Some lodges offer truly world-class bonefishing, others offer a mixture of good fishing with a range of the more traditional beach holiday activities. It is vital to select the right destination and our first-hand knowledge and impartial advice is paramount to making the correct decision. The Bahamas is a destination synonymous with some of the best saltwater fishing in the world and has a reputation for producing bonefish of record size. There is a tremendous variety of fishing, both stalking in knee-deep flats and poling through deeper waters. The Bahamas provide both beginners and experts alike the opportunity to enjoy the vigorous strike of a bonefish time and time again. Another advantage of fishing in the Bahamas is that the guides speak English, a head start both for those new to and a bonus for those experienced at fly fishing in saltwater. Bonefish are tricky to spot and easily spooked and a guide who can communicate his expertise fluently and quickly is a huge asset. Although bonefish are the main quarry, fly fishermen will also find tarpon in some areas and permit on the flats. With a wide choice of lodges, hotels and beach resorts, some suitable for families, some the haven for the fanatical travelling rod and others providing pampered escapism, the Bahamas, easy to get to and with excellent bonefishing, offers fishers and their families an enormity of choice. The closest islands of this archipelago are only 50 miles from the east coast of Florida.
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Abaco Island - The Delphi Club Entering its fifth full season, the Delphi Club is one of the world’s best-appointed and well-run bonefish lodges. The Delphi Club is located on Rolling Harbour, Abaco Island. Overlooking a stunning Atlantic coastline and sandy beach, the Club is styled after an 18th-century colonial plantation house and features eight ocean view bedrooms, large wrap-around verandas and an infinity pool. Additional property highlights include the impressive wine cellar, fine antiques and the Great Room with its enormous dining table (which can seat more than twenty people), a discreet honesty bar and stunning ocean views. The Club’s fine amenities are on par with the incredible fishing of the nearby Marls flats, which are known as one of the Bahamas most expansive and fertile flats regions. The west side of Abaco Island encompasses nearly 200 square miles of amazing bonefish habitat, and the Delphi Club anglers have immediate access to all of it. Bones in the Marls average 2 to 3 lbs and are often found tailing in ultra skinny water. Trophy-sized bonefish are also targeted on the east or the oceanside flats around Cherokee Sound to the south. Here, casting to a doubledigit bonefish in skinny water is a distinct possibility; hooking and landing one of these wily fish should be considered an impressive feat. Non-fishers will feel equally at home as the fishers. There are private scuba lessons in the pool, guided dives and snorkelling tours in the coral reefs and golf at Treasure Cay. The less active traveller could take a boat trip to the charming Outer Islands with their picturesque colonial villages, indulge in a poolside massage and beauty treatment, shop for local crafts in Marsh Harbour or take a guided nature trip that explores the flora and fauna of the Abacos. Ultimately, the Delphi Club is aimed at people who simply want a beautiful place to holiday with sun, sand, good food, great fishing and a relaxed pace. A five-night / four-day flats fishing package is $3,695 per person based on double occupancy and shared guide from 10th October 2013 to early July 2014.
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Andros Island - Kamalame Cay Kamalame Cay is a 96-acre private island a stone’s throw away from the bonefish mecca of north-east Andros Island. Andros is home to world-class bonefishing, and Kamalame is fortunate to offer exceptional sight fishing from its doorstep. Fish averaging a solid 3 to 4lbs frequent the local flats and trophy double digit 'ocean bones' can be encountered fishing the channels and edges. Coming across one will provide a thrill for any flats angler. Here, anglers will experience the abundant and productive local waters of Staniard Creek as well as the nearby creeks and flats stretching north to Mastic Point. To spot a big bone in the distance, prepare your line, blind cast in preparation for the right moment for presentation, successfully lay the line down without spooking the monster, wait just those few seconds for the right moment to strip so the on-coming fish sees your fly and reacts, to then handle the reaction and time your strip-strike to perfection to tighten into the big bone is one of the great moments in fly fishing. Kamalame is attractive to those seeking solitude, relaxation, superior accommodation, gourmet cuisine, sea and sand, regardless of whether or not they fish. Described as a 'barefoot chic' Caribbean retreat, the Cay features 19 luxurious seaside rooms and suites in a range of charming cottages, bungalows, peak-roof Balinese beach houses and classic plantation-style villas. Kamalame can easily accommodate solo anglers, couples or families. Non-fishers will find plenty of activities. Guided or unguided kayak tours allow paddlers quiet entry into a variety of fish and wildlife habitats. A tennis court overlooking the ocean will keep any guest’s game in tune. The Overwater spa at Kamalame Cay is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The view of the Atlantic and its magnificent shades of blues and greens just adds to the superb holiday experience. A five-night / four-day flats fishing package starts at $3,365 per person based on shared guide and double occupancy in Beach Suite accommodations.
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Grand Bahama - Deep Water Cay Club At Deep Water Cay Club, anglers will find more than 250 square miles of flats to fish by wading or from a poled skiff. The wadeable flats are hard-packed white sand, and the bones are easy to spot. Boat fishing is done around the softer bottoms covered in turtle grass. Bones here are plentiful and often large, with enough other species (permit, barracuda) to warrant carrying a second rod. Anglers can expect to see schools of fish numbering in the hundreds, but it’s the singles and doubles that provide the draw. These 'onesies' and 'twosies' often eclipse the 10-lb mark. A staff of veteran guides rounds out the exceptional fishing programme. A new fleet of top-of-the-line Hell's Bay Marquesa and Professional Model Skiffs ensure comfort on the flats. These boats are designed to float in the skinniest of water and afford a dry ride and stability while casting. Everyone will appreciate the leaning bars and quiet fourstroke, environmentally friendly 70- and 90-hp Yamaha outboard engines. For the offshore enthusiast, the Club has added two new World Cats to its fleet. A new A.J.’s Tiki Bar, complete with shady palms and fire pit, welcomes anglers off the water at day's end. Other notable new amenities include the floating dock, kayak rack, swimming beach, scuba pro shop, fly shop and designated office reservations and activity centre. Accommodation is comfortably relaxed. Individuals and fishing partners typically prefer the cabanas. These one-bedroom units have a private bathroom, two full-size beds and a front porch that overlooks an inviting bonefish flat. Each comes with a fridge, coffee maker, walk-in cupboard and air conditioning. Private homes are also available and feature full kitchens, sitting and living rooms, dining areas and wrap-around verandas. A variety of cottages will meet any group’s particular needs. A five-night / four-day flats fishing package starts at $4,250 per person based on a shared room and guide and includes room taxes and staff gratuities.
