BIG CHARLIE'S LODGE - ANDROS, BAHAMAS

Andros Island’s Charlie Neymour is one of the finest, most in-demand guides in all of the Bahamas. We can tell you that when you are fishing the waters of Andros, Charlie and his hand-picked team of guides are the guys you want to be fishing with! Whether fishing the nearby waters of Andros’ North Bight or the remote West Side area where bonefish reach world-class size, this is a guide team that can deliver. In 2009, Charlie and his wife Fatiha moved their operation from their old location in Behring Point to a new facility in the town of Cargill Creek. The new guesthouse is located on the banks of Cargill Creek and can accommodate up to eight guests at a time. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, refrigerator, television and a private bathroom. The new dining room and bar area sits adjacent to a large patio, and both offer waterfront views of the creek.

Typical Length of Stay

Trips and packages of any length can be arranged, although the most common package at Big Charlie's is a 7 night / 6 fishing day package. Call Yellow Dog for details.

Accommodations and Lodging

Charlie’s guest house facility - built in January 1, 2009 - is located on Andros’ Northern Bight directly on the banks of Cargill Creek. In fact, the house is located in what can best be described as a "guide neighborhood," surrounded by a handful of other homes which all belong to Andros guides! This small, intimate guest house facility can accommodate up to eight guests at a time. Larger groups can be accommodated by "overflowing" across the street into Frankie Neymour's Guest House. (Frankie is Charlie's brother). In Charlie's guest house, each room is equipped with comfortable double beds, air conditioning, refrigerator, and a private bathroom.

The bar area and dining room has a TV. The lodge’s dining room sits adjacent to a large patio area overlooking the waters of Cargill Creek. The menu is a combination of classic Bahamian dishes and various international cuisine, all prepared by Charlie’s wife and co-host at the lodge, Fatiha Neymour.

Food and Beverages

Big Charlie's offers great Bahamian dishes as well as a variety of dishes from around the world. One of their specialties comes from the Mediterranean, authentic Morocco cuisine prepared by, Fatiha Neymour. For groups of guests, it is a tradition to have a goodbye banquet and party on the last night. You can expect fabulous food, fun, and occasionally some late-night dancing. The lodge maintains a well stocked bar in the dining room. They have a great selection of liquor, wines, mixers and cold beer.

Fishing Information

Andros Island, located approximately 150 miles east of the Florida Keys, is one of the top bonefish destinations in the world. Big Charlie’s Guest House - in a new location and a new facility as of 2009 - is located in close proximity to a vast fishing area filled with flats, creeks, cayes, cuts, and mangroves – some of the best bonefish habitat in the world. Whether you’re a first-time saltwater flats fisherman or a seasoned angler looking for a trophy bonefish, Andros Island should strongly be considered. For first-time saltwater fishermen or intermediate anglers looking to improve, Andros offers huge numbers of bonefish that will readily take a fly. Anglers new to fishing for bones can be taken to areas of the island where they can tune their skills on large numbers of small to medium-sized fish. Andros may also be the best island in the Bahamas – if not the best in the world – for those seeking BIG bonefish! If you are looking for big fish, then Andros is your place and Charlie's Lodge is your spot.

One of the main draws for anglers visiting Andros is the uninhabited West Side of the island. A good portion of unexplored territory still remains on the West Side, and the fish are rarely pressured. This equates to a large population of fish, many of which reach world-class size. This side of the island is acknowledged as one of the premier “trophy bonefish” areas in the world, and is also one of the top destinations in the Bahamas for tarpon. Charlie and his guides are tarpon fanatics, and arguably the best guides in the Bahamas for those anglers interested in pursuing the Silver King. A boat ride from Big Charlie’s Lodge to the West Side will average an hour to an hour and twenty minutes.

Boats and Equipment

Anglers fish from Maverick and Dolphin skiffs, complete with poling platforms, 90 HP Yamaha outboards, long-range VHS radios, and spacious casting decks. It is recommended that anglers bring all of their own gear and equipment, including rods, reels, wading boots, flies and all terminal tackle.

Non-Angling Activities and Options

Aside from fishing, visitors to Big Charlie’s and to Andros can enjoy exploring, historical sight-seeing, diving in the area’s blue holes, snorkeling, bird watching, and visiting local towns and villages.

How To Get There

Direct flights from Ft. Lauderdale to the Andros Town Airport are available through Continental Gulfstream on Saturday and Tuesday mornings. For daily commercial flights, fly direct to Nassau and use service from Western Air to Andros Town Airport (twice daily). Charter flights from Florida to Andros can also be arranged. Contact Yellow Dog for more information.

Arrival and Departure Details / Times

Once you arrive on Andros, any taxi at the airport can deliver you to the lodge. The cost is around $50.00 each way. Half day guide trips are available on arrival and departure days if time allows. On departure day, half days work great if flying back on an afternoon flight. Make sure to leave ample time for connecting flights on your return trip, due to customs and immigration. We recommend at least 1.5 hours to deal with departure and immigration procedures. Private air charters can be arranged by calling Ian Davis at Yellow Dog.

2012 Fishing Package Rates

All prices are per person. A trip of any length of stay can be arranged. Please call Yellow Dog for custom package pricing.

* Remember that Yellow Dog's services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter.

What's Included

• All accommodations at lodge
• All meals at lodge
• Alcoholic beverages, bar tab, sodas and bottled water
• Daily guided fishing with a cooler lunch and bottled water
• All taxes and GST's

What's Not Included

• Airfare from home town to Andros Town
• Overweight baggage charges
• Taxi from Andros Town Airport to Big Charlie's Lodge
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Airport departure taxes and Bahamian Tourism Tax

Travel Arrangements

Yellow Dog has a full in-house travel and reservations system, and can assist with airline tickets, hotels, transfers, and all travel logistics for every destination that we offer. Contact us at 888-777-5060 or info@yellowdogflyfishing.com for more details on airfare ticketing, travel services and trip insurance.

Other Information

Charlie's wife, Fatiha Neymour, comes from Morocco and has a degree in Hotel Hospitality, with her international education and training in tourism in Europe, and Morocco she has added a few languages to her native Arabic. Fatiha can converse in English, French, Spanish, and German. She has a broad experience in working at a variety of international hotels before coming to the Bahamas. Her knowledge in guest services and hotel management includes fine foods and wine and under her watchful eye the lodge's kitchen prepares a variety of delicious meals from local and international cuisine.

Joined by their new son, Adam, Fatiha also acts as liaison for guests regarding transportation to and from the airport and confirmation of local flights. Having an intimate knowledge of Andros culture helps her run a smooth operation from touch-down to take-off for every guest. She and Adam also handles any special needs guests might have - food allergies, etc. - and they add a very personal touch that makes the lodge feel like home.