BLACKFLY LODGE ABACO, BAHAMAS
DESTINATION BROCHURE ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014-2015
[ BLACKFLY LODGE ]
CONTENTS 4 6 12 18 20 24
DESTINATION DESCRIPTION
THE FISHING
ACCOMMODATIONS
TRAVEL & ITINERARY
WHEN TO GO
RATES
OUR TRAVEL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE! You the client don’t pay a penny for our travel services! Our destination recommendations, organization, and pre-trip planning services are completely free of charge – and oftentimes less expensive than booking direct with a lodge or outfitter. We can assist with every question, concern, or special request related to your adventure at zero cost!
BOOKING INFORMATION TRAVEL DEPARTMENT
2416 MCKINNEY AVE
DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
DALLAS, TX. 75201
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
(888) 824-5420
BLACKFLY LODGE QUICK HITS +
LOCATION & TRAVEL
SCHOONER BAY, ABACO ISLAND, BAHAMAS Guests travel to Marsh Harbour (MHH) commercially from numerous major airports including Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, W. Palm Beach, Orlando and New Smyrna. Abaco could not be easier to get to from the U.S. with daily and affordable flights on board major U.S. carriers such as American or United. There is also daily non-stop service from Nassau to Marsh Harbour with multiple carriers. From Marsh Harbour, a representative from Blackfly will drive guests forty minutes to the lodge. +
TYPE OF FISHING & SPECIES
Bonefish are the primary target species, however Southern Abaco has a very unique and consistent fishery with large permit and tarpon as well as mutton snapper, barracudas, sharks and more. The lodge can trailer boats to different launching points, and has designed a very sophisticated fishing zone rotation that assures rested flats we well as a tremendous diversity in habitat and fishing style. Blackfly also has a 31’ center console offshore boat in their fleet for those interested in targeting big game species. +
SEASONALITY & WHEN TO GO
BLACKFLY LODGE IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND. Anglers can expect good fishing anytime the lodge is open. While March-May are the most popular months with most anglers, there are pros and cons to every single month of the season – especially for those interested in permit or tarpon (See WHEN TO GO for more details.) +
IS BLACKFLY LODGE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Blackfly is an awesome lodge to consider for anglers interested in a new and unique Bahamian fishing lodge experience. It is a more upscale lodge with a hard-core emphasis on a multi-species kind of trip for tarpon and permit – in addition the large bonefish. Blackfly is the complete package and has developed a bit of a cult following amongst experienced Bahamas anglers in the know. +
COST & EXPENSES
7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS FISHING RANGES FROM $5100 - $5425 DEPENDING ON THE SEASON. Shorter fishing packages are available. All fishing packages are based on private room and shared boat/guide. Additional expenses include but are not limited to Airfare to Marsh Harbour Bahamas; Flies & terminal tackle, other fishing equipment; Gratuities. (See RATES) for details.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT:
BLACKFLY LODGE, PAT FORD
THE
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DESTINATION
BLACKFLY LODGE - ABACO, BAHAMAS
Blackfly Bonefish Lodge is located on Abaco Island near the southern end of the marls between Marsh Harbour and Sandy Point. The lodge sits overlooking the newly developed Schooner Bay – perfectly situated to access the best fishing areas on Southern Abaco. Abaco is one of the most accessible islands in the Bahamas with direct flights from the U.S. Don’t confuse the convenience in travel as a compromise to the quality of the fishing! Blackfly Lodge has an incredible multi-species fishery, and a very sophisticated approach to their fishing program that has reinvented Abaco’s reputation as one of the Bahamas’ greatest destination fisheries for bonefish, tarpon, permit and more. Blackfly has also redefined the standards of which a Bahamian fishing lodge is run. The lodge accommodates a max of only eight anglers in PRIVATE rooms each with their own private bath. This is a lodge for the more discerning angler – but is also a fantastic operation to consider for those bringing spouses or non-angling companions in tow. Their newly constructed lodge was built with charming old-school colonial Bahamian architecture complete with wrap around porches, incredible cuisine, and more creature comforts than you will find at any lodge in the Bahamas. Their guide staff also has some of the most seasoned professionals you will find, and Blackfly’s custom East Cape skiffs ensure all anglers a comfortable ride in open water and access to the skinniest of flats. Blackfly Lodge has it all – but the secret is out. Best of luck finding availability as they are in very high demand!
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
THE
FISHING
Blackfly Lodge could not be better located to tackle a very diverse fishery on Southern Abaco Island. The guides up north don’t need to come this far south and the guides in the south don’t need to come this far north. That leaves Blackfly in the middle, with a pristine and seldom fished region of the island primed for a well rested water for all guests. The marls offer tremendous numbers of healthy bonefish, many close to home flats offer fantastic wading opportunities for huge bones, and the longer boat runs out to Moore’s Island or Gorda Cay provide consistent shots for enormous bones, freaky sized permit, and a surprisingly consistent tarpon resource.
