Freeport / Bahamas
Tailwaters Fly Fishing TravelBAHAMAS FLY FISHING
Whether you are an avid angler seeking some of the best trophy bonefish fishing available in the Bahamas, or you wish to provide a quality vacation for non-angling companions or family with minimal travel commitment – H2O Bonefishing on Grand Bahama Island is the ideal destination. The Pelican Bay Hotel is an affordable, recently remodeled, and well located hotel in the resort zone of Lucaya that houses all of H2o’s guests. It is located adjacent to a gorgeous white sandy beach and is within a two-minute walk to a wide variety of restaurants, loads of non-angling activities, as well as a new casino and golf courses.
Outfitter Jason Franklin is a passionate angler who has fished, guided, and explored all over the world from Tierra del Fuego to Cuba, and many spots in between. He has pioneered a very unique program targeting big bonefish and a number of other flats species not normally associated with the traditional Bahamas trip. The remote north shore of Grand Bahama offers wading opportunities for bonefish, as well as seasonal shots for permit, tarpon, jack crevalle, barracuda, sharks, mutton snapper, and even tailing triggerfish. Their “No Boundaries” program utilizes a 21’ Maverick that has opened up doors for exploring areas of the Little Bahama Bank not normally fished.
With H2O Bonefishing, you can experience saltwater flats fishing at its very best on the extensive remote flats of the northwest shore of Grand Bahama Island . . . and enjoy all of the comforts and amenities of resort living at the same time. Whether you are an avid angler seeking some of the best fishing available in the Bahamas, or you wish to provide a quality vacation for non-angling companions or family at absolutely no compromise to the quality of your fishing, then H2O Bonefishing and the Pelican Bay Hotel is the ideal destination.
Location: Freeport, Bahamas
Species: Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon
Seasonality: Year Round
Rates: from $4,197, 6 Nights / 5 Days $4,197 per person (Shared Room & Guide)
The Island of Grand Bahama stretches ninety miles east to west, and its north shore’s vast area of creeks, cays, and flats create hundreds of miles of fishable shoreline. H2o has a very technical approach to their fishing on the north shore of Grand Bahama, primarily focusing on large bonefish year round. Some of the largest bonefish in the world live here. H2o offers good wading opportunities for bonefish in addition to fishing from the skiff – and anglers enjoy seasonal shots for permit, tarpon, jack crevalle, barracuda, sharks, mutton snapper, and even tailing triggerfish. Their “No Boundaries” program utilizes a 21’ Maverick that has opened up doors for exploring areas of the Little Bahama Bank not normally fished.
The coolest part of the H2o Bahamas program is their never ending desire to develop their fishing program and offerings. They are constantly investing in new vehicles and boats, training their guides, targeting new species, and exploring their incredible fishery. To get the most from the fishery, H2o has built a fleet of boats to maximize the options available. They trailer all of their boats (other than offshore) to ensure access to the best fishing conditions and options during your stay. They currently have 3 Maverick HPXT's (tunnel hull), 3 Maverick Mirage's, 21' Maverick Master Angler, and - for the offshore program - 31' Contender Walkaround Called 'On the fly'.
The Ultimate Bahamas Fly Box | Custom Fly Selection for a Week on the Flats
The Pelican Bay Hotel offers recently remodeled comfortable accommodations for the family, couples, and the “hard-core” angler alike. The hotel is in an ideal location – close to all the beach and town activities of Lucaya. Anglers who are not interested in non-angling activities can retreat to the quieter confines of the hotel, while non-anglers can send the family across the street to the Lucaya Beach, or take a swim in the hotel pool. The area offers a great selection of non fishing related activities available nearby including kayak tours, diving & snorkeling, sharks dives, jeep tours, or personalized tours with our outfitter staff.
The spacious accommodations include your choice of king-size bed or twin double beds and boasts satellite TV, direct dial phone, refrigerator, and in-room coffee maker. Rooms are decorated with colorful island spreads and drapery, and white washed furniture. Floors are Italian tiled. Other guest amenities include a tropical fresh water pool, hot tub, and pool bar.
The dinner meal with H2o’s packages is NOT included; however, within a two minute walk of the hotel is a great selection of restaurants within Port Lucaya including, pizza, gourmet burgers, Bahamian infusion, Greek, Italian, and tapas. There is also a great selection of off site restaurants to choose from within a 20 minute taxi ride.
A wide variety of options for non-anglers exist due to H2o’s location immediately adjacent to the island’s main entertainment area of Count Bassie Square (only a 60 second walk from the resort), the heartbeat of the island’s entertainment. You will never need to arrange transport of any kind. The new casino is only a short two minute stroll from the resort lobby.