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Andros Island - Bair's Lodge Bair's Lodge sits on the south-east side of famed Andros Island, noted for its world-class bonefishing. Much of that reputation originates from the prolific creeks and flats systems of the south of the island. Bair’s Lodge is only a five-minute boat ride from two of Andros’s best creeks where some of the Bahamas biggest bonefish have been caught. Longer boat rides will afford anglers access to the superb wadeable flats of South Andros and the remote bonefish wilderness of the west side. This has the reputation for some of the planet’s biggest bonefish, and the lodge’s professional guides are well qualified to put anglers within a double haul cast of them. Here, bones average 3 to 5 lbs, and shots at trophy-size fish of 10 lbs or more are not at all uncommon. The lodge is an attractive plantation-style building beside the ocean and surrounded by an alluring beach. It can accommodate up to 12 anglers in six double occupancy rooms. Each of these rooms has an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, ceiling fans, comfortable chair and storage space for fishing gear. There are also rod racks and fresh water hoses to wash down angling equipment after a day on the water. Superb Argentinean-accented cuisine includes fresh fish, conch, lobster and daily baked breads and pastries. There is always a good supply of fresh drinking water from the lodge’s reverse osmosis filter system. After a productive day of fishing, anglers can wind down in a hammock or enjoy some friendly camaraderie and a cool drink at the waterside fire pit. A five-night / four-day flats fishing package based on double occupancy and shared guide is $3,825 per person from 1st October 2013 to 15th March 2014 and $3,995 per person from 15th March to 30th June 2014. Bar drinks are included in the rate.
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Abaco Island - Abaco Lodge Abaco Lodge opened in 2009 and became a favourite of many bonefishermen. Located on the Marls, one of the most prolific flats systems, Abaco Lodge has direct access to this exceptional fishery. For more than 20 miles along the western side of Abaco Island, the average water depth is four feet. This depth, along with hundreds of cays, channels and flats, provides the perfect habitat for bonefish. Abaco Lodge is prepared to handle both first-time bonefishermen and savvy veterans. Reports from the first few seasons show many anglers catching their first bonefish and numerous others breaking their records for number of fish caught. For anglers after double-digit sized bones, the short ride to the east side flats is worth a shot. Cherokee Sound, the Bight of Robinson and Snake Cay are all challenging but rewarding areas. The knowledgeable English-speaking guides have grown up on these waters, so anglers are sure to have productive, enjoyable days. Abaco Lodge sits by the waterside. It can accommodate up to 10 fishermen, the single occupancy air-conditioned rooms with private baths and shared decks continue to be one of the lodge’s main attractions. Argentinean-accented gourmet meals feature fresh local fish, seafood and beef. Enjoy freshly baked breads each day. The lodge also has safe drinking water thanks to its reverse osmosis filter system. A five-night / four-day flats fishing package based on single occupancy and shared guide is $3,825 per person from October 2013 to 15th March 2014, and $4,225 per person from 15th March to 30th June 2014.
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Grand Bahama - North Riding North Riding Point Club is a six acre private property, set on a white sand beach on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, which features some of the most productive fishing grounds in all of the Bahamas. Lying 56 miles east of Florida, Grand Bahama is the closest major island to the United States, and several daily commercial flights to Freeport, the country’s second largest city, enable anglers to maximize their fishing time. Soon after a 30-minute journey from Freeport, you will be ready to cast to trophy-sized bones (the Club record is a16 lb titan). Most of the fishing takes place on the north shore flats system, but the south side has good fishing as well and is utilized when weather dictates. The Grand Bahama flats are known for their abundance of 4 to 6 lb bones; double-digit size trophies are encountered on many trips. A new fleet of Hell's Bay Skiffs are now in place. Whether being poled by a guide or wading a flat, fishing at North Riding Point Club is as good as it gets. The Club's local guides are all licensed professionals. The Club has four air-conditioned, ocean-view cottages. The rooms are spacious and have two queen-size beds, private bathroom with separate bath and shower, and large screened patios that face the beach. Other amenities include a freshwater swimming pool, Wi-Fi and telephones in the guest rooms. A dedicated staff ensures all rooms are fresh and clean at the end of each day, and the award-winning chef provides memorable cuisine. NRP is also a good non-fisher location. A five-night / four-day flats fishing package based on double occupancy and shared guide is $4,200 pp. Season, October 2013 to July 2014.
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Andros - Mangrove Cay Club When anglers think of the Bahamas and bonefish, they think of Andros Island. When they think of the Bahamas’ best bonefishing lodges, the Mangrove Cay Club often leads the discussion. The Club has immediate access to the bountiful fisheries of the north and middle Andros bights and the productive west side of Andros. No other Bahamas lodge can boast these attributes. These fisheries have a well-deserved reputation for bonefish averaging 3 to 4 lbs and even huge bones well over the magic 10-lb mark. Known for its professional and veteran staff of native guides, spacious and well-appointed duplex cottages, and cuisine and service that is second to none, there is good reason Mangrove sees a wealth of repeat clients. The four duplex cottages are located on the water and feature airconditioning and ceiling fans, sound-proof walls, separate sitting rooms, and oversized bathrooms. Hosting a maximum of 16 anglers ensures high-quality service and personalised attention. Chef Iyke Moore’s superb culinary skills mean guests enjoy a diverse menu featuring freshly caught local seafood, fresh vegetables, beef, chicken and puddings. Chef Iyke’s cracked conch simply cannot be missed. New and updated amenities for the 2013-14 season include a new flat screen television and iPod-compatible sound system in the bar area, daily 6 a.m. tea and coffee room service and a well-stocked fly shop complete with new products and women’s apparel. A five-night / four-day flats fishing package based on double occupancy and shared guide is $3,850 per person.
