Flats Fishing: It All Began with Bonefish

Flats Fishing: It All Began with Bonefish

Are you considering that first saltwater trip to the tropics? There is so much to choose from these days, still our friends at Getaway Fly Fishing are quick to point out where to start: With bonefish. That’s where it all began and, in their opinion, it’s where any newcomer will get a feel for what makes flats fishing so exhilarating.

By Thomas Søbirk and Peter Lyngby

Nowadays, we can look at big fish all day (and all night!) on social media. If it swims, it can – and will – be caught on a fly. Fly fishing in warm saltwater looks great: The scenery, the color of the water, the blue skies and, of course, the fish. It’s a completely different scenario these days than when we started traveling the world decades ago.

Now it’s: “GT on fly – let’s do it! Huge tarpon in the jungle – why not? Roosterfish from the beach – so cool… Kings and queens down under – sure thing mate! Even permit – they’re not so difficult anymore, right?”. The list keeps growing. By now, it’s getting so long that many forget where it all started: It all began with bonefish.

Bonefish on Fly Rods

Fly fishing for bonefish was considered pretty damn cool whenwe started fishing for them in the nineties. Most books or articles covering the subject would focus on how difficult they were to catch: “The grey ghosts of the flats – you’ll never see them without a guide”, “Bonefish are so spooky most of them must surely die from ulcers”, “You must double-haul and be prepared to cast straight into the wind” and so on.

When we finally got a chance to fish for them, it was almost surprising to learn that you could actually catch a few, at least as long as you did everything right - which, like everyone else just

bonefish several times a day (if it isn’t on Insta, it didn’t really happen, right?), or they go for one of the bigger species (bigger fish tend to get more likes on social media, right?).

The hunt is what bonefishing in shallow water is really about

They forget that whether they’re after their first bonefish or their first GT on the fly, there are a several important steps between booking the trip and posing for the camera. They might also not realize that the only thing that is easier with a big fish, like a GT or a tarpon, is spotting it in the water. Everything else is generally harder, and the road to success is much longer than with bonefish. We know because we arrange trips for all three species, and while we fish for all three with great enthusiasm there is no doubt in our mind where fly anglers should start their journey into warm saltwater: Start, where it all started – with bonefish.

We have been doing our fair share of big fish hunting but still enjoy stalking bonefish on a shallow flat. It’s back to basics in the most rewarding way.

The Fish

The fact that bonefish can grow to over fifteen pounds has norelevance for those of us stalking them on shallow flats. You will never see one of this size, and most of the fish you cast to will be from a modest 40 cm to 70 cm in length, probably weighing in at three to seven pounds (if anyone ever bothered to do so). These fish will happily show you what a good deal of your backing looks like when you hook them in shallow water. But it’s not really about their fighting abilities either, even if it will impress you and put a big smile on your face.

The Hunt

The hunt is what bonefishing in shallow water is really about. And itdoesn’t get any better than when the fish are tailing. When looking at a bonefish, specifically the location of its mouth, it should come as no surprise to learn that the fish is digging up most of its food on the bottom. Even if crabs, shrimps or other crustaceans – all high on the menu of bones – don’t always sit on the bottom waiting to get sucked up, the fish will often pinch their prey against the bottom when attacking them. Bonefish will also hover around, sucking up sand, to see if there’s a snack hiding somewhere. When doing so in shallow water, there simply isn’t enough water above them to hide their dirty business, and a big tail (their speed has to come from somewhere!) can be seen splashing erratically on the surface.

Dedicated bonefish anglers claim that a hungry fish (the so-called happy bonefish), flashing a silvery tail in its most tantalizing way, is better than a fine lady whispering “Come and get it, Tiger”. There’s more than one boner-joke floating around out there, surely none of which are suited for this fine publication. But we do agree, stalking tailing bones is as good as it gets in saltwater fly fishing.

The visual aspect is incredible: The bonefish will sometimes follow your weighted fly, and on a light-colored bottom you will often see the fish getting totally excited. When you pause your strip, it will tail on the fly and you will feel the bumps – but you shouldn’t set the hook before you feel the weight of the fish. You will soon learn to do so with a gentle strip strike – but everyone has made the mistake of trout lifting on a bonefish, sooner or later, and so will you.

The tackle

Ready for some good news? The right tackle for successfulbonefishing isn’t complicated at all. Other than the obvious flies, leaders and some tippet, this is basically what you should focus on:

Great polarized sunglasses! You can’t catch what you can’t see. Sunglasses is such an important part of your gear that we recommend traveling with at least two pairs, in case of loss or breakage. And if you do bring two pairs: Get some with copper lenses for bright sunlight, and some with lighter-colored lenses that help on an overcast day.

