In this long-exposure taken by action sports videographer Joshua Van Patter, the stars over Small Hope shine brilliantly while the Bahamas’ capital, Nassau, glows on the horizon some 25 miles east across Tongue of the Ocean. Andros is a huge island, but with very little development and only about 8,000 residents.
Where are we? The frigatebird’s beak points toward Small Hope, on the northeast side of Andros. Those creeks and little fragments of islands on the south end? Legendary flats. Same for the west side—remote and to date little explored.
On the beach at Small Hope Bay, Andros bonefish guide Shawn Riley, right, takes a few minutes to assess the casting abilities of a hopeful angler. Riley provides helpful encouragement, while also deciding which flats will be best suited for the angler.
Drone image, again by Van Patter, reveals broad sand flats at Mastic Point. This is only a tiny corner of northeast Andros. Hundreds of miles of isolated, lightly fished flats like this may be found around the island.
Glaister Wallace owns a famous pub in Cargill Creek, but his day job is guiding fly fishermen. Here, he gives a demo of his casting method, easily delivering 120 feet of flyline despite stiff trade winds.
Bonefish, target species for many anglers. The fishery is year-round, and guides are attuned to the movements of the schools. Spring and early summer would be an excellent time for the fly fisherman, as bones spread out around the island flats after wintering in the bights.
Editor Jeff Weakley’s fly box for Andros. Typical bonefish patterns are represented, as are deepwater streamers for offshore action with dolphin and snapper. Outfitting for this trip was provided by Columbia Sportswear’s Performance Fishing Gear division—lightweight, quick-drying, UV-resistant apparel perfect for the breezy tropical climate.
Happy hour at the beach bar, followed pork roast dinner.
Every night is a celebration at Small Hope Bay.
That’s Jeff Birch, son of the legendary Dick Birch, founder of Small Hope. The reading room at the lodge is a time capsule dating to 1960, when Jeff’s father opened the lodge, at the time catering heavily to divers. Small Hope was the first Caribbean resort to offer scuba training and trips, many to the famous Wall on the Andros Barrier Reef.
Okay, we failed to get a photo of the famed Great Lizard Cuckoo. A page from an ID book in the Small Hope Bay library must suffice. Andros is a birder’s paradise, and the lodge offers guided trips.
Kicking off the flops and popping open a local brew finishes the day at Fresh Creek, Andros.
