Turks + Caicos
South Caicos Bonefishing is one of the most exclusive, remote, and awe-inspiring bonefishing experiences in the world.
South Caicos Bonefishing is one of the most exclusive, remote, and awe-inspiring bonefishing experiences in the world — full stop. Tucked away in the rarely visited South Caicos island of the Turks & Caicos chain, this fishery flies well below the radar yet boasts one of the densest bonefish populations in the Caribbean. With miles of untouched flats, aggressive fish, and a legendary airboat-powered wading program, this is a dream for the hardcore angler who wants elbow-room, endless shots, and zero competition.
The fishery is raw, wild, and unlike anywhere else — and that’s exactly how Bibo Jayne, founder and quiet steward of this operation, intends to keep it. Pair that with luxury resort accommodations and just 140 anglers a year, and you’ve got a secret too good to keep… but somehow still holding.
Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about fly fishing trips in Turks & Caicos!
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Location & Geography
The Turks & Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory lying just southeast of Mayaguana, Bahamas. The topography and marine ecosystem of the Turks & Caicos is almost identical to the Bahamas. There are 9 “major” islands in the Turks & Caicos chain: Providenciales, Pine Cay, Parrot Cay, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, South Caicos, West Caicos and Grand Turk.
Turks & Caicos is a fraction of the size of the Bahamas. The island of Mayaguana alone is about half the land mass of Turks & Caicos. But the bonefish population in T&C may actually be denser than the Bahamas! It’s impossible to count, but certainly arguable. There are literally flats everywhere in T&C and some, like the Caicos Bank stretch as far as you can see on the clearest day of the year (75 square miles to be exact).
Whereas bonefish lodges in the Bahamas exist on nearly every of its 20 plus major islands and some islands, like Andros, boast more than 20 lodges on one island, there is just one bonefish operation in all of Turks & Caicos, South Caicos Bonefishing (previously Beyond the Blue Bonefish Charters). Lots of people have been to Provodenciales, or “Provo”, the hub of tourism in the Turks & Caicos.
Unpressured World-Class Flats
Few people have been to South Caicos, and that’s the way Bibo Jayne, the founder of Beyond the Blue Fishing Charters and South Caicos Bonefishing, intends to keep it. A transplanted Floridian, who has seen the effects of development on fishing, Bibo likes to keep a low profile and leave little or no impact on the environment of South Caicos. Even flying under they radar for more than 25 years, South Caicos has a loyal following for anglers that love to wade, keeping the limited number of spots full each season.
Less than 140 anglers fish South Caicos each year, creating one of the most remarkable ratios of angler per thousand bonefish anywhere short of Christmas Island or Seychelles. The remoteness of South Caicos is most savored when you cover mile upon mile of it’s gorgeous, shallow flats by airboat and never see a “prop scar”. You realize no one else fishes here. It’s all yours. Everything about South Caicos … “south” as it’s called, is different … in a good way.
A Unique Fishing Experience
It’s all wading. The preferred form of transportation on the water is a 24-foot airboat powered by a 454 Chevy engine, which is highly effective and custom outfitted for cruising the extensive, shallow flats. Despite the fact that the bonefish can be ridiculously plentiful at times, are aggressive, and relatively easy to catch, this is not a destination for beginner bonefishermen. There is no one-on-one guiding. Once the airboat stops, the 6 anglers wade the flats. The airboat operator / guide will drag the boat to stay with the anglers, or if you spread out, he eventually rounds everyone up when it’s time to hit a new flat. You must enjoy wading and spotting bonefish on your own.
The rewards are, you will have the chance to catch both numbers and size. Bonefish schools numbering in the 100’s are a common sight. So are 5-10 pound fish traveling in smaller pods, or hanging on the edges of the big schools. It’s best to tighten your drag and rely on heavier tippet than you might otherwise, to be able to hang onto the big boys, which can appear out of nowhere, anytime.
The other thing that’s different is the way they locate fish in South. Most of the time fish are spotted from the perch of the airboat at 25 mph. Stop. Get out and fish. Amazing. If you’re able to spot the fish soon enough that you don’t run them down, they’re not permanently spooked by the sound of the airboat. Even though the big Chevy cranks out big noise (head phones are provided), the noise is generated above the water, not in the water, and the noise doesn’t spook the fish as much as you might expect.
“Why use an airboat?”
Because the flats are too shallow, except at the higher tides, to access with a traditional outboard engine, tunnel hull, jack plate or whatever. Finding fish on these wide-open flats is a bit random. You might see 1,000 fish on a flat one day and zero the next. That’s when you get in the airboat and go searching. There are mangroves and like everywhere, the fish like to feed in the mangroves at high tide. The bottoms get softer the farther you penetrate the mangroves. But, mangroves have creeks and openings that make them fishabale, and the paddleboards are perfect for penetrating the mangroves at higher tides and they allow you to cover many times more habitat than you will on foot.
