The “Marls of Abaco” are a vast expanse of prime, wilderness bonefish habitat, situated along the western shore of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas. The Marls have long been known by well traveled bone fishermen as one of the most unique and productive fisheries in the Bahamas.
Abaco has more than 400 square miles of flats, none better known than the Marls on the western side of the island. Abaco lodge is centrally located directly on the Marl side of the island with access to them all. For twenty miles the average depth is four feet, a bone fisherman couldn’t ask for a better backyard. It would take a lifetime to fish the entire Marls alone but Abaco also offers some incredible fishing on the eastern ocean side of the island as well. “Abaco Lodge” has now been added to Nervous Waters portfolio of the finest properties to host our first guests, April 20th, 2009. As with all Nervous Waters properties, you can expect comfortable and well appointed accommodations, world class cuisine, top of the line boats operated by seasoned, expert guides, and a management & staff committed to providing the utmost in service and attention to detail.
The fishing
The Marls encompass more than 400 square miles of flats on the west side of Abaco. For twenty miles the average depth is four feet. The lodge is centrally located directly on the Marl side of the island with access to them all. It would take a lifetime to fish the entire Marls alone but Abaco also offers some incredible fishing on the eastern ocean side of the island as well. Cherokee Sound, the Bight of Robinson and Snake Cay are minutes from the lodge and offer opportunities at some of the largest bonefish. This location gives our guests easy access to the flats, whilst providing many sheltered locations irrespective of wind direction, within the interior of the Marls. In addition, from Abaco Lodge, guests have the opportunity to try for occasional Permit, Tarpon and Snook, as well as offshore and reef species such as Wahoo, Tuna, Dorado, (Seasonal Billfish), Snapper, Barracuda and Grouper.
Fishing areas
The typical trip does not fish on arrival or departure but we can arrange for a half day fishing if your flights allow. Breakfast is severed at 7; we leave the dock at 8 and return between 4 and 5. This schedule can be tailored to your needs with advance notice. Picnic lunches and cold drinks are taken to the flats in a cooler by your guide.
We access the Marls directly from the lodge dock; the flats on the ocean side require a short drive. All of the skiffs are equipped with padded seats with a backrest and a lean bar in the front. The majority of the fishing is done from the boat but wading opportunities exist if you prefer. Runs to the flats vary from 10 to 45 minutes. The bonefish on the Marls average 2-4 pounds with the occasional shot at bigger fish. The ocean side flats offer opportunities as some of the largest bonefish in the Bahamas but they are incredibly wary creatures. The Bahamas are primarily a bonefishery and Abaco is no different. There are the occasional shots at permit, tarpon, ‘cudas, jacks, and sharks and we recommend you bring the appropriate tackle just in case. There is nothing like seeing a 20 lb permit tailing or the juvenile tarpon cruising the flat and not having the right gear set up.
In addition to the wonderful flats fishing Abaco has incredible blue water fishing. We are happy to coordinate a day or two with the best captains available in search of marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, or 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 this fishing.
Affiliation(s):
Owner: Nervous Waters
Abaco Lodge
Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3351
Piso 2, Oficina 228
CP 1425 Buenos Aires
Argentina
Tel: +1 877 260 4332
(Toll free for USA)
Fax: + 5411 4807 2911
