How to Book a Fishing Lodge on Acklins or Crooked Island

The Crooked Island and Acklins atoll in the southeast Bahamas holds nearly 20,000 acres of shallow flats — the largest bonefish fishing area in the Bahamas, according to Slipstream Angling. With fewer than 1,000 permanent residents across both islands, the fishing pressure here is about as low as it gets in the Caribbean.

Two lodges dominate the accommodation scene on Crooked Island, and both sit within striking distance of the atoll’s vast lagoon system that wraps around Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay. One has a private airstrip and a full marina; the other is a small, quiet operation that puts you right on the flats. Here’s what each offers and how to book them.

Crooked Island Lodge & Marina at Pittstown Point

Sitting at the northernmost tip of Crooked Island, this lodge operates a private 3,500-foot airstrip on-site and a 35-slip marina that can accommodate vessels up to 160 feet. It’s the more full-service option of the two, with a chef who prepares your catch at the Sunset Bar & Grill and direct access to offshore water that sees almost no other sport-fishing boats.

Bonefish on the flats here tail alone or in pairs, with some much larger fish showing up on certain flats. Offshore, the lodge runs a fully equipped boat, and daily catches can exceed 30 fish. Fall and winter are excellent for wahoo and mackerel; spring and winter deliver tuna, dolphin (mahi mahi), and marlin. A 148-pound wahoo was caught and photographed from this lodge. Reef fishing in untouched water produces grouper, snapper, jacks, and barracuda year-round, and the chef will cook your catch for dinner.

Crooked Island Trophy Lodge at Majors Bay

On the opposite end of the spectrum sits the Crooked Island Trophy Lodge, a small, quiet operation run by a friendly couple on a white sandy beach. It has five large double rooms, each with a bathroom with a bathtub, a sitting area, a refrigerator, and WiFi. The lodge’s main advantage is its proximity to the flats — no long boat runs to start fishing.

The atoll’s huge shallow lagoon creates a perfect wading area for bonefish and permit. Average bonefish size runs about 4 pounds, with the island record at 17.6 pounds. Permit show up in great numbers on the flats and along channels, often near large stingrays, and they have hardly ever seen a fly. Resident baby tarpon live year-round in some lagoons, with larger tarpon arriving in spring and summer. Triggerfish are common on coral flats and will take crab or shrimp imitations.

Independent Guides on Crooked and Acklins

Beyond the two lodges, a network of independent guides operates on the atoll, led by Elton “Bonefish Shakey” McKinney, along with Michael Carroll, Jeff Moss, Derrick Ingraham, Randy McKinney, and Clinton Scavella. These guides use top-quality flats skiffs with 90 to 130 horsepower outboards and have developed the permit fishery significantly in recent years. The run from Pittstown Point to French Wells takes about 15 minutes, depending on weather and sea conditions.

To book time with these guides, the research recommends emailing Stephen directly to secure dates — they are popular and book well in advance. The guides focus on bonefish, tarpon, permit, sharks, barracuda, and snapper, and also handle reef and offshore fishing. Some of the permit in these waters are huge, and the flats have hardly ever seen a fly, making this one of the best unpressured fly-fishing areas in the Caribbean.

Getting to Crooked Island and Acklins

The atoll sits in the extreme southeast Bahamas, less than 100 kilometers from the coasts of Haiti and Cuba. It’s remote, and that remoteness is exactly what keeps the fishing so good — but it also means travel requires some planning.

Here’s what the research says about getting there.

The flight from Nassau to Crooked Island takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Colonel Hill Airport has a 4,000-foot airstrip, and the lodge’s private strip is 3,500 feet. If you’re booking through Slipstream Angling, a representative meets you at the Crooked Island airport and handles transfers to the lodge. For Angler Adventures packages, the lodge is about a 30-minute drive from Colonel Hill Airport.

Planning Your Trip: Booking Windows, Seasons, and Passport Rules

Both lodges operate year-round, but the fishing seasons shift and the best dates fill up fast. Here’s what to keep in mind when planning.

For the 2026 and 2027 seasons, the research advises booking now — especially for the March through May window. Slipstream Angling’s standard package runs Saturday to Saturday, so align your international arrival in Nassau with that schedule. If you’re going through Angler Adventures, ask about seasonal discounts and promotional pricing when you request a quote.

Before You Go — Crooked Island and Acklins

What’s the best time of year for bonefish?

March through May is the prime window for bonefish and general saltwater gamefish. December through February delivers bigger bones, especially double-digit fish that prefer cooler water. October and November see fish back on the flats in strong numbers after the summer.

Can I bring my own fishing gear?

Yes, but the research notes that gear is not included in either lodge package. For deep-water fly fishing with live bait, you’ll want 10- to 12-weight rods and big deceiver patterns. The skiffs at Crooked Island Trophy Lodge have generous casting platforms and storage for extra rods and dry bags.

Do I need a visa for the Bahamas?

A valid passport is required. There is no mention of a visa for US or Canadian visitors in the research, but the six-month passport validity rule is strictly enforced. Check with the Bahamian embassy for your specific nationality.

What’s not included in the package prices?

For both lodges, airfare to Crooked Island, fishing gear, alcohol, and gratuities for guides and staff are not included. Slipstream Angling’s package also excludes travel insurance and any additional nights in Nassau. Angler Adventures packages are customizable, so confirm what’s covered when you request a quote.

Is this trip suitable for non-anglers?

The research focuses on fishing, but both lodges offer other activities. Crooked Island Lodge has snorkeling steps from the rooms, wall diving off the beach, sea kayak tours, and historic lighthouse visits. The beach itself holds fish on a fly rod, and thousands of flamingos inhabit the area. That said, the atoll has fewer than 1,000 residents and no large-scale tourism — it’s a remote island experience first.

The Remote Edge of the Bahamas

The Crooked Island and Acklins atoll sits at the far southeastern edge of the Bahamas, less than 100 kilometers from Haiti and Cuba. Its isolation is the whole reason the flats hold fish that have hardly ever seen a fly, and why a 148-pound wahoo can be caught within a mile of shore. Booking a lodge here means committing to a genuinely remote trip — limited flights, small lodges, and water that sees almost no other boats. For anglers who make that commitment, the reward is some of the least-pressured fishing left in the Caribbean. If you’re planning a stopover in Nassau on your way out, our guide to beach resorts in Nassau can help you choose a place to break up the journey.

References

Angler Adventures. “Pittstown Point Landings.” angleradventures.com. ↗

Bahamas Fly Fishing Guide. “Crooked and Acklins Islands.” bahamasflyfishingguide.com. ↗

Slipstream Angling. “Bahamas Crooked & Acklins Trophy Lodge.” slipstreamangling.com. ↗

For more Bahamas travel inspiration, browse our coverage of the Atlantis Resort’s marine wonders, the Coral Sands Inn’s recent renovation, and the Baha Mar resort experience for a sense of what the more developed side of the Bahamas offers.