Included / Not Included –
Included: All accommodations and meals at lodge, guided fishing with boat, daily lunch and bottled water, soft drinks and coffee, government room tax, alcohol, housekeeping staff gratuity, local transfers and laundry service.
Not Included: Airfare, guide gratuities, flies and others gift items.
Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to The North Riding Point Club you will need to make travel arrangements to and from Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island. The island is serviced directly from the mainland by several major US carriers. Arriving early in the day will enable an extra half day of fishing (included) or alternatively departing the island in the afternoon will accomplish the same end.
Getting to the Lodge: Once you arrive you will be met by a staff member or cab service with a sign and taken directly to the lodge.
Departure Information: On your departure day you will be driven to the airport by a staff member.
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.
Travel Cash:
As a guideline we recommend that each guest travels with approximately $900 - $1,200 for staff and guide gratuities, gifts, etc.
Gratuities:
The lodge recommends guide gratuities of $100 per boat per day and staff gratuities of $30 per day.
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 Freeport, approximately 20 miles from the lodge. Guests have the responsibility to disclose any special medical, physical, or dietary needs to the lodge ahead of time.
Power and Communications:
The lodge has 120 volt AC power compatible with U.S. appliances and WiFi connection.
Water:
Water at the lodge is potable and delicious.
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 Jan.-March. Dress at the lodge is casual.
Laundry:
Laundry service is not available. Please pack accordingly.
Beverages/Alcohol:
The lodge provides alcohol as part of your package.
Tackle/Equipment List:
The lodge has a gift shop where they do sell flies however rental gear is not available for anglers.
Rods: For bonefish we recommend 9 ft fast action rods for 7- 9 weight lines. For permit and barracuda 9-10 weights are ideal, and 10-11 weights are recommended for tarpon.
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 Ables, 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: 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. For tarpon we recommend pre-tied saltwater leaders with 15-20 class tippet and 80-100 pound shock tippets.
Flies: Bonefish: A wide range of patterns are effective in sizes 2-6. 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. The most popular colors are pink, white, cream, and tan. 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. Permit: Popular patterns include the rag head, McCrabs, Del Brown’s crab, and #2-2/0 Clouser minnows in tan and chartreuse. Barracuda: Long green “cuda” flies tied to wire leaders. Tarpon: Standard patterns such as the cockroach and other light patterns in the orange and brown color spectrum, size 2/0.
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.