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Grand Bahama - H2O Bonefishing Since 2003, H2O Bonefishing has consistently proven itself to be one of the Bahamas’ best bonefishing programmes. Located on Grand Bahama island in Freeport’s Lucaya District, H2O boasts bonefish averaging 3 to 4 lbs, broad-shouldered bones 5 to 8 lbs as fairly common and trophy-sized fish exceeding 10 lbs always possible with a 14.5 pounder as the Club's record. The flats on the north side of Grand Bahama island are expansive, fertile and teem with bonefish. H2O’s veteran staff of savvy native Bahamian guides are on the water 12 months a year, and will get you on singles, pairs and schools of aggressive bonefish. Anglers also occasionally encounter permit which, for those willing to put in the time, can be the highlight of any trip with April to November being peak time. Juvenile and adult tarpon show up in the warmer summer months with other species including mutton snapper, triggerfish, horse eye jacks, barracuda and a variety of sharks. Lodge guests stay at the Pelican Bay Hotel, a charming and intimate colonial-style facility that sits adjacent to the Lucaya Marketplace. Pelican Bay has been awarded the prestigious 'Small Treasures of the Bahamas' designation by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and was named one of Expedia.com’s “best hotels in the world for quality and value”. Guests have the option of selecting either a standard Waterside Room or a larger suite. H2O is one of Frontiers’ preferred destinations for non-fishers travelling with anglers. In addition to ocean beach access and three swimming pools, guests can also spend their time at any of the 55 shops in Marketplace, dine at one of 30 restaurants, play golf and tennis, scuba dive, snorkel, swim with the dolphins or try their luck at a casino. H20 is ideally suited for the experienced angler seeking a multitude of species on the fly and a distinct possibility of a trophy fish. A minimum of two fishing days is required, but there are no set arrival or departure days. A five-night / four-day flats fishing package based on a shared room and guide starts at $2,675 per person.
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Crooked Island Lodge An excellent value destination for the bonefisher and non-fisher alike with some of the Bahamas most reliable weather; Crooked Island Lodge is situated at the northern-most tip of Crooked Island and overlooks... ... the pristine waters of Crooked Island Passage. It is considered one of the Bahamas' most scenic and southerly islands, and is truly a remote fly-fisher's paradise, with countless firm wadeable flats, an amazing reef and an offshore fishery right at its doorstep. Bonefish are plentiful and average from 2 - 3 lbs, while double digit trophies are caught here each season. Permit are also gaining more and more attention, as are seasonal shots at baby and adult tarpon. Mutton snapper, trophy wahoo, blue marlin and an assortment of jacks, grouper, sharks and barracuda will keep the reef/offshore fisher anxious for the next hook up. The lodge has 12 air-conditioned guest rooms steps away from the white sand beaches, a private 3,500 foot runway ideal for charters and a restaurant where fresh, locally caught grouper, snapper, tuna, mahi mahi, lobster and conch are prepared. The island is surrounded by beautiful turquoise flats, pristine coral reefs and small cays. You can snorkel right in front of your room while certified divers will find spectacular wall diving a few hundred yards off the beach. Bahamas Air provides commercial flights from Nassau, Bahamas on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Private charters can also be arranged. A seven-night / six-day fishing package based on double occupancy with shared guide is $2,450 per person.
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Andros - Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge is a small, no-frills outfit situated in a prime location on the south-eastern side of Andros Island. The lodge itself is positioned on a superb flat, and given the right tide anglers can have the opportunity to fish from sunrise to sunset. The lodge accommodates eight anglers, making it the perfect size for intact groups looking for privacy at an affordable rate. It is no secret that some of the largest populations and biggest bonefish swim the flats of South Andros. You will be fishing areas like Beach Cay, Grassy Creek, Hawks Nest, Cistern Point, the Curly Cuts, Jackfish and Water Cays to name a few. Andros has bragging rights as the bonefishing capital of the world. Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge provides the nearest access for those wanting to fish the southern tip of South Andros. Guests can expect to encounter everything from large schools of 2 - 4 lbs tailing bones, all the way up to the big loners exceeding that magical 10 lbs mark. Almost all of the fishing is done near the southern tip of the island. Jackfish Cay and the Curly Cuts Cays are some of the best and most expansive wade fishing flats in the bonefish world, and Mars Bay has access to them. Managed onsite by American Bill Howard, the accommodation is clean and modern, the meals are nothing short of spectacular, the guides are hard-working and excel at their jobs and the beer is always ice cold. There is nothing pretentious about Mars Bay. What guests will find is a friendly, courteous wait and guide staff at the lodge with excellent access to one of the Bahamas' finest bonefish resources. You will be on the water early and back safely in time for dinner. At the end of the day, if you still want to fish or practise you are welcome to the flats in front of the villa and to fish until dark. Guests catch bones there on a regular basis. Mars Bay fits the bill for which many Frontiers' clients have been asking. Don't wait to book as repeat clients make space hard to find. A five-night / four-day flats fishing package based on double occupancy and a shared guide is $2,450 per person.
