So after several days of tagging bones, eating conch salads (think shellfish ceviche with fresh limes and scotch bonnet peppers), downing the local Kalik lagers and generally living the Caribbean high life at our first stop, it was time to move on down the road to Andros South. AS is part of the Deneki family, owned and operated by Andrew Bennett, an early supporter and friend of FFJ. Along with Alaska West and BC West, Deneki is a core fisherman driven experience. While there are fancier lodges out there, Andros South is not exactly roughing it. With private rooms, a self-serve bar at their Tiki hut on the beach and authentic island cuisine, Andros South was the perfect continuance of our bonefish domination tour.

Manager Mike Sanders and host Adam Kryder (FFJ photo contributor) provided a great and welcoming atmosphere and kept the focus on the fishing. And fish we did.

With a 6:00 am breakfast, a 7:30 van shuttle to the boat launch at Little Creek and 8:00 am run to the fishing grounds, guests hit the water running. And keep running until arriving at the famed west side of the island with an insane myriad of flats, isles, sandbars, mangroves and a general habitat that serves as the ultimate bonefish aquarium. Whether a short run just past the bridge, or a 90 minute run to a remote spot, we caught bones. Whether we fished tan or pink shrimp, we caught bones. Wind or no wind, we caught bones. Even when the sun went behind clouds and we couldn’t see anything, the guides did. And we caught bones. Except for when we opted otherwise, and then we caught snapper. Basically for 9 hours a day, four days in a row at Andros South we caught fish. And it was good.

shadowbone.

For anyone who has been snubbed in the Keys, or refused in Molokai, come to South Andros — The experience will get y0ur game together and you can go forth a proven bonefisherman upon return.

Much of this credit has to go to the guides, especially Charlie. Perhaps one of the easiest going, but attentive guides I’ve ever had the pleasure of fishing with, Charlie brought out confidence in the toughest casting situations and spotted bones that no mortal should be able to see.

Unfortunately it was clear that securing a visa, seeking employment with Deneki as a bow ballast/ornament, or simply holing up behind some boxes in the kitchen was not going to be a viable option and Copi and I packed for our return.

Back to the airport — which is about the size of a small McDonald’s, back on the 9 seater Cessna, back to Babylon.

Both Copi got hit with random shakedowns at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport.

The ads are correct: It is better in the Bahamas.

An additional thanks to Simon and Aaron at RIO, Diane at Simms, Andrea at Columbia, and Geoff at Ross for helping us gear up.