After a whirlwind wedding weekend we flew out of Syracuse on Monday morning to head down to an out island in the Bahamas. Our destination was Chez Pierre on Long Island. This is a secluded out-island that is just 80 miles long and only four miles wide at its widest point. Population 4,000 friendly locals.
After a one night layover in Nassau we took a small plane to Deadman's Cay in Long Island. From the plane you can see the expansive shallow flats that surround the Bahamian out islands. This is perfect for bone fishing.
The airport in Deadman's Cay gives you an idea of the quiet, step-back-in-time feel to the island. It was apparent right away we were running on Bahamian time. In other words, just go with it and don't try to rush things, because it ain't gonna happen.
A 30 minute cab north up the Queen's Highway, the one main road that runs the length of the island, took us to the long, bumpy driveway to Chez Pierre. We met our neighbors, the chickens and goats, along the way. At the end of the driveway we were greeted by Pierre who showed us to our bungalow in tropical paradise that would be our home for the next week. I knew right away I liked where I was. Within a few minutes we were enjoying cold Kaliks, the local brew, relaxing, and fishing.
We spent a lot of time just relaxing in our cottage,
fishing and kayaking in front of Chez Pierre, and eating Pierre's fine fresh cooking. Life was good. The Island was quiet and secluded and beautiful. Caribbean breezes cooled the air and blew away the worries of the more hectic life we left in the north.
We booked a guide two days with Long Island local, Locksley Cartwright.
Locksley was a first-rate guide and had an excellent flats boat in which he took us on adventures
throughout the flats and mangroves. He even treated us to a trip out
to the edge of the world to a flat named Sandy Cay. Sandy Cay is where
they filmed all three Pirates of the Caribbean movies. A spectacular
place to say the least. Everything was larger than life there: the
sharks, the stingrays, the starfish, the sea turtles, and the
bonefish!
Both
Glenn and I caught several bonefish throughout our stay. It's a real
adrenalin pumper as they scream line off your reel and strip you
down to the backing on your line before you have time to say, "I've got one on."
Days spent fishing were followed by relaxing evenings at Chez Pierre. A 100 yard stroll on the beach from our cottage brought us to the restaurant where we enjoyed fresh Ahi Provencale, Grouper Florentine, homeade pizza, pastas, wine, and beer. It is the start of the off-season in the Bahamas, so there was just one other French couple there during our stay. This meant a large beach almost all to ourselves and as much privacy as we wanted. We were king and queen for a week. We can't wait to go back.

Those are some great photos! Looks like you had a good time on your honeymoon. I found your site from twitter, I just followed you my username is justinrains.
Posted by: Justin | October 07, 2008 at 09:50 AM
My new wife and I just got back from Long Island for our honeymoon! What an awesome spot. We didn't stay at Chez Pierre but did eat there one night. Also did acouple of days fishing with Loxley. Excellent Guide! Much better guide than I am as a caster!
When you go back, tell Loxley Hi!
Scott
Posted by: Scott Hosie | October 16, 2009 at 06:18 PM
Scott, Congrats on the nuptials. I'm glad you guys had a good time fishing with Loxley. He was a first class bonefish guide and we look forward to getting back there some day. Hopefully sooner than later!
Thanks for reading my blog. Be sure to check back often.
Posted by: Sue Melus | October 20, 2009 at 11:09 AM