Sought after Caribbean Gem

SITUATED where the western most road ends on Grand Bahama Island, Grande Harbour at Old Bahama Bay Resort is located on one of the most secluded and sought after gems in all the Caribbean, only 56 miles from the Florida shores. 

With a rich history going back hundreds of years, West End exudes allure and intrigue. Going as far back as the Spanish Galleon days to the William "Real" McCoy rum running days, the home of Grande Harbour is one of the most unique international hot spots for fishing, diving, or snorkeling.


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Fish for Lodges

FISHING vacation website fishlodges.com has been updated with a new search experience, allowing users of the site to filter fishing lodges and resorts in the North American Northwest by a wide array of attributes.

"Our search tool has been the defining feature of the site since day one" states "Chief Navigator" Eric Embacher. "Our mission is to help anglers find their ideal fishing lodge vacation with far more efficiency than using Google, and the power of this tool is key to that."

The Search tool allows users to filter the entire set of lodges by 20 of the 124 types of information collected for every fishing lodge. Filters include location, price, fish species and type of fishing, guided or unguided trips, trip duration, lodge rating and number of reviews, and more. Once lodges are filtered they can be compared "apples-to-apples" and then individual lodges inspected in detail.

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What a catch . . .

FISHING #vacation website fishlodges.com recently listed their 100th fishing lodge in the Pacific Northwest (North America). The major milestone comes as the site is gearing up to expand beyond the Pacific Northwest for a portion of the next 100 #fishing lodge listings. Having started with Alaska and BC, where the majority of features lodges are located, the site has already started signing up lodges in Washington, Oregon, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.

"The idea behind fishlodges.com-consolidating key information from lodge websites into a searchable database and making it easily accessible-has been a popular since day one" states "Chief Navigator" Eric Embacher. "Our website traffic growth has validated the execution of this idea, and this in turn has proven popular with lodge owners, who increasingly want to list with us."

fishlodges.com.

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Turneffe Island Resorts relaunches

TURNEFFE Island Resort a unique private island oasis offers adventure-seekers a personalized experience with unparalleled fishing, diving and snorkeling excursions. Spread across 14 acres, this hidden gem island at the southern tip of the #Turneffe Atoll is 35 miles off the coast of #Belize City and only 30 miles from the world-famous Great Blue Hole.

The resort specializes in all-inclusive fishing, diving and snorkeling packages for avid water enthusiasts. From the lengths of the saltwater Turneffe Flats to the depths of the Great Blue Hole, guests have easy access to Caribbean waters – and seasoned guides who grew up on the water of the centuries-old Turneffe Atoll channels, lagoons and reef.

“We are delighted to unveil the new Turneffe Island Resort on our 15-year anniversary. We’ve renovated the property, as we do after each season, but we’re especially excited to make a dramatic debut for guests, both returning and new, this season,” said Deborah Finkler, sales and marketing manager, Turneffe Island Resort. “We’ve enhanced our special adventure packages and have a brand new website to allow visitors to virtually experience all the luxury and adventure that the island and surrounding Caribbean waters can offer.”

The resort is known as one of the only places in the world where one can chase the elusive “Caribbean Grand Slam”, catching a bonefish, tarpon and permit, all in one day. Guests can also fish for snapper, barracuda and jack for a truly unforgettable fish story.

The resort offers multiple dives per day with Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)-certified guides, a weekly night dive and trips to one of the deepest dives in the world, the legendary Great Blue Hole, a collapsed 1000-year old oceanic cave, where divers head 130 feet underwater.

With direct flights from US cities Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York to Belize City, Turneffe Island Resort is remote, but not difficult to get to.

For more information on Turneffe Island Resort or to book your trip, please visit http://www.turnefferesort.com

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Picture Credit: By Serge Melki from Indianapolis, USA - A stop on an atoll, CC BY 2.0 commons.wikimedia.org 24321078

Take a hike on Antigua … or go fishing

#ANTIGUA has a number of coastal and rainforest hikes to suit all abilities, as well as several experienced #hiking groups which visitors are welcome to join. 

The 5AM Hikers meet every Saturday, hiking from 5am to 8am, covering four miles of open country. The route changes each week, but the end-destination is always a spot where the Antigua sunrise can be appreciated.

The Antigua Hash House Harriers is another established hiking group, started by a group of British expats which meets every other Saturday. The Harrier trail is marked ahead of time by 'hares' and the 'hounds' or hikers can choose to run, walk or jog the route.

Many of the frequently-used trails are well sign-posted and maintained, making them easy to navigate without a guide. The hike to Boggy Peak, Antigua's highest peak and a symbolic landmark – re-named Mount Obama in 2008 – is a great way to experience the diversity of Antigua's landscape.

FROM marlin to kingfish, the waters surrounding Antigua have abundant sea life prime for reeling in. The island also has a vibrant sports #fishing community with popular tournaments throughout the year, established fishing charters, and several fishing tour operators.

