Bonefish - Sight Fishing on Fly and Spinning Gear

Sight fishing for bonefish is a great way to hone your casting skills for any species of fish on fly or spinning tackle. There can be a fine line between a perfect presentation and one that either scares the fish or one that the fish doesn’t ever see. Most of the time the perfect presentation will be rewarded with a bite when using live bait but not always on fly; a follow or some kind of positive reaction short of a bite can be considered a moral victory! Bonefish can be selective when it comes to flies. The most important factors to consider aside form presentation is type – crab, shrimp, toad, minnow, size - #1, #2, #4… color and last but very important - weight.

Our South Florida bonefish stock supports an economically important recreational fishery, renowned worldwide for its excellent bonefishing opportunities. In terms of outstanding catches, 16 of the 23 standing world records in the saltwater flyrod and saltwater line class categories were taken from the waters of the Florida Keys. In the Florida Keys.

Fly Fishing Gear For Bonefish

8 to 9 weight fly outfits using a floating or clear floating line are best for the Florida Keys. Quality reels with smooth drags are essential for bonefishing.

Leaders for Bonefish

Leaders ranging from 9 to 14 feet tapering to 10 to 15 test pound Seaguar fluorocarbon.

Bonefish Flies

Flies for bonefish are as numerous as fishing guides opinions. A variety of toads, shrimp, and crabs patterns are at the top of my list along with Clouser and small baitfish variations. Having a broad range of weighted flies is also important as fish may be found in varying water depth. Being able to match the bottom color is just as important.

Spinning Gear

Seven-foot moderate action spinning rods are perfect for casting live bait or artificials to bonefish. Quality spinning reels rigged with 10# mono or #2 or #4 diameter braid (12 to 15lb. test) with superior drags are essential.

For more info on bonefish visit Bonefish & Tarton Trust