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Belize Any well-travelled angler who has not been to Belize needs to consider it for 2014. South of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and bordered by Guatemala to the west and south, Belize has a friendly English-speaking population of 250,000. The climate is sub-tropical with temperatures that average 80 degrees (27 °C) year round. The dry season runs from November to May, and the period from June to October is called the 'rainy season' due, in part, to frequent late afternoon and evening showers. The coastal waters here are protected by the second largest barrier reef in the world, affording fabulous saltwater fishing opportunities for anglers who are after the flats glamour group of bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook. Anglers will also find a host of reef and offshore fish species such as cubera snapper, grouper, ladyfish, shark, barracuda and jacks. Exotic wildlife, ancient Mayan ruins, numerous and mysterious caves and caverns, rainforests, rivers and unique flora and fauna all call Belize home. Travellers can fish, dive, explore or just unwind on one of the many pristine beaches along the coastline. Frontiers can coordinate inland expeditions with fishing or diving itineraries. Chan Chich Lodge, Lamanai Outpost Lodge, Blancaneaux Lodge or the Lodge at Chaa Creek are a few of the many wonderful mainland properties we recommend. Belcampo Lodge sits majestically atop Big Hill Mountain, near Belize’s most southerly settlement, Punta Gorda. The lodge’s 12 luxurious, airconditioned, stilted cabanas overlook a lush jungle, providing eye-level views of parrots, howler monkeys, toucans and an abundance of other wildlife. Belcampo is also the perfect getaway for anglers who understand what the moniker 'Permit Alley' means, and for those seeking an ecoadventure without sacrificing comfort or elegance. Walking trails, Mayan ruins, birdwatching and a multitude of other activities are available.
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Belize River Lodge Belize River Lodge is a tried and proven world-class fishing property that has been in operation since 1960. The main lodge sits nestled in the jungle canopy along the banks of the Old Belize River. A favourite among Frontiers' clients, the comfortable accommodations and exceptional traditional Belizean food welcome fishermen back year after year. Species preference dictates fishing location. Short runs to nearby jungle rivers, creeks and lagoons are good for snook and baby tarpon. Slightly longer runs to the outside flats and cays give anglers shots at bonefish, permit and big tarpon. Tarpon are truly the kings here, as Belize River Lodge has both a year round fishery for juvenile fish and a summer and autumn fishery for their large migratory counterparts. For non-fishing companions, Mayan ruin tours, visits to the Belize Zoo and many other guided excursions including zip lining, cave tubing, diving and snorkelling can be arranged. Belize River Lodge’s Long Caye Island Resort – A private island experience Long Caye is one of the best fishing areas in all of Belize. Located just 40 minutes by boat from the main lodge, this nicely outfitted outpost lodge is a waterfront island gem. It has spectacular views of the sparkling blue-green Caribbean Sea, and it provides a private island experience matched by few others. Long Caye is less than a 10-minute boat ride from St George’s Caye and 20 minutes from Caye Caulker, all excellent fishing grounds. At Long Caye, a grand slam waits just around the point. The Caye can accommodate up to six guests in air-conditioned comfort. Guests who opt to stay at Long Caye can even enjoy a little wading for bonefish right outside. Anglers can maximise their adventures by planning a combination trip to both properties. A seven-night / six-day fishing package based on double occupancy with shared guide is $3,668 per person at Long Caye. Single supplement and non-fishing rates are also available as well as shorter or longer packages.
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El Pescador, Ambergris Cay The family-oriented El Pescador Resort is situated on a beautiful beach and is a perfect choice for those seeking a fishing lodge with comfortable accommodation. In addition, there are a multitude of activities for non-fishing group members, including scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, cave tubing, zip lining, tours of the Mayan ruins and many other attractions on Ambergris Cay and the Belize mainland. Guests can enjoy airconditioned lodge rooms or upgrade to one of the lovely, private beachfront villas. The resort offers a relaxed atmosphere and a warm, friendly and attentive staff. El Pescador has made some improvements over the last two years. They have expanded the pool deck and have new outdoor furniture throughout. They also do Bonefish Island overnight camping. Anglers staying at El Pescador enjoy fishing from the bow of stable and comfortable pangas with experienced English-speaking guides at the helm. With 400 square miles of flats and reefs surrounding Ambergris Cay, there is no shortage of resources for pursuing your favourite quarry; plenty of resident bonefish, permit and baby tarpon are available on a year-round basis, along with a variety of other species on the reef and in the bluewater beyond. Anglers after large migratory tarpon should plan to visit between June and September. A seven-night / six-day fishing package is $3,755 per person based on double occupancy and shared guide. Shorter and longer packages as well as non-fishing and diving packages are also available.
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Turneffe Flats Lodge Turneffe Flats Lodge has long been recognized as one of Belize’s premier saltwater fishing, scuba diving and marine eco-tourism destinations. Located 25 miles east of the Belize coastline, the Turneffe Atoll is the largest in the area. TFL offers fishermen and divers a variety of experiences to choose from, including miles of pristine white sand flats where anglers can wade for tailing bones and favourite dive sites like Blue Hole, Half Moon Cay and others. Guests enjoy air-conditioned beach cabanas and three-bedroom villas. The beachfront infinity pool has been a wonderful addition to the lodge. Delicious family-style meals include a mixture of Belizean and international dishes. Most guests focus on fishing, with bonefish, permit and tarpon available year round. Anglers can fish from comfortable Dolphin skiffs or hop out and wade on miles of sand and turtle grass-covered flats inside the reef. The Turneffe Atoll is one of the best places in the Caribbean for a legitimate shot at a grand slam: bonefish, tarpon and permit in one day. Belize’s atolls rank among the world’s top dive locations. Turneffe Flats can easily access more than 60 dive sites and is only an hour’s boat ride to Blue Hole. A diving package can be arranged. A seven-night / six-day fishing package based on double occupancy and shared guide is $4,237 per person during the high season and $3,703 per person during the low season.
