Guide Profile: Freddie Dames
While destination fly fishing trips are typically catalyzed by particular fish species, a specific location, or perhaps a certain style of fishing, more often than not it’s the people we spend time with while on the trip that make it memorable and cause us to return. Of the people we meet, fly fishing guides are the most impactful: they introduce us to the fishery and show us its special secrets; they share their wisdom and stories, and teach us the required tactics to be successful; they sharpen our skills and help us unlock our greatest angling potential; and, they are our partners with whom we share our finest moments on the water.
At Soul Fly Lodge, we are privileged to work with a team of seasoned, passionate, and professional bonefish and permit fly fishing guides who, collectively, have over 125 years of experience in The Bahamas. Each guide has a distinct style and approach, and over the course of a week’s fishing, guests have the opportunity to fish with and – most importantly – learn from them all. Our series of Guide Profiles introduces each of our talented guides and shares some details on their backgrounds, interests, and talents.
When we were building the guide team at Soul Fly Lodge, Fredlon “Freddie” James Dames was a top choice from day one. Freddie hails from South Andros where he was an innovative and pioneering bonefish guide which ultimately landed him in Abaco when he was recruited to guide at Abaco Lodge. When Abaco Lodge was hit by Hurricane Dorian, Freddie was set adrift and temporarily became severed from the profession he so loves. But when Freddie got the call to join his old pal Travis Sands at Soul Fly Lodge, it was a no-brainer for this captain to head to the Berrys for his next chapter.
Freddie is a bright, cheery soul with a knack for storytelling and singing when his guests are hooked up. His enthusiasm is contagious and yet he is a calm and collected presence. He’s also a devoted student of the game, willing to learn and continue honing both his fishing and guiding skills in the Berrys. Naturally, he has become a lover of the permit hunt and each year his knowledge grows, as do his catch-counts.
We are beyond grateful to have Freddie on the platform, looking over the flats, taking care of the anglers that visit the Berrys, and doing so in a way that is purely and truly all-Freddie. A day spent on the water with Freddie won’t soon be forgotten!
Year started guiding: 1997
Home island: South Andros
Favorite species to target: Was bonefish, now permit and everything else!
Angling words of wisdom: Trust in your guide, and have the patience to work with them.
Desired superhero power: To be a fish genie! To let the fish know that I’m just gonna let ’em go!
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