Long Island, Bahamas: Untamed Beauty & World-Class Bonefishing

Long Island stretches roughly 80 miles from tip to tip but never widens past four miles — a narrow spine of limestone and sand running along the eastern edge of the Bahama Bank. No cruise ships dock here. Development is sparse. The island’s western flats, mangrove channels, and quiet bays hold some of the most productive bonefishing in the Caribbean, and the beaches rival anything you’ll find in the archipelago. This guide covers what makes Long Island worth the travel — the flats fishing, the reef action, the deep-water trophy hunting, and the practical decisions that turn a good trip into a great one.

Three Ways to Fish Long Island

Long Island’s geography — a thin strip of land with flats to the west and deep water to the east — means you can switch between bonefishing, reef fishing, and big-game fishing without changing islands. Here’s how the three main charter types compare.

Bonefishing on the Flats

Deadman’s Cay sits near the heart of Long Island’s bonefish scene. The flats off the western side and the sand-and-marl edges north of town produce reliable tails and sight-fishing opportunities most of the year. Low tide is the window to watch for — bonefish compress into predictable feeding lanes as the water pulls off the flats, and the clarity makes spotting their “pushes” and tailing behaviour much easier.

Most flats trips use 16-foot skiffs for a quiet, low-profile approach. Guides pole the boat across shallow water while you scan for fish. Bonefish can hit 40 miles per hour when spooked, so stealth matters — polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and quiet movements on the deck all improve your odds. Fly anglers typically bring an 8- to 9-weight rod with a sturdy reel and a floating line with an intermediate sink-tip. Spin anglers do well with 10- to 20-pound class outfits and fluorocarbon leaders.

James “Docky” Smith, head guide at Stella Maris and owner of Bonafide Bonefishing, has spent more than twenty years reading Long Island’s currents, wind patterns, and feeding lanes. His approach is patient — he tailors the pace to your skill level, which makes him a strong choice for first-time bonefish anglers. Samuel Knowles and his team, who fish out of Smith-Wells Lodge, come from families that have guided for four and five generations on the island. They use barbless hooks exclusively and emphasize quick-release handling to keep the fishery healthy.

Reef Fishing & Family-Friendly Options

The nearshore reefs along Long Island’s eastern side offer fast action in comfortable conditions — shorter runs, stable boats, and a mix of species that keeps everyone engaged. A 26-foot Mako is the typical platform for these trips: roomy enough for a family of four, stable at anchor, and shallow-draft enough to work tight reef edges. Common targets include Nassau grouper in deeper pockets, yellowtail snapper around ledges, amberjack and horse-eye jacks on current breaks, and king mackerel or barracuda when bait is present.

Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, on the north end of the island, keeps its own fleet of skiffs on-site. The beachfront here is powdery white sand over turquoise water — one of the most photographed stretches in the Bahamas — and the flats within walking distance become productive at low tide. Snorkeling is good right off the beach, and the resort’s Beach House restaurant serves fresh seafood with bay views that draw sunset crowds. For families mixing fishing with beach time, Cape Santa Maria packages that include lodging and guided trips simplify the logistics considerably.

Back on the south end, Rowdy Boys restaurant near Clarence Town serves island-style seafood and is a reliable spot to bring your fresh catch — the kitchen will prepare it if you give notice. Flying Fish Marina in Clarence Town carries fuel, ice, and Baitmaster baits, and its staff know the local offshore grounds well.

Deep-Sea & Big-Game Fishing

Long Island’s position near the edge of the Bahama Bank puts serious pelagic water within reach. Diana Bank, 28 miles off Clarence Town, draws plankton blooms that concentrate bait and the predators that follow — blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi show here through spring and early summer. Columbus Bank, a longer run, is known for wahoo holding near structure, with fish occasionally pushing 90 pounds.

For day trips, a 31-foot Contender departs from Stella Maris Marina at around $1,200 for a full day — tackle, bait, and crew included. Confirm current pricing and availability when you book, as fuel costs and seasonal demand shift rates. Larger Bertram hulls handle overnight runs to Samana Cay and Conception Island, where giant blue marlin and tuna are the draw. Overnight trips require more planning: layered clothing, sun protection, motion-sickness medication, and enough food and water for the extra time offshore.

Where to Stay on Long Island

For anglers who want direct flats access, Bonafide Cottage offers a casual, homey base near Stella Maris, and Smith-Wells Lodge pairs with Samuel Knowles’s guiding team for a full-service experience. Both options bundle lodging with guiding and local transfers, which simplifies planning considerably.

Planning Your Long Island Fishing Trip

Seasonal timing matters more for some species than others. Bonefish are present year-round, but March through May delivers the most consistent action on the flats. October and November are also strong — fish are fresh after the summer and return to the flats in big numbers. Winter (December through February) produces larger bonefish, as the cooler water draws bigger individuals into shallower areas. For pelagics, wahoo peak from October to mid-March, yellowfin tuna from March to May, white marlin in April and May, and blue marlin from May to early July.