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Christmas Island Truly, bonefishing at its best on brilliant turquoise flats. There is no off-season in this part of the world. Christmas Island’s location on the equator gives fly fishermen a 365-day window for trip planning. The air temperature is consistently in the 80s, while the water temperature in the lagoons varies between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (20-27 °C). This destination is a must for every bonefish and trevally angler. Seemingly a world away, but it is only 1,200 miles due south of Hawaii, a beautiful coral atoll gem. Few flats destinations offer more opportunities to cast to bonefish or a more accommodating climate. Anglers will enjoy six days of wade fishing bliss on the seemingly endless flats and channels of one of the world’s largest lagoon systems. Christmas Island's huge numbers of bonefish average 2 to 3 lbs, with opportunities at specimens in the 5 to 10-lb class. Trevally (Giant, golden and blue fin) are all present in good numbers. Milkfish, queenfish, barracuda, parrotfish and triggerfish also swim on the flats. Second to bonefish, Giant trevally is the target of choice. These leviathans can top 100 lbs, a thrilling and formidable challenge for any angler and a true test of the tackle and the attitude brought to the game. Offshore fishing is also available for those in search of wahoo and yellowfin tuna. The Captain Cook Hotel’s thatched-roof beach bungalows are basic but clean, spacious and comfortable. The hotel staff is warm, friendly and polite. Many anglers return year after year, making long-time friends with their guides and the staff. This is the place that started it all back in the 70s, and it has not changed that much over time. Fiji Airways reliably flies the Honolulu / Christmas Island route via a comfortable and wellserviced, three-hour Boeing 737 flight every Tuesday. A seven-night / six-day fishing package is $2,350 per person based on double occupancy and shared guide. Round trip airfare from Honolulu is currently $1,000 but can vary.
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Mexico Mexico is a wonderfully diverse country that has it all from beaches to history and great fishing! It is the ideal place to discover beach resorts, colonial cities, archaeological sites, and countless natural settings. However it is also an ideal place for those that want to go and catch fish. Indeed Mexico is a fisherman’s paradise with coastlines that front both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, so offering up a plethora of species from marlin to bonefish. For many of our clients at the very heart of this saltwater fishing destination is the Yucatan Peninsula and Ascension Bay. Here you will find a collection of lodges that offer very different experiences but all with the underlying foundation of great saltwater fly fishing. Furthermore several of the lodges are to be found in one of the world’s largest protected wild areas, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This pristine reserve covers over 1.3 million acres and has been designated by the United Nations as a World Heritage Site. Your quarry is primarily bonefish but far from exclusively. Tarpon, both resident and migratory, are available, as well as snook, and the fickle permit can be found in certain areas in abundance. This all makes Mexico one of the few places where a grand slam or a super grand slam is a real possibility. Other species for the fly fisherman include barracuda, jack crevalle and cubera snapper. Mexico is not just the preserve of the fisherman though, and many lodges welcome non-fishers as well, making it an ideal destination for couples and families.
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Grand Slam Fishing Lodge Fishermen, especially those travelling with a non-fishing companion, will enjoy this small-scale boutique resort. It offers many of the luxuries they would expect to find at larger resorts along Mexico’s Riviera. Unlike those large resorts, Grand Slam Fishing Lodge is located near the tiny fishing village of Punta Allen on the northern shores of Ascension Bay, far from the glitz of Cancun. The lodge has access to Ascension Bay to the south and the vast lagoon system running north to Boca Paila. All waters fall under the protection of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – Mexico’s crown jewel of conservation. This vast and well-protected resource features an extensive shallow flats system, with depths varying from ultra skinny water suited to tailing bonefish to deeper water favoured by the larger tarpon that frequent the area between May and July. Permit, bonefish, tarpon, snook, barracuda, jack crevalle and more can be found in good numbers throughout the year. Your accommodations are upscale two-storey beachfront villas that feature either first or second floor suites. They have either king or queen-size beds, ocean-view jacuzzis, airconditioning, ensuite bathrooms with showers and satellite TV. The lodge hosts a maximum of 24 guests in 12 private villa rooms. The lodge’s beachfront restaurant offers guests the option of dining al fresco or in the airconditioned dining room, and features menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Being located near to a fishing village, seafood is obviously the lodge’s speciality, but other options are always available. For the non-angler numerous activities can be arranged including kayak tours, diving, kite surfing, bird watching and various eco and Mayan ruin tours or just relax on one of the king-size Bali beds while enjoying chilled drinks delivered by beach butlers. The cost for a seven-night / six-day package, double occupancy, shared guide varies during the season. The rate during the February to June high season is $3,655 per person.
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Casa Blanca & Playa Blanca Casa Blanca & Playa Blanca are situated on Punta Pajaros, a secluded island on the southern shores of Ascension Bay. Both lodges are accessed from Cancun via private Cessna charter and are situated right in the middle of some of the best fishing in the Yucatan. The waters of Ascension Bay, Espiritu Santo Bay and the Santa Rosa Lagoons are all close by. The big four of the saltwater flats species – bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook – are available in good numbers throughout most of the year. Casa Blanca sits on the northern tip of the island, with access to the famed waters of Ascension Bay and the Santa Rosa Lagoon. All the comforts of home await: spacious, comfortable rooms, air-conditioning and large ensuite bathrooms. The mahogany shutters open to spectacular views of the Caribbean. The main lodge and sitting area, complete with outdoor sofas and a thatched roof palapa, are the perfect places to have a meal, relax and share fishing stories over a drink from the fullystocked bar. Wi-Fi makes it easy for those that need to stay in touch. On the southern tip of the island, just a 30-minute drive from Casa Blanca, lies Playa Blanca. Originally built as an adventure resort, these days Playa is almost exclusively booked by anglers. But, it still features all the non-fishing activities that make it an ideal destination for families or the non-angling partner. The guides fish the waters of the Santa Rosa Lagoon system and Espiritu Santo Bay. Bonefish are the most abundant species with permit, snook and tarpon in good numbers as well. The lodge villas accommodate up to 14 anglers in seven guest rooms. The spacious rooms feature large baths, queen beds, ceiling fans and sitting areas with sofas. The villas close to the beach rely on the ocean breezes for comfort, while the villas behind them are air-conditioned. Fresh local seafood caught from nearby Palancar reef is featured on the menu at both lodges, skillfully prepared using native fruits and vegetables. The rate for a seven-night / six-day fishing package based on double occupancy and shared guide is $4,404 per person during the high season and $3,993 during the low season.
