Exuma in April

[Hans]

Hail to thee all,
Not sure yet, but I might go to Exuma in April this year, and i am wondering if any of you has any experience fishing there.
All the info I have so far is from people with commercial interest, so a lot of bla-bla-bla.

Is it worth going there in April?
If so, what flies to bring?
Are there any other species, like permit and/or tarpon around?

All info welcome and appreciated,
Cheers from Holland,
Hans

[Hans]

Just booked the trip,
http://www.bonefishexuma.com/default.asp
any suggestions or advises?
thanks in advance,
Hans

[MontanaMoose]

Well you would be doing a favour by taking lots of pictures. I can't imagine you are at a loss for which flies to bring and such...that and long sleeves, a funny hat and sunblock too. Have a great time and catch many fish Hans !

Cheers,

MontanaMoose

[TyroneFly]

In the Fly Of The Week archive, there is a fly that JC says bonefish love. It is called the Pink Puff I tied these for a swap. Easy and fun.

[LadyFisher]

has been that Feb. and March are excellent at least on S. Andros. Weather was very pleasant, not too hot and lots of fish. I've not been to Exuma, but have heard from folks who were very pleased. Have a grand time!

[bonefishwhisperer]

never been but I do have a suggestion for a fly...serve notice to everything and everybody with the Electric Dread...it can be found in FOTW...it will take every fish you are after

[Hans]

Thanks for all the responses,
The Pink Puff and the Electric Dread look like interesting patterns.
Will tie me a few and let you know how the fish like them...
Ans rest assure, loads of pictures will be taken and posted,
Hans

[Ron]

Hans. I've been to Great Exuma twice. Both times I tied up an arsenal of flies said to be perfect for the location.

Guess what we used the entire time and what the guides preferred?

Gotchas and tan Crazy Charlies!

That's what catches bonefish there.

I tried a white small ghost crab there, against the guide's wishes, and it, too, caught me a bonefish. Tied like a small pale Merkin.

But, Gotchas and tan charlies are what you'll need.

And just hope that wind doesn't blow!

[Hans]

Thanks Ron,
will tie me a bunch of tan flies.
Cheers, Hans

[ColdPass]

I love Exuma. Although I haven't been there in almost a decade now. I booked guides through the Peace and Plenty. Not sure if they even still have their fly shop.

We were fishing the flats and doing well with the bonefish until some barracuda moved in, then the guide wanted to head to a different spot to keep for just feeding the barracuda. I tied on a Dahlberg Diver bass bug just to see if anything would happen. The guide assured me that no barracuda would even look at it. (It was frog colored.)

I cast the diver out in front of the 5' barracuda and he turned to give it the 'cuda stare. "He gonna eat that fly! He gonna eat that fly! Strip Strip Strip!!!!" yelled the guide. After that take and subsequent runs I've been just about ruined for everything else since. Wow. Of course, after fighting him for about 15 minutes he straightened the hook on my bass bug.

Another story about the one that got away.

Anyway, I'm very fond of Exuma. We'd also rent a small boat in Georgetown and head out to the flats ourselves without guides some times, or even just drive and wade to different spots. I've seen a couple permit, but just caught bones, barracuda and lemon sharks. I'd use an 8wt for bones, and then if the toothy critters showed up switch to a 10wt with a wire leader (and I started tying on stronger hooks.)

I haven't been since the casino opened. All the locals were worried about the character of the island changing. (huh, just looked and the Four Seasons is now closed. Maybe that's a good thing.... I'm always amazed at how many resorts don't make it there. There are many roads cut into the forest there for a subdivision that went bust as well.)

Anyway, enjoy your stay! Have a bowl of conch chowder and a Kalik for me.