Fd: Can you tell us how the idea of setting up a fly-fishing operation in Barbados came up?

It all started when I moved to Barbados for a 4 year period. I have always fished, since my childhood back home in Denmark, for sea trout and brown trouts, so I naturally brought my freshwater fly gear with me.

I started exploring the coastal fishing, since I was not that much into the big game fishing scene that otherwise dominate Barbados. Slowly I would catch small trevally and Jacks when I suddenly caught a nice 6 pound bonefish. At that point I knew, that I struck gold and from there I put on a mission to find the strategies that would work best to catch this elusive ghost of the flats.

When you first got a bonefish on a 5-6# freshwater setup, you know that you are in the right direction. I upgraded to saltwater 8# setup and after targeting the bones directly, I slowly figured out the bones patterns around the flat/reef.

Within half a year I had my locations figured out, with how the bones would react to the different tides and seasons.

Then I started to half time guide people, who would come to Barbados on short stays. After i moved back to Europe, i decided to write down all the knowledge i had for these locations and the behaviour of the bonefish. That resulted in the diy guide, I now offer to people coming to Barbados.


Fd: What are the main differences between Barbados and other bonefish destinations?

The locations, where you find a good concentration of bones are not plentiful in Barbados. I have some very good locations, which I discovered, but although Barbados have bonefish on most of its shores, only a few places are suitable for flyfishing. Other bonefish destinations hold endless of flats fishing either via wading or use of skiff. Barbados is probably not the perfect location, if you are looking for 2 weeks of nonstop fishing, but if you want to spice up your holiday, with some big bones, then you are in the right spot.


Fd: During which months is the season open over there?

During my 4 years of guiding in Barbados, I didnt see a change in the bonefishing. The winter months (Dec to april) is the high season for tourism and (june to november) is the low season. The advantage of the high season is very clear skies but always a steady wind coming in over your left shoulder. The advantage of the low season is less wind but the hurricane systems operate at that time, although it has been more than 60 years since Barbados was hit by any major hurricane.


Fd: What kind of fly-fishing gear should anglers take for a full week?

I recommend an 8# setup with tropical floating line. A reel that can at least hold 150 yards of backing.

Footwear for walking on the reefs and most important protection from the sun.


Fd: What are the top 5 flies that should be included in our boxes?

Petersons spawning shrimp, gotchas and any shrimp patterns in off-white to slightly brown.


Fd: What is the programme for a typical fly-fishing day?

I normally recommend a 3-4 hour window, where the tide is ideal for sight fishing and reaching the best locations. Of course this changes due to different tides, but roughly there is always a good opportunity during the day and no matter what conditions, there is always a section of my location that offers good fishing.


Fd: How is the lodging in terms of accommodation and facilities?

Barbados is a well known tourist destination, so there are accommodation in all price ranges.


Fd: How long before should anglers contact the lodge for reservations?

As soon as the plane tickets are bought! I only allow 1-2 anglers on my locations at the same time, due to fishing pressure and solitude feeling for the angler.


Fd: Any other advice for those visiting your destination?

Bring everything you will need for your fishing time. You will not find any fly related equipment, so bring lots of leaders, flies and maybe even an extra fly line, just to be sure.

Visit the guide's Travel profile for questions and bookings, right here: Travel.