Enjoy the distinctive atmosphere and surround yourself with bonefishing experts on this remarkable fly fishing trip in the Bahamas.

The Orvis Bahamas Bonefish Classic is open to 14 lucky anglers and their companions. This is a great opportunity for anglers of all skill levels to participate in important research while enjoying educational seminars, guided flats fishing and special events with some of the World's most knowledgeable professional fly anglers and bonefish scientists.

Proceeds from this trip will go to help Bonefish & Tarpon Trust conduct valuable research and education programs, ensuring that bonefish will be on the flats for many years to come. An important part of their research includes collecting fin clippings for genetic analysis and tagging fish to learn more about their life cycle and migration patterns. Participating anglers will work closely with David Philipp, Ph.D., participating researcher with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. You will help conduct valuable research while at the same time enjoying a fantastic bonefishing vacation. We chose Grand Bahama Island because it is the perfect place to experience quality bonefishing at this time of year.

To make the experience even more fun, Orvis will provide each angler with a brand new Helios rod and Mirage reel to help them catch as many "research subjects" as possible. Each package includes a private luxury suite and you are welcome to bring along a non-angling companion for free. Your companion will be included in all of the special events including the welcome reception and farewell dinner, and there is plenty for them to do while you are fishing. This seven night event includes one free day to explore Grand Bahama Island, one day of educational seminars and four days of guided fly fishing.

"Let me assure you that I had a great (fantastic time) and was impressed with the great amount of coordination that went into arranging the trip. I have no adverse comments. The guides, the personnel, the food, the place were very good."
— John R. – 2008 Bonefish Classic participant

"It was much more than just booking a lodge with fishing guide service. It is a very special opportunity in which to learn, grow and enjoy on several levels, including knowledge of bonefish and their habitat provided by Dr. Aaron Adams."
— Terry T. – 2009 Bonefish Classic participant

"Jason Elkins invited me to consider this trip. I was not disappointed! Jason is a perfect fit for his job, knowledgeable and extremely organized. But even more, he cares so much about accommodating the needs of the guests and will bend over backwards to see that everyone is happy. There was nothing left to chance, with great communication regarding every aspect of the trip planning."
— Mike V. – 2010 Bonefish Classic participant

Your hosts
Orvis Travel has hand selected some of the world’s most knowledgeable fly fishing professionals to share this experience with. These guys aren’t only knowledgeable; they are fun to spend time with. This diverse group of professional anglers is happy to share their stories of fly fishing around the world and the tricks and techniques they have learned along the way. Professional anglers scheduled to participate include:

Fishing in June
Although the fishing on Grand Bahama Island can be productive nearly year round, Spring is certainly the most popular time for anglers to travel to The Bahamas, and Grand Bahama is no exception. Bonefishing is generally very good this time of year, and late spring and early summer provide more opportunities for permit and tarpon. Air temperatures average around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Getting There
Most guests fly into Freeport through one of the several US cities offering direct service. American Airlines, Bahamas Air, Continental, Delta and US Airways all have direct non-stop service from the US. We recommend booking the air portion of your trip with our air desk but you are free to make your own flight arrangements if you prefer. Once you arrive in Freeport you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Orvis Travel photography credits

Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
800-547-4322/802-362-8790 fax: 802-362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
800-547-4322/802-362-8790 fax: 802-362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

The Research
Bonefish, tarpon and other flats gamefish have long been overlooked by researchers focusing on other species considered more "economically relevant". Although much is known about grouper, snapper, tuna and the other fishes you are likely to see in your local supermarket, there is very little known about the bonefish. Until recently, bonefish were seen by many as having little economic or even ecological importance. In many areas of the Caribbean it is still common for local fisherman to net the flats for bonefish. They often use their capture as bait for other “more desirable” fish or sell it in local fish markets for pennies a pound. As concerned anglers noticed declines in the resource, they began to take action. With the hard work of researchers funded by organizations like Bonefish & Tarpon Trust the fate of the bonefish is improving. Research shows that sustainable bonefish populations attract anglers imparting considerable economic impact on local communities. It is clear that anglers are willing to spend more money to catch bonefish than consumers are willing to pay to eat it. This realization is slowly spreading and will hopefully help secure a brighter future for the fish and the anglers that value them.

