Acklins Island Lodge, Bahamas
Acklins Island is at the southeastern end of the Bahamian chain of islands and cays. It sits at 23 degrees north latitude, just below the Tropic of Cancer. The weather in the Bahamas can be changeable, with fronts coming and going year round. The majority of the rain is usually late spring and summer. The strongest winds are usually in the spring. August and September are very warm and also mark the hurricane season. For those reasons the Lodge is closed then.
Acklins Island Lodge is a new lodge, sitting on the highest and narrowest part of Acklins Island. The spectacular view overlooks the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Bight of Acklins to the West. The lodge consists of five small cottages, resembling a small village. There are three two-bedroom cottages, each with its own bath, and all air conditioned. Each bedroom has two extra-long twin beds that can be made into a King if so desired. 
Acklins bonefish usually travel in schools of 6 to 18 fish. At certain times you will see much larger schools. During low tides the schools will scatter on the flats and you can find yourself surrounded by tailing bones. It's not uncommon for inexperienced anglers to catch 6-10 fish in a days fishing. Experienced anglers can catch many more, but usually try to focus on the larger singles and doubles that are also abundant on Acklins pristine flats.
The Lodge uses Bay Skiffs, all with new Yamaha motors for Fall 2004. The ride from the Lodge to the closest flats is short, usually 10-15 minutes. Outer flats could take as long as 30 minutes. The flats are extensive and will remind you of the best of Christmas Island, the Joulters, or the Seychelles....they seem endless. During higher tides you will fish closer to the mangroves where a stronger leader is generally required. Few Acklins bonefish have ever seen a fly or an angler, so a stealthy stalk and a precise short cast works best. Acklins flats have a very shallow gradient which results in more walking time for the anglers. Also because of the very skinny water where the bonefish feed make sure you bring some smaller (size 6-8) unweighted (eyeless) flies. Permit are found feeding along the edges of the flats nearer deeper water. Anglers saw, had shots at, and landed fly caught Permit in the Fall of 2003 in numbers that convince us that Acklins is a legitimate Permit fishery. Tarpon are in the "Going Through" between Acklins and Crooked Island, but not in numbers or specific locations that allow us to call Acklins a tarpon destination. 
You will be back from fishing between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. After a shower you can relax, have a drink, watch a magnificent sunset from the deck, tie flies, and relive your day on the flats. Dinner is served between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. Our excellent Bahamian cooks ( our manager Les Knowles was the head chef at Peace and Plenty on Exuma ) specialize in fresh seafood, including fish, lobster and conch. We serve chicken and beef as well. Many of our fresh vegetables are grown in our own garden. We have a fully stocked bar offering beer, wine, and liquor at our cost. Soft drinks and mixes are free.
Additional photos from the Bahamas
Clothing and equipment checklist -- Tropical
Pricing:
| Please contact us for current pricing and availability |
7 nights/6 days fishing package
Includes: Lodging, all meals, non alcoholic beverages, guides, boats and fuel. Price is per angler based on double occupancy. |
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Shorter and longer stay packages are available, contact us for pricing. |
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Species |
Season |
| Bonefish |
All Year |
| Permit |
All Year |
| Baracuda |
All Year |
| Tarpon |
All Year |
In our clients' words...
In the press...
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