Typical Day
“We leave the beach about 8 AM and head for the flats. We are in the beginning of the flat system in as little as 5 – 10 minutes. As we traverse the flats, we scan for fish. When we start to see them, we stop the boat and begin to wade the area. As you wade and catch fish, the guide will periodically walk back and bring the boat up so it is usually within a short walk for anglers. We have lunch on the boat and return from fishing about 4PM. By wading, everyone fishes the whole day! Not like the traditional poled skiff where you really only handle a rod for half the time as you share the deck with another angler. We take groups of up to 6 so there is plenty of space on the boat. The South Caicos flat system is huge so you don’t have to compete for space as you wade.
Wind
Unlike some bonefishing locations, there are plenty of flats that don’t get “milky” in a persistent, strong wind. That’s because the majority of the bottom is hard sand, not soft sand. Line control can be a hassle when fishing from a boat in windy conditions. But, wind becomes advantageous when wading, as long as you can fish downwind with the sun behind your back. Wind settles the fish and allows you to get closer without spooking them. And Bibo insists that the fishing in South Caicos is better when the wind blows hard! Here’s how he describes it: “Just an FYI, when your clients ask about the wind. It doesn’t usually impair the casting as you can adjust to the fish when wading. When the wind is ripping, the fish are unbelievable. They flood onto the bank. We just had guests here during a stretch of 20-25 knot winds and here’s an email they sent me after their trip.”
“Our guide put us on fish early the first day and it was crazy good for 3 straight days. I think the wind was our friend! The vast majority of fish were cruising in ankle deep water in singles, doubles, and up to 5 or 6 in a group. The average fish was 4 – 6 pounds and we caught many in the 7 – 9 pound range. Our guide will probably agree that Doug and I caught over 100 fish each (I quit counting!! Great trip”.
“Ganger put us on fish early the first day and it was crazy good for 3 straight days. I think the wind was our friend! The vast majority of fish were cruising in ankle deep water in singles, doubles, and up to 5 or 6 in a group. The average fish was 4 – 6 pounds and we caught many in the 7 – 9 pound range, Ganger will probably agree that Doug and I caught over 100 fish each (I quit counting!! Great trip”.
Other Client Quotes
“By far the best bonefishing of my life”. Charlie M
“Last day was great. Lot of fish. I broke one off that was closer to 20 than 10 lbs. Have never seen one even close to that big. Eye was the size of a ping pong ball and he took the fly at my rod tip. Grrr”. Mike R.
“I’ve never been to the same place twice. This is my 4th trip to South Caicos. This is a very special place. My question was, is it possible to stop the airboat after seeing fish and catch fish. We did it 3 times the first day. Now with the paddleboards, you have 10 times the range you have on foot”. M. Hatter
South Caicos Bonefishing is open year-round, with the “peak” bonefishing season running from November through June. For those who love to wade, this is a “must visit” place.
The Accommodations
South Caicos Bonefishing has come a long way from the basic townhouses that Beyond the Blue used to accommodate their anglers. The townhouses were suitable for anglers, but was often too rustic for non-fishing companions. Today, South Caicos Bonefishing is based our of a high-end resort hotel. The resort has truly remarkable rooms, 6 options for dining, a magnificent pool, and all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury Caribbean resort. These new accommodations put it on par with the nicest lodges in the Bahamas and make it a perfect place for hardcore bonefishing focused anglers as well as their non-fishing companions.
Air Service
Angler Adventures will be happy to assist you with your travel to South Caicos.
South Caicos Rates
$11,500
Breakfast included. Call or email for a firm quote for your dates — our booking services are free.
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Rates start at $11,500 per person. Tap below for a firm quote or to hold dates. Our services are free.
Dave Duncan & Sons operates two base camps on the Kanektok; Upper Base Camp and Lower Base Camp. Central to both camps are the spacious kitchen and dining facilities housed in large, free-standing community area tents, which every evening become the center of activity. These contain a complete propane kitchen, dining tables, and a fly-tying bench. Sleeping facilities at both Upper and Lower Base Camps are sturdy, double occupancy 10 X 12 Weather Port System tents with cots and carpeting. The meals served are excellent and come with homemade bread, fresh salads, and large cuts of quality meats. The base camps even have a hot shower facility as well as heated drying tents for waders and wet clothing.