In addition to all the customary Caribbean watersports that are available (i.e. parasailing, snorkeling trips, glass bottom boat trips, scuba diving, sea kayaking, sailing, jet ski rental, deep sea fishing, etc.), there are also organized island tours, including eco tours, of the many more remote areas of the island — kayak tours, jeep tours, and many other nature-related activities.
Although there are many options within yards of your door, all guests can rest assured that they are never too far away from the more private area of this intimate resort. The choices are varied and all within a short stroll. In addition to the numerous restaurants and nightlife within a five minute walk of the hotel, check out our brochure for a basic list of both organized and casual activities on the island to choose from.
Before you book
Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides and lodges which it represents. H2O BONEFISHING’s policy follows:
A 50% deposit is required with reservation. No booking is considered confirmed until receipt of deposit. Final payment must be paid 45 or more days prior to arrival date. Any bookings requested within 60 days or reservation date must be paid in full. Cancellations made 60 days or more prior to reservation date is a full refund. Cancellations made between 45-59 days prior to reservation date is a 50% refund of the deposit amount (i.e., 25% of total package). Cancellations made less than 45 days to arrival date, there is no refund of any kind. If a canceled package of equal or larger amount is re-sold then a full refund will be sent minus a $100 fee per angler. All fishing days must be consecutive. This can be customized based on guide availability upon arrival. If a reschedule request is made between 14 to 45 days of arrival date, it will be at the discretion of H2o to accommodate the booking at a later date. Only one rebooking will be allowed after which the trip is forfeited. All rescheduled trips need to be made within 1 year of the original booking date. If a reschedule is requested within 14 days, a reschedule fee will be applied for (25% of the total cost of the trip) Only one rebooking will be allowed after which the trip is forfeited. Rebooking dates will be at the discretion of H2o. All rescheduled trips need to be made within 1 year of the original booking date.
Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Refunds or credits cannot be issued for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.
Given the strict cancellation and refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect your investment. Redpoint Travel Protection / Ripcord offers competitive medical/cancellation/interruption coverage to couple with their industry-leading medical evacuation services. Click here to learn more and contact us to generate a quote.
THERE IS NO EASIER ISLAND IN THE BAHAMAS TO GET TO!
Several major airlines serve Freeport, Grand Bahama on a daily basis including American, United, Delta, Bahamasair, and JetBlue. These flights originate from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta. After clearing customs in Freeport, guests take a cab transfer to the hotel (approx. 15 minutes drive in an air-conditioned taxi). Charter flights are also an option from Ft. Lauderdale.
H2O BONEFISHING 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 Bahamas are more susceptible to northerly cold fronts than their Caribbean neighbors to the south. However, some of the largest bonefish are caught during the winter when the weather cooperates.
The summer fishing should not be ignored either! There are often great chances for other species like tarpon and permit during the summer months, the winds lay down, and weather is usually very predictable when tropical storms are not present. H2o’s summer offshore program for tuna and dorado can also be gangbusters – and is great to combine with a morning bonefish session. The autumn often enjoys beautiful springlike conditions and can be very productive on the flats for all species as well.
Contact Tailwaters
Contact our travel team to discuss dates, availability and a trip to H2O Bonefishing.
Trip details and availability are confirmed with the travel team.
Few fish have earned the kind of reverence that bonefish command - and nowhere is that reputation more deserved than in the Bahamas.
One of the most compelling - and often overlooked - aspects of a Bahamas fly fishing trip is how seamlessly it can double as a family-friendly vacation. While the fishing is world-class, the setting itself offers something for everyone.
When it comes to bonefishing in the Bahamas, there’s one piece of gear that sits at the center of it all: the 8-weight fly rod.
Freeport, Bahamas
Fly fishing in The Bahamas is a pursuit of clarity and precision, where anglers stalk tailing bonefish across vast, sunlit flats of white sand and turquoise water. The experience blends technical casting with visual hunting, as fish appear like ghosts against the bottom and demand careful presentation. With consistent weather, expansive fisheries, and opportunities for permit and tarpon, the Bahamas offers one of the most iconic saltwater fly fishing experiences in the world.
Below you will find a wealth of information regarding the primary categories within any Bahamas packing list. You will also see recommended assortments of the latest and greatest products we carry in the shop, as well as custom fly selections with flies that your guides will actually use! You can shop below, or give us a call for a private outfitting appointment (virtual or at the shop) and we can assist you in filling your shopping cart.
