Fly fishing
Bonefishing in the Bahamas: the islands, the season and the hotels near the flats
The Bahamas has some of the largest bonefish flats in the world, and many lie five minutes from the beach. The islands where you get both good fishing and a good hotel, and when to go.
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The water is so clear you can see every ripple in the sand, and that is exactly why you cannot see the fish. Bonefish are silver-grey and mirror the bottom they swim over. Only when a tail breaks the surface does your guide point, and then you have seconds.
The Bahamas is made up of some 700 islands, many ringed by shallow flats where bonefish feed on crabs and shrimp. Andros, the largest island, is often called the bonefishing capital of the world. Yet Andros and Abaco have few hotels that meet Picolo's standard, so we have chosen the islands that offer both fine fishing and somewhere good to stay.
In short
The best Bahamas islands for bonefishing with good hotels are Long Island, Exuma and Harbour Island off Eleuthera. The peak season runs from March to May, though bonefish can be caught all year. Visitors need a separate licence to fish the flats.
Our first choice: Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort on Long Island, with flats and one of the finest beaches in the Bahamas on the doorstep.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort
When and how
March to May: Peak season, with warm water and light winds.
December to February: Cold fronts can make the fishing patchy, though many days are good.
Summer and autumn: Hot and calm, with hurricane season from June to November.
Licences: The Bahamas requires a flats fishing licence for visitors, bought online or arranged by your guide. Bonefish are catch and release.
Long Island
Long Island stretches for more than 100 kilometres, with the Atlantic on one side and shallow flats on the other. It is also home to Dean's Blue Hole, one of the deepest blue holes in the world.
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort
The resort sits at the island's northern tip, with cottages along a long white beach. Guides collect you from the hotel, and the flats are a short boat ride away.
Ideal for fishing in the morning and spending the afternoon on one of the best beaches in the islands.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort
Stella Maris Resort Club
Stella Maris stands on a ridge with views over both sides of the island and has long experience with visiting anglers. There is a pool, and the resort arranges boats and guides.
A good fit for anglers who want everything organised on site, including those on a tighter budget.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Stella Maris Resort Club
Coral Sands, Harbour Island
The pink sand beach draws most visitors, while the flats lie on the other side of the island. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Harbour Island and Eleuthera
Harbour Island is a small island just off Eleuthera, known for its pink sand beach and the painted clapboard houses of Dunmore Town. The bonefish flats lie between the island and Eleuthera.
Coral Sands
Coral Sands sits right on the pink beach, with bright rooms and a garden running down to the sea. The village is a few minutes' walk away.
Suited to couples who want a few days' fishing and the beach the rest of the time.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Coral Sands
Valentines Resort & Marina
Valentines has its own marina on the harbour side of the island, where guide boats tie up. Rooms are large, and several have kitchens.
A practical pick for anglers, with the boat a few steps from your door.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Valentines Resort & Marina
The Cove Eleuthera
The Cove sits on northern Eleuthera, with two small coves and cottages on the rocks above the sea. The flats and the ferry to Harbour Island are a short drive away.
For anyone after quiet and nature, with some snorkelling between fishing trips.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Cove Eleuthera
Exuma
Exuma is a chain of islands south of Nassau, famous for the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. Large bonefish flats surround Great Exuma and George Town.
Grand Isle Resort & Residences
Grand Isle overlooks Emerald Bay on Great Exuma, with villas and apartments that have kitchens and sea views. The airport is a short drive away.
A good choice for families and groups combining fishing with boat trips through the cays.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Grand Isle Resort & Residences
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best bonefishing in the Bahamas?
Andros is considered the best place for bonefish in the Bahamas, but it has few high-standard hotels. Long Island, Exuma and Harbour Island combine good flats with good hotels. Abaco and Grand Bahama also offer fine bonefishing.
When is bonefish season in the Bahamas?
You can fish for bonefish in the Bahamas all year, but the best months are March to May. In winter, cold fronts can make fishing patchy. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
Do you need a fishing licence in the Bahamas?
Yes, visitors need a licence to fish the flats in the Bahamas. It can be bought online or arranged through your guide. Bonefish must always be released.
How do you get to the Bahamas from the UK?
There are direct flights from London to Nassau. From Nassau, domestic flights connect to Long Island, Exuma and Eleuthera.