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BLACKFLY LODGE - ABACO, BAHAMAS
The fishing grounds that surround Blackfly Lodge and the new town of Schooner Bay form six distinct zones, each rich in a variety of species and large enough to support the entire lodge fleet if weather were to force all boats to fish in one zone. Each zone supports similar species, yet each has a unique offering in both species and habitat. Bonefish, permit, mutton snappers, sharks, barracuda, and tarpon are among the species found in these waters. The Blackfly lodge boats can be launched at the Schooner Bay ramp or trailered to other locations
within twenty minutes of Schooner Bay. Trailering
ZONE 4
the skiffs allows for the ultimate in flexibility no mat-
Gorda Cay - Classic lagoon/mangrove island and
ter the conditions. For offshore anglers, Schooner
oceanside flats fishing. Great wading flats and skiff
Bay offers the closest marina to the world famous
fishing.....Bones and permit.
“Hole in the Wall”, where all of the prized game
fish roam year round. With a new 31 foot Yellowfin
ZONE 5
center console boat, Blackfly has expanded their
Moore’s Island - Extensive flats eco system similar
offshore fishing program in order to add more va-
to the Marquesas Keys in the Florida Keys cover-
riety to the overall fishing experience at the lodge.
ing several square miles of small cays, islands, large hard bottom flats, lagoons and creeks..... Bones,
FISHING PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & THE “ZONES”
permit, tarpon, mutton snappers and barracudas.
Their array of fishing zones on the south end of Ab-
aco allow for great fishing regardless of tides and
ZONE 6
how the wind is blowing - from Moore’s Island, to
Blue Water - Closest harbor to the famous “Hole
the marls, to walk-and-wade opportunities on the
in the wall” to the south and Cherokee Sound to
south shores. Blackfly Lodge guides aim to get an-
the north. Some say it’s the best blue water fish-
glers to as many of these zones as possible on each
ing in the Bahamas right at the doorstep of Blackfly
trip.
Lodge and Schooner Bay......Mahi-Mahi, tuna, wahoo, marlin and sailfish.
ZONES 1 & 2 Inshore Flats - Expansive layout of productive fish-
THE BOATS
ing areas featuring numerous creek systems, white
Abaco has many similarities to the fishing areas
sandy flats, coves and mangrove lined lagoons
around Key West with some areas of open water
extending 20 miles north into the Southern Marls
crossings, some deeper flats for permit and tarpon,
and south to the flats and creeks near Sandy Point.
and some super skinny areas with technical poling
Bones and permit, limited wading.
and maneuverability required. Blackfly had East
Cape Skiffs design a custom boat for the lodge with
ZONE 3
all these attributes, an innovative casting platform
Cross Harbor - Southern facing bay comprised
with leaning posts and foldable chair, and powered
of approximately seven miles of flats with “world
it with a new light weight Evinrude e-tech 90HP en-
class” wading. There are outer flats to fish the low
gine to help cut cost on expensive Bahamian fuel.
and incoming tides and several creeks, inlets and
Comfortable running in open water, heavy enough
mangrove islands that show off the best of what
to handle a swell in deeper water, and light enough
Southern Abaco has to offer....Bones, permit, mut-
to pole around shallow for bones – the Blackfly
ton snappers and tarpon
boats are a huge part of their successful fishing
program.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
THE
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ACCOMMODATIONS
BLACKFLY LODGE - ABACO, BAHAMAS
Their
newly constructed lodge was built with
charming, old-school, colonial Bahamian architecture complete with wrap around porches, incredible cuisine, and more creature comforts than you will find at any lodge in the Bahamas. Blackfly has eight guest rooms and can accommodate up to 8 anglers. The lodge can also accommodate up to 8 non-angling spouses sharing the room as well. Otherwise, all our trips are based on private accommodations and shared boat. Each room has a queen or king bed and they do not offer rollaway beds. The artwork of artist and partner, Vaughn Cochran, can be seen throughout the lodge interior. As the lodge neared completion, the Blackfly team decided to name the eight guest rooms at the lodge after fly fishing personalities, rather than giving the rooms numbers. Vaughn then embarked on a 6 month long period of portrait painting to capture the feeling of the celebrity anglers. Chef Devon Roker came to Blackfly after training for years at the culinary institute of Ft Lauderdale and service in some of the best hotels in Nassau including the great kitchens of the Atlantis Resort and Casino. The food is simply incredible at Blackfly with lots of fresh caught fish, organically grown ingredients, and a very creative menu for each and every meal including a made-to-order breakfast. Each afternoon anglers are greeted upon their return with an open bar, a comfortable seat on the front porch, and an imaginative after fishing appetizer. Blackfly has an open bar that provides endless cold Kalik Beer as well as fine wines, rum, and other liquors. They also offer a premium wine and liquor list as well – of which any purchases can be added to your room tab.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
TRAVEL & ITINERARY
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BLACKFLY LODGE - ABACO, BAHAMAS
Blackfly Lodge is probably one of the easiest lodges in the Bahamas to get to. Abaco is serviced by several airlines with direct flights into Marsh Harbour from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, W. Palm Beach, Orlando and New Smyrna. DIRECT FLIGHTS TO NASSAU ARE ALSO AVAILABLE WITH CONNECTIONS ON TO MARSH HARBOUR. AIRLINES SERVICING THAT ROUTE ARE:
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Abaco Air Bahamas Air Lynxair Western Air Bahamas Cherokee Aviation (private charters)
Blackfly Lodge will provide transportation from Marsh Harbor to the Lodge and return.
