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Our next trip is October, 2008 to Acklins
and February , 2009 to Acklins in the Bahamas
Acklins is like much of the Bahamas was 20 years ago; 2 flights a week that consistently run late, shortages of gasoline,limited water and phones that regularly don't work. But, the people couldn't be friendlier, the guides don't punch a clock,most of the bonefish have never seen a fly and the flats are prettier than a Reneson watercolor, particularly around Grey's Point and Lovely Bay, the N.W. and N.E. part of Acklin. 
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This Eco-system is diverse and photogenic. White flats turn to mottled flats which empty into azure creeks leading to emerald ocean edges dotted with brown and black reefs. Ninety percent of the fishing is done wading. There are permit here,too, and of course sharks and big cudas. Tarpon sightings are rare. 

The bonefish feed in extremely shallow water especially at low tide, which means you can find tailing fish throughout the day.The fish are good average size (3-5 lbs.) and will school up during the higher tide and spread out as the tide drops,providing the angler with every sort of encounter, including stalking singles, doubles and triples to 14 lbs. (the club record). 
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Newton Williamson is the owner of Grey's Point Inn. He's a Baptist Reverend and retired commercial fisherman and life insurance salesman. A nicer, better natured man you'll never  meet. He raised 11 children taking an 18-ft. runabout across open ocean tending traps, which caught grouper up to 50 lbs.
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His son Garon and his wife, Lavanda, run the lodge, and Lavanda has a helper now so she can spend more time attending to their young baby, Garon II. Garon, at age 35, has energy and determination I've rarely seen in the Bahamas. He's up at dawn gassing boats and packing coolers, guides you hard as long as there is sun on the water, sometimes cooks the evening meal and does whatever next day reconnaissance he needs to do with his guides before he hits the hay. What's remarkable is that he does all this with a grin on his face as if he's just won lotto. 

Garon is an accomplished and savvy guide who spotted every fish before I did. He was quick to suggest fly changes with  varying water depths. He is an excellent communicator and a tireless wader who aggressively pursues each and every opportunity to catch a bonefish. He keeps daily records of numbers of fish hooked and landed, water temperature, moon phases, wind velocity and direction.

Bonefish here feed in extremely shallow water, which is one reason why so much of the fishing is done wading. I was happy to introduce Garon to a killer skinny water fly - The Bunny Bone. There are other flies equally as good, I'm sure, but this is the pattern I'll pick each and every time I stalk a tailing fish. Standard color is tan and brown, size 4 to 6. I prefer Bunny Bones tied with mono eyes, but plastic eyes work too. 
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The fly has virtually no weight other than the hook, so you can cast it right on the nose of a tailing fish. It sinks well and the rabbit fur breaths even before you strip it. I have yet to see a tailing fish that won't pounce on this fly. Garon liked it too. The lodge has a vice. Fly tiers are encouraged to bring materials with them for evening tying sessions.

Grey's Point is located in northeastern Acklins. Lovely Bay is in northwestern Acklins. Both these locations are known for big fish because of  their proximity to the ocean. A five-minute boat ride from Grey's Point puts you inside the Barrier Reef on the east side. 
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This part of Acklins has some of the prettiest flats you'll ever see with dramatic watercolor changes created by the juxtaposition of the clear white flats and deep blue channels. Lodges frequently tout their "home" flat; but I've never seen better fishing within walking distance of a lodge than here. There are canoes available too. Big fish follow several deep channels that lead to these home flats and fish tail mornings and evenings when the tide is right providing quality after hours fishing.

Rate have yet to be determined for 2008/9 but if you book by May 16th 2008 the rate will be $2695, includes 6 days of guided fishing, lodging, meals and airport transfers.  All rates are based on double or single occupancy for both rooms and boats. Departure day for all guests is Wednesday . 

If you would like additional information or if you would like to join the Rivers End Tackle 
Group for the 2008/9 trips to Grey's Point Inn, contact Pat Abate or "Q" Kresser at: