Fish Abaco Lodge

Fishing

Travel

Rates

Destination Description

In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian destroyed much of Abaco Island - including completely leveling the infamous Abaco Lodge. As of the Spring of 2023, the lodge has been rebuilt and is better than ever.

Located minutes from Marsh Harbour, Abaco Lodge is the perfect destination both for someone getting their feet wet in saltwater fly fishing as well as the veteran angler looking to experience the best of the Bahamas. Abaco’s waterfront property couldn’t be more idyllic for a relaxing experience in addition to world class service and accommodations. Owner and operator Nervous Waters spares no expense when it comes to making guests feel as comfortable as possible.

It’s the only lodge on Abaco directly located on the Marls, which is ideal for accessing the best fishing and shorter travel times. The lodge sits in an oasis of palm trees and faces west, looking out to the expansive flats known as the Marls. 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! Abaco Lodge has an incredible multispecies fishery and a staff of veteran and energetic guides that prove to put their guests on permit, tarpon, barracuda, and of course, bonefish.

Abaco’s Marls-side headquarters also means no trailering, no fuel stops, and more time fishing. Back on dry land, fine dining and attentive service ensure ultimate comfort after a full day’s fishing. Abaco sets a new standard when it comes to accommodations and guest comfort. The ocean front swimming pool and comfortable lounging area are a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day. After fishing, guests are pampered with rounds of appetizers, cold Kalik, and cocktails, just before an unforgettable dining experience featuring Bahamian cuisine. Their guide staff also has some of the most seasoned professionals you will find, and Abaco’s custom Maverick skiffs ensure access to shallow flats and maximum comfort.

Quick Facts

Location: East Side of Abaco Island, Bahamas

Species: Bonefish, permit, tarpon, and more

Seasonality: October - July

Rates: 7 Nights / 6 Days - $7,950 (based on shared room / guide)

Contact Us

Reach out to our team in the travel department to learn more about our experiences at Abaco Lodge.

Phone: (888) 824-5420 or (214) 219-2500
Email: travel@tailwatersflyfishing.com

FISHING

Abaco’s central location and direct launch to the Marls allow access to a vast labyrinth of flats, mangroves, and bonefish in numbers like nowhere else in the Bahamas. Abaco’s guides will fish the Marls as far south as Cross Harbor and as far north as Treasure Cay, with boat runs anywhere from 10-45 minutes. A twenty minute westerly run will put anglers on the outside ocean edge of the Marls. The sheltered Marls are home to tremendous numbers of healthy and unpressured bonefish in the 2-4lb range, with the occasional 5-8lb fish. There are LOTS of tailing fish in the seemingly endless shallow water.

Permit and juvenile tarpon are a fairly regular sighting, so an extra rod or two rigged for these species isn’t a bad idea to have on the boat. Barracuda, sharks, and mutton snapper are other frequently encountered species that might put a bend in your rod if you are interested in presenting the fly. Weather dependent, Abaco will utilize their 18ft 115hp powered Maverick to make a quick 1hr run to Moore’s Island which can provide consistent shots for enormous bones, freaky sized permit, and surprisingly consistent tarpon action.

In addition to wonderful flats, Abaco has incredible blue water fishing. We are happy to coordinate a day, or two, with the best captains available. Target species include: marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, and tuna—depending on the season. Arrangements can be made at the lodge, but the best captains book early and we recommend you do as well. There will be an additional charge for offshore fishing.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

Abaco’s waterfront lodge is a mini oasis surrounded by palm trees and landscaped with tropical plants and flowers, creating a feeling of ultimate privacy and relaxation. The all inclusive bar opens to a massive outdoor patio situated next to a swimming pool and outdoor fire pit. With views of the expansive flats and epic sunsets, guests can take comfort in huge outdoor couches and chairs as they enjoy a cold beverage of choice and multiple rounds of appetizers before dinner. The rebuilt lodge consists of a separate waterfront building distanced from the main lodge for excellent privacy and solitude.

The lodge consists of seven double rooms with a capacity of 12 anglers sleeping in king or queen beds. All of the rooms offer air conditioning and a private bathroom. The lodge’s main bar is stocked with spirits, cold beer, soft drinks, plenty of ice, and mixers for cocktails. The lodge serves delicious fresh local produce, specializing in fresh fish (Mahi, Tuna, Grouper, and Hog Snapper), conch, and lobster. After you return from fishing, you will find cold beers, spirits, and a blender for cocktails, as well as stacks of soft drinks. A wide range of local spirits will be available free of charge at the lodge. House wines such as Malbec from Argentina, Chilean Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon will be served with dinner.

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TRAVEL

New: Dallas based charter airline, JSX, now offers non-stop flights to/from Marsh Harbour and Dallas Love Field (DAL).

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 and United. There is also daily non-stop service from Nassau to Marsh Harbour with multiple carriers. It’s only a quick 10 minute drive to the lodge from the airport.

With a quick transfer of only a few minutes from airport to the lodge, Abaco is likely one of the easiest lodges in the Bahamas to get to. Direct flights to Nassau are also available with connections on to Marsh Harbour. Airlines servicing that route are Bahamas Air, Sky Bahama, Lynxair, and Cherokee Aviation.

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WHEN TO GO / SEASONALITY

ABACO IS OPEN OCTOBER – JULY

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, as well as being susceptible to tropical storms during hurricane season. Abaco Lodge is CLOSED August – September. There are a few loose weather guidelines you must consider.

MARCH – JULY The prime spring months to fish the Bahamas. Consistently warm (not too hot) weather dominates the forecast. There is typically less wind as well.

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER Peak Hurricane Season! Lodge is closed.

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER The best time to fish in the fall. Conditions are very similar to March – April type conditions.

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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NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES

Fishing is the primary activity as a guest at Abaco, 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. Abaco can assist in organizing snorkeling and diving excursions around other parts of the island as well.

2024 Rates

Lodging / Fishing	Shared Room / Guide
7 Nights / 6 Days	$7,950
6 Nights / 5 Days	$7,350
5 Nights / 4 Days	$6,750
4 Nights / 3 Days	$5,650
3 Nights / 2 Days	$4,275

*** Single room and guide: 75% surcharge (when available)

Full day fishing on arrival and departure: $950 per boat (1 or 2 anglers) + government taxes + fishing license

Half day fishing on arrival and departure: $800 per boat (1 or 2 anglers) + government taxes + fishing license

Non-Anglers: $650 / night + government taxes

What's Included

Lodging
All Meals
Open Bar
Guided fishing
Fishing License
Transportation between Abaco Lodge and Marsh Harbour Airport
Loaner Fishing Equipment (rods, reels, and lines)

What's Not Included

Commercial Airfare to Marsh Harbour, Bahamas
Transfer from Treasure Cay to the Lodge
Flies
Gratuities for guides and staff
Laundry Service
Government Taxes

Terms & Conditions

Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Abaco Lodge’s policy follows:

A 50% deposit of the total package cost for each trip/angler is due within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. All deposits and/or final payments are non-refundable under any circumstances. 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. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.

We highly recommend travel RIPCORD Travel Insurance!

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.