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Pelican Bay Bonefishing

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Our Lucaya Resort


The Islands of The Bahamas is a 100,000-sq-mile archipelago of over 700 islands, mostly uninhabited, and home to some of the best saltwater flats fishing on the planet…all just a 20-40 minute flight from South Florida. If you are the type who likes visiting the tropics, getting a little sun, wearing flip flops to the pub, experiencing the most beautiful beaches on the planet, and icing down your shoulder muscles from pulling in wily and speedy creatures all day on a fly rod….join the club and c'mon, let's go to the Bahamas!

In 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the New World on the island of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas. Columbus named the place "baja mar" (shallow sea in Spanish), because of the enormous and expansive ecosystem of shallow water flats that surround every island. Capitan Columbus was probably not looking for any ten-pound bonefish, but we are glad he found the place because we have picked up where he left off and spent a little time exploring the place ourselves!


You can experience Bonefishing at its very best on the extensive remote flats of the Northwest shore of Grand Bahama Island... and enjoy all of the comforts and amenities of luxury living at the same time! Whether you are an avid angler seeking some of the best bonefishing available anywhere, or you wish to provide a quality vacation for non-angling companions or family at absolutely no compromise to the quality of your fishing, then Pelican Bay Bonefishing is the ideal choice.

Located at the entrance to Grand Bahamas Bell Channel this private waterfront resort sits adjacent to both the white sands of Lucaya beach and Count Bassie Square that is the heart beat of the Islands' entertainment with a wide selection of restaurants, bars, duty free shopping, water sports and evening entertainment from local bands and dancing to the annual world famous Junkanoo Carnival. Guests can access the entire area with only a two-minute stroll, or remain poolside within the privacy of the resort and it's gourmet Ferryhouse restaurant.

Pelican Bay's uniqueness is its ability to provide world-class bonefishing along with ease of access to a myriad of alternative options for both the anglers themselves or their non-angling companions. All avid fisherman can be rest assured that while providing their family with a wonderful Caribbean vacation at Pelican Bay, you are in no way compromising the quality of the fishing experience - and are in fact choosing one of the worlds best bonefishing locations. These unique options should not however deter the experienced and well-travelled bonefisher; as the healthy average size and numbers of Grand Bahama's bonefish are very impressive. Fishing director, Greg Vincent, is a wonderful host and very inventive angler. His team of guides know the fishing areas very intimately and ensure that all Tailwaters clients return home extremely happy.


The Island of Grand Bahama stretches ninety miles east to west as the crow flies and it's north shore's vast area of creeks, cays and flats create hundreds of miles of fishable shoreline. Bottom structure varies from both hard and soft sand or grass flats to harder light coral or marl flats, creeks or cays, all of which provide excellent feeding areas for bonefish and permit. Fishing is primarily from Pelican Bay Bonefishing's fleet of Maverick Mirage flats boats but anglers are encouraged to wade during times where large concentrations of fish are found tailing in 'skinny' water. Grand Bahama bonefish can vary greatly in size from small 2 to 3 pound fish that can be found in schools to solitary or pairs and small groups that will weigh into double figures. The average size of our bonefish is a healthy 3 to 5 pounds and fish of 7 and 8 pounds are almost a daily encounter. The trophy sized specimens of 10 + pounds can be located at any time and anglers should be alert and ready to cast their offerings accurately. Pelican Bay's fly caught record bonefish, so far, is a remarkable fish of 14 1/2 pounds!

Although Pelican Bay can be considered a world-class bonefishing destination there are several other great gamefish that frequent the vast north shore flats. Permit and tarpon arrive during the spring and can be encountered until December. Barracuda can be found almost daily. There is also the possibility of running into packs of the hard fighting horse eye jacks that average 10 to 15 pounds. Pelican Bay Bonefishing therefore encourages all anglers to bring at least one heavier fly rod rated for either a 9, 10 or 11 wt. line. As there are no roads to access this area it has provided a bonefishing habitat that sees no pressure other than the few professional guides who fish these waters with their clients. You will not see the engine scares that are such a prominent and unappealing feature so often encountered on the flats of the Florida Keys and other bonefishing areas that receive a high amount of boating pressure. The entire area is pristine with a wide variety of wild land and marine based animals like ospreys and turtles which are not only pleasing to the eye but also good signs of a healthy environment. Once on the water the angler hears nothing more than the gentle lap of the tide and the busy screech of their reel.

