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"I have been fishing in the Bahamas on Andros Island for 15 years. The first ten years I fished out of Cargill Creek mostly, but I also camp-fished in the Bahamas during this time – once on Water Key and once on Williams Island. I shifted my interest to South Andros (Kemps Bay) five years ago. My stays on South Andros nowadays are for a minimum of one to three months. I have very good knowledge of the island, even owning my own flats skiff. I moved to South Andros because, in my opinion, it contains the largest population of bonefish anywhere. In addition, I can rent motel rooms there fairly cheaply. The place I like to stay is Javarr’s Twin Berry Inn at Little Creek on South Andros (www.andros beachclub.com/javarrs-inn-bahamas.htm. US telephone contact: 954-681-4818). The place is owned by James & Alice Sands of Nassau. The inn is only three years old, has ocean frontage and approximately 20 rooms, plus a kitchen area and a lounge area with television. The kitchen is fully stocked with pots, pans and utensils, and it is available for usage by guests. The lounge area is a spacious and comfortable place to watch television, play cards or just sit around talking about fishing. There is also a wooden deck out front that faces the water. It’s great for relaxing in the afternoon. Kayaks and bicycles are available.
"This is the best and cleanest inn on South Andros. It is better than some of the fishing lodges. Naturally, it has air conditioning. Rates are $70 for a single and $100 for two people in the same room. The owner, James Sands, is a retired businessman from Nassau who is present while guests are there to make sure all of their needs are met.
"There are two independent guides on South Andros who have their own boats, Leslie Johnson and Nat Adams. They charge $500 per day. In my opinion, they are the best two guides on the island. Leslie and Nat (when not guiding their own clients) work for Bair’s Lodge. They started guiding for them in 1995. They are the most requested guides at Bair’s. Leslie’s home phone is 242-369-5047; his cell number is 242-357-2326. Nat’s home number is 242-369-5544; his cell is 242-471-2165.
"I always take my own steak and lunch meat to South Andros. Chicken, fish, lobster and some American lunch meat can be purchased there. I choose to cook most of my meals at the inn though restaurants are available in the area. Their prices are very reasonable at $6 to $12 for an evening meal. Kathy’s Bar & Restaurant that sits on Little Creek is a favorite watering hole for locals and visiting fishermen. The place has great food, a TV set, a pool table and Bahamian music. Kathy will prepare breakfast and lunch for you if you wish. I normally prepare my own breakfast and lunch in the kitchen at the inn. Everything you need is available at the local grocery store except for good quality steaks.
"It is an individual’s personal choice whether he wants to save a few dollars and cook at the inn or go to the restaurants and eat out. If two anglers stay at the Twin Berry Inn for $100 per night and pay a guide fee of $500 per day, that comes to $600 a day for lodging and 2 x 1 guiding, or $300 each per day. Multiply that by six days give you $1,800. This is $1,800 to $3,000 less than you will pay if you stay at one of the lodges. In my view, this is a great way to experience bonefishing in one of the most beautiful places in the world at a very reasonable price with two of the best guides anywhere."