The Yellow Dog Bonefish School

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Blake Harrington
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The Yellow Dog Bonefish School The Bonefish School has been hosted at the Andros South Bonefishing Lodge multiple times annually for the last six years.

1 The Yellow Dog Bonefish School The Bonefish School has been hosted at the Andros South Bonefishing Lodge multiple times annually for the last six years. And over the years, the Bonefish School has created a huge following with anglers who arrive for their first time - new to saltwater flats fishing - and often- times return again and again. Held each year in a location that offers access to a staggering amount of square miles of bonefishing flats, the Bonefish School at Andros South is the perfect location for the Yellow Dog Bonefish School. Without question, this area of the Bahamas offers some of the best bonefishing in the world, which is why we choose to host the Bonefish School at Andros South. This area gives the angler ample opportunities to hunt, stalk and take shots at bonefish on each and every day of the school, which combined with great food, a perfect setting, an open bar, and some of the best fly fishing guides in the Bahamas, makes the Bonefish School the perfect option for those new to saltwater flats fishing as well as those who are looking to take their bonefishing game to the next level. And with Captain Bruce Chard as your instructor (a professional with over 16 years of experience hosting bonefish schools) you can rest assured that you ll have a home- run experience. Bruce will break down information on fly fishing for bonefish through an intensive, one day classroom clinic that will leave little uncovered. This first day of intensive instruction is followed by five full days of guided fishing, which collectively will allow you to gain more experience fly fishing for bonefish in one week at the Bonefish School then you will on your own in years. These are many of the reasons why so many anglers continue to return for more of the Bonefish School. Every evening during the course of the school week there will be a nightly workshop. Workshop topics will include instruction on tying bonefish flies, bonefish knots and leader construction, special showing of great fishing movies,

2 and slide shows of different fisheries and trips from around the world. These special evening events add a great deal of value to the school. Andros South Lodge is located in the remote settlement of Kemp s Bay on the southeastern shore of South Andros Island. This particular area of Andros is home to an amazing number of tidal creeks and inland flats that provide incredible habitat for hungry bonefish of all sizes. With one of the most experienced guide staffs in the area, you will be fishing this large and diverse habitat in the most effective manner possible. After each productive day on the water, you return to the lodge for cocktail hour at the lodge's "wet- bar" located directly on the beach. When the sun goes down, everyone adjourns to the dining room for homemade meals of local seafood, lobster, chicken, and conch. Cigars, cocktails, and conversation can be enjoyed on the main patio before retiring to your own single- occupancy, private cabana to prepare for the next day s fishing. Andros South is a friendly, laid- back bonefishing lodge that concentrates on providing a fishing experience that is second to none. The lodge is situated on a beautiful white sand beach, which takes full advantage of the consistent trade winds of the Bahamas. After fishing, take a relaxing swim each evening or hone your casting skills on the beach. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and air conditioned, and each feature a private bathroom and a warm relaxing shower. Probably the most enticing fact about the accommodations at Andros South is that each angler will have their own private room. Unless otherwise requested, each angler visiting the lodge will have single- occupancy accommodations - something that is both rare and difficult to find at most bonefish lodges. The dining room and outdoor patio are welcoming and laid back. They are the perfect place to enjoy cocktails, a good cigar, and great meals with friends. If you re looking for a very comfortable place to spend a vacation fishing, relaxing, and enjoying a quiet island in the Bahamas, you will find all of the above at Andros South. The dining room is at Andros South is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails, great meals and conversation with friends - both new and old. The lodge serves plenty of seafood and several other great dishes as well, including such items as jerk chicken and ribs. During your stay you can obviously expect plenty of fresh, local seafood. From fresh snapper and grouper, to lobster and conch, this is fresh fish at its finest. You will enjoy a variety of dishes, with an emphasis on traditional Bahamian cooking. The main dish is always complimented with hearty side dishes and topped off with a variety of great desserts. You definitely won t go hungry. Homemade key lime pie, anyone? The lodge is happy to take special requests for

