Flats Fishing
Fishing has always been an integral part of Bahamian life, and it is the foundation on which the venerable Deep Water Cay was created. Throughout its distinguished fifty plus year history, Deep Water Cay has hosted some of the most adventurous and distinguished fly rodders. Joe Brooks, Curt Gowdy, Ray Bergman, Stu Apte, Flip Pallot, Lefty Kreh, Chico Fernandez and Sandy Moret are a few of the most recognized names. So come on down and add your name to the roster.
The Flats
In some places, like the Middle Bight of Andros, you practically need a Harbormaster to direct all the boat traffic. At Deep Water Cay you'll find over 250 square miles of flats to fish, and you can wade or boat fish. The flats that you’ll wade fish are hard-packed white sand, and the bones are easy to spot. Boat fishing is done around the softer bottoms that are covered in Turtle Grass and oriented around the mangroves. If you look hard enough you’ll see that the water runs far beyond the mangrove root tangles and into saltwater lakes. These lakes also have some freshwater sources, which make them a virtual baitfish factory. As the tides flood and ebb the baitfish move out of the lakes in on the flats.
The real treat is that the 2.2 square mile Deep Water Cay lies on an east/west tack and is situated below an archipelago of moderate-sized cays arranged on a north/south tack. A series of channels connect the southern and northern fisheries, making DWC a close run to any of them. There is enough variety for everyone.
Extra-Long Fishing Days
Because of the difference in tides, Deep Water Cay offers more excellent flats fishing than just about anywhere. There is a three-hour tide difference between the east and the west ends of Deep Water Cay so anglers enjoy more prime time fishing. The number of channels that pass through the mangroves means that guides move from the North to South ends of the island without having to make long boat rides. Fishing times run from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. If you want more, there are flats in front of the Infinity Pool that you can walk to.
Bahamas Best Guides
Some of the most famous Bahamian guides are at Deep Water Cay. Mervin, Walter, Meko, Wendy, Joe T, Cecil, Simeon, Steve, Randy, and Mike T work out of Deep Water Cay. These seasoned veterans also run a Guide Training Program where they work with younger, up-and-coming guides. They pass the torch so our guests can have a world-class experience.
The Boats
Dolphin Skiffs with brand new Yamaha 85's will get you to the flats in record time. The fleet is a combination of brand new and reconditioned hulls. The skiffs can accommodate two anglers and draw 7 inches of water, and Deep Water Cay has its own machine shop; all outboards are meticulously serviced and maintained.
Time of Year
You’ll catch bones at Deep Water Cay all year long. The only difference has to do with size and weather conditions. January and February is a good time of year, with an occasional Northern wind cooling off the flats. January’s average temperature is 69 degrees, and you’ll find good numbers of bones in the 3-6 pound class. March, April and May are peak Bahamian bonefishing months, and they are terrific for both numbers and size of fish. The summer months, June, July and August, are largely perceived as too hot to fish, but it’s not true. The annual temperature swing is very minimal when compared to areas farther north of the equator. Average temperatures in July and August average 83 degrees, which is the average temperature in Boston, MA. You’ll see big schools of bonefish up to about 8 pounds in the summer. September through November is big fish time, which is when the biggest fish of the year are caught.
Gear
From January through May you’ll want to have a nine-weight rod, and in the summer you can scale down to a saltwater 6 or 7 weight. Monocore fly lines work best in the late Spring and Summer, and the Scientific Angler Sharkskin line is a good bet. AST lines with braided Dacron cores are fine during the cooler months. Flurocarbon leaders ranging from 8-16 pound test tippets get the nod. If you had to bring just three flies, bring a Mantis shrimp, a McVey Gotcha, and a Meko’s Special. Bring some more to try, and tie them with plastic eyes and bead chain eyes around a size 6. FYI – the Meko Special was developed for these waters by a Deep Water Cay guide (obviously named Meko).
Technical outer wear of casting shirts and fast-drying shorts are ideal. Long sleeved shirts and pants are the best idea, particularly if they are made from a quick drying material with a SPF rating. Flats boots for wading are suggested as well, and either amber or copper-colored, wrap-style sunglasses help you spot fish.
The Pro Shop is fully stocked with the best quality fly gear on the market. You’ll find Sage rods, Tibor reels, and Scientific Angler fly lines for purchase or for rent. If you forget anything at home, don’t worry, you’ll find it here.
