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Locations — 7 Comments
31
Jan 17

What to do about the Bahamas

stormy times for the Bahamas

I’m conflicted. I love the Bahamas, but the government of the Bahamas doesn’t love me back and some of its people are downright hostile to how I want to vacation and spend my time and money. So… what am I to do?

The new law has been rolled out and it has been a bit bumpy from what I’ve heard. Have not heard about people being denied, just that some folks who are supposed to issue the licenses don’t seem to have a firm grip on what is going on and you may have to wait a full day or two to actually get the license. I have not heard about enforcement issues yet, but then, I don’t hear everything so I wouldn’t rule it out.

What I do know is the trip I took last February is a trip I can’t take in 2017. I rented a boat and a friend and I fished together, without a guide, for the last three days of the trip. That would be illegal to do now. This fact bums me out.

I’d still be able to go around on foot, or use a kayak or canoe to get around, but that boat is no longer an option. I’d still be able to go and use a guide, either through a lodge or on my own, which does change the price dynamics a bit, but, you still get the Bahamas that way, but I won’t spend a dime on those who fought against us.

There are plenty of operations who have fought the good fight, on behalf of all anglers and for the Bahamian people, and they stand to lose if we just all stay away. Folks like Abaco Lodge, Bairs Lodge, Delphi, East End Lodge, Swain’s Cay and Black Fly, just to name a very few, all fought hard for us and I don’t want them to be hurt for doing what was right.

If you want to go to the Bahamas, there are two places to check out:

  • Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures – They aren’t booking the anti lodges. They’ve been in the game for a long time. They know Prescott, have known him for years, and they were very involved in the fight. If they have a destination in the Bahamas, you can feel better knowing they are on the right side of this thing.
  • Abaco Fly Fishing Guide’s Association – If you want to know if a guide or lodge is pro-angler, ask if they support the AFFGA or the BFFIA. If they support the former, you are golden. If they support the later, well… I won’t fish with them, I know that much.

It isn’t good in the Bahamas right now. I was just reading one lodge owner saying his business was off 70%. People are hurting.

So, don’t stay away if you are going on a lodge trip. But please, spend your dollars wisely.

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All the other stuff — 2 Comments
07
Oct 15

Getting the Bahamas Back on Their Feet

Let’s get on board with this, OK?

PRESS RELEASE

The Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association (AFFGA) is spearheading a RECONSTRUCTION FUND to benefit fly fishing guides and the accommodating establishments that cater to fly fishing anglers that lost their ability to make a living because of the destruction in the Southern Bahamas from Hurricane Joaquin.

AFFGA is working with world-wide industry members and partners to raise funds and has organized a Bahamian Advisory Board to help get the word out to those affected.  The board will help gather relevant data regarding the requirements of those in the affected areas who are in need of assistance to rebuild their fly fishing businesses.

Once an assessment of the specific needs of the individuals affected by the storm are known AFGGA will reach out to our partners who may be able to help fulfill their requirements in order to alleviate some of the pain of the rebuilding process.  Your donations may pay for materials and equipment or be awarded as cash to recipients based on need.

Anglers and Industry partners, we need your help to make this happen!

You may make donations via PayPal at www.affga.org  Please indicate RECONSTRUCTION FUND or HURRICANE RELIEF as the purpose.  Or you can mail checks made payable to Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association to the following address:

Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association

c/o GB Express Exports Inc.

610 SW 34th St. Suite 107

Fort Lauderdale, FL  33315

 

Your generous donations will be distributed by the Board of Directors of AFFGA based on the needs expressed by those affected with the intent of helping as many people as possible.  A full accounting of donations and expenditures will be made within three months.

 

AFFGA Board of Directors:

Justin Sands

Cindy Pinder

Buddy Pinder

Patrick Roberts

 

AFFGA Reconstruction Fund Advisory Board:

Mr. Gregory Bethel, Senior Economist, Department of Marine Resources

Mr. Benjamin Pratt, Senior Manager, Ministry of Tourism

Ms. Cheryl Bastian, Vice President, Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board

Rev. Felton Rolle, Owner, Salina Point Bonefish Lodge, Acklins

Mrs. Arnette Chisholm, Owner, Chester’s Highway Inn Bonefish Lodge, Acklins *

Mr. Nevin Knowles, Owner, Long Island Bonefish Lodge, Long Island *

Shavonne Davrville, Owner, Gems of Paradise, Long Island *                      * still trying to make contact to confirm participation

 

If you need further information, please contact Cindy Pinder at 561-202-8575 or via email skeeterone@coralwave.com.  LIKE US ON FACE BOOK – ABACO FLY FISHING GUIDES ASSOCIATION to keep up to date on progress.  Please spread the word throughout the fishing world as we need your help to rebuild the fly fishing industry in the Southern Bahamas.  Thank you!

 

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