Welcome to H2O Bonefishing

Since flats fishing gained popularity in the mid-1980s, bonefishers have become increasingly demanding not only in terms of higher fishing expectations but also with regard to accommodations and the availability of activities for non-fishing companions. The programme at H2O Bonefishing has, for many, eliminated the need to choose between great fishing on the one hand and comfort and non-fishing appeal on the other.

The expanse of flats that unfurls to the north and west of Freeport is vast and productive, and H2O Bonefishing is one of the few operations with a licence to fish this water. The bonefish here eat eagerly, almost to the point of being reckless. Careful presentations are nearly always met with a voracious take, but even fish that are 'lined', though they may initially dart a short distance away, usually wheel around to see what caused the disturbance and search frantically until they locate the fly. In addition to being particularly unwary, the fish here are also abundant. Most notable, however, is the average size of these bones which, we can say with confidence, is 5 lbs. Many fish in the 5- to 8-lb range are caught and even double-digit bones are lurking around these flats. And, as if trophy bonefishing like this weren't enough, this region has also shown itself as a developing permit fishery with multiple permit releases. Permit are the typical large Bahamas variety, averaging over 20 lbs.

Offshore fishing is a great way to break up a week of flats fishing and is offered from May to September in the deep waters that start less than a mile from shore on the island of Grand Bahama. The primary targets are yellowfin tuna, considered by many to be one of the strongest game fish to pursue and dorado. The yellowfin average around 15-25 lbs, and are ideal for the fly fisherman with fish caught on fly over 60 lbs! Dorado, or mahi mahi as they are also referred to, can go to over 50 lbs with the largest to date weighing 48 lbs on fly. There are always possibilities at skipjack and blackfin tuna.

Guests stay at the colourful Pelican Bay Hotel, a colonial-style property adjacent to the Lucaya Marketplace. Large, air-conditioned rooms have all the modern conveniences you would expect. Guests can also enjoy one of the three hotel swimming pools, a hot tub and the adjacent bar. The Lucaya beach is an easy five-minute stroll away. Fishing guests enjoy breakfast at the hotel's Canal House restaurant and lunch on the water while fishing. There are a number of excellent restaurants within walking distance of Pelican Bay where non-fishers can have lunch and everyone can eat dinner.

Welcome to H2O Bonefishing

No news at present.

Welcome to H2O Bonefishing

Welcome to H2O Bonefishing

Weekly schedule:

There are no set arrival or departure days, but a minimum of two fishing days is required.

2013 Rates:

January 1-June 30 and October 1-December 31

Standard Waterside Room / Shared Guide Based on Double Occupancy
7-night / 6-day $3,795
6-night / 5-day $3,195
5-night / 4-day $2,675
4-night / 3-day $1,990
3-night / 2-day $1,340

Standard Waterside Room / Shared Guide Based on Single Occupancy
7-night / 6-day $5,995
6-night / 5-day $5,150
5-night / 4-day $4,295
4-night / 3-day $3,375
3-night / 2-day $2,350

*prices subject to change. Room upgrade available.

Prices include: 
Accommodations, breakfast and packed lunch for the boat, bonefishing with shared guide.

Deposit
A deposit of 50% is due within 21 days of booking. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations received at least 60 days prior to departure will receive a refund, less $100/person cancellation fee; cancellations received 59-30 days prior will receive a 50% refund; less than 30 days, no refund will be issued.

Welcome to H2O Bonefishing

Time difference
GMT -5 hrs

Flight Time from the UK
London - Nassau: 10 hrs 10 mins

Internal Flights
Nassau - Freeport: 45 mins

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
No visa requirement if travelling direct from UK to Bahamas.
If entering or exiting via US, an ESTA application for 90-day US visa waiver is required prior to travel.

Documents Required
A passport that is valid for six months after the last day of your trip is required.

Species
Primarily bonefish, some tarpon, permit, barracuda and pelagic species depending on the time of year that you are travelling.

Frontiers and the lodge strongly encourage the catch and release of all bonefish and permit.

Tackle and Kit
We would recommend a 9ft single-handed 8 weight rod for bonefish, a 9ft single-handed 9 weight rod for permit and a heavier 9ft 10-11 weight rod for tarpon and barracuda. All rods should be rigged with good saltwater reels with reliable disc drags. Floating and intermediate clear tipped weight-forward lines, a selection of bonefish and tarpon leaders, flies, long-nosed pliers and polarised sunglasses. Light spinning tackle.

Clothing
Lightweight long sleeved shirts and trousers, wading shoes, sunscreen and peaked hat. We would also recommend a light waterproof spray jacket and a good waterproof tackle bag that can be stowed aboard your skiff.

Length of Stay
There are no set arrival and departure days with H2O Bonefishing.

For the non-fisherman
A few dozen yards down the boardwalk from the hotel lies the Lucaya shopping and restaurant center. Here, there more than twenty restaurants, ranging from informal pizza shops to gourmet dining, as well as numerous stores and boutiques offering wonderful shopping for non-fishing companions. There is a full-service scuba diving and snorkelling operation (UNEXSO) beside the hotel. For the golfer, the Lucaya Golf and Country Club (a short cab ride away) boasts the finest of the six courses on the island. Pelican Bay affords the opportunity to plan a serious bonefish and golf combination trip. If you are still looking for things to do, there is a casino in nearby Freeport.

Welcome to H2O Bonefishing