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turks & caicos

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THE SLEEPY AND SPARSELY populated island of South Caicos in the British West Indies is home to some of the sexiest and largest white sand bonefish flats we have ever waded. With more than a hundred square miles of ankle or mid-calf deep flats to explore, the airboat option employed by South Caicos is ideal. It’s capable of accommodating up to six anglers, and there’s just no more practical way to get around. Your guide will circumnavigate the flats in the airboat until you intercept a healthy number and consistent schools of bonefish. He’ll have you bail out in hot pursuit, and hound the fish until they’re caught, disappear or you get bored and want to go see some new water. Expect long and exciting days on the water and no complaints from the highly-motivated and experienced guides. This relatively undiscovered fly fishing destination is custom-tailored for committed, hardcore bonefishermen, who want to wade and hunt shallow, hardbottomed flats.

Skiffs/Airboat will put you on bonefish anywhere out on the flats

In addition to the airboats and paddle boards the outfitter uses to navigate and fish the razor-thin flats of South Caicos, he has recently purchased a Floyd 10wt 18´ tech poling skiff for up to two anglers and a guide along with a Razorfish Micro, 15’ skiff for one one angler and guide. The new ultra light and shallow draft skiffs will allow anglers to explore and fish creeks, backwaters and bays that were only accessed by paddleboards in the past.

Something else that’s great

There’s no attitude, clock-watching, or bellboy union mentality to deal with at South Caicos. If the fish keep on coming at the end of the day, plan on watching the sun set on their tails instead of high-tailing it for the barn.

Paddling for Bonefish

As an added bonus, the outfitter has several custom made paddle boards anglers can use to explore and fish deep into the seldom fished backcountry waters teeming with bonefish.

What’s cool about this place

This isn’t your everyday fishing experience. The moment you step into the airboat, you feel that this is something special. When you spot school after huge school of respectable bones, you’re certain. The fishery at South Caicos is varied...some flats are bleach white like a sheet of white paper, while others are sparsely covered with turtlegrass producing a mosaic of dark and light patterns across the flat. Every inch we’ve covered is firm and easily waded. On some tides, the guides will venture back into the inland bays and creeks to find bonefish. These areas are often rich havens for humongous schools of bonefish as they try to avoid the barracuda, sharks and other predators that roam the flats on higher tides.

east bay resort, south caicos East Bay Resort is perched on a beach, set in the aquatic sanctuary of Admiral Cockburn National Park. Standard queen rooms are perfect for pairs of anglers – modern and comfortable, with air-conditioned rooms, bathroom with walk-in shower, coffee maker, microwave, mini-fridge, flat screen TV with cable, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a safety deposit box. s 7 night/6 day dbl occ, 2 bedroom suite angling package $5,565 Stays can be tailored for as many nights as required

Read about Pat’s British West Indies discovery trip to Turks & Caicos: A Bonefish Story

https://www.theflyshop.com/travel-blog/a-bonefish-story-from-turks-caicos-british-west-indies

The flats of “South” are immense and loaded with bones

- Pat Pendergast, The Fly Shop Director of International Travel

Mark Hatter photos

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