BROAD SHAD CAY LODGE - ANDROS, BAHAMAS

In 2009, after years of planning and construction, well-known Andros guide Capt. Andy Smith opened one of the nicest small-lodge operations in all of the Bahamas. Extremely well-situated on its own private island in a very remote location, the new lodge consists of two bedrooms, a main dining room and lounge, and a wrap-around deck offering unbeatable views of the surrounding waters. Other amenities include satellite TV, air conditioning, and a productive wading flat right in front of the lodge. This one-of-a-kind destination is situated equidistant between the east and west coasts of Andros. Since the tides come from both coasts, this location allows anglers to fish optimum tides throughout the day with minimal running time in the boat. Small and exclusive, Broad Shad offers a great location, first-rate accommodations, and the opportunity to learn the finer aspects of flats fishing from Andy and his team of guides. Capacity is limited to four guests per week.

Typical Length of Stay

Trips and packages of any length can be arranged. All trips are completely customized. Call Yellow Dog for details.

Accommodations and Lodging

The lodge was completed in the summer of 2009. Andy and his brother Benry built the structures on the island, and the craftsmanship is meticulous. The coral rock masonry that makes up the exterior of the lodge is impressive and aesthetically pleasing. The spacious rooms are well decorated and feature all new furniture. Each room also has air conditioning, plenty of hot water, and great views out every window. The deck is the ideal gathering place for post-fishing beverages and provides a great place to relax. It overlooks the North Bight, where the evening sunsets are nothing short of spectacular. The small flats in front of the lodge are perfect for wade fishing and stalking evening tailers. The main dining and sitting room area is adjacent to the guest rooms and deck. It features a satellite TV, maps, comfortable couches and chairs.

Food and Beverages

The Bahamian style meals at the lodge include fresh, local seafood that is 100% prepared and cooked to your liking. All meals can be altered, and specialty foods can be brought in to satisfy your personal tastes. The all-inclusive bar is well stocked with top shelf spirits, beers, and a variety of local rums. Andy’s wife Sharon is the lodge manager and is always available to assist you during your stay at Broad Shad Cay.

Fishing Information

We have known Andy Smith for over 18 years, and can say without reservation that he is hands-down one of our favorite people in the fly fishing industry. He is a phenomenal guide, a consummate professional, and a good friend. His beautiful lodge – Broad Shad Cay – is ideally located in the middle of Andros Island’s North Bight. A location that is only a short run to either coast of Andros allows anglers to fish the most productive flats all day with minimal running time in the boat. Since there are no roads to the tiny island where the lodge is, a boat transfer is the only way to access the lodge. There are no other lodges or fishing operations (or any buildings for that matter!) within 20 miles of the lodge (with the exception of his father’s lodge, the historic and now-closed Bang Bang Club). If you’re looking to get away from it all in a quiet, isolated setting with a first-rate fishing program, then Andy Smith’s new lodge is hard to beat.

As we mentioned above, the location of the lodge is better than anything on Andros. If you make a left from the lodge’s dock and head west you are fishing the famous West Side of Andros Island, an area best known for trophy bonefish, resident tarpon and expansive, unpressured flats. Since the flats on the West Side are mainly soft mud, the water can get murky during high winds and seas. So, being located in the middle of the island ensures you will experience optimum fishing during just about any weather. Head east from the dock and you will encounter some of the island’s finest hard-bottomed wading flats, home to strong numbers of medium-to-large bonefish and consistently clear water no matter what the weather is doing.

Fishing with Andy and his hand-picked guide staff is always an educational experience. They know what anglers expect due to their years of guiding, and they are excellent teachers and instructors. Andy is a true historian of the area and loves to share his knowledge with his guests. The Smith family has a long tradition of fly fishing on Andros and Andy’s new lodge has elevated that tradition to new heights.

Boats and Equipment

Anglers fish from Maverick, Hewes, and Dolphin skiffs, complete with poling platforms, 90 HP Yamaha outboards, life jackets, 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

This is a fishing-focused lodge that sits on a small, remote island with nothing around it but beautiful scenery. The second-best reason to come to Broad Shad Cay, right behind the great fishing, is to experience the Bahamas in complete privacy at its natural, unspoiled best. The lodge has the entire cay to itself; when you're there, you’ll feel like you have all of Andros to yourself. Free of roads or vehicles, Broad Shad boasts a network of manmade trails, eco-friendly scenery, and a giant hardwood deck facing the sunset. Sit back and relax, and let nature does the rest.

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 will deliver you to the dock in Cargill Creek, where you will meet to the transfer boat to the lodge. The cost is around $60.00 each way. On departure day, be sure to leave ample time for connecting flights on your return trip, due to customs and immigration. Flights must be booked to arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. and depart no earlier than 12:00 p.m. to accommodate for the transfer to the lodge. Private air charters can be arranged by calling Ian Davis at Yellow Dog.

2012 Fishing Package Rates

Prices listed here are per person. A trip of any length of stay can be arranged. Please contact 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 Broad Shad
• All meals at the lodge
• Daily guided fishing
• Boat transfers to and from the lodge
• All drinks (including alcohol) and bottled water
• All hotel and resort taxes

What's Not Included

• Airfare from home town to Andros Town and overweight baggage charges
• Airport taxi transfers to and from the dock in Cargill Creek
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Airport departure taxes

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

Andy Smith is the son of Charlie Smith (the inspiration for and co-creator of the Crazy Charlie fly,) and the brother of Prescott Smith (the owner of Stafford Creek Lodge). His brother Benry Smith helped build the lodge and is also a fantastic guide on Andros. Andy’s wife Sharon is the lodge manager. This is truly a family run operation.