The annual Sports Fishing Tournament (May 14-15) is an opportunity to fish alongside local enthusiasts.

Anglers in Antigua have the option of deep sea fishing (or trawling), reef, and inshore fishing. www.antiguabarbudasportsfishing.com


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Golf: Terrace Downs named best hotel in New Zealand

THE best #golf course hotel in #NewZealand is Terrace Downs, Canterbury, according to voters who took part in the World Golf awards. 

An hour by road from Christchurch on South Island, the par 72, 18-hole championship course and resort has views of the Rakaia Gorge, and offers a mix of parklands and links golf with 11 lakes, more than 60 bunkers, and a choice of four tees.

The resort isn’t just for golfers. There’s clay bird shooting, archery, horse riding, hunting, fishing, and skiing, too.
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Angling for a break?

NATURAL RETREATS is offering fishing adventures for all ages and abilities at its most northern outpost, John O’ Groats in Scotland. 

Loch fishing – Head inland to the lochs of Sutherland for trout and salmon fishing in the heart of the Highlands. With eight-hour trips running from £100, there is also the opportunity to explore the plains of Flow Country or the verdant River Forss. Transport, rods, fish bait and a picnic lunch are provided, along with tuition if needed. 

There is also the option to start the session later in the day, with a night-fishing experience that ends at 3am. Trout fishing is available from May–October, and March-November for salmon fishing.

Guided sea fishing – Head out to sea in a traditional Scottish fishing boat for coley, cod, mackerel, and halibut.  

Natural Retreats can arrange accommodation at one of its self-catering lodges or apartments in John O’ Groats.

www.naturalretreats.com


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A cabin in the west

FANCY a summer get-away in a West Somerset log cabin? The Old Quarry, a furnished, detached cabin sleeping five and set in its own secluded wildlife garden, is available for a week from August 21, priced at £864.

It is within easy reach of Wimbleball Lake Watersports Centre, a short walk from Wiveliscombe with its swimming pool and tennis courts, and – for fishing – three miles from Clatworthy Reservoir.

For info, go to www.westcountrycottages.co.uk

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Take dad camping – and fishing – for a Father’s Day treat

WITH #Father’sDay (June 21 in the UK) in mind, Pitchup.com has flagged up campsites – in Cornwall, Norfolk and Lancashire – that offer fishing and other activities for family fun.

Siblyback Lake Campsite is by the tors and moors of Bodmin and offers water- and land-based activities for all ages and abilities. Facilities include:

Windsurfs, Rowing boats, Kayaks, Sailing dinghies, A high ropes course, Archery, Water-zorbing balls for children and Fly and trout fishing.

Tent pitches start from £14 a night with plenty of availability over Father’s Day weekend.

www.pitchup.com/campsites/England/South_West/Cornwall/Liskeard/siblyback-lake-campsite

Narborough Fisheries is a private 26-acre site in West Norfolk, with chalk stream water from the River Nar running through five fishing lakes … two trout, one specimen carp, general mixed coarse, and a newly-created match and coarse lake with more than 9,000 fish. Pitches for caravans and motorhomes start from £15 ar night.

www.pitchup.com/campsites/England/East_Anglia/Norfolk/narborough/narborough-fisheries

Wyreside Lakes Fishery in Bowland Fells, Lancashire, combines woods, wildlife, and the River Wyre. There are fishing opportunities in a number of lakes, plus facilities including a games room, an outdoor playground, clubhouse with evening entertainment, and woodland adventures for mini-campers. There are provisions for the disabled, and baby-changing facilities. Tent pitches start from £12.50 a night.

www.pitchup.com/campsites/England/North_West/Lancashire/Lancaster/wyreside-lakes-fisher

Wild Camping in Cornwall is in the heart of the Land's End Peninsula. Visitors can learn crafts or enjoy activities – organized by qualified staff – including bushcraft, green woodworking, traditional archery, herbalism, and paper making. Tent pitches start from £15 a night.

www.pitchup.com/campsites/England/South_West/Cornwall/Penzance/wild-camping-in-cornwall

www.pitchup.com

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Hotel up in the trees

PORT LYMPNE Wild Animal and Safari Reserve, near Hythe, Kent will be opening its Treehouse Hotel in June. High above the 600-acre reserve, its glass fronted suites will offer views of sunset over the English Channel … and roaming rhino below. 

Guests can take a VIP safari with animal encounters along the way, while other activities include; archery, fishing, and cycling.

www.aspinallfoundation.org/short-breaks/treehouse-hotel

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Life’s a beach drive

AUSTRALIA’S Great Beach Drive has been launched to provide 125 miles of motoring along Queensland’s Sunshine and Fraser coasts.

The full journey covers two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, a World Heritage-listed Marine Park, and the largest sand island in the world.

