Long Island
160 miles southeast of Nassau
Located 160 miles southeast of Nassau, Long Island is 80 miles long by 4 miles at its widest point and the island is divided by the Tropic of Cancer. Originally known as YUMA by the Lucayan-Arawak Indians it was renamed named Fernandina by Christopher Columbus.
Today, Long Island's population is around 4,000, many are descendents from the original fourteen slave plantations. It is a beautiful island with two distinct shore lines (Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea), the deepest known blue hole in the world (Dean's blue hole) and many people say that Long Island is one of the most picturesque islands in The Bahamas.
Long Island’s main economic industries are Tourism, Fishing, Construction and Farming. There is a large export of fish, crawfish and conch from the island along with a significant amount of mutton, fruits and vegetables also. Tourism has been increasing more and more every year with visitors from all over the world.
The people here are really friendly and hospitable and welcome everybody with open arms. You will notice people are always hailing each other and greet you with a big warm smile even if they don’t know you. There is very little crime and is actually one of very few places on this planet you can leave your doors unlocked at night without worries. There is so much more the island offers you just gotta come and see for yourself.
Long Island has some great places to stay from the luxurious Cape Santa Maria to great options at Stella Maris to Chez Pierre offering wonderful meals and bonefishing out your front door.
When fishing Long Island I generally stay in the northern section of the island either at Stella Maris and Ches Pierre and fish that section from Deadman's Cay north.
Around Deadman's Cay there are several flats to fish, some of which need to be reached by kayak. You can spend your entire trip exploring around Deadman's Cay.
When staying at Chez Pierre you can fish right out front in Millers Bay and around the corner into Thompson Bay
Up toward Stella Maris there is some very good fishing in Adderly Bay and north to Glenton Sound.
I prefer to fish the incoming tide in Adderly Bay and Glenton Sound and fish both the incoming and outgoing tides as I move south toward Deadman's Cay.
Deadman's Cay has the more consitant fishing during all tides. On the Deadman's Cay salt pond flats the fishing can be very good throughout the day but it gets more pressure than other areas so you have to fish with extra stealth.
You need a car on Long Island to have the flexibility to fish the tides. I generally target the incoming tides and on Long Island that means you can fish incoming tides most of the day by moving from side to side and north and south on the island. Tides vary by at least two hours from the windward to the leeward sides and as much as three hours from the north to south tips.
Favourite flies are: Greg's Flats Fly, Pops bitter, Crazy Charlie in tan and cream.
There are two airports on Long Island – Deadman's Cay Airport (LGI) and Stella Maris Airport (SML). Daily scheduled service is available to the island from Nassau and charter services can be arranged through any of the certified local and international carriers. Weekly sea service is provided by mailboat. Explore your options for getting here.
Bahamasair, our national flag carrier operate daily scheduled flights from Nassau to Stella Maris (SML) and Deadman's Cay (LGI), Long Island. They also provide charter and group services throughout the Bahamas: charters@bahamasair.com
PineApple Air provide regularly scheduled flights from Nassau to Eleuthera, Long Island, Crooked Island and Acklins. They also operate charters to all islands of the Bahamas and the Caribbean. In Crooked Island call (242) 344-2006 In Acklins call (242) 344-3678
On Long Island, you may choose to rent a car or scooter to get around, but taxis are readily available by phone and are usually stationed at the airports to meet incoming flights. Some hotels also have bicycles available for their guests and you might wish to travel by foot to some of the nearby sights.
Rental Cars
You must be 21 years old and possess a valid driver's license for all rentals. Visitors may use their home driver’s license for up to three months or an international driver's license. But remember, when you take to the road, please keep to the left. Pedestrians should remember to look right then left before crossing streets.
Taxis
Although metered rates vary by island, they are reasonable and are fixed by law. Surcharges often apply for more than two persons and extra luggage. Suggested tip is 15% of fare.
BAHAMASAIR
National carrier. Daily flights to/from Stella Maris (SML) airport. Visit website for schedule www.bahamasair.com
SOUTHERN AIR
Flights to Stella Maris and Deadman's Cay (LGI) airports. Schedules online at www.southernaircharter.com
PINEAPPLE AIR
Flights to Deadman's Cay (LGI) airport only. Reservations (242) 377-0140. Schedule: daily flights
There are lots of great activities for tourist like fishing, boating, diving, snorkeling, shark diving, kayaking, jet skiing, hiking, biking and much more.
More for a spouse to do here with a couple of nice resorts Stella Maris and Cape Santa Maria in the north.
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