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Holbox Fly Fishing Lodge Situated off the north-eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox has managed to avoid the luxury resort atmosphere that has become all too common around Cancun. Remaining uncommercialized, travellers will not find any fancy shops, overpriced restaurants or wild nightclubs here. The people of Holbox are known for their casual, laid-back lifestyle; it is a place where time slows down and the stresses of life fade into the background. Holbox Fly Fishing Lodge offers world-class tarpon fishing in waters a mere 20 minutes away, where large schools of migratory tarpon feed on abundant schools of sardines. From the beginning of May, big tarpon fishing lasts through the summer and into September. Should the weather not cooperate for offshore fishing, baby tarpon and snook can be found in good numbers in the island’s large lagoon.The lodge is actually a five-bedroom villa located a few steps from the water’s edge on a fantastic swimming beach. Taking a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean is always an option. The villa has a contemporary Mexican flair and accommodates up to 10 guests. All rooms are air-conditioned and have ceramic tile floors and large en-suite bathrooms. A second storey veranda overlooks the beach and offers a perfect setting to relax and enjoy a cerveza after a great day of fishing. The sunsets witnessed from the veranda are second to none. Besides specializing in local seafood, the town’s restaurants have a strong Italian and Argentine influence – a great combination. A seven-night / six-day fishing package based on double occupancy and shared guide is $3,295 per person. Shorter stays are also available.
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Campeche Tarpon Bay Fly fishing for baby tarpon is what brings most of Frontiers’ clients to Campeche. Host Miguel Encalada and his team of guides have access to the biosphere reserve known as the Area of Petenes, an ecologically diverse mix of grass-covered flats, swamps, mangroves and jungle that serves as a haven for baby tarpon and snook. This area, besides having quietly earned a reputation as an outstanding baby tarpon fishery, also has good fishing for snook, jacks, snapper, barracuda and sharks. Hewes and Mako skiffs make up the Tarpon Bay fleet and provide a comfortable platform for your fishing day. These boats allow you to access the more shallow flats where a traditional panga would bottom out. Schools of tarpon in the 5-15 lb range will be found rolling on the surface of the flats and mangrove-lined creeks, and the occasional snook will also make an appearance. These fish are largely undisturbed and will respond to most well-presented flies. Located on the western shore of the Yucatan Peninsula, Campeche is a charming colonial city with a rich Mayan history. Its historic downtown is an excellent example of a 17th-century walled city, built to ward off pirate attacks. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1999, there are a large number of historic landmarks. Non-fishers should visit the two forts situated on either side of the city, as they offer not only a look into the city’s history, but stunning views and fantastic sunsets. Campeche is a 90-minute drive south of Merida, a city easily accessed via Houston, Dallas or Miami. Accommodations are at the Plaza Campeche Hotel in the heart of the historic district. In addition to historic landmarks, travellers have easy access to excellent restaurants, coffee shops, museums and the cathedral, all within a short walk of each other. Rates for the 2013 / 2014 season are $2,075 per person based on double occupancy and shared boat for the five-night / four-day fishing package.
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Bluewater Fishing and Coastal Tarpon Bluewater fishing continues to attract fishermen who want a run in with something big! In the past this has meant catching fish on conventional tackle, trolling the oceans for hours, relying on the knowledge and skill of the boat captain and his crew before having a battle with something that is reluctant to be subdued. There is nothing more heart-stopping than a sailfish at the teasers or the jump of a tarpon. However, with ever-increasing improvements in tackle design and manufacture, over the last twenty years the once Hemingway-esque sport of bluewater fishing has become more dynamic and exciting as it has opened up to the fly-fishing enthusiast. More than ever people are travelling to pursue marlin, sailfish and other pelagic species with a fly rod in hand. Seeking the thrill of teasing up billfish to the surface and then with a frantic cast placing the fly to the side of the fish so that it can turn and take; waiting for that explosive run as the express trains of the ocean tear off hundreds of yards of backing in a single effortless run. For the truly dedicated, Costa Rica and Guatemala offer a seemingly endless number of sailfish; for those that want to catch marlin, Panama and Guatemala are perhaps the destinations of choice. Your fishing, though, is not just limited to the offshore waters; there is also some wonderful inshore fishing to be had, casting flies across reefs enticing species such as roosterfish and trevally to take. For the fisherman, trophy tarpon and snook are the targeted species on the eastern coastal shores and rivers. Large numbers of fish can be found either in the river systems or at the river mouths cruising the edge of the open ocean and waiting to inhale your offerings. The lagoons, rivers and small jungle creeks afford fly fishermen and light-tackle enthusiasts opportunities for giant guapote, crafty 20 lb snook or trophy machaca and exotically-coloured mojarra.
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Panama - Tropic Star Lodge Tropic Star Lodge has perfectly landscaped grounds, rooms overlooking the cove and duplex bungalows. Not only will the fishing impress any angler, but the behind the scenes tour will amaze even the hardest to impress. The lodge’s enviable tackle room has its gear so neatly arranged and displayed it could be a museum. The lodge’s 170 world records and numerous junior angler world records that have been set here are very impressive. The word 'Panama' means 'an abundance of fish' and Piñas Bay truly lives up to this meaning. In the waters around Tropic Star Lodge, you can fish for sailfish, marlin, dorado and a variety of inshore species from Tropic Star's fully-equipped Bartram boats with towers. In the last few years, Pacific tarpon (which made the trip through the canal) have been caught in the 50- to 100-lb range. Black, blue and striped marlin abound in strong numbers, particularly during the winter, and are normally "right outside the front door". After a hard day of fishing, guests can indulge in a multi-course dinner, complete with wine and served in the scenic bay-view dining room. Along with the regular main course selection, a fresh 'catch of the day' is offered. It might even be the dorado you caught earlier. Dinner is followed by the lodge’s famed puddings like Baked Alaska and freshly baked pies. In addition to the original three-bedroom house El Palacio, the lodge has air-conditioned, spacious cabins and rooms. Each room has twin beds, large bathrooms with dressing areas and porches with chairs. The lodge can accommodate a total of 36 guests. Other activities include kayaking, visits to indigenous tribes and hiking to the lighthouse or La Playa Blanca for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing on the white sand beach. A seven-night / six-day package (Saturday to Saturday) including charter flight is $8,145 per person based on double occupancy and two per boat.
