Thomas Albury is a guide working the waters of Abaco. Seems like a pretty nice place to take folks out. He has Ondafly Charters.
Looking for the ghost
You guide out of Marsh Harbour in Abaco. What do you love most about your office?
We live on a small island named Lubbers quarters about 4 miles from MH. I pick up from all over Abaco depending on my customers needs. My office view is always great, a lot better than fighting traffic on any highway.
When you are out on the water a lot, you see some crazy things, things others just don’t see because they haven’t spent the time out there. What’s something odd, funny or scary you’ve seen out there?
Schooling of fish, rays, sharks, bait, etc. It always catches my eyes and enjoying watching nature at its finest. Couple years ago on Dec. 22nd I saw a giant school of bait being herded by 2 doz. mutton snappers close to shore and could have easily thrown a fly to them. But as usual, when you see stuff like that you never have a rod near by!! It is always great to see stuff like that!!
It seems no matter how many really sexy flies I tie, when I open my box for a guide he picks either a tan Gotcha or a Peterson’s Spawning Shrimp. Is it that easy? Do you have a favorite fly for bones out there?
I wish it was here!! These fish on the ocean side see people!! So sometimes you need to challenge yourself to a little more variation. Try more crabs!! But I enjoy to use anything that is a little different, that is not seen like the gotchas, and charlies. I like chili peppers, veverka mantis shrimps, Blackfly outfitters has a nice pattern they sell named “sifter shrimp” that turns fish on the east side also. In the marls you can throw spawning shrimps all day long. When they turn you down just try something else. Those fish are a lot easier to please!!
A client and a tagged fish.
What is the state of the ecosystem around Marsh Harbour and are there any threats to that ecosystem (netting, illegal fishing, over development)?
At this time our eco system is healthy but always fragile. Unfortunately there is still minimal netting on both sides of Abaco. The over development is also a problem in Abaco as it is very popular site to visit in the Bahamas. Please check out this proposal for our east abaco creeks.
What’s your favorite bonefish rod and reel at the moment?
Wow that is a good one!! Well most of my customers are shooting with sage and orvis of course. I always like one piece models like gl loomis 9′. While at I cast 2014 I got to play with a clutch one piece and four piece 9′, nice rods!! I need to try the new sage salt!!
Reels Nautilus by far.
Often times we have a fishing mentor, someone who put in the time and really helped us grow as anglers. Is there anyone like that for you?
You know I can’t put just one name down as an answer. There is a lot of good people I’ve met within this industry that have helped myself and other tremendously. I think you should always try to mentor with every situation to grow and learn together. But someone that really touched me would have to be Flip Pallot. Three years ago while at Abaco Lodge my wife and daughters came by the lodge to say hello. Once he saw my girls, he politely excused himself from the group of anglers at the lodge and came and talked to my two girls that were 4 and 6 years old. And to this day my oldest still says daddy there’s “Mr flip” every time she see his face. Now that was cool!! And he is a great teacher too!!
Where’s the best conch fritter in Marsh Harbour?
Honestly I go all over Abaco and the best one I have had lately would be at Pinnaples in Green Turtle Cay.
Why, with all the many options anglers have, should someone consider heading to Marsh Harbour?
Well if you looking for a lodge option we have that. If your looking for a guys vacation, rent a house, get some independent guides to carry you out for a couple days each, then possibly try a day on your own, we have that!! Our if you are coming with family and need that 1/2 or full day to break up the craziness, we have that too. Plus It is a very friendly, great scenery, great water, great people. You can fish on Abaco for 30 days and never fish the same flat twice!!
Thanks Thomas!
- Unique Post
This is good. Last year we got a house on Lubber’s Quarters. I actually hooked my very 1st bone on the flat on the southwest side of Lubbers. I didn’t use a guide last year and mainly DIY over behind Snake Key but I think next time I go over there, I am going to try and use Ondafly charters. I totally agree with his last statement to rent a house and use a guide. I loved staying on Lubbers.
This is good. Last year we got a house on Lubber’s Quarters. I actually hooked my very 1st bone on the flat on the southwest side of Lubbers. I didn’t use a guide last year and mainly DIY over behind Snake Key but I think next time I go over there, I am going to try and use Ondafly charters. I totally agree with his last statement to rent a house and use a guide. I loved staying on Lubbers.