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Mangrove Cay Club

Andros Island
Middle Bight


The Islands of The Bahamas is a 100,000-sq-mile archipelago of over 700 islands, mostly uninhabited, and home to some of the best saltwater flats fishing on the planet…all just a 20-40 minute flight from South Florida. If you are the type who likes visiting the tropics, getting a little sun, wearing flip flops to the pub, experiencing the most beautiful beaches on the planet, and icing down your shoulder muscles from pulling in wily and speedy creatures all day on a fly rod….join the club and c'mon, let's go to the Bahamas!

In 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the New World on the island of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas. Columbus named the place "baja mar" (shallow sea in Spanish), because of the enormous and expansive ecosystem of shallow water flats that surround every island. Capitan Columbus was probably not looking for any ten-pound bonefish, but we are glad he found the place because we have picked up where he left off and spent a little time exploring the place ourselves!


Experienced Bonefish anglers will tell you that Andros Island is better known as the "Land of the Giants". We could not agree more. Andros Island is also the largest and least populated of the Bahamian Islands. Much of the island is very swampy with the highest elevation being 12 feet above sea level. The island is divided into four sections, north middle, west and south. The northern part of the island is the most developed and agricultural part of the island. The middle part of the island is defined by a series of inlets, or "bights", which are composed of miles and miles of fishable flats and mangrove swamps. The southern end of the island is well populated yet does boast of several good fishing areas. The western side of the island is very remote, sparsely populated, and has some of the most productive, pristine flats on Andros. The majority of the eight thousand inhabitants on Andros reside on the eastern and southern portions of the island - thus the vast interior and west side of the island has remained relatively undeveloped.

Mangrove Cay is located on the Middle Bight, on the central part of the island; five minutes drive from the Mangrove Cay Airport. The site for building Mangrove Cay Club was selected first and foremost with close proximity to numerous flats in mind, and secondly, to give fishermen access to the West Side. This legendary area is home to some of the largest bonefish that swim in the Atlantic, and is less than an hour's boat ride from the Mangrove Cay dock.

The Mangrove Cay Club has earned a reputation in the last few years as an extremely nice (but not pretentious) and efficient operation, run by amazing hosts Liz and Alton Bain, and in the heart of perhaps the best part of the island to consistently find eager Bonefish. In our view the quality of the Mangrove Cay facility is somewhat of an anomaly in the Bahamas - five star accommodations, things are always on time, amazing food, efficient boats and equipment, a complete staff if quality guides, and not a single disappointed guest.


As mentioned, Mangrove Cay Club is situated on perhaps the most diverse and opportunistic section on Andros. From the front porch, guests have easy access to the Middle Bight, South Bight, and the West side is conditions are right for a longer boat run. Mangrove Cay uses updated (and well maintained) Dolphin Super Skiffs equipped with 85 horsepower outboards, poling platforms, and comfortable cushioned chairs for anglers. The lodge employs a full time boat mechanic who maintains all nine of the lodge’s skiffs daily to ensure that they are all in working order.
A typical fishing day begins with coffee and breakfast around 6:30AM. Following breakfast anglers build their own lunches, which are packed and placed in a cooler along with several cold drinks. The fishing day starts around 8:00AM, lunch is taken in the field, and anglers return to the lodge by 4:00PM for cocktails, a shower, and a wonderfully prepared dinner. The North and Middle Bights offer opportunities for smaller (3-4 pound) bones in large schools that quicken the learning process for beginners; however anglers also have the ability to go looking for the larger (10 +) sized fish that Andros is famous for. Guests also have the option to go outside and fish for dolphin, wahoo, and other reef species as well if requested. The guides at Mangrove are very accommodating, well kept, experienced, and very professional.

The soft-natured flats on the flats surrounding Mangrove Cay dictate fishing from the bow of the skiff the majority of the time. However, there are times in which wading is feasible depending upon the conditions and location. Although typically known as bonefish fishery, there are opportunities on the flats for barracuda, jacks, as well as permit and tarpon if you are lucky. Don't count on having many shots at these species, but we suggest bringing along a 10 weight if the opportunity presents itself.

