Article and photos by Jimmy Jacobs
April 2021
Like all the other islands of The Bahamas, Grand Bahama has suffered through a drought of tourism during the past year of the Covid-19 pandemic. On the other hand, along with its neighbor Abaco in the northern end of the island chain, it has been a double whammy. Prior to the Covid restrictions on travel, neither island had recovered from the beating that Category 5 Hurricane Dorian applied in 2019.
Fortunately, things are improving on Grand Bahama, which has been a favorite for traveling anglers that enjoty do-it-yourself action for bonefish. Although there are some extra hoops to jump through in the form of Health Travel Visas and Covid tests to enter the island or stay more than five days, the system is in place to make those easier to navigate.
As for accommodations, Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbor is fully functional on the West End of the island, which was not hit as hard by Dorian. There even are some wadable flats right on their property.
To the east of Freeport/Lucaya, Dorian delivered a much heavier punch. However, the Viva Wyndam Fortuna Beach all-inclusive resort that has been a favored headquarters for DIY ventures to the east end has just reopened after extensive remodeling. It again is ready to host anglers.
The bonefish flats at Tamerind Lane in Gambier Point, Pelican Point, the Graveyard and the Bowl near McClean’s Town are in good shape and still hold fish. On the land, it is another story. Smitty’s One Stop that dispensed gasoline and cold Kalik beer near High Rock no longer exists.
The McClean’s Town Public Cemetery at the Graveyard Flat was devastated.
EJ’s Bayside Cafe in McClean’s Town was hit hard, but now is reopen.
Stay tuned to our Web Journal editons for full coverage of Grand Bahama Island fishing in the coming months.
