LOCATION
Mayaguana – Southern Bahamas
SEASON
Year-round. February through mid-July is peak season
CAPACITY
Maximum capacity is 8 anglers.
SPECIES
Primarily bonefish with some possibilities for barracuda, wahoo, shark, trigger fish, jacks and permit
GENERAL INFORMATION
This is a fantastic do-it-yourself trip. Mayaguana is the eastern-most island in the Bahamian chain and about as far south as you can go and still be in the Bahamas. A great laid-back atmosphere, friendly people, a high value for the dollar and a totally unique fishery ideally suited for experienced anglers seeking big bones and something different.
LENGTH OF STAY
We suggest a minimum of one week due to the small number of weekly flights to Mayaguana and the remote nature of the island.
THE FISHING
Mayaguana is a small island of only 110 square miles, which is about the same size of New Providence (Nassau) but with a population of only 300 residents. Mayaguana was uninhabited until 1912, when settlers migrated from the neighboring Turks & Caicos Islands. If you are seeking a very remote and extremely quiet destination, then Mayaguana might be right for you. We found the bonefish to be larger than average for the Bahamas, but the flats are not quite as populated with fish as are the more well-known Bahamian islands.
For fly anglers, bonefish are the main draw to Mayaguana Island. We would classify the bonefishing as “quality over quantity”. The fishing scenarios differ from what you would experience at a typical bonefish lodge anywhere else in the Carribean. You are free to fish as you wish, whether it be on your own or with a semi-professional wade guide. Motorized boats are rarely used to access the flats around Mayaguana, and even when they are, they are used strictly to access the flats and never to pole. A truck is the main source of transportation to the varied flats, where you typically park and walk-wade on your own. Most of the flats extend from oceanside beaches, large, expansive flats that can really produce during the lower tide cycles. Again, this is a quality not quantity scenario. One can typically expect 6-15 shots on a good day when fishing these beach flats. Schools of big ocean bones cruse the shorelines as anglers actually walk along the beaches. These large beach fish can range anywhere between 6 and 10+ pounds.
There is one inland creek system on Mayaguana that is limited to just a few anglers per day because the small size of the system. Renting a canoe is the most thorough way to access the flats in this inland lagoon. The average bonefish there are around 4-6 pounds, although there are definitely larger fish there as well.
In general, it should be mentioned that it is not as common in this area to see the classic large schools of smaller bones that you might find on the more popular Bahamian islands with larger flats. And, while bonefish are the main species to hunt on the flats, blue runner jacks, trigger fish, sharks, and barracudas are always available and good sport.
We strongly recommend hiring area guides when fishing Mayaguana – at least for a couple of days. The few fishing guides on the island are more like tour guides who know where the bonefish are and when to be at the different flats. (They are not boat guides, and they are not expensive at all!) This information is invaluable as the tides on Mayaguana play a major role in where the fish will be and when. Also, the roads that criss-cross the island are unmarked and confusing. A guide can be invaluable just for driving to the flats. These wade fishing guides are very nice and fun to be with.
The reef and blue water fishing on Mayaguana is virtually untouched and as good as it gets in the Bahamas. The range of fish is amazing around the reefs and in deeper waters. The bluewater fishery can produce marlin, wahoo, tuna, dolphin fish, and numerous other smaller species. If you are interested in fishing offshore you must bring all your own gear and tackle. There are a few charter options; this island offers very little services in the way of boats and knowledgeable captains in crews.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED
Old Town square-backed canoes with paddles and a pole are available for rent. There are a few trucks available for daily rental to access the flats. Fuel is not included but available for purchase through the one hotel on the island. Mayaguana heavily relies on the mail boat that is scheduled to bring supplies to Mayaguana once every two weeks. The weather plays a major role in the schedule of the mail boat and subsequently the availability of products and good (i.e. food, fuel, and beer!) on the island.
THE LODGING
The Baycaner Beach Resort is the only game in town and very suitable for those who do not require numerous amenities or high-end services. We find the setting and character of the hotel to be refreshing and somewhat “old school.” The proprietor – “Shorty” – is always around to assist you with anything and he makes sure that his self-service bar is always well stocked. There is wireless internet, TV, and a pool table in the lounge. The rooms are clean and comfortable and all have quality A/C units. The water pressure varies from day to day, but for the most part is satisfactory. The food is typical Bahamian cuisine that features fresh fish, chicken, lobster, and conch. Most meals are accompanied by rice and beans, fresh water, and a homemade dessert. The meals are impressive and substantial, especially considering the remote nature of this destination and the reliance of the island on the bi-monthly mail boats.
The hotel sits on a long beach and bay near the small settlement of Pirate’s Well. There is an actual well in the area that is rumored to have quenched Blackbeard’s thirst! One of our favorite aspects of Pirate’s Well is a fantastic beachside bar called “Mel’s On Da Bay.” This stilted, colorful, octagonally-shaped watering hole is also well stocked with beer and liquor and the owner Mel is always on-hand to entertain. She’s a talented dominoes player and always willing to teach this traditionally Bahamian pastime to anyone willing to sit and drink at her bar.
RATES & DETAILS
2008
$1000.00 per person for a 7 night / 6 day package (cost based on double occupancy). This package includes meals and lodging only.
$1500.00 per person for a 7 night / 6 day package (cost based on single occupancy). This package includes meals and lodging only.
Additional Costs:
$160.00 total (for one or two people) per day for wade fishing guide.
$100.00 per day for vehicle rental.
** All Mayaguana packages are a la carte and totally customized.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
All accommodations at the Baycaner Hotel, meals, wireless internet, water, coffee, tea.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare from home town to Nassau and Mayaguana, wade guide fees, canoe rental, rental vehicles and fuel, all drinks except for water and coffee, overweight baggage charges, gratuities for guides and staff, airport departure taxes and airport taxi transfers to and from the lodge.
DEPOSIT INFORMATION
Full payment is required within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation. Guides and dates cannot be held or reserved without full payment. YDFA reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $100.00 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made.
HOW TO GET THERE
The only commercial flights to Mayaguana originate in Nassau and run three times per week on Bahamas Air. You must overnight in Nassau on your way to Mayaguana as the flight is earlier in the morning. Private charter flights direct from the U.S. are available.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
As of 2006, all U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of trips dates. Please be sure that your passport has at least two blank, unstamped pages remaining in back, and that it is not torn, delaminated, or damaged in any way.
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES
While the packages that we offer are fairly fishing-focused, there are a variety of low-key, do-it-yourself activities on Mayaguana, including great beaches, swimming, snorkeling, exploring, riding bikes and more.
OTHER INFORMATION
This is a very remote island and goods are delivered by mail boat every two weeks. This means that on any given day, goods can be scarce if the mailboat has not arrived or is delayed. For that reason, we recommend that – whenever possible – you bring everything that you need to be comfortable. There are no real shopping opportunities besides a couple of tiny markets with very little in the way of goods. The people are very friendly and the island is one of the safest we have found anywhere in the Caribbean. There is no public transportation and few cars on the island, so all transportation should be arranged before you depart. Yellow Dog can arrange for all your in-country transfers and transportation. You must visit Mayaguana with a laid-back mind set and be willing to operate on “island time."
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