Situated 165 miles southeast of Nassau, Long Island is a gem among Bahamaian out islands. It's picturesque beaches, towering churches, and welcoming residents have earned a desirable reputation among world-wide travelers in recent years. However, the vast expanse of flats habitat extending north and west from Deadman's Cay, and the strong population of resident bonefish, have attracted fly fishermen for decades.
Fishing
Our program in Long Island is centered around learning the craft of stalking saltwater flats with a fly. Whether you've chased bonefish across the globe, or it's the first time you've ever cast an eight weight, Long Island's endless wade-able flats and plentiful bonefish provide the perfect opportunity to hone your skills.
Eighty miles of protected flats extend west from Deadman's Cay, and another twenty miles of virtually un-fished interior flats extend south of Clarence Town. Vast expanses of hard-bottomed, white sand flats are separated by deep blue channels. Large schools of bonefish move onto these flats to feed making them easy targets for the wading angler.
We plan our trips to Long Island each year in early-May. This timing important as it 
gives us the best chance at missing the effects of winter cold fronts. It also allows us to enjoy relatively longer spring days. The sun stays higher in the sky this time of year allowing for easier fish-spotting visibility well into the afternoon hours.
Lodging
Our home away from home on Long Island is located just outside Deadman's Cay in historic Clarence Town. We stay at a beautiful, two-year old lodge perched atop cliffs, overlooking the ocean. The owners are a local family with deep roots in Clarence Town, and a rich history in sailboat design and regattas. Each guest will have their own air conditioned room with a king-sized bed and ocean views. There is a pool, a hot-tub, and a bar with a bottomless supply of cold Kaliks (the beer of the Bahamas).
Meals
Meals are prepared by chef Peter who recently left his post at the Four Seasons in Chicago to return to the family business. Meals are prepared with fresh local catches from the reef, and are sure to be a highlight of the trip. Please let us know about any special dietary needs. We'll be happy to arrange for a customized menu.
Guides
Bonefishing has been a family affair on Long Island for generations. Guides like Sammy Knowles and his cousins the Cartwrights have earned a reputation that's bigger than the destination itself. Ask a dozen people in the fly fishing industry if they've ever fished Deadman's Cay, and two or three will say yes. But, ask them if they've ever heard of Sammy Knowles and the Cartwrights, and most will say absolutely.
Our guides fish out of Rahming Flats Skiffs (Bahamian-made, modeled after Dolphin Skiffs). Equipped with polling platforms, first aid kits, cell phones, life jackets, and well-maintained Yamaha 85hp engines they'll get you anywhere fast. These professionals are English-speaking, 
hard working, and a pleasure to be around.
This week long trip to Long Island includes five days of guided flats fishing. Your hosts will rotate through the group and join you and your guide out on the flats to provide a day of one-on-one instruction. Your time with the hosts will focus on instruction. Topics we'll cover include casting, stalking, strategy, and bonefish foods.
What's Included?
Included in this Oarsmen Expeditions Bonefish Trip is all food, lodging, transportation from the time you arrive on Long Island to your departure, as well as five days of guided flats fishing. Not included are bar tabs and all other alcoholic beverages, guide and staff gratuities.
Dates and Rates
May 2012
$3150 per person (based on double occupancy)