David Philipp holds Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular Biology, applying that expertise to a wide array of fisheries conservation efforts. Although his main appointment is as a Professor at the University of Illinois, Dave also serves on the Board of Directors of three foundations that are directly inked to flats fishing and the conservation of marine and coastal resources, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (www.tarbone.org), the Cape Eleuthera Foundation (www.ceibahamas.org), and the Fisheries Conservation Foundation (www.fishconserve.org), where he serves as Chairman.

Dave learned to fish with a cane pole for bluegills in Pennsylvania at age 4. Many years later, Dave still fishes for bluegill (now with a fly rod), as well as many other freshwater and marine species. Dave’s research centers on studying the reproductive ecology of several important game fish (including bonefish, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass), as well as how man’s activities influence the reproductive success of these fish – both in the short-term by directly impacting annual recruitment, as well as in the long-term via evolutionary forces. Dave has spent a fair amount of time in both Belize and the Bahamas conducting research on marine species and promoting coastal conservation issues…but he certainly prefers wading the flats or drifting a river to sitting at a desk!

Bonefish tagging is one of the best ways to get a better understanding of the bonefish’s movement and growth patterns. Recently a fish tagged near Key Biscayne, Florida was recaptured by an angler on South Andros Island, The Bahamas. With a direct line distance of nearly 125 miles, the Andros angler’s catch shows that bonefish are capable of migrating long distances. Without tagging this discovery may have not been made. Many researchers prefer the assistance of fly anglers for tagging projects since they get a more diverse sampling and because it is easier on the fish than netting. The tags used are either radio tracked or simple ID tags with an identifying number. The ID tags, which are most commonly used, are safely attached along the fish’s back where it will remain indefinitely. The system relies on the cooperation of other anglers that are asked to report any tagged fish they capture. If the ID number is included in the report it is possible to determine where and when the fish was when it was originally tagged. If the report includes the fish’s length, the researcher can also estimate the fish’s growth rate.

As a participant in The Bahamas/Orvis Pro-Am Bonefish Classic you will not only be financially supporting this important research, you will also have the opportunity to participate in actual fieldwork. Your efforts will directly contribute to securing the future of the resource. In addition to catching, tagging, weighing, measuring and releasing fish you will have the opportunity to participate in seminars presented by scientists and professional anglers. By the end of the week you will have learned more about bonefish than most amateur anglers learn in a lifetime.

The Location
Grand Bahama Island has long been a popular choice for fly fisherman and non-angling vacationers alike. Located 55 miles from the coast of Florida, the island offers a congenial atmosphere and soft-adventure water sports for travelers seeking a family friendly getaway, or romantic escape. As the fourth largest island of The Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island is a 96-mile stretch of white sand beaches, colorful resorts, national parks perfect for nature walks and kayaking, and is hope to the world’s largest underwater cave system. The very productive flats on the north side of the island have justifiably earned the reputation of being home to some of the largest bonefish found in The Bahamas.

The Orvis Bahamas Bonefish Classic will be held at Pelican Bay Resort and hosted by Orvis Travel, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, and our partners at H2O Bahamas. Orvis Travel will coordinate the entire event and oversees every aspect of the trip. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism sponsors the event, and will host a welcome reception and farewell dinner. Greg and Jason from H2O Bahamas are the resident experts, and have put together an outstanding local guide staff that has been catering to anglers for years.

The Fly Fishing
Bonefish are the primary focus for most anglers on Grand Bahama Island. Although large schools (50-100 fish) are not uncommon here, many fly anglers prefer fishing over singles and smaller schools that often hold larger fish, averaging 4-6 pounds. These smaller groups of larger fish, and really big singles, are the main attraction on these flats. Fish in the 8-10 pound range are encountered almost daily. In fact, Grand Bahama is one of the few destinations where your guide won’t be surprised if you land a fish in the double digits. Fish over 14 pounds have been landed by anglers fishing with Pelican Bay Bonefishing guides.

The unique geography of the area allows these well trained guides to find fish throughout the day by switching locations as the tide fluctuates. Although much of the fishing is done from a Maverick Mirage flats skiff, if your guide spots a group of tailing fish in skinny water don’t be surprised if he suggests getting out of the boat to stalk the fish on foot. Although this event is a bonefishing trip, Pelican Bay Bonefishing guides are well trained and eager to pursue other species including permit, tarpon, barracuda and sharks.

