LOCATION
Andros Island, Bahamas
SEASON
Year-round, with October through mid-July being peak season
CAPACITY
Maximum of 8 anglers per week
SPECIES
Bonefish, tarpon, permit, barracuda, jacks, snapper, and dorado
GENERAL INFORMATION
Head guide and owner Prescott Smith is one of the most famous and respected guides in the Caribbean. Over the past ten years, he has developed one of the top saltwater fishing programs in all of the Bahamas. Using the lodge as your base camp, you can explore the area’s numerous creek systems, inland lakes, the famous West Side of Andros, and the wilderness of the Joulters to the north.
LENGTH OF STAY
Trips of any length are available, and the convenience of the Bahamas makes Stafford Creek Lodge the perfect getaway for a week-long fishing trip or a quick weekend escape.
THE FISHING
At Stafford Creek, bonefish are the preferred target, and the fish in the area are among the largest found anywhere in the world. Good numbers of permit and tarpon can also be found in area waters, especially in the Joulter Cays and along the west side of the island. Prescott and his staff of veteran guides work hard to provide the very best fishing opportunities possible based on the time of year, weather conditions, and their clients' skill level and expectations. For this reason, Stafford Creek is a great destination for both beginning and expert anglers alike.
Unlike many Bahamian lodges, Stafford Creek Lodge uses numerous different boat put-ins throughout the northern area of Andros. Such areas as Red Bays (West Side), Stafford Creek, Staniard Creek, North End (Joulters), and Fresh Creek enable the guided to provide anglers with an optimum experience with less running time in a boat. This is a nice when the seas are rough. Expect to spend up to one hour daily in a car for transfers to and from the boat launches.
Andros Island, located approximately 150 miles east of the Florida Keys, is a premier bonefish destination. This Bahamian Island, which is over 100 miles long and in places up to 40 miles wide, consists of a vast area of flats, creeks, cays, cuts, mangroves, and fertile fishing grounds. If you are a serious angler looking for big bones, then Andros Island should strongly be considered. Andros is arguably the best island in the Bahamas – if not the best in the world – for seeking BIG bonefish! If you are a first-time saltwater fisherman or an intermediate angler looking to improve, then Andros is a great place due to the sheer number of bonefish that inhabit the waters. Anglers new to fishing for bones can be taken to areas of the island where they can tune their skills on large numbers of small to medium-sized fish, usually from one to four pounds. These smaller fish are found in large numbers and – for the most part – are easily fooled. For those seeking diversity, there are opportunities for tarpon, permit, jacks, barracuda, sharks, snapper, grouper, dolphin, wahoo, and many other species.
One of the main draws for anglers visiting Andros is the uninhabited West Side of the island. A good portion of unexplored territory still remains on the West Side, and the fish are rarely pressured. This equates to a large population of fish, many of which reach world-class size. (Some bonefish on the West Side will push 15+ pounds!) This side of the island is acknowledged as one of the premier “trophy bonefish” areas in the world. The west coast is also one of the better destinations in the Bahamas for tarpon. Tarpon fishing is usually best during the warmer months.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED
Anglers fish from Maverick Mirage skiffs, complete with poling platforms, 90-140hp Yamaha outboards, and spacious casting decks. They are roomy, fast and comfortable.
THE LODGING
The cottages are very spacious for two anglers per cottage. The rooms are appointed with Andros pine hand made furnishings, two queen size beds, a spacious bathroom, air conditioning and ceiling fans, rod holders, and wading boot drying racks. Each room has a mini-refrigerator stocked with sodas, beer, water, a coffee maker, and fresh coffee for your convenience. Every convenience has been considered, including a hairdryer, a basic first aid kit, boat towels, bath robes, and an alarm clock/radio in each room. The lodge also offers a complimentary laundry service so that anglers may travel light. Each cottage has a private deck overlooking the magnificent view of Stafford Creek. Guests have access to free internet and computer use in the main office (upon request), and Wi-Fi is now available for those that want to bring their own laptops!
RATES & DETAILS
2009
Number of Lodge Nights |
Number of Days Fishing |
2 Per Boat 2 Per Room |
1 Per Boat 1 Per Room |
3 |
2 |
$1,828.75 |
$2,515.00 |
4 |
3 |
$2,557.50 |
$3,570.00 |
5 |
4 |
$3,286.25 |
$4,625.00 |
6 |
5 |
$4,015.00 |
$5,680.00 |
7 |
6 |
$4,743.75 |
$6,735.00 |
8 |
7 |
$5,472.50 |
$7,790.00 |
WHAT’S INCLUDED
All accommodations and meals at lodge, guided fishing with boat, daily lunch and bottled water, soft drinks and coffee, government room tax, and laundry service. Guests have access to email and the internet in the lodge office.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare from home town to Andros Town, taxi from Andros Town Airport to Lodge, alcoholic beverages and bar tab, gratuities for guides and staff, and airport departure taxes.
DEPOSIT INFORMATION
A 50% deposit (per angler) of the total package cost for each trip is due to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures (YDFA) within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation. Guides and dates cannot be held or reserved without a deposit. YDFA reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $100 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
HOW TO GET THERE
Direct flights from Ft. Lauderdale to the Andros Town Airport are available through Continental Gulfstream on Saturdays and Tuesdays mornings. Make sure to leave ample time for connecting flights on your return trip, due to customs and immigration - at least an hour and a half. For daily commercial flights, fly direct to Nassau and use service from Western Air to Andros Town Airport (twice daily). Private air charters can also be arranged by calling Ian Davis at Yellow Dog. A cab driver will deliver you to the lodge from the airport. This cost is NOT included in the package price and should be no more then $100.00 from Andros Town or San Andros.
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
Stafford Creek Lodge is primarily a flyfishing operation. They do not normally cater to non-anglers, due to the fact that they are a small resort with competitive space for serious anglers. For the non-angling companions in a party, however, or for those who wish to fish a few days and then take advantage of another activity while others in their party continue to fish, there are activities available. For non-anglers, Andros offers fabulous blue holes, bird watching, kayaking, and nature trails. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and island tours can be arranged upon request.
OTHER INFORMATION
The lodge serves a hearty breakfast early each morning to get your day started right. Lunch on the boat includes sandwiches, fresh fruits, fresh lemonade, home made bread, and anything else you request – from lobster salad to ice tea, Gatorade to fresh home baked cookies. The lodge's exceptional chef will meet all your taste bud needs with dishes such as fresh conch fritters and the finest seafood dishes, caught fresh from local waters.
There is a fully stocked bar at the lodge with all the finest brands available, including wines. The bar is also stocked with a varied selection of beer and of course the local favorite, Kalik.
In the unlikely event that a hurricane warning is issued over the island, Stafford Creek Lodge will do their very best to reschedule your trip for a later date in the immediate future. With Stafford Creek Lodge being booked up in advanced, however, it may prove difficult to slot you in a new space right away. If this happens, your entire payment will be transferred to a later booking. As with all of our operations in the Caribbean, we strongly recommend trip insurance.
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