Learn More About Bonefishing
Bonefish are constant opportunistic feeders with inferior mouths that are like a small dog always in search of a treat in and among the turtle grasses and sand flats that make up the Florida Keys backcountry waters. Small crabs and shrimp are high on this fishes diet.
With the changing of the tides, wind directions and temperatures bonefish can be found anywhere. From tailing in 8 inches of water to the channels that might be as deep as 25 feet. The deeper the fish, the easier he is to catch is a rule of thumb.
As you and your Bonefishing guide make your way across the flats where the bonefish live you will be instructed within your casting
range where to place your
live bait, artificial or fly.
Florida Keys bonefish range in sized from 4 - 15 lbs and
offer a fight any seasoned angler would be proud of with long
burning runs and quick turns. Their unpredictable nature is what
makes fishing for them so much fun. Shallow or deep, big or small these fish fight hard...
When To Go Bonefishing
The best time of the year
for Bonefishing is from March through October and sometimes into
November. The larger bonefish are here in the Florida Keys
during the months of Sept and October offering anglers shots at
fish that may reach 15 lbs. The Upper Florida Keys such as Key Largo and Islamorada bonefish can be considerably larger but with that also very smart. The Lower Keys bonefish are good size and more numerous with the Key West bonefishing being the easiest and most plentiful with catches of 10 - 15 fish in a day not uncommon.
About The Boats
Traditionally a flats boat is used to get into the super shallow (skinny) waters to present anglers with opportunities at tailing fish. This is the holy grail of bonefishing to super light tackle enthusiasts and fly fishermen.
Recently thanks to the advent of shallow water bay boats, bay boats that carry up to 4 persons have gotten in the mix offering a little more comfort and a little easier to catch bonefish that may live in 1.5 - 5 ft of water. Your choice on the fishing guide and the type of boat he may offer. |
About The Boats
Traditionally a flats boat is used to get into the super shallow (skinny) waters to present anglers with opportunities at tailing fish. This is the holy grail of bonefishing to super light tackle enthusiasts and fly fishermen.
Recently thanks to the advent of shallow water bay boats, bay boats that carry up to 4 persons have gotten in the mix offering a little more comfort and a little easier to catch bonefish that may live in 1.5 - 5 ft of water. Your choice on the fishing guide and the type of boat he may offer.
Tackle and Technique
Bonefishing can be done with light tackle spin fishing gear or fly Fishing. Your choice. You don't have to be an expert with either but a good solid understanding of your choice of tackle is helpful to your success. Rods and reels are provided by our fishing guides.
Bait fishing for bonefish is
done with a spinning rod. Some fishing guides will chum the waters to
get the bonefish within reach of your cast making it much easier
to catch one. Other guides will poll the flats testing your
ability to cast at a moments notice and intercept the fish.
Either way the angler will experience the thrill of the
bonefishes bullet speed and power. Let one of our Bonefishing
guides match the fish to your experience.
Fly fishing for bonefish is an art. A swift strong accurate cast
is needed here and a double haul may be necessary to get it
there in a smart wind. Fly fishing for bonefish is a great way
to hone ones skills needed to catch the holy grail of fly fishing the flats, Permit on the fly.
The Bonefishing guides
We promote bonefishing guides that are
specialists in all facets of Bonefishing. Whatever your skill
level, this is a sport you can certainly enjoy. Our patient and
friendly fishing guides will take you to the fish and show you
how to catch them.
As you do your research be sure and interview your bonefishing guide to make sure you and he are on the same page about your level of skill and his desire to be technical.
Most flats fishing guides offer bonefishing guided charters for two or less in 4, 6 and 8 hour increments departing daily. Fishing licenses, gear, bait, tackle and national park access are all provided when necessary. Check with your individual fishing guide to see about other items.
Have fun
- Dr. Catcher |
