King of the Flats: Conquer Bonefishing in the Berrys

There are very few places in the world you can visit and find schools of bonefish 2,000 deep. The Berry Islands in Out Islands of The Bahamas happen to be one of those spots.

Out in the shallows, you will surely feel like King of the Flats. The fish won't know they are about to be snared as they hold court with you. But given the catch and release rules in the Out Islands of The Bahamas, all will be forgiven when you set the fish free.

Where to find the fish?

Depending on your guide you might fish in a creek on Great Harbour Cay, on the beach in front of your guide’s house, or you might end up on an uninhabited island further south in the chain. There are over 30 islands and cays in the Berry Islands to choose from. The reality is, this untouched fishing wonderland has an endless supply of bonefish: Schools literally number in the thousands.

Bonefishing Guide Percy Darville is one of the most well known local faces on the bonefishing circuit. His family, one of the original inhabitants, has been living in the Berry Islands for over 100 years. He grew up fishing the flats and the open seas. Seek him out, and he’ll show you the best spots.

Thanking the destination is not overly fished, and it is still a low key hideaway. Outside of fishing, most visitors to the Berry Islands are simply looking for pure rest and relaxation.

Where to Stay? 

Carriearl Boutique Hotel is all about the chill. As far as rooms go – there are four ensuite bedrooms – the hotel is a tiny little place. As far as the social scene goes, boaters and bone-fishers know, Carriearl’s is the place to meet travelers and socialize with newly acquainted friends.

The Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge has casual sofas where the entertaining usually begins. The signature menu item during cocktail hour is the hotels colloquially named “Tasty Tingums”, which is a shared appetizer plate of Lobster and shrimp tempura, calamari, cracked conch and other finger foods.

How to Get There

It is super easy to get to the Berry Islands from the United States as there are direct flights from Fort Lauderdale four days per week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday) with Tropic Ocean Airways, and daily direct flights from Nassau, in the morning and afternoon on Le Air, a domestic airline. Of course, you could always bring your own boat and dock at the Great Harbour Cay Marina. Carriearl provides marina guests with a free shuttle to the resort for lunch and dinner.