Australia’s Nature Coast, which has been established by the Sunshine and Fraser Coast tourism organizations, has put together an itinerary involving six drives 

covering the region, which can be tailored to meet the interests and time span of visitors.

While subject to tidal and weather conditions, the Great Beach Drive is suitable for most experienced off-road drivers. The sections or the entire route can be covered in anything from half a day, a long weekend to a full week.

The drive starts in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, where travellers can complement the sophisticated lifestyle of the beachside village with a kayak, canoe, or cruise of the Noosa Everglades.

They can then take to their four-wheel drive for a trek on the ‘beach highway’ to Rainbow Beach, along which travellers will have the chance to see wildlife including whales, dolphins, birds of prey, kangaroos, and monitor lizards. Rainbow Beach is a base for paragliding, hang-gliding, sky diving, surfing, fishing, and horse-riding.

There is diving at Wolf Rock, and Double Island Point has the world’s longest right-hand surfing break and an 1884 lighthouse. Fraser Island is accessed by ferry and has a feast of 4WD routes. Back on the mainland, Hervey Bay has cosmopolitan dining, shopping and accommodation, and sheltered waters for sailing and fishing.

Visitors can return to Sunshine Coast Airport or Brisbane via the gold rush town of Gympie and market towns of Eumundi and Cooroy.

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Days with Ernest

WHETHER writing novels in his Whitehead Street studio or fishing for big game in local waters, Ernest Hemingway left a powerful legacy in Key West, Florida. 

His zest for life, literary accomplishments, and enduring affection for the island he called home in the 1930s will be commemorated with the Hemingway Days (July 21-26) celebration.

Events include a look-alike contest for stocky white-bearded men resembling Hemingway, readings and book signings, writing competitions, an exhibition of Hemingway memorabilia, and a three-day marlin tournament recalling the writer’s devotion to the deep-sea sport.

http://www.fla-keys.com/hemingwaymedia

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Game for all

Female Harris' Hawk - "Parabuteo unicinctus takeoff2"
by Flickr user Dave-F (David Friel) - via Wikimedia Commons

FROM falconry to archery, jousting to fishing and all things in between, the Robin Hood Game & Country Show (October 18-19) spans the entire Newark Showground and is a celebration of country life and gaming.

"Modern-Knight 2"
by David Ballderivative work via Wikimedia Commons

The East Midlands biggest Game & Country show with plenty entertainment (and shopping) for all the family - 

Spectacular displays and fun-fueled demonstrations - there really is something for everyone...! 

"Broken lances"
by Easyv via Wikimedia Commons

There are knights, archers, owls, ferrets, falcons, horses, dogs and trade stands aplenty - whether you're stocking up on country clothing along Countryman's Walk, sampling the delicious foods in the Festival of Food & Drink, or just out for a fun-packed day, you'll love this years show....www.robinhoodcountryshow.co.uk

 

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Gone fishing!

Time to head west for Pembrokeshire's famous Fish Week!   

LISTED last year as the UK’s top food festival by The Independent and known as one of the tastiest festivals in Europe, Pembrokeshire Fish Week is taking place between the June 28 and July 6.  

Start your week at the Fish Week Open Day on June 28 at Milford Fish Docks. The event will have plenty to entertain and keep everyone busy, including new chefs, demos, music and hands-on activities.  Pick up tips at one of the fish cookery workshops, or be inspired at a Bryn Williams demonstration.

Other events for foodies include a fish feast, gourmet nights, tapas, live jazz and tutored tastings.

There are also lots of family activities. Join Pembrokeshire Coast National Park throughout the week as they watch seabirds on the stacks, and go crab catching.

For full details, go to www.pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk  

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Go fishing in Florida

FLORIDA'S Gulf Coast and in particular, the Boca Grande Pass, is known as the world's Tarpon Capital, attracting anglers from across the globe. The sport is celebrated every May with the World's Richest Tarpon Tournament, when teams compete to catch and release the most tarpon. This game fish can reach up to 8ft in length, weigh up to 280 pounds and are exciting to catch with their incredible fighting spirit when hooked.  

The tournament sees 50 boats in teams of six compete for a cash prize of £28,800 for first place, £16,800 for second, and £11,500 for third.

The tournament this year is on May 15/16 May. Teams can enter at www.WorldsRichestTarpon.com

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Head west for fish

Pembrokeshire Fish Week, regarded as one of the tastiest food festivals in Europe, is taking place between Saturday June 28 and Sunday July 6.  Among the new events this year will be a night with Celebrity Masterclass Chef Paul Rankin at the Milford Haven Torch Theatre, Proms at Pembroke Castle with the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, and a family fun afternoon on the beach at Goodwick Harbour.

Competitions throughout the week range from photography to art and craft, plus the chance to catch a £1,000 angling prize or win a weekend hotel break.

For full details visit www.pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk

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