I just got back from 15 days on Water Cay, Bahamas helping to resurrect a hurricane stricken trophy bonefish camp on the south shore of Water Cay. Gil Berke is the new american manager of the lodge and I was invited to help finish up remodeling in anticipation of the first customers of 09. It was an incredible experience, one I will surely never forget. The challenge and camaderie developed with new people as well as old friends is too hard to explain. On the buisness end of things, we got all the mechanicals up and running and had our first two 09 anglers come in and fish at the end of the second week. Not a minute too soon as we had just finished getting the RO *reverse osmosis* system up and running as well as getting the kitchen and many other issues in order. We worked 12 to 16 hour days to make it happen and was all worth it.
A little about Water Cay Lodge. This Lodge is now run by Silvertail Destinations. http://www.silvertaildestinations.com/ It is very easily accessible and was an easy flight from Boston. Water Cay is a short car and boat ride from Freeport, Grand Bahama. It is hard to believe that world class bonefishing exists in such an accessible place but I can assure you that it does. The average size bones here are 5-6lbs and you will generally see many double digit bones on your trip. HUGE cuda roam the flats and are on the prowl for bones and monster needlefish. Gil took a very nice one that we estimated around 30lbs. If I had brought my 10wt and some wire and some proper flies I think I would of done same but hey that's for the next trip!
The Lodge has a chefs kitchen and anybody who knows Gil knows he is a master chef. Gil will be overseeing the menu at water cay and this will be a HUGE bonus for those of you that decide to visit. The great room splits the lodge in two and includes a new plasma wide screen tv and fully stocked bar. A large dining room table with water views greets you as you sit down for your meal. A flytying station, couches and chairs complete the great room for a comfy evening gathering place.
Sunset views from the huge farmers porch are unparalled as you down an ice cold Kalik and swap the days stories.
I highly encourage you to check out the Silvertaildestination site and think about booking a trip to Water Cay. You will be glad you did.
