Fishing on Acklins Island

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.

Barracuda and sharks are where you find them. A spinning rod with a "tube lure" can provide very exciting sport for the 'cudas'

The links listed here should be helpful.