Mangrove Cay Club, Andros South, Bahamas

Andros Island is the bonefish Mecca of the Bahamas and the bonefish capital of the world. Talk to any fisherman who has an interest in saltwater fly fishing and they will tell you that Andros Island is home to some of the largest bonefish on the planet. 

A glance at a map of Andros reveals more bonefish habitat than any other island in the Bahamas.  Mangrove Cay Club’s location on the north shore of Mangrove Cay is smack in the middle of it all, giving access to the North, Middle and South Bights, the eastern flats and the West Side of Andros, without ever having to trailer a boat to a launch site or take a bone crushing ride in the open ocean.

Andros bonefish are plentiful and double digit fish are landed every season

It is widely known that bonefish follow the tides, using them to feed in shallow water. Tides on Andros behave in an odd way that works to Mangrove Cay Club’s advantage. When the tide is low and rising on the east side, it is high and falling on the west side and vice versa. This gives the guides the advantage of being able to move through the Bights all day, never leaving you sitting on a shoreline waiting for the tide to “be right”.

Andros bonefish are plentiful and average three to five pounds with regular appearances of fish in the six to ten pound range. Several 11, 12 and 13lb fish are landed every season. One huge flat on the West Side of Andros has been labelled “The Land of the Giants” and justifiably so. Good numbers of very large fish can be found here on a consistent basis. Bonefish are seen in schools of anything from a few fish to very large numbers, often in the hundreds. Large fish tend to travel in singles and doubles although they can hang out in large schools with smaller fish.

The Bights and West Side of Andros have soft bottoms and are best fished from the bow of the skiff. Wading is done on hard, sandy bottomed flats which are all on the eastern shores and the south west of Andros. The lodge uses 16’ Dolphin skiffs with Yamaha 85HP engines to address the need for speed, comfort and safety while travelling from flat to flat. There are ten skiffs: eight on the water and two backups.  All of the boats are configured with elevated poling platforms and have fittings on the casting deck for a removable leaning bar. Two boats also have a fitting for a removable cushioned chair on the casting deck.

“What an amazing place! Loved the bones, but LOVED the opportunity to enjoy Mangrove Cay Club. Kiki put us on fish, Kenya kept the scotch flowing and Liz and Ike and all never let us down with their fine food and warm hospitality.”   M.H. Austin, TX

Spacious duplex cottages with a view of the bight from the porch

Accommodation at Mangrove Cay Club is in four spacious duplex cottages designed for privacy and minimal intrusion from neighbours.  Each of the four cottages is divided into two suites, separated by a thick soundproof wall. The eight suites all have high cypress ceilings and a bedroom with two queen sized beds, a sitting room, an oversize bathroom and a private porch overlooking the Middle Bight.

The club can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests. It is a short walk from the cottages to the main lodge which is a convivial spot for a post fishing drink. The lodge is open with a large bar and sitting area at one end and the dining area and entrance to the kitchen at the other.

The dining area opens out on to a large veranda overlooking Middle Bight followed by a few steps down to the attractive wooden dock. This dock is where guests are picked up each morning and dropped off in the afternoon. Chef Ike Moore is outstanding and has been at Mangrove Cay for over 10 years. His healthy cooking features grilled seafood and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, although he will also tempt you with classic Bahamian favourites and indulgent deserts such Ike’s well known Key Lime Pie.