Mangrove Cay provides spinning rods and equipment for those anglers who are not interested in fly-fishing. They also have a few fly rod and reels rigged for back-up purposes free of charge. Mangrove's guides all carry first aid kits, radios, knotless nets, pliers, hemostats, nippers, and other terminal accessories in every boat - just one of the many thoughtful and small details that are indicative of every aspect of Mangrove Cay's operation.


The comfortable lodging at the Mangrove Cay Club features eight spacious air-conditioned ocean-view rooms, each with sitting room, private bath and porch. The maximum capacity at the lodge is sixteen guests. Each villa is a separate facility, which provides an extra sense of privacy. Andros Island's most famous chef, Iyke Moore, prepares unique meals with a Bahamian twist. The lodge facility was completed in 2000, the entire facility has a very new and fresh feeling. The grounds are perfectly manicured, and all the villas are situated next to a small beach and flats inhabited by the occasional cruising bonefish.

Mangroves cottages are each split into two guest suites. On the outside wall of each suite is an extensive rod rack with a bucket for cleaning reels and a freshwater hose for washing rods and all other equipment each day – an important feature for a saltwater lodge. Both outside and inside the entrance are hanging pegs or hooks for wet clothes and gear.

Once inside, one enters the sitting room with sofa and chairs and some small tables – ideal for laying out tackle and equipment. To one side of the sitting room is the bathroom with lots of shelf and hanging space and a very large walk-in shower with plenty of shelving for shampoos, razors etc. All bathrooms have copious amounts of towels, robes, a hairdryer, electrical outlet (electricity is standard US 110 volt), as well as a full range of bathroom products supplied. Through double sliding doors is a spacious bedroom with two comfortable queen-sized beds. There are sliding doors out on to the veranda, which overlooks the Middle Bight.

Each bedroom is equipped with a bedside table as well as a good-sized hanging cupboard and chest of drawers. There are four large pillows with a sheet, light blanket and tropical-weight duvet allowing for a choice of layers for each guest. Each room has drinking water and glasses, as well as a regularly filled ice bucket.

The floor plan allows an angler who has awoken early to work with his fishing gear in the sitting room or have an early shower without awaking your fishing partner. Each villa has adjustable air-conditioning and hot water is plentiful, has lots of pressure, and hot 24 hours a day (Each cottage has its own system so there is no competition for hot water). All rooms also have plenty of electrical outlets for camera, video and laptop computer charging.

Mangrove Cay also has a small fly shop with a modest amount of equipment to supplement whatever you forget including sunglasses and sunscreen. The shop has selection of tackle and supplies, but we do advise anglers to arrive with a good selection of flies, terminal tackle and items recommended on the equipment list provided in the pre-trip packages received upon booking. There is also a fly-tying table with material for guests to use.


16 Anglers is 8 Double Occupancy Chalets


Daily commercial flights are available to Andros Island from Nassau with the Bahamian airline, Western Air. Usually these flight schedules dictate an overnight in Nassau en route. There is also a charter flight option available from Ft. Lauderdale directly to the Mangrove Cay Airport; only five minutes drive from the lodge. See information about charter flights on the following pages. Mangrove Cay handles all transfers to and from the airport in Moxey Town.


Day 1
Travel to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Upon arrival at Ft. Lauderdale, you will take a charter flight directly to Mangrove Cay. (Commercial Flights are available from Nassau, however for convenience we recommend the charter flight option if the group is large enough to allow this economically). If flying commercially into Mangrove Cay, anglers must overnight the night before scheduled arrival at the lodge in Nassua on New Providence Island. We suggest and can facilitate all required flight and hotel arrangements for this portion of the trip.

Note: Under some circumstances, you can actually arrive at the lodge in time on arrival day to get in a full day of fishing.

Upon arrival at the Mangrove Cay Airport, the group is driven five minutes the lodge. At the lodge, you will meet the lodge manager, get situated in your room, and prepare yourself for cocktails, dinner, and the next few days of fishing.

Day 2-?
Fishing Day. Guests typically awake around 6:30AM for breakfast, which is served in the main restaurant. A typical fishing day begins with coffee and breakfast around 6:30AM. Following breakfast anglers build their own lunches, which are packed and placed in a cooler along with several cold drinks. The fishing day starts around 8:00AM, lunch is taken in the field, and anglers return to the lodge by 4:00PM for cocktails, a shower, and a wonderfully prepared dinner.