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Guatemala - Pacific Fins Resort What can one say? Sailfish heaven! Pacific Fins Resort is neatly configured with four buildings and a restaurant and bar overlooking the water. Not too small, but definitely not too large, and perfect for groups, couples and families. The Pacific coast of Guatemala offers the highest year-round concentrations of sailfish. They range from 60-120 lbs with the average around 80 lbs. The resort has four villas consisting of two double bedrooms separated by a living room with TV. All bedrooms have two queen beds and a bathroom. There are also two suites, perfect for single anglers who want private accommodation. The restaurant has a fully-stocked bar and dining areas that bookend the freshwater pool. Guests can choose from the Ă la carte menu. Pacific Fins has purchased a pair of well-known boats, Maverick and Gypsy, formerly owned by Sailfish Bay Lodge. Both boats are twin 32foot Blackfins, fully equipped with fly and conventional gear like Penn and Shimano outfits and Cam Sigler fly rods with Abel, Jurascik or Billy Pate reels. A five-night / four-day package ranges from $5,795 to $7,750 per person, and a four-night / three-day package ranges from $4,595 to $5,950 per person based on double occupancy and shared boat.
Guatemala - Great Sailfishing Co. Offering private villa luxury and great fishing. The captains and crews of GSC are well versed in both fly and conventional tactics, and their fleet of fully-equipped boats ranging in size from 28 to 38 foot are all well maintained. This is sailfishing at its best, but when not on the water, Great Sailfishing offers anglers a home away from home lodging experience. Each three or four bedroom villa features private or semi-private pool, on-site chef, waitress, maid, air-conditioning and private bath. After a day of releasing a few sails on a fly, anglers can jump in their pools to cool off and be spoiled while the excellent staff attends to their needs. A perfect ending to a perfect day. Meals are usually served buffet-style and all national drinks are included. For single rods, or those travelling with a non-fishing companion, Great Sailfishing also offers an all-inclusive hotel setting, with air-conditioned rooms at the resort. Amenities include meals at several restaurants, swimming pools, bars and games facilities. Guatemalan law mandates catch and release of all billfish. A five-night / four-day package ranges from $4,875 to $5,200 per person, and a four-night / three-day package ranges from $3,850 to $4,055 per person based on double occupancy and shared boat (prices depend on boat size chosen).
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Costa Rica Costa Rica’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts offer a myriad of incredible, spectacular fishing. For those who prefer to stay in a hotel rather than a lodge, Frontiers is happy to accommodate, and no place delivers the goods quite like Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline. Frontiers can customise an itinerary to suit any angler’s personal tastes. From large hotels complete with spas, multiple pools and a variety of restaurants to smaller, more intimate boutiques anything is possible. The two most popular fishing areas in the west are Quepos on the Central Pacific coast and the Flamingo Bay area on the north-west coast in Guanacaste province. Both towns are a short flight (less than an hour) from the country’s two major airports. In Quepos, we consider December to the end of April to be the best time for sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and dorado; marlin is best from July to September, and often October to December can provide great action as well. Inshore species such as roosterfish, grouper, jacks and snapper are present year round. Within a short drive are a wide variety of eco-tours such as whitewater rafting, snorkelling, horseback riding, canopy tours and more. In Flamingo, the best time to fish has historically been June to August; however, September and October can be great for yellowfin tuna in the 200 lb-plus range, with opportunities for sailfish and marlin as well. Around the Catalinas and Bat Islands, inshore species such as roosterfish, snapper, grouper, Spanish mackerel and others are year-round targets and great fun on a fly or light tackle. Across the country on its east coast you will find the Caribbean sea and estuaries and rivers that are famous for their tarpon nurseries that offer, at certain times of the year, the chance to catch a monster tarpon.
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Costa Rica - Crocodile Bay Resort Crocodile Bay Resort is an all-inclusive destination that offers amazing inshore and offshore fishing. The Osa Peninsula is home to toucans, macaws and several species of monkey. It has stunning ecological diversity and has been described as "the most biologically intense place on Earth" by National Geographic magazine. Situated within 44 acres of manicured gardens, this premier eco-fishing resort has 28 air-conditioned rooms and suites, jacuzzi suites and two three-bedroomed villas perfect for families or intact groups. Crocodile Bay has also been named a Top 10 Winter Escape by Healing, Lifestyles and Spa magazine with its 5,000-square-foot spa with an array of treatments! Crocodile Bay is a fisherman’s paradise. If offshore fishing for sailfish, marlin, tuna, dorado and wahoo sounds appealing, Crocodile Bay has it. Roosterfish, snapper, bluefin trevally and sierra mackerel can also be found in the nearby inshore waters. The resort has a fleet of 24 boats, ranging from 24-foot Whalers to 33-foot centre console Strike Tower boats, allowing Frontiers to tailor a trip to meet a variety of fishing objectives. Anglers could fish for roosters one day and sails the next; troll up a big blue marlin in the morning and try for snapper and jacks in the afternoon. At Crocodile Bay, anglers can fish without worry as non-fishing partners can enjoy a tropical fruit massage, a chocolate body wrap or even volcanic clay body wrap with banana leaves. With fishing this exciting, though, non-fishers will definitely want to give it a try. Crocodile Bay Resort delivers. This is also the perfect place for a corporate getaway. A five-night / four-day fishing package is $3,595 per person, and a four-night / three-day package is $2,895 per person based on double occupancy and two people per standard boat. We would also be happy to customise a package to suit individual needs. Frontiers clients enjoy an exclusive free upgrade to a 33-ft Strike Tower from the standard package.