While both camps offer opportunities for all above species, anglers preferring to concentrate on salmon fishing usually choose Lower Base Camp to catch dime-bright salmon fresh from the salt. Fresh run fish are in prime condition and readily take the fly. While kings usually require wet fly, sinking line presentations, other salmon species (silvers in particular) can be teased into surface strikes with patterns like the now famous ‘Wog (Pink Pollywog).
These Alaska adventures are complete wilderness experiences, with no facilities of any kind found along the route. Dave Duncan & Sons has spent years researching and developing specialized camps and boats for comfort and convenience. Only the best inflatable rafts, 16′ Avon Pro’s are used. Each raft features rowing racks, floorboards to stand on, and anchoring capabilities that allow guests to fish any drift in the river. Most of Alaska’s big game and bird species are common in these areas and during the trip it will be possible to see many in their natural habitat.
When it’s time to load the plane and return, the person going home is a different person than the one that came. He has a deeper appreciation and respect for the fishing experience and Alaska’s vast wilderness. Float trips are limited to eight guests, with one guide and two guests per boat.
Timing
Across the border from Esquel in Argentina, and deep into the Coyhue forests of the tenth region of Chile flow the azure depths of the Futaleufu river.
A world away from the hustle and bustle that even sleepy Esquel represent, the “Big River”; (for this is how Futaleufu translates from the Tehuelche tongue) rolls along, amid some of the most unspoiled mountain scenery on the planet.
South of the Chilean lake district, Futaleufu is a stand alone fishery. The freestone giant grows healthy stocks of rainbow and brown trout that are fed by abundant hatches of mayfly, caddis and stone flies. A heavy resident stock
of fish and great hatches combined with classic fly water make the Futaleufu a trout fisherman’s paradise. Average rainbows and browns are in the 14″-16″ class but much larger fish are caught regularly.
There is even the occasional sea-run fish, guaranteed to put a bend in your rod! In truth though, whilst the chance of a big fish is a daily occurrence, it’s hard to be totally focused on the fishing in a place this special.
There’s a magic in the valley that transcends mere fishing. Futaleufu is a place to re-charge your batteries, to feel your spirits soar.
The lodges inaccessibility through the Valle de las Escalas make this part of the river unique, lazy horseback trails wind down to the rivers edge, a riot of Lupins and other wild flowers, no engines pollute the river here chemically or audibly and time appears to have stood still. Futa Lodge stands sentinel on the river bank wishing you well on your daily fishing foray, its lights twinkling a greeting in the evening as you return from the river.
Since the mid -eighties Futa Lodge has welcomed the greatest names in fishing, from Lefty Kreh and Mel Kreiger to Lee and Joan Wulff. The reason they came is the same now as it always has been, Futa represents the best of Chilean fishing, hospitality, accommodations, guiding and service.
Futa Lodge fishes primarily for Brown and Rainbow trout, with dry and wet flies in the Futaleufu river itself. The lodge also fishes neighboring tributaries and lakes which are mostly populated by Browns and Rainbows.
Other species occasionally encountered in the Futaleufu and Espolon rivers include Chinook, Silver & Atlantic Salmon, Sea-run Brown Trout and Steelhead. During a full week stay, anglers can visit different waters each day.
Easy access to some of the prime water on the Futaleufu river from right in front of the lodge. Great wade and drift boat fishing. Superb Dry fly and Streamer fishing. Varied fishing program taking in local tributaries and Lakes.
Fly Gear: Nine foot 4-7 weight rods for dry flies, 5-8 weight rods for wet-flies and streamers. Floating lines and sink tip and fast sinking lines. 8 foot to 12 foot leaders tapered down to two pound tippet for dry-flies and tapered down to 6 lbs for streamers.
Flies in Dry fly would be all mayfly patterns from size 12-20, spent patterns in similar sizes. Nymphs and Scuds in sizes 10-18 weighted and un-weighted. Streamers, Sculpins and Wooly Buggers in sizes 6-12.
Fishing Schedule is flexible but will normally start after breakfast at 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM. Shore lunches are the norm followed by fishing in the afternoon until into the evening. Seasonal changes will take into account the changing light but early season fishing may be as late as 10 PM, late season as early as 7 PM.
Futaleufu Lodge is strictly a catch and release fishery.
Location: Futa Lodge is situated in the Valle de las Escalas on the Futaleufu River, about half way between Puerto Montt and Coyhaique, 40 minutes drive from the village of Fuateufu.
How to get there: From Argentina, there are weekly flights to Esquel. You will be met by a lodge representative, cross the border to Chile and driven to the lodge (approx 1 1/2 hours)
By air from Santiago and Puerto Montt to Chaiten. You will be met in Chaiten and transfers to the lodge by 4WD vehicle (approx 4 hours).