SAMPLE ITINERARY DAY 1 Travel to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, W. Palm Beach, Orlando or New Smyrna and make a commercial connection to Marsh Harbour. No need for expensive charter flights! Upon arrival at the March Harbour Airport, guests are driven approximately forty minutes the lodge by a representative from Blackfly Lodge. At the lodge, you will meet Clint Kemp, the lodge manager, get situated in your room, and prepare yourself for cocktails, dinner, and the next few days of fishing. FISHING DAYS Guests typically awake around 6:30AM for breakfast, which is served in the main dining room. Following breakfast the fishing day starts around 8:00AM, lunch is taken on the water, and anglers return to the lodge by 4:00PM for cocktails, a shower, and a wonderfully prepared dinner. Guests are given one day if fishing to Moore’s Island as part of the fishing package, and rotate through as many fishing zones in the Blackfly rotation as time and weather permit. Some days you will launch directly in Schooner Bay, while other days you will trailer your boat to minimize boat runs. DEPARTURE DAY Transfer to the March Harbour airport for your commercial flight back to Florida and your connection home.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
WHEN TO GO BLACKFLY LODGE IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND.
One thing people often neglect when considering a trip to the Bahamas is the weather. The Bahamas are actually in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea. As a result the islands are more susceptible to northerly cold fronts than their Caribbean neighbors to the south. There are a few loose weather guidelines you must consider. DECEMBER – FEBRUARY Cool weather and windier conditions can be a factor. The fish are of course always there, but you run the risk of getting cooler weather from the States. However, it is equally as possible to have 80-degree days and little wind. Some of the best bonefishing occurs following the passing of a cold front when water on the flats warm inviting rested bones back on to feed. This is a great time for trophy bonefish.
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BLACKFLY LODGE - ABACO, BAHAMAS
MARCH - JUNE 15 The prime spring months to fish the Bahamas. Consistently warm (not too hot) weather dominates the forecast. There is typically less wind as well. JUNE 15- AUGUST 1 The fish are there, however hotter conditions and little breeze often exist. If you don’t mind the heat, the fishing can be excellent and is a good time for beginners to learn because of the lack of wind. AUGUST 1 - OCTOBER 15 Peak Hurricane Season! There is a serious risk of lousy weather, however we have had wonderful trips during this time frame --- especially if you are flexible and able to book on short notice. OCTOBER 15 – NOVEMBER The best time to fish in the fall. Conditions are very similar to March - April type conditions.
