North Bight – Stafford Creek

THE FISHING

Andros is a 2,300 square mile island known not only for it’s world class bone fishing, but also for it’s many species of flora and fauna, as well as for it’s spectacular marine environments, including the second largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, blue holes, Tongue of the Ocean, and the Great Bahamas Bank. The perimeter of Andros is characterized by alternating coral sand beaches and mangrove line bays and lagoons. The island is laced with thousands of miles of inland waterways and fishing flats. The North, Middle, and South bights cut through the island, east to west, creating vast areas for fishing and access to even more flats on the west side. Andros’ saltwater flats, a crucial habitat for bonefish and other species, are the largest in the world. The island’s west coast is the largest tropical nursery in the world, in part due to the extensive red, black and white mangrove systems (the largest concentration in The Bahamas).

Because of its northern location, Stafford Creek Lodge is one of the few facilities that regularly fishes the famous Joulter Cays. The Joulters is comprised of about fifty islets stretched out over a 125 square-mile sand bank located at the northern most tip of Andros Island. From the satellite images to the left, it is apparent just how large this most northerly of Andros’ flats system is. The wading at Joulters is excellent, with hard packed while sand flats stretching for as far as the eye can see. The numerous deep water channels that ribbon the Joulters flats inter connect this massive flats network, providing a mind boggling number of excellent places to fish. The Joulters area is one of the few places in all of the Bahamas that will consistently offer quality shots at both tarpon and permit. The diversity of species in this location is as good as one can find in the Bahamas, with large barracuda, jacks, snappers and sharks all sharing the flats with the big Joulters bones.

The owner of Stafford Creek Lodge, Prescott Smith, has bloodlines that are firmly entrenched in the history of bonefishing in Andros. His father, Charlie Smith, is the inventor of the Crazy Charlie fly. Prescott is a strong conservationist and his lodge vision was created to work in concert with the stunning natural beauty that Andros is famous for. The Stafford Creek guides use a variety of put ins scattered throughout the northern section of the island, which allows guests to fish all the way over to the isolated West Side of the island. This region is completely unpopulated and makes for a great day to specifically target large bonefish. The guides, Benry, Shawn and Solomon have a vast knowledge about the flats, the tides, and the habits of the fish and they are all eager to share this knowledge with guests. If you need an impromptu casting lesson, each of the guides are accomplished fly fishermen in their own right and will be happy to provide a lesson.

Stafford Creek is happy to facilitate hardcore flats fishing, so guests can expect to depart the lodge early each day and to have lunch in the skiffs, out on the flats. There are no “bankers hours” here and guests looking to scratch that long pent up saltwater itch, where long days on the water are the only cure, need to fish Stafford Creek Lodge. Prescott has recently added a blue water fishing boat which can be booked by the day at an additional rate. Dorado, wahoo and tuna can be had in either a fly fishing or trolling format.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

Maverick Flats Skiffs with large, clear casting platforms. The skiffs are professionally equipped with rod holders and poling platforms. A 26 foot ocean craft, fully equipped with state-of-the art Garmin navigation equipment and ship-to-shore communications.

GETTING THERE

Continental Connection has flight from Ft. Lauderdale into Andros Town on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Guests can also fly by chartered plane from the South Florida area (Miami or Fort Lauderdale) directly to Andros Town or fly to Nassau and then catch one of the two daily flights on Western Air up to Andros Town Airport. If you do end up flying through Nassau, please be aware that Nassau’s International Airport is divided into two sections: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. They are located in different buildings and you have to go outside the International terminal (where you’ll arrive) to make your connecting Domestic flight. Don’t worry, the airport staff are used to dealing with the confusion and most any baggage handler or security personal will be happy to point the way. Just remember,you must clear Bahamas Customs with your luggage in Nassau before you make your connection or your luggage won’t make it. A waiting taxi will pick you up and take you directly up to the lodge, where you will be met by either Prescott or Linda.

Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

RATES FOR 2024

All fishing packages and services do not include Bahamaian Government VAT of 10%

7 nights 6 days $5,927 USD DBL
6 nights 5 days $4,898 USD DBL
5 nights 4 days $3,975 USD DBL
4 nights 3 days $3,075 USD DBL
3 nights 2 days $2,180 USD DBL

7 nights 6 days $11,855 USD SGL
6 nights 5 days $9,797 USD SGL
5 nights 4 days $7,950 USD SGL
4 nights 3 days $6,150 USD SGL
3 nights 2 days $4,360 USD SGL