3 food if you ve got dietary requirements, or just a personal preference, they will work hard to accommodate you. Located right on the beach is the lodge's famous Tiki bar, affectionately called The Slack Tide. This is a favorite spot to enjoy the beach, the breeze and drinks and appetizers at the end of your fishing day. The majority of the flats of South Andros Island are very accommodating for wading, and it is not uncommon to leave the boat for hours to fish the expansive flats on foot. With extensive oceanside flats as well as inland creek flats, there are limitless options for exploring the area s fishing. This diversity means that you never have to fish the same place twice and will always be able to find fresh fish. If you enjoy fishing from the boat there are many keys, shorelines, and creeks to keep you busy with shots at cruising bonefish. The average size "schoolie" bonefish in the area will be in the two to four pound range. The larger single and double fish will weigh in between 5 and 10 pounds. By 8:00 AM each morning, you will be loaded up in the boat and will be casting at bones within 15 minutes to one hour - depending on the fishing area, winds, tides, and personal choices. After a full day of chasing bonefish you can finish the day with a cold Kalik at the local watering- hole, The Little Creek Bar, while your gear is being loaded up for the return trip to the lodge. The Bonefish School program is limited to 11 anglers per week.

4 TOTAL SCHOOL AND PROGRAM COST: $4, per person (Double occupancy fishing with single occupancy lodging) Rates for the Bonefish School Include the Following: 7 nights lodging at Andros South Lodge on Andros Island 5 full days of guided fishing (two anglers per boat) 1 full day of classroom and practical instruction at the Bonefish School Three meals per day All beverages, including beer, wine, liquor and bottles water 1 bonefish fly line (Line weight of your choice) Complete set of leader material to build your own bonefish leaders 1 dozen bonefish flies 1 bonefish fly box 1 Yellow Dog hat Rods, reels and all tackle available upon request for use during the school Rates for the Bonefish School DO NOT Include the Following: International flight to the Bahamas and Congo Town on Andros Island Gratuities for guides and staff Additional flies, terminal tackle and equipment Bahamas departure tax (if not included in international tickets Cancellation / Refund Policy for the Bonefish Schools A NONREFUNDABLE deposit of 50% per person is due within 15 days of booking to hold both space and guides on all packages. For cancellations, all deposits and payments are non-refundable. In the event of cancellation or postponement, clients will have one year to re-book accommodations and packages. No refunds will be given. All cancellations have a $ processing fee per guest charged by the lodge (in addition to any fees charged by Yellow Dog Flyfishing.)

5 Bonefish School topics covered are as follows: Bonefish anatomy Bonefish habitat Bonefish feeding patterns How to fish to schooling Bonefish Bonefish food - What exactly they like to eat and why Leaders - Learn about how important correctly tapered Bonefish leaders are, learn about the proper materials used to build a Bonefish leader, and the proper length of Bonefish leaders versus the weight of the fly Techniques for sight fishing for Bonefish Learn water depths, color contrasts, shapes and movement, and what to look for when hunting for bonefish on the flats Presentation How to present flies to Bonefish when tailing, mudding, and cruising, in heavy winds, calm winds and in different weather conditions Fish fighting techniques - How to put the most amount of pressure on fish during different stages of the fight How to fish the fly to the fish Learn how to read a Bonefish s actions and react accordingly Hook setting Learn the many different ways to set the hook on a Bonefish Saltwater fly casting basics as well as advanced casting techniques Boat techniques Learn boat etiquette, line management, and the ready position Fly line break down for Bonefishing and why this is important Equipment and tackle selection and its application for effective Bonefishing

6 The right knots and how important certain knots are for successful Bonefishing The Physiology of the Flats Understanding the bottom structure of the flats and why flats characteristics are important Food sources of the Bonefish - What the Bonefish eat and why Selecting the right flies for Bones - Deciding when to use certain flies in conjunction with certain weather and fishing conditions Learn how to prepare yourself mentally for each shot in different conditions and situations How to properly release Bonefish unharmed to fight another day Learn how to cook Bonefish Deep fried, grilled or blackened (. Just kidding)

