JOULTER CAYS, BAHAMAS

My first trip to the Joulter Cays, just off the northern tip of Andros Islands, Bahamas, was in a float plane with Randall Kaufmann. We were dropped off and left for a week. If the weather stayed good, we would be picked up, just as the food ran out... We camped and got around in an inflatable Aire, two person kayak (great fishing tool) and we could wade for miles. Later, I met guide Philip Rolle (eating conch salad at the Sly Fox Conch Bar in Nicholls Town) and we have been fishing together for over 17 years. Philip is a wonderful person and fantastic guide. I recommend him to everyone and to people who want some Bonefish 101. He is very good at explaining the tides, bonefish habits, fishing techniques and casting. I am going to guess that the wade-able area in the Joulters is around 100 square miles. So, expect to get out and wade. In many cases the flats go to the horizon. In addition to bonefish, and some big bonefish, there are cuda, snapper, permit and tarpon. These are not an everyday experience, but when the stars line up, you can go after a grand slam. Besides really good fishing, I keep going back for the scenery. Deep water to the east brings the clearest water you can imagine into the channels and onto the flats. That, plus a lot of white sand make for absolutely perfect fishing and photo conditions. Enjoy a look at Philip's backyard.