Departure Day
Transfer to the airport for your charter flight back to Ft. Lauderdale or on board a daily Western Air flight to Nassau for the connection back to Ft. Lauderdale. Upon arrival back in Ft. Lauderdale, return to the commercial terminal for your flight home.


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 that its Caribbean neighbors to the south. There are a few loose weather guidelines you must consider.

December – March:
Depending upon which island you are on, 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 85-degree days and little wind.

April - 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. If I could choose one month to fish anywhere in the Bahamas it would be April or May.

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:
Hurricane Season! Most lodges are closed and you run the risk of lousy weather. However we have had wonderful trips during this time frame.

October 15 – November:
The best time to fish in the fall. Conditions are very similar to April - June type conditions.

As you know nobody can predict the weather. The above calendar dictates trends in the weather that we have observed through the years. It is very possible for any type of weather to occur on your trip regardless of the time of year.

The diversity of the fishery allows for flexibility when choosing fishing areas as they relate to tidal fluctuations. However, some anglers like to take into consideration the lunar calendar, and thus the tide chart for the prospective itinerary. Predicting Mother Nature is not our business, and the fact is numerous variables dictate tidal fluctuations. In addition, some flats fish better on an incoming, outgoing, neap, or spring tide. I always like to say that an eight-knot breeze and plenty of sun is more important than the tide. However, if you would like to get specific about the lunar calendar as it relates to your trip feel free to give us a call.


Fishing is the predominant activity at Mangrove Cay. For this reason we don't feel that Mangrove Cay is an ideal place for non-anglers who require activities beyond fishing. However, the lodge does have a small beach and is a wonderful place to relax, read a book, and get away from it all while his / her spouse or friend is out fishing.

Non-anglers are also welcome to tag along with the anglers if they would like under most circumstances. Andros Island has tons of photography opportunities for those interested. Please inquire about the non-angling rates.


CHARTER FLIGHT SPECIFICS
The charter flight option is a direct one-hour flight to the island from Ft. Lauderdale International. Using the charter flight is an economical and practical option for larger group sizes.

The alternative for smaller groups is to fly commercially with local carrier, Western Air, which dictates taking an additional connection through Nassau. In accordance with international flight schedules from the U.S., many Mangrove Cay guests often elect to overnight in Nassau the night before pushing on to the lodge the following morning.

The cost of the Round-trip charter flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Andros is based upon the number of people in your party and the amount of aggregate baggage and passenger weight in your party. Our charter service, Air Flight Charters, operates comfortable, eight passenger Cessna 402B and 402C aircraft. To determine the cost of the round-trip airfare to/from Ft. Lauderdale and the Mangrove Cay Airport per person, please contact us for a quote as these rates are always fluctuating due to the price of fuel. Generally speaking, a 1-10 person Cessna 402 aircraft is approximately $2400 roundtrip depending upon the equipment required in accordance with weight limits.


2009 Rates

Based on shared room / guide
3 nights, 2 days fishing…………………………………..$2000 US

4 nights, 3 days fishing…………………………………..$2800 US

5 nights, 4 days fishing…………………………………..$3400 US

6 nights, 5 days fishing…………………………………..$3800 US

7 nights, 6 days fishing………………………………….. $4400 US

*** All Prices Subject to Change


Accommodations; All Meals; Local Liquors, Beer, House Wines, Soft Drinks; Guided bonefishing; Room taxes; Roundtrip airport - lodge transfers


Airfare and associated travel expenses to/from Andros Island; Imported Alcoholic beverages; Gratuities for guides and staff; Bahamian departure tax of $15; Telephone calls; Laundry service


A deposit of 50% is required to confirm a reservation and is due within 30 days of booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. The deposit will be refunded, less a processing fee of $200/person, if cancellation is made 90 days prior to departure. Thereafter the individual is responsible for the total land cost and no refund will be made unless client replacement is found. No refund can be made for unused land arrangements. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation/refund and responsibility clauses.

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