Bonefish The Marls of Abaco Island

Abaco Lodge is the only fly-fishing operation with direct access to the vast Marls of Abaco, one of bonefishing’s most storied destinations— an expansive, unpressured flats system with unrivaled numbers of bonefish.

Twenty fish days are not uncommon, with 200-square-miles of prime habitat awaiting anglers. Abaco’s Marls-side headquarters also means no trailering, no fuel stops, and more time fishing. Push back from the breakfast table and walk to the dock, where the island’s most knowledgeable guides and our fleet of Maverick flats skiffs await to greet you. Back on dry land, fine dining, and attentive service ensure ultimate comfort after a full day’s fishing

THE FISHING

Abaco’s sheltered Marls region is big. So big that it could swallow 13 Manhattans within its 300 square mile footprint. Instead of sputtering cabs and people crammed into skyscrapers, however, this wilderness flats area is peppered with unpopulated pine forest islands, mangrove cays, and a prodigious bonefish population.

From Abaco Lodge’s central location, you will fish the Marls from as far south as Cross Harbour to its northern extremities off the west side of Treasure Cay. A twenty-minute skiff run due west puts anglers within striking range of the Marl’s ocean-side edge and from all points in between, Marls bonefish average 2 to 4 pounds. Larger fish in the 5 to 8 pound class, although fewer and harder to seduce, are also found in good numbers.

Permit and juvenile tarpon shots are frequent enough that you should be prepared with gear for targeting both species, and barracuda, jack crevalle, plus various shark species also call the Marls home, but bonefish generally rule this kingdom thanks to an ideal mix of sheltered habitat and prime forage sources through the seasons.