1. Anegada – An expansive 11-mile-long flat stretches along the south coast of this low-lying atoll. The reef that surrounds and protects this island creates a shallow, lagoon-like environment, which is ground zero for BVI flats fishing.
2. Jost Van Dyke – The shallow waters that separate Little Jost Van Dyke island from Jost Van Dyke island are favorites for bonefish. This flat is large but can be easily waded. If on a sailboat, anchor on the south side of Little Jost Van Dyke and dinghy to the dock. Then, wade both southeast of the dock and north in the flats that separate the two islands.
3. Tortola’s Fat Hogs Bay – Fish the south side of Beef Island, just east of Whale Rock, between the island and the small mound of bushes just off Beef Island. This area can only be accessed by boat.
4. Beef Island – Start putting your gear together on the short flight from San Juan because you can fish the flats adjacent to the airport. On the road from the airport to Road Town, you will cross a bridge just outside the airport. While crossing the bridge, look to your right and you’ll see a large flat north of the bridge. Although best accessed by boat, these flats may also be reached by walking north on the Tortola side.
5. Guana Island – While not a flat, fly fishermen can fish for tarpon that populate the area off Monkey Point on the southern tip of Guana Island. A boat is a must to get to this area.
6. Virgin Gorda’s North Sound – In this area, near the resorts of Biras Creek and Bitter End, we spotted tailing permit at a time when we had no rod and reel. You may fish for permit and bonefish on the eastern ocean side (directly below the swimming pool). Also try the small flats next to the hotel pier on the western side of the island.
7. Tortola’s Sea Cows Bay – This flat can be accessed off the main road, next to the Pieces of Eight apartment complex.
8. Tortola’s Maya Cove – Access is off the main road to the airport. The best fishing will be found near the cargo barge dock.
9. Beef Island’s Trellis Bay – Fish this grass-bottom flat south of Sprat Point. A boat is preferable here, but you may also wade.
10. Tortola’s West End – A 3- to 4-foot channel cuts between two small flats. Fish both sides of the small bridge that separates Frenchman’s Cay from Tortola. Bonefish and tarpon populate this area.
