Mars Bay Lodge

THE FISHING

Location. Location. Location. Just like in the real estate game, lodge location is critical and Mars Bay Lodge has it in spades. Situated at the southern end of Andros Island, Mars Bay Lodge is quite literally at the end of the road. What this means for anglers staying at Mars Bay Lodge, is that you are as far south as you can stay on Andros and therefore closer to South Andros flats than any other lodge on the island.
The flats at the south end of Andros are nothing short of remarkable and there are not many places anywhere on earth that offer as many quality bonefishing environments and challenges as those found at the south end of the island. Just look at a map of South Andros and you’ll start to get an understanding of what is waiting there for bonefish enthusiasts. There are countless, bays, estuaries, creeks and channels that surround the many islands found in the area and it would take close to a dozen trips to fish the same water twice. The runs from the put in will range from 15-30 minutes but if you want to explore further south, the Fish Cays and Water Cays to the west offer a vast and lightly fished area that can often produce trophy sized fish.

First and foremost this is a bonefish destination and while there are tarpon and permit in these waters, Mars Bay Lodge should be viewed as a dedicated bonefish destination. Other species you will likely encounter are barracuda, sharks and snappers. The average sized bonefish will run between 2-4 pounds with much larger fish routinely seen and cast to. Double digit fish are caught every month of the year that Mars Bay operates.

One of the great advantages to fishing at Mars Bay Lodge is the excellent wading available to anglers in this part of the Bahamas. Unlike the majority of the Bahamas where most of the fishing is done from the skiff, there is enormous amount of quality wading to be done in this part of the country and the guides enjoy it as much as the guests do. The bottom structure is a mix of hard rock and dead coral, marl and white sand flats, that generally offer good solid footing. This is an excellent fishery that is ideal for both beginners and veteran flats anglers.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

Bill owns a variety of flats skiffs powered by 60 horse powered Yamaha Enduro engines. Each skiff has plenty of dry storage and cockpit space. Decks are clear and free of obstacles that could snag a fly line.

GETTING THERE

There are really two ways to get to Mars Bay Lodge. Guests can fly into the Nassau Bahamas International Airport and then catch a commuter flight down to Congo Town, Andros. Many major US, Canadian and European air carriers fly into Nassau daily, so there are plenty of international flight options. If you do fly 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. Just remember, you must clear Bahamas Customs with your luggage in Nassau before you make your connection to Congo Town.

Charter flight services can be arranged from south Florida or Nassau, Bahamas. Private planes are also welcome at the Congo Town Airstrip and the asphalt runway can accommodate most private aircraft. The Congo Town Airstrip has Bahamian customs right on site, making charter flights from South Florida very easy. Upon arrival at Congo Town, you will be met at the airport and driven down to the Mars Bay Lodge, which is about a 45-minute drive south.

RATES FOR 2024

All fishing packages and services include Bahamian Government VAT tax.

Peak Months of November, February, March, April, and May Require at least a 5 day stay.

• 7 nights 6 days $5,900 USD DBL
• 6 nights 5 days $5,400 USD DBL
• 5 nights 4 days $4,750 USD DBL
• 4 nights 3 days $3,850 USD DBL

Single Occupancy/Single Guide

• 7 nights/ 6 days – $7,650 USD SGL
• 6 nights/ 5 days – $6,950 USD SGL
• 5 nights/ 4 days – $6,150 USD SGL
• 4 nights/ 3 days – $5,350 USD SGL