The 2nd Annual Bahamas Bonefishing Tournament Series runs September through November 2026, with the Long Island leg scheduled for 14–18 October at Stella Maris Resort Club. The event is a catch-and-release tournament governed by International Game Fish Association standards, targeting bonefish primarily, with tarpon and permit also in play. Registration is $500 per participant and open to international anglers. The tournament pairs two anglers per vessel with a licensed Bahamian guide, and the GOAT Award goes to any team that lands a Grand Slam — bonefish, tarpon, and permit in a single day. Total cash and prizes exceed $100,000, and the event is run in partnership with the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, which emphasises best handling practices and conservation education.

For DIY anglers, renting a car is essential. Car rentals are available from Stella Maris down to Winter Haven, and having a vehicle lets you reach the endless variety of flats north to south without relying on guide transfers. Tight Loop Travel, a Virtuoso-member agency based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, offers complimentary trip planning and can customise itineraries for hard-core fishing, DIY trips, guided packages, or luxury stays with non-fishing activities.

Choosing a Guide & What to Ask Before Booking

The difference between a good bonefishing trip and a great one often comes down to the guide. Long Island has a small, tight-knit guiding community, and the best operators book far in advance. When evaluating options, consider these points:

• Local knowledge: Guides who grew up on the island — or come from generational fishing families, like Samuel Knowles’s team — understand the tides, channels, and feeding habits at a level that seasonal operators can’t match.
• Conservation practices: Ask whether the guide uses barbless hooks and follows quick-release methods. Samuel Knowles’s operation uses barbless hooks exclusively. Docky Smith is certified and emphasises safe handling. Both approaches improve the fish’s chances after release.
• Group size and gear: Confirm the maximum anglers per boat and what tackle is provided. Most guides supply rods, reels, and flies, but it’s worth checking line weights and whether fly rods are available for beginners.
• What’s included: Ask whether the rate covers fishing licenses, fuel, meals, and transfers. Some packages bundle lodging and guiding; others charge separately for launch fees or park access.
• Cancellation policy: Weather can shut down flats fishing for a day or two. Know the rescheduling and refund terms before you hand over a deposit.

Before You Go — Long Island Bonefishing

Do I need a fishing license?

Non-residents fishing from a non-Bahamian vessel need a valid permit specifying “the flats” for bonefish. If you’re fishing with a licensed local guide, they typically handle the paperwork. Confirm this with your guide before you arrive.

Can beginners catch bonefish on a half-day trip?

Yes — guides like Docky Smith and Samuel Knowles routinely work with first-time flats anglers. A half-day trip focused on sight-fishing at low tide gives you enough time to learn the basics without fatigue setting in. Spin gear is easier to pick up quickly; fly fishing takes more practice on the casting stroke.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Flats fishing is wind-sensitive — sustained winds over 15 knots make sight-fishing difficult. Most guides have sheltered lee flats they can use, but if conditions are unsafe, trips get rescheduled. Ask about weather-cancellation policies when you book. Winter months (December–February) tend to have clearer water and better tidal conditions, which can offset occasional windy days.

Can non-anglers enjoy Long Island while others fish?

Absolutely. Cape Santa Maria’s beach is a full-day destination on its own. Dean’s Blue Hole, near Clarence Town, is one of the deepest blue holes in the world and a famous freediving and snorkelling site. Stella Maris has three pools, a game room, and weekly beach barbecues. A rental car makes it easy to explore the island’s empty beaches and small settlements.

What should I pack for a bonefishing trip?

Polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, reef-safe sunscreen, lightweight long sleeves, and a light rain jacket for squalls. Fly anglers should bring an 8- to 9-weight rod with a floating line and a selection of shrimp and crab patterns — Gotcha and Crazy Charlie are reliable patterns. Spin anglers need 10- to 20-pound class gear with fluorocarbon leaders. Your guide can confirm specific line and fly preferences before you pack.

Untamed Beauty on a Cast

Long Island doesn’t sell itself with flashy resorts or non-stop activities. Its appeal is quieter — a place where you can wade a flat at dawn with no other boats in sight, eat fresh snapper at a beachside table as the sun drops over the bay, and fall asleep to the sound of surf through cottage windows. The fishing is genuinely world-class, but the island itself — raw, uncrowded, and unhurried — is what makes you want to come back. For more Bahamas destinations that reward a slower pace, check out our guide to exploring the Out Islands of the Bahamas.

References

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. “2nd Annual Bahamas Bonefishing Tournament Series Returns September Through November 2026.” GlobeNewswire, 2025. ↗

Tight Loop Travel. “Long Island Fly Fishing Vacations.” bahamasflyfishingguide.com. ↗

Visit Caribbean. “Bonefishing Charters in Long Island.” visit-caribbean.com. ↗

Visit Caribbean. “Fishing Charters in Long Island.” visit-caribbean.com. ↗

If you’re planning a Bahamas fishing trip, you might also find our guides useful: Bimini for big-game fishing, Cat Island as another Out Island escape, and sustainable travel tips for the Bahamas.