Copy of letter from recent guest to potential visitor........

Hi John
Jane and I have been back home in the UK for two weeks now from Mango Creek Lodge. We had such a wonderful two weeks at the Lodge, we are still there in sprit. I would not hesitate to recommend anyone to spend time at Mango Creek, whether they fly fish or not. It is very quiet and not the place you should go to if you like to go to night-clubs, casinos and the like. You will like the relaxed atmosphere over pre-dinner drinks with the managers and other guests. And then comes the Mango Creek dining experience. It might be lobster, shrimp, snapper, beef, pork, chicken or grouper, and everything is superbly cooked by Winnie or Shana. Ask Winnie to make her superb Lemon Meringue Pie, Coconut Pie and Strawberry cake. She might make them anyway, but do ask. Burgers and fries are not on the dinner menu, but if that is what you want then just ask, I am sure the Chefs will be happy to accommodate you.

John, you did not say how old your children are or what your wife likes to do. The snorkeling is wonderful (so many fish to see), and there are sail boats that you can sail yourself or ask one of the guides to take you out. The picnic lunches are just the job, washed down with a cold beer, or soda. If you want to explore the Island just ask, and Pam will arrange to ferry you to Oakridge where you will be met by your taxi for the day, who will take you where ever you want. Nothing is too much trouble at Mango Creek. How about a picnic lunch on a secluded beach, you won't see another soul all day long.

There are two types of rooms to stay in. First there are the 4 cabanas built out over the water, they can sleep 3 people. You have the sea on your doorstep, the water is warm and clear, about 4 feet deep so you can take a dip anytime. The main lodge has 3 rooms, one of which is the honeymoon suite. All have en suite bathrooms and ceiling fans. Everything is very comfortable and restful.

If you are a saltwater fly fisherman who relish a challenge then you will be in paradise. I am an experienced fly fisher, but I have no idea of your skill level John. However, the fishing was very tough during our visit, high winds (20 knots+) for most of the time. I struggled (sometimes) to throw a fly twenty yards accurately to tailing bonefish and permit. Because of the weather we only fished the North side of the island once, but I hooked up with bonefish everyday we went fishing. The flats we fished on the south side have a good spread of bonefish and permit but you have to be on the flat at the right state of the tide, this is critical to success. In my view it is a very delicate fishery that could be over fished very easily. I have to say that the Lodge Managers, Pam and Graham and the Head Guide Perry are very aware of this and will rotate the fishing to rest areas from over fishing. I caught or hooked 11 species of fish during our stay and all on the fly, in my view it is not a fishery that should be extensively fished with spin/bait gear. The offshore game fishing, we did not sample it, but I have to say, The Lodge can arrange it. The head guide Perry in his free time caught many blue finned tuna trolling in his own small skiff.

The very best recommendation that we can give is to say. We just can't wait to go back.

I hope you and your family have a good trip. If there is anything else I can help with, then please do keep in touch.

Kind regards

Simon