Included / Not Included: –
Included: Accommodations, meals, wine, beer and local spirits at the Lodge, transfer to and from Congo Town to the lodge, lodge kayak, and daily maid service.
Not Included: Airfares, staff and guide gratuities, and laundry service.
Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to Bair’s Lodge you will need to arrive into Congo Town on Andros Island. Located in Little Creek, South Andros Island, anglers can fly direct from Florida via Charter (1 hour flight) and clear customs at Congo Town Airport (TZN).
Getting to the Lodge: A lodge representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you by car to the lodge. The transfer from the local airport to the lodge takes 20 minutes.
Departure Information: On your departure day you will be driven to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Documentation Requirements:
You will need a valid passport. No Visa is required for US or UK passengers, but other nationalities should check with their local consulate. A Bahamian departure tax of $15 is due on all departing passengers.
Currency:
US dollars may be used freely in the purchase of goods and services, therefore no money conversion is needed. It is very important that all anglers arriving on Andros come prepared with enough cash for their entire stay, as banking and cash acquisition is a major ordeal on the island. Purchases from the Bair's Lodge tackle shop can be made with cash, traveler checks or personal checks. MasterCard and Visa are accepted for all lodge purchases, but cash is necessary for tipping.
Travel Cash:
As a guideline we recommend that each guest travels with approximately $700 - $1,000 for staff and guide gratuities, laundry service, etc.
Gratuities:
Guides: You may want to tip your guide directly, but the lodge is also happy to handle it for you, as they generally rotate guides and you will fish with more than one guide during your stay. The recommended rate is $50-60 / day / boat, though if you feel he has really put in a lot of work for you, you may wish to tip more.
House staff: For your convenience house staff tips may be handed to the management at the end of your stay, we recommend $35/night per room. If you have any queries the lodge manager will assist you. The lodge provides airport transfers to and from the lodge; however, the driver Kim is always grateful for any gratuities.
Climate:
Temperatures typically range from the low 70’s to the mid 90’s. Isolated afternoon thundershowers are a possibility year round. Wind can be factor while fishing and the sun is very strong.
Medical Facilities:
The closest medical facility is in Nassau, approximately 30 minutes by air from the lodge. Guests have the responsibility to disclose any special medical, physical, or dietary needs to the lodge ahead of time. In emergency situations, a charter flight may be required to reach a medical facility. Guests may want to consider medical evacuation coverage. We recommend Global Rescue.
Power and Communications:
Bair’s Lodge has full electricity running 24 hours a day. They also have a computer available with satellite internet for those who want to stay connected.
Water:
Bottled water is readily available.
Clothing:
Long sleeved, collard quick dry and cotton shirts as well as quick dry shorts and pants, sun-gloves, wide brimmed hat with ear protection, lightweight rain gear and one thin warm layer for January - March. Dress at the lodge is casual.
Laundry:
Laundry service is available to guests during their stay. Please be prepared to pay for this service onsite.
Beverages/Alcohol:
The lodge provides a full selection of spirits. Guests may bring their own.
Tackle/Equipment List:
Rods: Nine foot, 6 to 9 weight fly rod with 200 yards of 20 lb backing and saltwater type floating lines. 8 to 12 ft bonefish leaders with 8 to16lb test tippets. For barracuda 9-10 weights are ideal.
Lines: Floating Mastery saltwater tapers and bonefish tapers or equivalents in the appropriate weights.
Reels: Any quality anodized, corrosion resistant, saltwater reel will work. Get the best reel you can afford such as Abels, Bauers, Tibors and the likes. Bonefish reels should have at least 150 yards of 20 or 30 pound backing and your larger reels should have at least 200 yards of 30 pound backing.
Leaders/Tippet: Bonefish leaders should be 9-10 ft long in the 10-15 pound class. Bring additional tippet material in the same diameters. Fluorocarbon leaders are becoming increasingly popular. Barracuda leaders should also be 9-10 ft long in the 15 pound class with wire shock tippet.
Flies: Bonefish: Flies: Tan and pink patterns work best. "Gotcha's" are especially effective as well as shrimp and crab patterns. Hooks size 2-8. Everything for tying flies is available at the guest house. Be sure have un-weighted flies, moderate (bead chain eyes) weighted flies, and heavy flies with lead eyes to meet different conditions and water depths. Generally speaking, fish in the Bahamas respond well to rather large flies, with # 4s being the regular go-to size. Some popular patterns include crazy Charlies, white and pink gotchas, bonefish puffs, Borski’s slider and swimming shrimp, Beck’s silly legs in white, the Kwan, and tan Clouser Minnows. Barracuda: Long green “cuda” flies tied to wire leaders..
Waders & Boots: Wet wading with flats boots (Simms, Patagonia) is the norm. While fishing from the boat many choose to go barefoot or wear only socks, which offer protection from the sun. Quick dry shorts and especially quick dry pants are the everyday attire.
Miscellaneous: Polarized glasses, nippers, reel covers, reel lubricant, hemostats, pliers, tape measure, tape for blisters and stripping finger, fanny pack, Aloe gel for sunburn, SPF 25 or higher waterproof sunscreen, insect repellent, plastic fly swatter, sun gloves, wide brimmed hat, and a small waterproof bag.
Loaner rods/reels are available at the lodge.
