Author Fitzgerald inside mangrove creeks with the bones.

In the February ’09 issue of FS, we get a glimpse of writer Brett Fitzgerald’s trip for bonefish to Grand Bahama Island’s Deepwater Cay. Here, we provide more photos and information on bringing the whole family over to one of The Bahamas most accessible and all-around enjoyable family destinations.

Over the white beaches, bonefish lighten up a few shades.

Bringing the family to Freeport should be all about the fun. Several resorts are within about a $20 cab ride from the airport, and there are plenty of eateries within walking distance. During this visit, we strolled through the market, bartered over a few trinkets, and finally settled in to a glass bottomed boat tour. This particular boat had a lower deck that had glass walls, giving the effect of sitting in a submarine. The kids weren’t the only ones stunned by the complex array of colors and shapes along the reefs that sit literally yards offshore.

A #2 mantis shrimp pattern brought the most success.

There are several activities that families can enjoy, including kayak tours through caves, swimming with dolphins (book in advance, this one fills up fast), and horseback riding on the beach. Some of these activities have age requirements, so it is important to look into all options before heading over.

Avoiding mangrove roots might require changes in rod pressure.

Passports are required for everyone, even the kiddos, so you need to plan way ahead. Don’t expect too much trouble at customs and immigration, as long as you play by the rules.

Grand Bahama offers seclusion, water variety, and plenty of bonefish.

Your whole trip can be planned through www.grand-bahama.com. The all-inclusive site has travel tips, history, links to resorts and hotels, and many other tidbits that will make you want to extend your visit several extra days.

Guide ‘Meko’ Glinton releases a back country fish.

Constant pressure is required to bring a bone home.

Even guides enjoy each and every bonefish.

Bones blend in like no other gamefish (guess which one became my desktop image).

A lodge with its own fishing fleet has distinct advantages…

Chris Barber, manager of Deep Water Cay, works the reef for grouper with guest Judith Wint.