One of the things I love most about the Bahamas is the hospitality of the Bahamian people. Every Bahamian island I travel to for research on the bonefishing industry is similar in this regard. Over the last few weeks, I have been in Exuma interviewing local guides to learn more about local bonefishing history while helping to protect future fisheries. I have traveled to Andros starting in the south where I took in the South Andros Regatta. I then traveled to lovely Mangrove Cay, and I am now in North Andros meeting guides and visiting lodges.
The islands are amazingly beautiful. The turquoise waters are crystal clear, the skies brilliant blue, and the flats are filled with bonefish. Bonefishing in the Bahamas is big business, and the guides are unparalleled. Fish average 4 to 6 pounds on most islands, but I have seen many larger fish on every other island I traveledelled to. Larger fish are more wary, usually prefer slightly deeper water, and some eat pretty large flies. Another point to consider is the weight of flies. Always carry a wide selection of weighted and unweighted flies to suit any water depth, wind condition, water temperature, fish preference, etc. In North Andros, where I stayed at the Andros Island Bonefish Club, guides frequently fish water deeper than 4 feet and use 1/0 Gotcha-like flies.
Many elder guides started guiding in the 50’s, and numerous families now carry on a tradition of guiding. Although DIY angling can produce fish, I always find local knowledge helpful. Plus I love meeting new guides; they are all unique and exhibit exceptional skill at finding fish in seemingly endless flats. People often ask me what my favorite Bahamian island is, and I have to say they are each unique. Venture out, try new places and discover new things. In the long run, you will be a better angler as a result of experience in a wide variety of conditions.
Among the most gracious Bahamian hosts are elder guides. Bahamian legends like Ansil Saunders, David Pinder Sr., Maitland Lowe, O’Donald McIntosh, Basil Minns, Jeffery Ferguson, Harold Mackey, Eddy Bannister, Thomas Mackey, Samuel Mackie, Ralph Moxie, Stanley Forbes, Charlie Smith, and many others exude professionalism, courtesy and honor. These are men who have worked tirelessly to establish a world-class fishery. These are largely unknown Bahamian legends, and I hope my work helps highlight their lives.
Ghost Stories research involves the documentation of local oral history in the Bahamian Bonefishing industry. The stories and film clips gathered will be housed at the College of the Bahamas, allowing Bahamians to cherish and learn from true Bahamian greats. Ghost Stories also focuses on gathering the extensive local ecological knowledge bonefishing guides have acquired and applying this to conservation. Sustainability of this tourism sector is vital to Family Islands where as much as 80 percent of people are tied somehow to the fishery.
For more on this vital research work, visit http://tomkarrow.wix.com/bahamas-guide-tek