Enjoy the distinctive atmosphere and surround yourself with bonefishing experts on this remarkable vacation package in the Bahamas.

The Bahamas/Orvis Pro-Am Bonefish Classic is open to 10 lucky Orvis customers. 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.

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 Aaron J. Adams, Ph.D., Director of Operations and Research, 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 Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game 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 six night event includes one day of educational seminars and four days of guided fly fishing.

"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

The Pros
Orvis Travel has hand selected an outstanding group of fly fishing professionals to share this experience with. These guys aren’t only knowledgeable; they are fun to fish with. This diverse group of pros is happy to share their stories of fly fishing around the world and the tricks and techniques they have learned along the way. Although all are expert anglers, they will be learning the finer points of tagging bonefish right along with you. Professional anglers scheduled to participate include:

Fishing in October
Although the fishing on Grand Bahama Island can be productive nearly year round, October is a great time to visit. Spring is certainly the most popular time for anglers to travel to The Bahamas, and Grand Bahama is no exception. However, knowledgeable anglers know that fishing in October and November can be some of the best of the year, and there is a higher likelihood of catching a trophy bonefish in the fall.

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

Bahamas bonefishing vacation Itinerary at a Glance

Sunday, October 10th- Arrival Day

Afternoon - Guests arrive in Freeport and are met by an Orvis Travel representative and transferred to Pelican Bay Resort. You are free to arrive anytime.

6:00 PM - Welcome cocktails at the pool bar with a brief overview of the week’s activities. Dinner is on your own tonight. There is a wide variety of restaurants within a short walk from the hotel.

Evening - Free

Monday, October 11th - Seminar Day

7:00 AM - Breakfast service begins. Breakfast is included in your package each morning.

8:45 AM - Meet at Sabor "pool bar" for ferry to Grand Bahama Yacht Club.

9:00 AM - "Advanced Equipment Selection and Rigging" by Tom Rosenbauer, Orvis Rod & Tackle and author of the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide.

10:00 AM - “Advanced Saltwater Fly Casting” with Greg Vincent and Jason Franklin from Pelican Bay Bonefishing.

11:00 AM - “Working More Effectively with Your Guide” by Jason Elkins, Orvis Travel.

12:00 Noon - Break for lunch, included in your package.

1:30 PM - "Bonefish Life Cycles" by Aaron Adams, Ph.D., Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.

2:30 PM - “Understanding the Bonefish World” by Aaron Adams, Ph.D.

3:30 PM - “Bonefish Research for Conservation” by Aaron Adams, Ph.D.

4:30 PM - Anglers will be paired up, 2 anglers per boat for the following day’s fishing.

4:45 PM - Take Ferry back to Pelican Bay Resort.

Evening - Free

Tuesday, October 12th - Fishing Day One

8:00 AM - Anglers will depart Pelican Bay Resort for a full day of guided flats fishing.

5:00 PM - Anglers return to Pelican Bay and relax the rest of the evening.

Evening - Free

Wednesday, October 13th - Fishing Day Two

8:00 AM - Anglers will depart Pelican Bay Resort for a full day of guided flats fishing.

5:00 PM - Anglers return to Pelican Bay.

7:00 PM - Welcome cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres hosted by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism at Pelican Bay's "Quiet Pool". Companions are welcome.

8:00 PM - Dinner is on your own tonight.

Thursday, October 14th - Fishing Day Three

7:30 - 8:00 AM - Anglers and pros depart for a full day of guided fly fishing and research.

5:00 PM - Return to Pelican Bay.

Evening - Free

Friday, October 15th - Fishing Day Four

7:30 - 8:00 AM - Anglers and pros depart for a full day of guided fly fishing and research.

5:00 PM - Return to Pelican Bay.

6:30 PM - Bus/van transport leaves Pelican Bay for the dinner venue (Fish Fry).

7:00 PM - Farewell dinner hosted by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism at Our Lucaya. Non-angling companions are welcome. Review of data collected and small ceremony after dinner.

9:00 PM - Bus/van transport back to Pelican Bay or guests can stay and take a taxi back to the hotel at their leisure.

Saturday, October 16th - Departure Day

Morning - Breakfast at Pelican Bay Resort. All participants transferred back to airport for flights home or Orvis Travel extension. You are free to depart Freeport anytime.

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.

Aaron Adams holds Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in marine and environmental science, in addition to a Captain’s license, and has studied marine fish ecology throughout his career. He is currently the Director of Operations and Research for Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (www.tarbone.org).

A life-long angler his current home waters are in and around Charlotte Harbor, on Florida’s southwest coast. Aaron is also the author of two books; Fisherman’s Coast, and Fly Fisher’s Guide to Saltwater Prey. He also penned four chapters on bonefish biology for Chico Fernandez’s book Fly-Fishing for Bonefish.

Aaron has participated in and conducted extensive research focusing primarily on the speciation and migratory patterns of bonefish in the Caribbean. He is trying to determine if the bonefish in Florida and the Bahamas are from separate populations or if perhaps all bonefish in the Caribbean are members of the same population. If they are linked then it is likely that factors impacting bonefish in one part of the Caribbean may have an impact on the entire population. A better understanding of the population is critical to protecting the species. Their migration patterns are an important part of the puzzle.

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 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. With direct flights arriving daily from several US cities, getting there is very easy. Unlike some of the other “easy to get to” destinations in The Bahamas, there is very good flats fishing and plenty of things for non-angling companions and families to do. 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 Pro-Am Bonefish Classic will be held at Pelican Bay Resort and hosted by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Orvis Travel and our partners at H2O Bahamas, Greg Vincent and Jason Franklin. Greg and Jason 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 hearty boxed lunch consisting of a hearty sandwich, chips, fruit, cookies and a soft drink. There will be 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

Third Annual Bahamas/Orvis Pro-Am Bonefish Classic
October 10-16, 2010

Price $5395 per angler, your non-angling companion stays for free*

Each angler package includes:

• Personalized Orvis Helios rod, Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game IV reel, Orvis Generation 3 Wonderline and backing ($1000+ 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
• Welcome cocktail on Sunday evening for anglers and guests
• Commemorative Orvis cap and digital photo DVD
• Full day of instructional seminars conducted by BTT, Orvis and Pelican Bay Bonefishing
• 2 full days of guided fly fishing, 2 anglers per boat (paired up with another guest)
• 2 full days 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 dinners held on Wednesday 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