Pelican Bay has also recently started an additional “out-island” fishing package in the Berry Islands. This is a great opportunity to combine a few days on Grand Bahama at the Pelican Bay hotel with a few days of fishing and lodging in the remote Berry Islands. Pelican Bay also offers a fly rodder’s blue-water fishing package for other species such as Tuna and Dorado.

Evening Tuna / Offshore Fishing Option:
During the months of April – July, yellowfin tuna are found feeding on or near the surface in great numbers. Pelican Bay has developed a unique offshore fishing program using fly rods that we have found is very reliable and tons of fun. Following a full day of bonefishing, anglers head out in a 26-33 foot cruiser around 4:00PM and fish until dark. Please ask us for more details if you are interested.

Price:
$1100 per two anglers / per outing (26’ Pursuit)
$1600 per four anglers / per outing (33’ Grady White)


We feel that the Pelican Bay Hotel offers perfect accommodations for the family and the “hard-core” angler alike. The hotel is in an ideal location - close to all the beach and town activities of Our Lucaya. Anglers who are not interested in non-angling activity can retreat to the quieter confines of the hotel, while non-anglers can send the family across the street to the Lucaya Beach, or take a swim in the hotel pool.

Pelican Bay at Lucaya is Grand Bahamas newest boutique hotel where visitors find Caribbean charm mixed together with Western European service. Danish architects incorporated sophisticated European design to create magical, timeless Caribbean architecture and luxurious accommodations. Each of the 69 rooms has a private balcony that overlooks the courtyard area and the marina, shops and restaurants of Port Lucaya Marketplace.

The spacious accommodations include your choice of king-size bed or twin double beds and boasts satellite TV, direct dial phone, refrigerator and in-room coffee maker. Rooms are decorated with colorful island spreads and drapery and white washed furniture. Floors are Italian tiled. Other guest amenities include a tropical fresh water pool, hot tub and pool bar. The Ferry House Restaurant, adjacent to the hotel, has established a new standard for excellence in fine dining on Grand Bahama. Having worked in some of the world's finest restaurants, chefs create what they describe as "a blend of contemporary cuisine fused with the unique flavors of the Caribbean." Menus change daily depending on availability of fresh, local seafood and fruit as well as the availability of foreign quality foods which are brought in by air on a regular basis.

Also available are new one-bedroom suites offering unsurpassed luxury, lush tropical gardens and varying color-scheme. Mahogany wood and beautifully appointed custom dιcor highlight each of the 48 spacious, 750 square foot suites. Freshly baked croissants, breads, and newspapers are available at the suites every morning. In-room espresso machines with a variety of coffees enable guests to enjoy a private breakfast on their balconies overlooking the beautiful Bell Channel Bay.


8 Angler Maximum (4 Boats)
Pelican Bay Hotel has 69 Rooms for Anglers and Non-Anglers


Several major airlines serve Freeport on a daily basis including American Eagle, Bahamasair, Continental and Laker International. The majority of scheduled flights arrive from Miami, with several flights from Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. After clearing customs in Freeport, guests take a cab transfer to the hotel (approx. 15 minutes drive in an air-conditioned vehicle)


Day 1
Depart on a morning flight to South Florida (usually Miami or Ft. Lauderdale). Connect on to Freeport, Grand Bahama. Once through customs, guests take a cab transfer roughly 15 minutes to the hotel.

Day 2-?
Fishing Days. Guests typically awake around 6:00AM for breakfast, which is served in the hotel’s poolside restaurant. It is completely up to the fishermen as to when to hit the water. Fishermen meet at the designated meeting time in front of the hotel and depart for the fishing areas. The majority of the fishing is done from the skiffs, with a few wading opportunities as well depending upon conditions and location. Lunch is taken in the field. Depending upon the tides, conditions, and the guest's preference, fishermen typically return to the lodge between 4:00pm and 5:00pm for a shower, cocktail, and fabulous Bahamas style dinner at the hotel or one of the many restaurants in Freeport.

