Who is best suited to this destination? This operation is well suited for anyone who appreciates true luxury, a remote setting, exceptional bonefishing, a wide range of activities, fine food and wine, and the ability to just relax at a wonderful facility that offers a pool and a private beach.
Where is the lodge? The Delphi Club is located on the island of Abaco 30 minutes south of the town of Marsh Harbour.
How do I get there? To get to the Delphi Club, guests can fly directly to Marsh Harbour from Miami, Nassau, Ft. Lauderdale or Atlanta. You will be met at the airport by a lodge representative and then transferred south 30 minutes by vehicle to the lodge.
When should I go? The Delphi Club is open from October through the end of July, with peak demand occurring March through May. October and November are also very desirable months for great weather and fishing.
How will I fish? Guests will fish either one or two to a boat with an experienced professional Bahamian guide. Most fishing will be done with one angler sight fishing from the bow of a poled flats skiffs.
Is there wade fishing? Yes, there is wade fishing and if you are particularly keen to fish this way please make that preference known to your guide and management, as they will work hard to maximize opportunities.
Where will I fish? Delphi fishes roughly 200 square miles of water on Abaco on the West, East and South sides of the island. Locations include the Marls, Cherokee Sound, the Bite of Ole Robinson, Sandy Point, Moore’s Island, and other beautiful flats.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Most of the drive times to launch sites are between 10 and 20 minutes. Once you are launched, you will be fishing in very little time. Avoiding long run times is easy on the guests, especially when the wind picks up and it gets choppy.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? Bonefish are the main quarry on Abaco. Fish range in size from 2- to 8-pounds. Larger fish are sometimes found as well. Tarpon, permit and barracuda can also be found at various times of year.
How many fish will I catch? Most anglers will catch at least a handful of bonefish each day unless the weather is particularly challenging. Any time you land double digit numbers of bonefish in a single day, it is a really good day.
Will I see other anglers? While it is possible to see other anglers, it is very uncommon.
What are the guides like? The guides at Delphi are seasoned local professionals. Bahamian guides have in some cases, earned a reputation for being “passionate”. This means that some guides may show their emotions or disappointment at poorly executed casts or missed opportunities. This is their nature. They are also quick to laugh, smile and tease but they are always on your team. Our advice any time when dealing with foreign guides is to try and relax, realize that many cultural differences are at play and that when things get heated in the boat, try to smile and laugh your way through it. As always, never suffer in silence. If you ever have an issue, be sure to bring it up with lodge management.
What are the physical demands? None to speak of.
Are there any special skills required? As for all trips, casting skills and listening skills tend to improve outcomes. Being familiar with your gear, the double haul, and casting in wind will all improve one’s catch rates.
Does the lodge provide equipment? Yes, the lodge can rent you a bonefish rod for $30 a day and the boats are equipped with a complementary 10-weight permit and barracuda rod. All needed flies and leaders can be purchased on site.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? A fast-action 9-foot, 8-weight rod paired with a floating, weight forward, tropical line and a high-quality disc drag reel is ideal.
What are the top flies? Delphi Daddy, Spawning Shrimp, Gotchya, and Flexos, all of which are available in their shop.
What are the options if weather conditions become challenging? The guides a can select the most protected launch sites and or guests can blind fish over reefs for a range of species.
What is a typical day like? Breakfast is served between 7 and 9 AM, lunch is served on the boat whenever folks like. Guests typically depart at 8 AM and return to the lodge by 4:30 PM. Appetizers are served at roughly 6 PM and dinner is served at 7:15 PM.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? While Delphi is a true luxury lodge, it is also a very friendly relaxed environment well suited to anglers as well as guests in pursuit of other activities and or leisure.
Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? Yes, the lodge managers are always available and willing to help guests in any way possible. They are passionate and very well-informed fly anglers.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals at Delphi are of the highest quality and prepared by a chef who has worked in Michelin star restaurants. His food is simple, fresh and delicious, and makes optimal use of local ingredients. The kitchen can accommodate guests with food allergies and special dietary restrictions, but advanced notice is recommended.
What is the alcohol policy? The lodge has a thoughtfully selected wine list that is fairly priced as well as an “honor bar” where guests track their personal tab. Guests may bring their own specialty drinks and wine if so desired. A reasonable corkage fee will apply.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The Delphi Club is a small eight-bedroom luxury lodge built on secluded bluff overlooking a lovely private beach. It was designed in the style of an 18th century colonial plantation house, with large wrap-around verandahs and panoramic ocean views. Six of the Club’s eight bedrooms are on the ground floor. There are two more on the third floor. All have lovely ocean views and there is a choice of super-king-size beds or queen-size twins. The lodge has a lot of common space, tasteful antiques as well as a gallery of fishing paraphernalia. The club offers easy beach access and has a private pool.
Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes the lodge has excellent WiFi and cell service.
Are there other activities? Yes. This a great lodge where guests who prefer not to fish have lots of great activities to choose from including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, golfing, bird watching, guided van based nature tours, sailing, offshore sportfishing, and massage.
Are there any other expenses? Yes, tips and bar tabs.
Do I need a visa? No but guests currently need to obtain a “Travel Health Visa” from the government.
Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? No, however we recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.