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES Non-angling companions are welcome and encouraged to join fisherman at Blackfly. Every bedroom has a queen or king sized bed to accommodate private rooms for anglers or shared occupancy for couples. Fishing is the primary activity as a guest at Blackfly, but Abaco Island has loads of adventurous activities for non-fishing guests to tackle. A naturalist can be hired to give tours around Schooner Bay, and the beaches are stunning. Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay are not too far north and both offer nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. Blackfly can assist in organizing snorkeling and diving excursions around other parts of the island as well.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
RATES SPRING AND SUMMER PEAK SEASON – MAR 1 TO JUN 31, 2014
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3 NIGHTS / 2 DAYS FISHING $2550.00 PER PERSON 4 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS FISHING $3425.00 PER PERSON 5 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS FISHING $4250.00 PER PERSON 6 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS FISHING $4850.00 PER PERSON 7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS FISHING $5425.00 PER PERSON
FALL AND WINTER SEASON - JULY 1 – DEC 1, 2014 (CLOSED AUG 14 – SEP 21, 2014)
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3 NIGHTS /2 DAYS FISHING $2500.00 PER PERSON 4 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS FISHING $3200.00 PER PERSON 5 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS FISHING $3850.00 PER PERSON 6 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS FISHING $4450.00 PER PERSON 7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS FISHING $5100.00 PER PERSON
FALL AND WINTER SEASON DEC 1, 2014 – FEB 28, 2015
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3 NIGHTS /2 DAYS FISHING $2525.00 PER PERSON 4 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS FISHING $3225.00 PER PERSON 5 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS FISHING $3875.00 PER PERSON 6 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS FISHING $4500.00 PER PERSON 7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS FISHING $5150.00 PER PERSON
SPRING AND SUMMER PEAK SEASON – MARCH 1 TO JUNE 31, 2015
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3 NIGHTS / 2 DAYS FISHING $2650.00 PER PERSON 4 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS FISHING $3550.00 PER PERSON 5 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS FISHING $4400.00 PER PERSON 6 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS FISHING $5050.00 PER PERSON 7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS FISHING $5625.00 PER PERSON
Full Day Fishing on Arr /Dep: $750.00/boat Half Day Fishing on Arr/Dep: $525.00/boat
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BLACKFLY LODGE - ABACO, BAHAMAS
NON-ANGLER RATES: DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $200.00, HOTEL ROOM PER NIGHT $300.00 (INCLUDES BREAKFAST), FOOD PLAN PER DAY $150.00 (LUNCH AND DINNER, STANDARD BAR) BLUE WATER FISHING RATES: 31 FOOT YELLOW FIN Per day up-charge for flats fishing guests per person (4 Anglers max):
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1 ANGLER $1025.00 2 ANGLERS $350.00 3 ANGLERS $125.00 4 ANGLERS – NO UP CHARGE - $1350 FULL DAY CHARTER RATE
TRAVEL INSURANCE! Given the inherent strict refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress
We will provide you with more detailed information
the importance of obtaining travel insurance to
about travel insurance from our sponsored provider,
protect your investment.
Travel Guard, when you book a trip with Tailwaters Travel.
Travellers can obtain coverage for pre-existing
We can conveniently process a very comprehensive
health problems (related to yourself, your family,
insurance policy for you in-house after asking a few
business partners, or your travelling partners),
simple questions.
emergency evacuation, lost baggage, delay, life insurance packages; even “no questions asked” or
CALL TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT:
“for work reasons” coverage.
(214) 219-2500 OR (888) 824-5420
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
WHAT’S INCLUDED Accommodations; All Meals; Local Liquors, Beer, House Wines, Soft Drinks; Guided Fishing; 1 Full Day Fishing at Moore’s Island (weather permitting); Room taxes; Round-trip airport - lodge transfers; Laundry Service: Wifi & Vonage Phone Calls WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED Airfare to Marsh Harbour Bahamas; Premium Liquors and Wines; Additional day fishing Moore’s ($100 per boat fuel surcharge); Extra trips to Marsh Harbour (Abaco); Flies & terminal tackle, other fishing equipment; Gratuities (guidelines: Fishing guide: $25 – 50 per person per boat/day. Lodge and cooking staff: $20 - 40 per person per day); Bahamian Departure Tax of $25.00 per person. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Blackfly Lodge’s policy follows: A 25% deposit of the total package cost for each trip/angler is due within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation – 10% of the total package cost for each trip/angler is non-refundable. Guides and dates cannot be held or reserved without a deposit. Blackfly Lodge reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $100 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
»» IN THE EVENT OF A CANCELLATION, BLACKFLY LODGE WILL ASSESS A $100.00 HANDLING CHARGE TO ALL DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS RECEIVED.
»» CANCELLATIONS 90 DAYS PRIOR TO START OF TRIP: 90% REFUND MINUS A $100.00 HANDLING FEE. THE REFUND CAN BE APPLIED TO A FUTURE TRIP BOOKED WITHIN ONE YEAR.
»» CANCELLATIONS 31-90 DAYS PRIOR TO START OF TRIP: 50% REFUND MINUS A HANDLING FEE OF $100.00. THE REFUND CAN BE APPLIED TO A FUTURE TRIP WITHIN ONE YEAR.
»» CANCELLATIONS 30 DAYS OR LESS PRIOR TO START OF TRIP: NO REFUND OR CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN.
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BLACKFLY LODGE - ABACO, BAHAMAS
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM FIND US:
TAILWATERS FLY FISHING CO.
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TRAVEL DEPARTMENT
2416 MCKINNEY AVE
DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
DALLAS, TX. 75201
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
(888) 824-5420
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