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Costa Rica - Zancudo Lodge More than 70 IGFA world records have been caught in and around the bay of Golfo Dulce, to which Zancudo Lodge has immediate access. Sailfish and dorado are here all year peaking from November to May. Blue and black marlin are also caught all year, with peak times in November, December, March, April, July and August. Other offshore species include yellowfin tuna (from 'footballs' to those pushing 300 lbs) and big-eye tuna. Anglers will always find inshore species including roosterfish, amberjack and more than a dozen types of snapper. Zancudo’s fleet of boats consists of 12 modern V-hulled 28-foot centre consoles with tuna tubes and E7 Series Ray Marine electronics, all captained by experienced local guides. For groups of four or more, the lodge also has 32 and 36-foot Twin-Vee catamarans equipped with tuna towers. Boats are outfitted with all new tackle, from ultra-light to fly to an array of conventional outfits for the largest pelagics. This past year, Zancudo completely renovated the main lodge, bar and dining areas and all of the rooms. The lodge features 19 air-conditioned beachfront guest suites, each with satellite TV, daily maid service, mini bar and en-suite bathroom. After the fishing day, anglers can take a dip in the warm ocean or the lodge’s swimming pool. The meals are all served fresh daily and some of the fruits grown on its grounds. A four-day fishing package is $3,995 per person with two per room and standard boat, or $3,595 with three per room and standard boat. A three-day fishing package is $3,495 per person with two per room and standard boat or $2,995 with three per room and standard boat.
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Costa Rica - Rio Parismina Rio Parismina Lodge is adjacent to the Tortuguero National Park, and is nestled in 50 acres of lush tropical rainforest at the mouth of the Rio Parismina River. It is the centre of big coastal tarpon. The lodge features spacious air-conditioned double rooms bordered by lush tropical plants and flowers. Each room has a large bathroom, ceiling fans and rod racks. Three daily meals served family-style in the main lodge are sure to satisfy even the hungriest angler. After dinner, guests often enjoy a cocktail from the complimentary self-service bar and relax in the pool or jacuzzi in preparation for the next day’s action. This year, they have added bimini tops to their 21-foot boats, modified V-hulls built especially for Parismina’s open ocean conditions. These boats are more than capable of getting guests out to the virtually untapped reef and adjacent blue waters of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, where snapper, tuna, wahoo and sailfish swim in the depths. At certain times of the season, anglers can also head inland and up the rivers with light tackle to pursue guapote (related to the peacock bass), mojarra, machaca, snook, snapper or baby tarpon. Non-fishing activities include night-time crocodile tours, turtle excursions (seasonal) and viewing the surrounding jungle wildlife. With two flights weekly into Parismina, travellers have a choice between three, four or seven days of great fishing. A four-day/night fishing package based on double occupancy is $2,800 per angler with two per boat.
Costa Rica - Silver King Lodge The second largest rainforest preserve in Central America is a mere half-hour flight north-east from San José. There, by the banks of the Rio Colorado, sits Silver King Lodge, a bastion for huge tarpon. Water originating from Lake Nicaragua and its drainages stock this tannin-coloured river with nutrients essential for the baitfish found by the millions not only in Rio Colorado, but also in all nearby rivers and river mouths. In turn, these baitfish serve as the dominant forage food for the predatory tarpon that visit this region for months on end. Tarpon here average 80 to 90 lbs but often exceed 150 lbs. The lodge’s 23-foot deep V-hull fibreglass boats cruise along the river mouth and the ocean shore in search of these trophy-size fish. For light tackle action, the lodge has smaller boats to fish the backwaters and rivers for guapote, machaca and the exotic mojarra with native, bilingual guides. With the exception of two rainy periods (July to August and November to December), during which the lodge closes, tarpon season lasts all year. From September to November, the weather along the coast is dry with mostly calm seas. From January to March, weather is 75 percent dry with calm seas, and then from April to June it’s 95 percent dry with calm seas. The rate for a four-day/night package is $3,200 to $3,570 per person (depending on season) based on double occupancy and two per boat. Offshore fishing for wahoo, tuna, dorado and sailfish is available at no extra charge.
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Top saltwater fishing in Australia Australia is evolving into one of the world's very best and most diverse saltwater destinations, both in and off-shore. Frontiers works with the most accomplished captains, camps and lodges to provide our clients with a wide variety of angling options from chasing marlin on the Barrier Reef for 'Granders' to 'Baby Blacks' on a fly rod inside the reef to barramundi in the brackish waters... ...of the Northern Territory to discovering the untouched remote waters of Western Australia. Two camps that we recommend as examples of Australia's vast outback with exceptional angling are Sal Salis and Bamurru Plains. Wild bush luxury aptly describes what awaits at these two fine locations. Each offers visitors the opportunity to explore this country's remote wilderness while enjoying comfortable accommodation designed to enhance the experience, along with convenient access to outstanding fishing. Sal Salis is an exclusive safari camp hidden in the sand dunes of Western Australia's Cape Range National Park. Tents set just behind the beach look out to Ningaloo Reef, one of Australia's best-kept natural secrets. There is no end to the diverse activities for guests with sea kayaking, snorkelling, coastal wildlife viewing, guided gorge walks and, of course, fishing. Guests can chase giant trevally, three types of marlin and more than 30 other species. Located just to the west of Kakadu National Park on the Mary River floodplains, Bamurru Plains brings luxury to a remote and beautiful wilderness. The design of the individual safari suites enables guests to see the abundant floodplain wildlife on three sides from a relaxed setting. Activities include airboat tours into the wetlands, birding, wildlife viewing and fishing one of the world's great sport fish, the barramundi, which is found in the river systems and the floodplain runoff. We invite you to come to Bamurru and experience one of the most significant ecosystems in Australia. Please call for customised packages and pricing.
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Tel +44 (0)845 299 6212
www.frontierstrvl.co.uk
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A Passion for Travel FOR US IT IS A PASSION - A passion for travel and a passion to share. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed in this brochure. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3315. Copyright © 2013. Frontiers International Travel. All rights reserved. Photo Credits: R. Valentine Atkinson, Barry and Cathy Beck, Tosh Brown, Federico Cabello, Shane Chalker, Brian Grossenbacher, Matt Harris, Matt Jones, John Land Le Coq, Tom Linscott, Pablo Negri and Frontiers Staff.
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Kennet Cottage Kempsford Gloucestershire GL7 4EQ Tel +44 (0)845 299 6212 Fax +44 (0)1285 700 322 E-Mail info@frontierstrvl.co.uk www.frontierstrvl.co.uk