Returning to Normal in Marsh Harbour Bahamas

By Dale Wills

I recently returned from a visit to Marsh Harbour, Bahamas for the Production vs. Custom Shootout run by legend Skip Smith. This was my first time returning to the islands since Dorian devastated the Abacos in September 2019. I stayed at the Abaco Beach Resort and the marina looks better today than it ever did. The new tournament scale is awesome and I’d bet a giant sea monster couldn’t tear it down as it is now made from steel beams. If only that precious ground under the scale could talk. I have fond memories of big marlin and boats backing under it to celebrate.

As far as the rooms and accommodations go, most of the resort is up and running. All the hotel rooms have been remodeled including a new hotel lobby which is now situated up the hill between the high rise hotels. A new office is next to the marina restaurant. Some of you will remember it as the former gift shop. The restaurants are open on site and the staff is eager to wait on you. The resort has done an excellent job rebuilding.

As you will witness during your taxi ride in from the airport or taking a short walk down the street from the resort, plenty of rebuilding is continuing and will be for some time. Some areas are still without power and the longstanding Marsh Harbour restaurants are also in the process of being rebuilt. Colors By the Sea is about the only alternative within close proximity to the resort. Tell Cecil, the owner, hello for us. The main grocery store is also open and a small liquor store is also situated down the road from Abaco Beach Resort.

Overall it was great to see the tournament fleet returning to the marina. I was happy to run into some old familiar faces and as always the opportunity to meet several new friends. So if you are traveling around the Marsh Harbour area this summer I highly recommend you ditch the mask for an ice-cold Kalik at the resort, the friendly staff is waiting for you.