From Puerto Montt you can also charter direct to the Futaleufu airport, where you will be met by a lodge representative and driven to the lodge (approx 40 minutes).
Aurelia Lodge, Estancia Rosita and Estancia Aurelia are situated on the southern bank of the Rio Grande, and occupy the large triangular tract of land between the Rio Grande and its tributary, the Rio Menendez. For years, the owner, Ricardo Hermoso, was occupied with other businesses, not the least of which was running these two working ranches, and found it more expedient to lease most of the Rio Grande water to another outfitter, and operate the fishing on a part time basis, primarily on his 15 miles of the Rio Menendez.
However, when the lease ran up in 2006, Senor Hermoso decided to hire a fishing manager, refurbish the lodge, and run a full time fishing program for the duration of the sea-run trout season.
Senor Hermoso recruited a Rio Grande native, Peter Pereira Mullins to run the operation. Peter, who has fly fished the Rio Grande all his life, holds a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, had also guided at Despedida Lodge for 7 seasons. Peter recruited a staff of experienced and enthusiastic guides and has personally trained them all.
The Rio Menendez is a smaller river, with more intimate water and is a bit more technical. Wading the Rio Menendez requires a stealthier approach and frequently smaller flies, and presents a challenge that appeals to many experienced anglers.
While “bigger water” than Menendez, the Rio Grande is really a medium size river, with gentle gradients and easily waded, gravel-bottom pools. While the pools can be covered adequately with a single-handed rod, double-handers have become popular and deal with the famous Tierra del Fuego winds more efficiently. Aurelia Lodge’s pools are varied and interesting with island pools, traditional runs, undercut banks and meanders. All the pools are ideal fly water.
All told, Aurelia Lodge offers 8 miles of double bank fishing on the Rio Grande and 15 miles of double bank fishing on the Rio Menendez.
The lodge is approximately 83 kilometers from the airport at Rio Grande City. The main lodge is set back several miles from the Rio Grande. Aurelia Lodge blends the traditional estancia styles with more modern. For example, dinner may be served in a modern and elegant formal dining room one evening, and the following, a traditional gaucho “asado” Served in the “Quincho” dining room.
The fishing day is divided into two 4-hour fishing sessions to take advantage of the most productive, low-light periods of the day. Anglers depart Aurelia each morning at 8:00 am for the river and their assigned beat. Each two anglers will have their own guide and 4 WD vehicle equipped with exterior rod holders. You can drive right up to most of the pools so very little walking is required.
Those fishing the Rio Grande will meet at the comfortable fishing hut over looking the river, for a sumptuous midday meal followed by the traditional siesta. Anglers on the Menendez return to the main lodge for lunch and siesta. You head back out in late afternoon and fish until dark. Then all will return to Aurelia’s main lodge for a gourmet dinner featuring a selection of exquisite Argentinean wines.
The 2018 rate at Aurelia Lodge is: February / March = $6,290 US per person per week and April = $5,032 US per person per week. Cost for a non-angler guest is 50% of the angler rate.
Included: Roundtrip transfers from Rio Grande airport to the Lodge; 7 nights double occupancy accommodations; 6 full days guided fishing, 2 anglers per guide; all meals with fine seletion of wines and beers; hard liquors and cocktails before meals at the lodge; internet access; fishing license.
Not Included: International airfare to Buenos Aires; hotels or transfers in Buenos Aires; airfare from Buenos Aires to Rio Grande; ground transfers from Rio Grande; fishing license; personal equipment, laundry service; staff and guide gratuities.
The Agua Boa River is part of the immense Amazon River system, the largest river system in the world. Agua Boa is located approximately 200 miles north of Manaus, Brazil in a totally uninhabited part of the jungle. It drains into the Rio Branco which feeds the Rio Negro which in turn feeds the Amazon proper. Effectively out of range of the large river boat opertions plying the Rio Negro, Agua Boa enjoys further protection provided by recently passed legislation designating the river as “Fly Flishing Only”. The river is regularly patrolled by Amazon River Police to insure no unauthorized fishing or illegal netting takes place.
Unlike the Rio Negro (Black River) it ultimately feeds, the Agua Boa is normally crystal clear providing wonderful site fishing in low water for the hard fighting Peacock Bass, or Tucanaré as they are known in Brazil, as well as numerous other species. As in flats fishing for bonefish, tarpon or permit, many consider site casting to peacocks the ultimate fly rod experience.