Non-angling activities
The Port Lucaya area of Grand Bahama Island is ideally situated to take advantage of a large variety of activities. The hotel’s full service concierge desk is available to help you arrange just about any activity that you would expect to find in a popular Caribbean resort. Most of these activities require less then 24 hours notice, so your best bet is to keep your schedule open and enjoy your vacation one day at a time. Whether you are into shopping and restaurants or parasailing and SCUBA diving, Grand Bahama Island has it all. Some of the activities include:

• Dolphin experience – swim or wade with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
• Snorkeling excursions to the nearby coral reefs
• Shark or dolphin dives
• Canoeing or kayaking in the mangroves
• Scenic boat tours
• Sunbathing and swimming on the beach
• Horseback riding
• 2 USGA golf courses within a mile of the resort

Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
800-547-4322/802-362-8790 fax: 802-362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

Accommodations at Pelican Bay Lucaya Hotel and Suites
Guests will stay at the Pelican Bay Lucaya Hotel and Suites. This is a medium sized resort hotel with a variety of accommodations. Your package will include private accommodations in one of the resort’s Luxury Suites overlooking the colorful Port Lucaya waterfront where small sailboats and luxury yachts ply the water. If you are traveling with a non-angling companion, they can stay in your room and join you for breakfast at no charge. The hotel has 3 swimming pools, hot tub, pool bar and restaurant. There is a full service concierge desk that can easily help you select and arrange numerous non-angling activities. If you prefer, you can explore the popular shopping district that is just a short walk from the hotel. Port Lucaya is known for its nightlife, but Pelican Bay is off the beaten path just enough to eliminate any noise issues.

Each luxury suite features rich mahogany woodwork and well appointed custom décor as well as:

• In-room espresso/coffee maker
• Luxurious linens, robes, comforters and pillows
• Bay/marina view balcony
• In room safe
• Dual telephone lines
• High speed wireless internet (additional fee applies)
• Mini-bar, snack baskets and refrigerator
• Twice daily housekeeping services
• Satellite TV in living room and bedroom
• Iron and board

Meals
Because of the unique nature of Port Lucaya and Pelican Bay Hotel, dinners are not included every night of the Classic. Most visitors soon realize that the large selection of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel makes it a lot more fun to select a different spot every night. We encourage guests to experience the local restaurants without feeling limited to just one. A continental breakfast, served at the hotel, is included your package. Breakfast typically consists of fruits, pastries, juices and coffee. You will have a nice lunch on the seminar day and when fishing with your guide you can expect a boxed lunch consisting of a hearty sandwich, chips, fruit, cookies and a soft drink. There will be a welcome reception and a farewell dinner hosted by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism during the event. Each angler is welcome to invite a non-angling companion to the welcome reception and farewell dinner. If you are traveling with more than one non-angler you can purchase additional dinner tickets at a reduced rate.

Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
800-547-4322/802-362-8790 fax: 802-362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

Bonefishing Vacation Package Pricing and Dates

Fifth Annual Orvis Bahamas Bonefish Classic
June 9-16, 2012

Price: $5995 per angler, your non-angling companion stays for free*

Each angler package includes:

• Personalized Orvis Helios rod, Mirage IV reel, Orvis flyline and backing ($1300+ value)
• Box of assorted local fly patterns
• Membership in Bonefish Tarpon Trust or $100 Orvis Gift Card for current members
• Accommodations in a luxury suite including all local hotel and resort taxes
• Airport transfers from Freeport (FPO) to Pelican Bay on scheduled arrival/departure days
• Commemorative Orvis cap
• Full day of instructional seminars conducted by BTT, Orvis and H2O Bonefishing
• 3 full days of guided fly fishing, 2 anglers per boat (paired up with another guest)
• 1 full day of guided fly fishing, 2 anglers per boat (paired up with a pro)
• Lunch on the seminar and fishing days, breakfast every morning
• Welcome reception and farewell dinner held on Saturday and Friday evenings for anglers and guests

Not included in your package:

• Airfare to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
• Dinner and drinks other than those outlined above
• Lunches for non-angling companions
• Guide tips (approximately $20-$40 per angler, per day)
• Fishing equipment other than outlined above
• Items of a personal nature

*One non-angling companion can share a room with each angler at no additional charge. If traveling with more than one non-angling companion, contact Orvis Travel to arrange for additional rooms and dinner tickets at a reduced rate. Non-angling activities and meals, except where noted, are the responsibility of the guest and are not included in the angler’s package price. If you are traveling alone, you will have a private room at no additional charge.

Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
800-547-4322/802-362-8790 fax: 802-362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com