Departure Day
Depending upon what time your flight departs from Freeport; guests typically check out after an early lunch, and are transferred to the airport via taxicab for the flight back to the States.


One thing people often neglect when considering a trip to the Bahamas is the weather. The Bahamas are actually in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea. As a result the islands are more susceptible to northerly cold fronts that its Caribbean neighbors to the south. There are a few loose weather guidelines you must consider.

December – March:
Depending upon which island you are on, cool weather and windier conditions can be a factor. The fish are of course always there, but you run the risk of getting cooler weather from the States. However, it is equally as possible to have 85-degree days and little wind.

April - June 15:
The prime Spring months to fish the Bahamas. Consistently warm (not too hot) weather dominates the forecast. There is typically less wind as well. If I could choose one month to fish anywhere in the Bahamas it would be April or May.

June 15- August 1:
The fish are there, however hotter conditions and little breeze often exist. If you don’t mind the heat, the fishing can be excellent and is a good time for beginners to learn because of the lack of wind.

August 1 - October 15:
Hurricane Season! Most lodges are closed and you run the risk of lousy weather. However we have had wonderful trips during this time frame.

October 15 – November:
The best time to fish in the fall. Conditions are very similar to April - June type conditions.

As you know nobody can predict the weather. The above calendar dictates trends in the weather that we have observed through the years. It is very possible for any type of weather to occur on your trip regardless of the time of year.

The diversity of the fishery allows for flexibility when choosing fishing areas as they relate to tidal fluctuations. However, some anglers like to take into consideration the lunar calendar, and thus the tide chart for the prospective itinerary. Predicting Mother Nature is not our business, and the fact is numerous variables dictate tidal fluctuations. In addition, some flats fish better on an incoming, outgoing, neap, or spring tide. I always like to say that an eight-knot breeze and plenty of sun is more important than the tide. However, if you would like to get specific about the lunar calendar as it relates to your trip feel free to give us a call.


The uniqueness of Pelican Bay bonefishing is the programs ability to provide world-class bonefishing with luxury living and ease of access to a myriad of non-angling activities. All of which are provided at absolutely no compromise to the quality of bonefishing. Keen anglers can easily ensure a wonderful Caribbean vacation for their wives and families while at the same time enjoy some of the best bonefishing in the Bahamas.

Golfing:
5 Golf courses to chose from including 2 USGA certified 18 hole championship courses at the Lucaya and Reef courses. Both are within a mile of the resort.

Water Sports:
The Underwater Explorer Society and Dolphin Experience both provide professional attention to incredible underwater experiences. 2 tank and 1 tank dives depart from within yards of your hotel room every day to the great wall and reef diving on the south shore. Guests have only yards between themselves and access to the world famous Dolphin Experience where several times a day boats leave to enable guests to swim and interact with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.

Eco Tours:
See parts of the beautiful island by horseback and ride on the world famous Gold Rock beach in Grand Bahamas largest national park. Miles upon miles of brilliant white sand. Look for turtles or Ospreys and other marine and land animals that frequent the untouched areas of the park. See it from the ocean and book a trip on the daily Sea kayaking tours. Native tours to the settlements of East or West End to experience the more traditional Bahamian way of life.

Other Activities Include:
Deep sea fishing, reef fishing, snorkeling trips, Glass bottom boat tours, Picnic and booze cruises, parasailing, jet skiing, shell collecting tours, sea kayaking tours and a host of other water related options for all age groups. Gambling at a choice of 2 casinos, Duty Free Shopping, fine restaurants, bars, nightclubs, crazy golf, Day trips, shell collecting, barbecues, nightly dancing and again a host of other activities that seem to spring up every few weeks



Custom Package Plans Available Upon Request
(Including Golf, Diving, Dolphins, Kayaking, Sightseeing, Deep-Sea and Reef Fishing, etc.)



