Christopher Columbus noted these isles in his 1492 log as "the fragrant islands"-a reference to the scent of indigenous cascarilla plants. Five hundred years later, Bahamian cascarilla bark is used in the perfume industry as well as in the Italian aperitif Campari. Columbus, however, wasn't looking for perfumed plants. He was searching for a place the aborigine Lucayans called Samoete, where gold was rumoured to be available in large quantities.

Crooked and Acklins' strategic location made them a major port-of-call for Atlantic steamship traffic. The area also prospered as a centre for growing sea island cotton. The ruins of Hope Great House, a 17th century colonial mansion at Landrail Point, recall the plantation heyday of the islands. There are also six four-tonne cannons built long ago by British imperial forces at Marine Farm. The first Bahamian post office, served by the still-existing network of mail boats, was located in Pittstown, once a thriving commercial centre.

Extensive inland and marine cave systems are the subjects of frequent explorers from overseas. The Ocean Den in the Bight of Acklins, more than a mile long, is one of the most impressive marine caves in The Bahamas. Divers may tour and study the cave system by making prior arrangements with The Bahamas Blue Holes Foundation, tel. (242) 373-4483.

Among ecological treasures is the hutia, a nocturnal rabbit-sized rodent, once a food source for the Lucayan-Arawaks and now a protected endangered species.

At the moment, Acklins and Crooked residents live under primitive conditions and are only beginning to come up to technological standards of the rest of the country. Islanders have been promised paved roads and electricity and it appears that government will honour these pledges.

For a panoramic view-and perchance a fragrant whiff of freshly baked bread-visit Bird Rock Lighthouse at Landrail Point. While admittedly no premier sightseeing venue, the islands make it up by providing some of the finest tarpon and bonefishing in the Western Hemisphere.

If you want to catch bonefish, the Bahamas are the place to go. We are not talking about Nassau or Freeport, we are talking about the true Bahamas: The so-called Out Islands.

Acklins is the remotest and most primitive spot in the Bahamas Out Islands. It is located 250 miles southeast of Nassau and you will hardly see any tourist, no hotels, no crowds, no taxis, no phone, no faxes and no jet skis! This is bonefish Country. Like it has been since since Columbus' days.

The bight of Acklins is more than 1000 square miles of shallow water. This is by far the largest area of prime bonefish-flats we have ever seen. Exploring this system of flats, creeks, channels and mangrove marls would take a lifetime. We have discovered Acklins few years ago, and we found there the best bonefishing we ever had throughout the Bahamas island chain.

Acklin's Top Choice Bonefishing Lodge is located on the northern beach of Mason Bay, inside the Bight of Acklins. The lodge features a main building with a dining room. An air conditioning ocean front bar and restaurant is under construction and should be ready within few months.

Acklin's Top Choice can accommodate 8 anglers in double occupancy air conditioning accommodations. The four double rooms are ocean front, each with one single bed and one queen size bed, good storage, and channel TV . Each room have a small refrigerator. There is a flat right in front the rooms which have good bonefish.

The fishing at Acklin's Top Choice is guided with 16 ft.. Carolina Skiff powered by 30 hp. Yamaha outboards, or unguided on miles and miles of beautiful flats with access from the beach. This is a unique opportunity for the experienced bonefish anglers. Vast productive flats, teeming with medium to large bonefish are located close from the lodge. The guides will take you to crystal clear sand flats extending to the horizon, covered with ankle-to knee deep water . If you like to fish on your own, you can walk and fish miles of secluded beaches. And if you see footprints in the sand, we bet it's yours...

Non-fishing guests may take the beach shuttle to some of the world's most beautiful natural beaches and spend the day snorkeling, swimming or shelling. You will see pink flamingo, all kinds of sea birds, porpoise, shark, eagle and stingrays. Watch the endangered great iguana on Guana Cay or explore the amazing caves on Samana Cay.