While over 20 different species have been taken on the fly on the Agua Boa, Peacock bass comprise the prime target for anglers. Members of the cichlid family, there are actually 4 different species found in the Agua Boa which range from the beautiful Peacock Bass (cichla occelaris) which average 3 to 5 pounds to the true Tucanaré (cichla temensis) which can top the 20 pound mark. Some of the other species include the ancient Aruanã, the Marticha, the Characin Pike or Wolf Fish, Pirhanas, several species of catfish, occasionally Payara, and many more.
Anglers fish from 20 aluminum skiff equipped with poling platform and powered by either 2 stroke outboard or 4 stroke jet engine, depending on water levels and areas you will fish. If you opt to fish far afield that day, lunch may be taken in a cooler but most guests fish early morning, returning to the lodge for the noonday meal and a siesta out of the midday sun, and return to fish the later afternoon hours, returning to the lodge for dinner.
Tackle choices generally range from 8 to 10 weight fly rods. It’s best to bring back up as large tucanaré are notorious rod busters! Most fishing is with floating line but it’s a good idea to have a 200 – 300 grain sink tip in your kit in case of high water. Large streamer patterns, like 4 – 6 inch deceivers, whistlers and Clousers are most effective. Peacocks and many other species love surface poppers. Be sure to bring some outsized poppers like the Big Boy Trevally Popper. If you plan to do a lot of popper fishing, you should consider a 10 weight rod to better carry these big wind resistant flies to your target.
As this is all catch & release fishing, we suggest you leave your IGFA class/shock tippet leaders at home. Straight 40 pound hard, clear mono (like Mason or Rio Salt Water) or 50 pound fluorocarbon level leaders as the way to go. And the lodge has a well stocked fly shop on the premises should you require additional tackle during your week.
Set in landscaped gardens on the banks of the Agua Boa River, the Lodge House is comfortably furnished and equipped with all modern facilities, including television with English channels, a bar and a games room. Wireless internet access is available, at no additional cost, in both the Lodge House and the individual chalets. Both the Lodge House and the chalets are constructed from local materials and are finished to a high standard. Set right on the banks of the river, a 20 meter swimming pool and pool bar, provide a perfect place to relax after a days fishing.
The six chalets are arranged in a row along the river bank, each with an uninterrupted view of the river and its wildlife, the chalets are all excellently well appointed. Each of the well furnished air conditioned chalets have two queen beds, a large bathroom with en-suite solar heated shower, dressing room and separate toilet. All chalets are equipped with frigobar, wireless internet access, and have plenty of storage room for even the best packed fishermen. Outside there is a large porch area with a table and chairs.
Electric supply is through standard US sockets and is 110 volt. Chalets are normally shared by two guests, but single occupancy can be booked at additional cost if required. A daily laundry service is provided, at no additional cost, for those guests who prefer to travel light.
Breakfast is buffet style, with a choice of hot and cold dishes, breads, pastries, cold meat, fresh fruit and cereals. In addition, fresh fruit juices and coffee are freely available. Lunch may be taken either at the Lodge, where our chef will provide a cooked meal, or a packed lunch can be prepared in the morning for those who prefer to stay on the River all day.
For those taking lunch on the River, all our boats have a cooler on board to keep food fresh, and our guides will ensure that plentiful supplies of cool drinks are available throughout the day. A three course dinner, with wine, is served in the dining room each evening. The main course is a buffet, with a choice of several meat and fish dishes, all freshly prepared by our chef. Throughout the day and evening, snacks and hot and cold drinks are always available.
Both a passport and a visa is required for travel to Brazil from the US. There are direct flights from both Miami and Atlanta to Manaus, Brazil. The camp week runs Saturday to Saturday . Guests need to arrive in Manaus on Friday, the day before scheduled to fly into camp. The charter flight into camp is early Saturday morning, and a half day of fishing is included Saturday afternoon. Guest are met and transferred to a local hotel, and picked up the following morning for the charter flight into the lodge. After your week at camp, your AB Lodge rep will meet your charter flight return to Manaus and arrange your transfer to your international departure or to your reserved hotel.
The Deluxe Fishing Lodges we represent are among the top lodges in New Zealand. They each offer luxury accommodations, excellent gourmet meals, world-class guide staffs, access to New Zealand’s top trout water, and a list of activities for the non-fishing guest or for anglers who want to experience more of New Zealand than just the trout fishing. Whether you choose to fish surrounding rivers, take exciting Helicopter fly ours to remote rivers and streams, relax around the lodge, or participate in the many non-fishing activities New Zealand has to offer, we can customize any trip to your personal desires.
This top-notch fishing lodge was created with the New Zealand experience in mind. The lodge itself is strategically located in a park like setting, allow guests to enjoy the New Zealand landscape, flora and fauna. 
Riverview Lodge