7 Bonefish School Itinerary Sunday, January 13 8:00 10:00 AM The Bonefish School will start after breakfast at the Lodge. We will view a short slide show, talk about flies and how they work, cover bonefish habitat and anatomy, feeding patterns, what bonefish eat and applicable equipment and tackle. 10:00 10:15 AM Break 10:15 AM 12:00 PM Explain and demonstrate the ready position when fishing for boenfish, cover different fly presentations, hook setting, fish fighting techniques and fly line break down. 12:00 PM 1:00 PM Lunch 1:00 PM 2:00 PM - Saltwater fly casting demo, casting techniques and practice. Discussion of loops, tempo, line speed and trajectory. 2:00 3:00 PM Leader break down; Learn to tie your own bonefish leaders 3:00 PM 3:15 PM Break 3:15 4:00 PM Explain, demonstrate and practice different saltwater fly casting techniques for bonefishing in different wind levels (Basic and advanced) 4:00 PM 6:00 PM Prep for following days of fishing. Practice casting with one- on- one instruction. Over dinner on this night we can cover any topics that anyone may have questions on. Monday, January 14 Friday, January 18 Fish five full days on the flats of South Andros with the guides of Andros South Lodge Evening classes, discussions, programs and slideshows Saturday, January 19 Depart Andros South late morning for flight back to the United States

8 Additional Fishing Options at the Andros South Lodge While permit, tarpon and snook are occasionally found in Andros South s waters, it should be understood that the fishing at this destination is focused mostly on bonefish, meaning that as a stand- alone trip, this destination is best suited for those that really want to focus on bonefish opportunities and learning more about the intricacies of bonefishing! If you wish to target any additional species during your trip, feel free to bring additional tackle as needed. BONEFISH ROD: 7 or 8 wt. (Fast enough and stiff enough to deliver a line in windy conditions) REEL: Anodized, corrosion- resistant saltwater model. Should be able to hold a full line plus 200 yards + of 20 lb. backing. A high quality, smooth disc drag is important. LINE: Floating Tropical Bonefish Line (WF7 or WF8) LEADERS: 9-12 tapered leaders, 10 lb. with extra spools of 8, 10, and 12 lb. saltwater tippet. Fluorocarbon is also highly recommended in the saltwater. FLIES: Be sure to have a good selection of bonefish flies in a wide variety of sizes, colors and sink rates. The standard sizes for bonefish flies in Belize are #4, #6, and #8, with a general rule being the shallower the water, the smaller the fly. PERMIT ROD: 9 or 10 wt. (Fast enough and stiff enough to deliver a line in windy conditions) REEL: Anodized, corrosion- resistant saltwater model. Should be able to hold a full line plus 250 yards + of 20 lb. or 30 lb. backing. A high quality, smooth disc drag is essential. LINE: Floating Tropical Bonefish Line or Tarpon Line (WF9 or WF10 ) LEADERS: 9-12 tapered leaders, 15 to 20 lb. with extra spools of 15 and 20 lb. saltwater tippet. Fluorocarbon is highly recommended in the saltwater.

9 FLIES: A large selection of crab and shrimp patterns in a variety of sizes, colors and weights. Tan, light olive, dark olive, and various shades of brown seem to be the most effective colors for Belizean waters. Tan Bauer Crabs are the Garbutt s favorite permit pattern! TARPON ROD: 11 or 12 wt. Stiff, fast action REEL: Anodized, corrosion- resistant saltwater model. Should be able to hold a fly line plus 300 yards + of 30 lb. backing. A high quality, smooth disc drag is essential. LINE: Floating Tropical Tarpon Line (WF11 or WF12). On a second spool, an Intermediate Sinking Tarpon line for deeper water. LEADERS: Pre- tied leaders will simplify things considerably. Make sure that these leaders have a 16 to 20 lb. class tippet with 80 to 100 lb. shock tippet. A tarpon stretcher is a great help if you are planning on doing a lot of tarpon fishing. FLIES: A basic selection of tarpon flies in variety of colors and materials. Sizes 2/0 and 3/0 will cover most tarpon situations throughout Belize. Be sure to include a selection of 1/0 and 2/0 poppers for river tarpon! Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, L.L.C. 213 South Willson Avenue Bozeman, MT Phone: (406) Fax: (406) info@yellowdogflyfishing.com

We will be hosting a trip to Andros South on Feb 6 th

We will be hosting a trip to Andros South on Feb 6 th 13 2010 Package options include staying for the full week or staying for a 3 day /4 night which can be done at the beginning or middle of the week