Pelican Bay Bonefishing provides exclusive packages for all bonefishing to ensure that dedicated bonefishing clients have the availability for their multi day fishing trips. Customized packages to include extra nights before and/or after your fishing days can easily be arranged. We do not however charter Pelican Bay’s boats and guides on a daily basis to non Pelican Bay Hotel guests.

***Please inquire for non-angling rates.
**Please Inquire for Summer Rate Discounts

2009 Peak Season Rates

Deluxe Room w/King or 2 Double Beds
(January 1 - June 30) (October 1 - December 31

3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing
Per Person, Double Occupancy, Room & Boat………………………………….$1335
Per Person, Single Occupancy………………………………………………….…..$2450

4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing
Per Person, Double Occupancy, Room & Boat………………………….………$1860
Per Person, Single Occupancy……………………………….…………………… $3175

5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing
Per Person, Double Occupancy, Room & Boat ……………………………………$2390
Per Person, Single Occupancy……………………………………………………… $3990

6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing
Per Person, Double Occupancy, Room & Boat…………………………………….$2830
Per Person, Single Occupancy………………………………………………….…. $4795

7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing
Per Person, Double Occupancy, Room & Boat …………………………… ..……$3250
Per Person, Single Occupancy ………………………………………………….…. $5695

Luxury Suite w/King or 2 Double Beds
(Jan. 1 - June 30) (October 1 - December 31)

3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing
Per Person, Double Occupancy, Room Boat………………………………………$1495
Per Person, Single Occupancy………………………………………………….…..$2625

4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing
Per Person, Double Occupancy, Room Boat………………………………………$1995
Per Person, Single Occupancy……………………………. …………………… $3475

5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing
Per Person, Double Occupancy, Room & Boat ……………………………………$2595
Per Person, Single Occupancy……………………………………………………… $4290

6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing
Per Person, Double Occupancy, Room & Boat…………………………………….$3175
Per Person, Single Occupancy………………………………………………….…. $5155

7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing
Per Person, Double Occupancy, Room & Boat …………………………… ..……$3725
Per Person, Single Occupancy ………………………………………………….…. $5795

Rod & Reel Daily Rental:
Spin (10# Test) …………………………………………………...…………..$15.00 Per Day
Fly (Sage 890 RPLX Rod) (Lamson LP-3.5 Reel)……………………….. $20.00 Per Day

Custom Package Plans Available Upon Request
(Including Golf, Diving, Dolphins, Kayaking, Sightseeing, Deep-Sea and Reef Fishing, etc.)



Air-Conditioned Accommodations as specified; Daily Breakfast; Daily deluxe picnic lunch including non-alcoholic beverages; 16' Maverick flats boat w/new Yamaha 90; Professional guide; 6% Hotel Guest Tax, 6% Resort Tax


Airfare to Freeport, Grand Bahama; Tips for fishing guide (Suggested $40 minimum per day, per boat); Alcoholic beverages; Equipment rentals; Dinner Meals; Transportation to and from the airport


For booking dates that fall entirely within June to February as follows:
50% deposit required with reservation. No booking is considered confirmed until receipt of deposit. Final payment must be paid 45 or more days prior to arrival date. Any bookings requested within 60 days of reservation date must be paid in full. Cancellations made 90 days or more prior to reservation date is a full refund. Cancellations made between 45 to 89 days prior to reservation date is a 50% refund of the deposit amount ie. 25% of total package. Cancellations made less than 45 days to arrival date is no refund. If a cancelled package is re-sold then a full refund will be sent minus a $ 100 fee per angler.

For booking dates of which any part falls in the period March 1 to May 31:
50% deposit required with Reservations. No booking is considered confirmed until receipt of deposit. Final payment must be paid 90 or more days prior to arrival date. Full refund if package is cancelled before January 1st. 50 % refund of deposit if cancelled after January 1st and 90 or more days from arrival date. 50 % refund of total package (deposit) if cancellation is made 61 to 89 days prior to arrival date. There is no refund for cancellations made on or within 60 days of arrival date. If a cancelled package is re-sold then a full refund will be sent minus a $ 100 fee per angler.

Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Fly Fishing Company for all bank charges incurred. Refunds or credits cannot be issued for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation/refund and responsibility clauses.

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