Andros Island fly fishing is exceptional. The island provides such a good angling experience that is has been nicknamed the bonefishing capital of the world. During my time at Small Hope Bay Lodge in 2023 I certainly came to understand why.
Andros Island is the largest of the Bahamian Islands and is situated approximately 20 miles off the coast of Nassau. Despite its size, the population density is low, especially when compared to some of the other islands in the Bahamas. Because of this, Andros Island is far more wild than some of the other Bahamian Islands and attracts a different type of tourist more interested in exploring the outdoors and wilderness than sitting by a pool with a cocktail. This makes Andros such a perfect match for Avid fly fishermen.
Small Hope Bay Lodge is one of several lodges and resorts on the island that provide bonefishing opportunities for anglers all over the world. However, Small Hope also offers several other activities for both the angler and non-angler. The lodge is also family oriented and does not even provide Wi-Fi within the guest rooms (only in the common area) which forces guests to be present and enjoy each other’s company. My stay at Small Hope was filled with laughs, new people, and the best bonefishing I had experienced, and I would recommend the lodge to anyone.
Getting to Small Hope
Getting to Andros from the United States is not difficult but it does require an extra step beyond getting to Nassau. When flying commercial, individuals can fly into Nassau and catch a small twin-propeller plane to Andros. Small Hope routinely runs promotions where they will pay for the round-trip ticket for one person in a group of two. There are also ferries available from Nassau, although this route takes much more time and the ferry schedule is not as reliable as the plane schedule. There are also several private flights available from airports in southern Florida. These flights are much pricier but they allows individuals to skip the step of flying through Nassau.
Small Hope will coordinate with visitors ahead of their visit to ensure that they have a ride to the resort. Upon your arrival, there will be a driver ready to transport you and your party to the lodge by car. The car ride from the airport is a short ride to the lodge.
Fishing at Small Hope
Small Hope offers bonefishing, reef fishing, and offshore fishing opportunities. While the pinnacle of Andros Island fly fishing lies in the bonefishing, it is possible to go reef fishing with a fly rod provided you let the lodge and guides know ahead of time so that they may make preparations.
Each evening during dinner a member of the Small Hope staff will visit each table and discuss what activity everyone will be doing the next day to ensure that gear and food are properly taken care of. This is a fly anglers’ chance to make sure that any needs or concerns are met. I especially appreciated this because my party had anglers of various skill levels and we were able to communicate what we needed very clearly.
Like many fishing destinations, anglers choosing Andros Island fly fishing will be transported to the fishing location in the morning. The guides will choose the fishing location based on the season, tide, and weather conditions. Small Hope has been around a long time, and many of the guides have several decades of experience. As such, they are very knowledgeable, patient, and determined to put you on fish. My bonefishing experience was unmatched anywhere else I had been bonefishing which includes other locations in the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos, and Belize.
Reef fishing at Small Hope with a fly rod is a bit trickier because the reef locations are generally greater than 30 feet deep. If a fly angler wishes to go reef fishing, the guide can chum the water or use a bait and switch technique to get fish to come into the pelagic zone of the water column. This can allow anglers to catch a variety of species, some of which may be harvested and cooked by the kitchen staff that very evening. The sea to table aspect can be exciting, especially when you can add to your list of species caught on a fly rod.
Accommodations
Small Hope is an all-inclusive resort at a very affordable rate. Your nightly rate will include your room, food, all drinks including alcohol, and access to all the amenities at the resort which include paddleboards, kayaks, and games. The nightly rate varies between high-season and low-season with a nightly difference of approximately $100. Multiple room types are available including rooms with two twin beds, rooms with one large bed, and even suite style rooms/cabins designed for families of four.
Meals are served three times a day and are made fresh. Breakfast includes options to order a traditional Bahamian breakfast or other options such as French toast or pancakes. Lunch and dinner will include a variety of traditional Bahamian cuisine made fresh by whichever chef is on duty. The best part of the food at Small Hope is the serving of hors d’oeuvres ahead of dinner. Each night a half hour before dinner, the staff will set out fresh conch fritters, chips, and salsa. As someone who has had conch fritters in multiple countries, I can confidently say these were the best I had ever had.
A member of the staff will tend the bar every afternoon and evening but otherwise the bar is open for guests to make their own drink at any point during the day. The bar is well stocked with different liquors and drinks and contains a recipe book so that you can make your own drinks. Small Hope encourages guests to use their all-inclusive status to the maximum extent possible. The kitchen is even open for guests to enter and grab a snack during non-mealtimes.
Opportunities for the Non-Angler
I chose Small Hope for my party because I was visiting with numerous non-anglers and I wanted to be sure that everyone would have a great time. The lodge has a heavy focus on diving and sends several boats to dive sites throughout each day. The Andros Barrier Reef is the third largest barrier reef in the world which makes for incredible diving opportunities. Many of the dive sites are able to accommodate snorkelers, so those without a dive certification can go enjoy the beauty of the barrier reef. Additionally there are several other activities on the island including guided nature tours, Androsia, and biking that can keep anyone occupied for several days at a time.
Why Small Hope for Andros Island Fly Fishing?
Andros Island is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially fly fishermen and women. The bonefishing truly is remarkable and anglers can expect to have consistent action and shots at fish throughout each day. Additionally, anglers may be able to expect regular shots at bonefish in the double digit weight class.
While the action involved in Andros Island fly fishing could be experienced anywhere on the island, I think Small Hope offers so much at such a great price that it is hard to pass up. Because of the activities available and reasonable price, I think that Small Hope is great for families and young professionals looking to go on their first few vacations. The oldest member of my group was 25 during our first visit to Small Hope.
In addition to the Andros Island fly fishing being nothing short of exceptional, price, and amenties being hard to top, Small Hope has a staff that is dedicated to ensuring that you have a the best experience possible. The kitchen, dive, administrative, and fishing staff are all great people who, because of the focus on connection at the lodge, you will get to know throughout the week by literally sitting and eating meals with them. I will be returning to Small Hope soon, and I plan to make it a destination I go to every few years. Give it a shot and I trust you will not regret it.
