A Local Master
Robbie Smith was born and raised on Bimini. He’s worked for the Big Game Club for 22 years, the last four as the dockmaster. Coming off a busy opening season, Smith is looking forward to the winter. While the action slows somewhat, the Big Game Club hosted the first round of the Bahamas Wahoo Challenge in November. “That brings the boys in,” Smith said, as he sat on the stairs leading up to the club’s restaurant and bar. As we chatted, Smith, a die-hard fisherman, recalled a battle with a permit that he’d had a few weeks before. “Those permit, they put up a fight. I battled it for hours,” he said. “I got that one mounted as a little gift to myself — felt like I had to.” Smith is wearing a pair of Johnnie-0 all-weather shorts ($89; www.johnnie-o.com), Tommy Bahama’s Emfielder polo ($78), a pair of Maui Jim Lahainaluna sunglasses ($309; www.mauijim.com) and a pair of Sperry Top-Sider Gold Cup two-eye boat shoes ($120).

The Game is On
The Bimini Big Game Club was recently purchased by Guy Harvey Outpost and reopened for the 2010 season after a two-year, $3.5 million renovation. The company is looking to evolve the 51-room resort from just a “fishing lodge” into a first-class destination, attracting travelers who want to explore the marine ecosystem, natural beauty and local charm of the island. The resort consists of 35 regular rooms, 12 cottage rooms and four penthouse suites. The penthouse suites ($350 per night in the summer season, $285 in the winter) are made up of a living room, small kitchen with an island counter, and a large bedroom and bathroom — and are a wonderful way to experience the resort. Taking in the morning sunrise from the balcony with a fresh cup of coffee is a perfect way to greet each day. For more on the Big Game Club and to book your stay, visit www.biggameclubbimini.com.

Head Down to Tie Up
If you’re interested in spending your holiday season dockside at the Big Game Club, rates are $1 per foot per day in the winter months (long-term dockage over 30 days is 85 cents per foot). The 75-slip marina can accommodate vessels up to 145 feet. To book your stay, call 800-867-4764, or send an e-mail to info@biggameclubbimini.com.