DEADMAN'S CAY LODGE - LONG ISLAND, BAHAMAS

If you are looking for a remote, low-profile, and economical flats destination, then Deadman’s Cay Lodge on the Bahamian out-island of Long Island should be high on your list. Located in the middle of Long Island, Deadman’s offers great fishing and one of the best values anywhere in the Bahamas. With very little fishing pressure in this area, you can experience consistently good fishing on thousands of acres of untouched, uncrowded flats. Along with having an extensive network of oceanside flats, the area also has an "inland locked" flats system which provides vast wading areas that are protected on even the windiest days. The guides here are hard working and the bonefish are plentiful, so expect long days on the water! This is not a five-star lodging operation by any stretch of the imagination, as Deadman’s focuses first and foremost on fishing long days. With a very affordable price and great fishing, however, you will understand after a week what this place is all about.

Typical Length of Stay

Trips of any length are available, and anglers can arrive and depart on any day of the week.

Accommodations and Lodging

Accommodations are in the privately owned Smith & Wells Lodge. There are four double-occupancy units each with two bedrooms, private bathroom, and air conditioning. Each unit also has a common area with a sofa, satellite television, phone, full-size refrigerator, stove, microwave, and coffee maker. Your room will be cleaned daily, linens and towels replaced, and beer and liquor re-stocked! All the units are located within the same building and share a common area with a screened-in porch. This area is set up with tables and chairs and provides a place for dinner, drinks, and relaxing to share the day’s fishing stories. Wayde Smith, the owner of Smith & Wells, is at the lodge every morning before fishing to make sure that all of your needs are taken care of. Wayde not only provides excellent and timely service but will make you feel like family by the time your fishing week is complete. This a place that provides the type of personal service that will keep you wanting to revisit Deadman’s Cay.

Food and Beverages

Breakfast is on your own each morning, and each unit will be provided with basic food items such as coffee, eggs, ham, bacon, toast, bottled water, and fresh fruit. Lunch will be packed for your day on the water, and dinner will be delivered to the lodge at 7:00 PM daily. Dinners are prepared by Wayde and his wife and consist of local Bahamian cuisine and typically includes fresh fish, lobster, conch, and chicken dishes.

Fishing Information

The diversity of the area's flats and fishing grounds is what sets the angling at Deadman’s apart from many other Bahamian flats destinations. The inland flats that are located just five minutes from the lodge are landlocked and mostly hard-bottomed. This translates to excellent wading opportunities as well as shelter from the wind. Easy access to these flats was created in the 1970’s by an old salt mining facility. To produce the salt, it was necessary to dredge a “flow system” throughout the inland flats resulting in an aquatic "road system" connecting acres of bonefish flats. These canals provide great habitat for bonefish and create a system that fish can use to feed during any tide period. Other species that use this canal system are barracuda, jacks, snapper, sharks, and tarpon. It is not uncommon to see all of these species in the canals in a single day.

The inter-coastal flats are about a 15-20 minute run and are accessed by boat. The large flats are usually fished during incoming and outgoing tides, which means that you can expect long poling sessions for tailing and cruising fish. Larger fish in the three to six pound range are regularly found it these areas.

Oceanside flats are located about 25 minutes from the lodge and are generally characterized by white, hard sand bottoms. There are some wading opportunities available on these flats, but the most productive fishing is done from the boat while poling the flats looking for larger fish. Schools of bonefish are seen on these flats, but looking for a larger fish in the eight to ten pound category is the primary reason to visit and fish this area.

The guides at Deadman's are all Long Island natives and fourth and fifth generation bonefishermen. They all complete written examinations and practical evaluations by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, which has earned them governmental approval as certified Bahamas Flyfishing Guides. With their vast knowledge of the tides, flats, and local fish, you are sure to be at the right place at the right time to experience the best of the Deadman’s fishery.

Boats and Equipment

Guides utilize high-end 16 foot skiffs complete with poling platforms, 85 HP Yamaha outboards, and spacious casting decks. Each boat also has life jackets and cell phones for emergencies. As with all of our Bahamian fishing operations, 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

For non-anglers, Long Island offers a variety of do-it-yourself activities, including beach combing, bird watching, kayaking, and hiking in the area's nature trails. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and island tours can also be arranged through third-party entities on the island. Rental cars are also available for self-guided island tours. This unique location on Long Island offers access to some breathtaking scenery and remote blue holes. These inland blue holes are subterranean cave passages which are the most extensive in the world. These are great spots for snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming.

How To Get There

Daily air service from Nassau, Bahamas is available on Bahamas Air and Southern Air. There are also private charter options available from Nassau through Southern Air and Pineapple Air. Please call Yellow Dog for more information on getting to Deadman's and Long Island.

Arrival and Departure Details / Times

Upon arrival on Long Island, you will be met by a representative from Deadman's Cay and driven to the Lodge. You can arrive and depart on any day of the week.

2012 Fishing Package Rates

All rates 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 and meals at Smith & Wells Lodge
• All guided fishing
• Bottled water and soft drinks
• Government room tax
• Round-trip ground transfer from Deadman’s airport

What's Not Included

• Airfare from home town to Deadman’s Cay, Long Island, Bahamas
• Alcoholic beverages and bar tab
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Airport departure taxes
• All personal fishing equipment, flies and terminal tackle

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

Situated in the southern Bahamas, Long Island is one of many islands that make up the spectacular Bahamas Out Islands. Long Island was among the first land discovered by Columbus in 1492, and in his ship’s log, he described it as “the most delightful island in the world.” The Eastern coast of the island features 150-foot cliffs with crashing surf, while Cape Santa Maria on the West coast boasts mile upon mile of calm blue water and white sandy beaches. As it's name suggests, Long Island is over 70 miles long and only five miles wide. A central road runs from north to south along Long Island, lined with the small villages and beautiful colonial churches that give the island it's untouched feeling. With names like Burnt Ground, Deadman’s Cay, Bunch's, Doctor’s Creek, and Mangrove Bush, these villages offer a glimpse into the relaxed Bahamas lifestyle.