The Ultimate Guide to Fly Fishing for Bonefish

The Bonefish, one of the most elusive game fish in saltwater, is also one of the sought-after. What makes them so popular? It may be due to the challenge it poses. I have always found that the more I have to work for a catch, the more satisfaction I get when I finally land one. Whatever the reason, our goal with this piece is to create your go-to guide to get started fly fishing for bonefish. 

Get To Know The Bonefish

It seems as though we are always learning something new about bonefish. For example, for decades, there was believed to exist only one species of bonefish, however,  in more recent years, there have been 9 additional distinct species of the fish identified. Below you’ll find some other useful information about these awesome creatures. 

Appearance

Bonefish are distinguished by their round, slender body that is silver with a blue-green back. They also have long snouts that hang over their lower jaw with an upright dorsal fin whose outer parts have shades of black. 

Size

Bonefish can vary in size depending on the part of the world you are fishing. It’s safe to say, however, that a great deal of the ones you’ll encounter will be in the ballpark of 4-7 lbs. Every once in a while, you can hook into a 10+ pounder. In adulthood, they’ll usually measure 16’’-30’’.

Lifespan

Bonefish can reach maturity anywhere from 2-4 years old and, on average, live between 5-10 years. There have, however, been indications that bonefish can live 20+ years, given the right circumstances.

Habitat

When feeding, bonefish will move into shallow sand flats or mudflats and can be found swimming in less than 6 inches of water. Many times, the bottom of the flats in which they reside will be covered with some seagrass. Other times, you can find them jetting over nothing but white sand. 

How Do You Fly Fish for Bonefish?

Now for the important part. Whenever fly fishing for bonefish is brought up, I almost always hear some variation of “why are bonefish so hard to catch?” After reading this and getting out in the water, I think you’ll be saying something closer to, “That wasn’t so bad!” If you want to say the second statement as opposed to the first, pay close attention.

Gear For Fly Fishing For Bonefish

Having the right gear with you out on the water is the first crucial step in making sure that your trip goes smoothly. We’ll get to the presentation and the more technical aspects a bit further down. 

What Fly Rod and Reel Are Best For Bonefish?

When it comes to bonefish, the best kind of fly rod and reel will depend on the specific conditions and preferences of the angler. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a fly rod and reel for bonefish:

Rod weight: Bonefish are generally found in shallow, clear water, so a rod with a weight of 6-8 is generally a good choice. This will allow you to make delicate presentations and cast a longer distance.

Line weight: A line weight of 8-10 is generally a good choice for bonefish. This will allow you to cast a variety of fly sizes and have enough power to turn over the line in windy conditions.

Reel: Look for a reel with a good drag system that can handle the runs of a bonefish. A sealed drag system is a good choice, as it will be less prone to getting sand and saltwater in the drag system.

In general, it’s a good idea to choose a rod and reel that are well-balanced and feel comfortable to use. It’s also a good idea to consult with a local fly fishing shop or an experienced bonefish angler for recommendations on specific brands and models.

Top Bonefish Destinations

There are many great places to go fly fishing for bonefish, as these fish are found in a wide range of habitats including shallow flats, mangrove creeks, and lagoons. Some of the top destinations for bonefish include the Bahamas, Belize, Christmas Island, and the Florida Keys.

In the Bahamas, bonefish can be found on the shallow flats of Andros Island, Bimini, and Grand Bahamas. Belize is known for its crystal clear waters and abundant bonefish population, with some of the best spots located in the Southern Lagoon and Turneffe Atoll. Christmas Island, a remote atoll in the central Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its giant bonefish and is a bucket-list destination for many fly anglers.

The Florida Keys, located in the southern part of the United States, is another great destination for bonefish. The Keys are home to a large population of bonefish, with the best fishing typically found on the shallow flats of Islamorada, Key Largo, and Key West.

When planning a bonefish trip, it’s a good idea to do some research on the specific locations and times of year that offer the best fishing. It’s also a good idea to hire a local guide who can provide valuable insight into the best places to fish and the techniques needed to catch bonefish.

Best Flies For Bonefish

When it comes to fly fishing for bonefish, there are a few flies that are particularly effective. Here are a few examples:

Crab flies: Crab patterns mimic the small crustaceans that bonefish feed on and can be very effective. Look for flies that are tan or olive in color and have long, slimy legs.

Shrimp flies: Shrimp patterns are another good choice for bonefish, as these fish feed on a variety of small shrimp and other invertebrates. Look for flies that are pink or tan in color and have a translucent or pearlescent finish.

Clouser minnows: Clouser minnows are versatile flies that can be effective for a variety of species, including bonefish. These flies feature a weighted head and hackle fibers that pulse in the water, making them attractive to predatory fish.

Gotchas: Gotcha flies are another popular fly for bonefish, with their slim profile and small size making them a good imitation of the small crabs and shrimp that bonefish feed on.

As a best practice, try to have a selection of flies in different colors and sizes, as bonefish can be finicky and may prefer certain patterns over others depending on the conditions. It’s also a good idea to consult a local guide or fly fishing shop for recommendations on the best flies to use in a particular location. As an important reminder: Go barbless! If you properly set the hook. you won’t lose fish due to the lack of a barb.

How to Catch Bonefish on the Fly

Choose the right equipment: You will need a fly rod with a weight of 8-9, a reel with a good drag system, and a weight-forward floating fly line. You will also need a leader and tippet, as well as flies.

Select the right fly: Bonefish are opportunistic feeders, so a variety of flies can be effective. Some popular choices include crab patterns, shrimp patterns, and baitfish patterns.

Find the fish: Bonefish are often found in shallow, clear water near coral reefs, sand flats, and mangrove-lined creeks. Look for areas where the water is moving and there is some sort of structure, such as coral heads or grass beds.

Make the cast: Position yourself upwind of the fish so that the wind will carry your line and fly towards the fish. Make a long, smooth cast, using a roll cast or a single-hand spey cast if necessary to avoid spooking the fish.

Strip the fly: Once the fly is in the water, use short, quick strips to make the fly dance and mimic the movement of a small baitfish. This will often trigger a strike from the bonefish.

Set the hook: When you feel the tug of a bite, strip strike by quickly pulling the fly line towards you. This will set the hook in the fish’s mouth.

Fight the fish: Keep a tight line and use a combination of stripping and reeling to fight the fish. Be prepared for a long, hard fight, as bonefish are powerful and can make long runs.

Release the fish: Once the fish is tired, gently remove the hook and release the fish back into the water.

Overall, it is pretty difficult to have a bad time fly fishing for bonefish. Odds are you are in a beautiful place at a good time of the year.  Whatever fish you catch is almost icing on the cake. Almost.