Andros Island in The Bahamas is the largest of 26 inhabited Bahamian Islands. Whilst it is considered a single island it is actually made up of hundreds of small islets, cays and three main islands connected by a series of mangrove estuaries. There are three main bights that split the major islands that provide a gateway between the east and west side of the island and Mangrove Cay Club is situated on the north shore of Mangrove Cay, right in the middle of it all.
It is the myriad of tidal lagoons and access to the shelter west side and the expansive east side that make Andros one of the finest bonefishing destinations on the planet. With a wonderful mix of smaller schooling bonefish through to big singles and doubles cruising the oceanside flats, this is a bonefisher’s paradise and one of our favourite places to be based is Andros South Lodge.
Mangrove Cay Club – Great comfort and excellent fishing
A glance at a map of Andros reveals more bonefish habitat than any other island of The Bahamas. The location of Mangrove Cay Club on the north shore of Mangrove Cay is smack in the middle of it all, giving them access to the North, Middle and South Bights, the eastern flats and the West Side of Andros, all without ever having to trailer a boat to a launch site or take you on a bone crushing ride in the open ocean.
Andros bonefish are plentiful and average 3 to 5 pounds with regular appearances of fish 6 to 10 pounds. Several 11, 12 and 13 pound fish are landed every season. One huge flat on the West Side of Andros has been labelled “The Land of the Giants” and justifiably so. Good numbers of very large fish can be found here on a consistent basis. Bonefish are seen in schools of anywhere from a few fish to very large numbers, often in the hundreds. Large fish tend to travel in singles and doubles although they can hang out in large schools with smaller fish.
The Bights and West Side of Andros have soft bottoms and are best fished from the bow of the skiff. Wading is done on hard, sandy bottomed flats which are all located on the eastern shores and the south west of Andros. They use 16’ Dolphin skiffs with Yamaha 85 hp engines to address the need for speed, comfort and safety while travelling from flat to flat. They have 10 skiffs: 8 on the water and the other 2 are backups. All of the boats are configured with elevated poling platforms and have fittings on the casting deck for a removable leaning bar. Two boats also have a fitting for a removable cushioned chair on the casting deck.
Accommodation is in four spacious duplex cottages designed for privacy and minimal intrusion from neighbors and a main lodge designed for conviviality. Each of the four cottages is divided into two suites, separated by a thick soundproof wall. The eight suites all have high cypress ceilings and a bedroom with two queen sized beds, a sitting room, an oversize bathroom and a private porch overlooking the Middle Bight.
The club can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests. It is a short walk to the main lodge. The lodge is open with a large bar and sitting area at one end and the dining area and entrance to the kitchen at the other.
For more information on The Bahamas please contact Alex Jardine or Charlotte Chilcott call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.