We have been doing our fair share of big fish hunting but still enjoy stalking bonefish on a shallow flat

You’ll also need really good wading boots. Unless you only fish out of a boat (which would be a shame because bonefishing is so much more fun when wading in really shallow water), you need flats boots that are comfortable enough to wade long distances. While you can’t train your bonefish vision back home, we seriously recommend doing some test miles in your flats boots before you go. Make sure your boots really fit you well. And don’t forget socks made for wet wading.

A nine foot 8-weight rod is the preferred choice for most of us. The reel should have a decent drag but you don’t need a reel with high drag pressure. Try to stop a bonefish with heavy drag, and you will lose it. Every time. All modern fly reels will hold more backing than you will need – what would be the purpose of having backing, if they didn’t? – and your fly line should be a floating line made for warm saltwater. No shooting heads, no intermediate lines. A floating weight forward line is still the best tool for hitting the intended target.

Since we started walking the flats, one additional piece of equipment we now wouldn’t be without has seen the light of day: A waterproof backpack. It makes life so much easier when carrying lunch, drinks, raingear and tackle while wading the flats.

Preparation & Mentality

For years, we have been hosting trips in the Bahamas, and everyyear we see the classic example of clients preparing for everything other than the one thing that will really make a difference: Your cast.

Sure, it’s nice to have three boxes full of flies and being geared up from head to toe with all the right stuff – but that’s not what catches the fish. That’s one fly, well presented and since you’re casting to moving fish, your window of opportunity is fairly narrow. If you can’t make that shot in time, no amount of fancy gear will save you. During most trips, there will be times with great weather and perfect conditions. And there will be times where the wind can be a challenge.

It’s not that difficult to cast 12 or 15 meters against the wind but you need to know how to do it (an aggressive double haul and lowering of the rod isn’t pretty but it works). But if you have never done it before – if you are used to casting a 4-weight trout rod or a shooting head for seatrout with the wind in your back, why would you? – then it feels almost impossible the first time you try it. But that first time shouldn’t be with a tailing bonefish in front of you. Practice before your trip, and if you can find a good casting instructor, a few lessons will be the best investment you can make.

It doesn’t get any better than when the bonefish are actively tailing

As previously mentioned, the visual aspect of bonefishing is more difficult to practice on your lawn at home. And spotting the bonefish isn’t always easy. Their tails don’t give them away every time you find them. Many times, they will suddenly appear out of nowhere, cruising along the mangroves or on a flat. Most newcomers make the mistake of looking too far away for incoming fish, resulting in a bone suddenly creeping up on them and getting spooked. Stuff like that, you’ll learn over time.

As you progress as a bonefish angler, you might start to see more similarities with the trout fishing you already know: It’s visual, it’s delicate, a stealthy approach is rewarded, and if you present the right fly in the right way, the fish will most often eat it.

The Trip

There is nothing wrong with being guided to a great catch but thecool thing with bonefish is that you can do it on your own. You just need someone to point you in the right direction: Mainly where to fish, and always in relation to what the tide is doing.

Whether or not it is more satisfying to find the fish on your own and make the right decisions leading up to hooking and landing the fish is a matter of personal taste. What do we think? Hell yeah, it’s a heck of a lot more fun! That’s how we do it on our hosted trips to Acklins Island in the Bahamas.

On our bonefish trips the novice bonefish angler will find himself in a relaxed environment and he will enjoy the company and knowledge of our experienced tour leader and fellow anglers. Every evening you’ll have the chance to chat about your new experiences and probably learn new tricks for the day to come.

After 25 years of bonefishing we still learn new stuff on every trip

The skilled bonefish angler will definitely appreciate the opportunity of spending extra hours on the flats compared to the classic guide day.

However, if you feel the need for the comfort of having a professional guide right next to you when fishing – or you just can’t help wondering about the difference between fishing with a guide and being on your own – we are working with friendly and very skilled guides with fast boats. They even know some very nice spots for chasing permit. But again, take our word for it: Real permit fishing is pretty far from the effortless image you meet on Instagram.

The Beginning Is Not the End

While our bonefish trips are the perfect way to get introduced to tropic saltwater and flats fishing, no one becomes an expert after their first trip. After 25 years, and many more weeks, of bonefishing we still learn new stuff on every trip.

Bonefish are not as predictable as you might think, and it is not always just a tide-in, tide-out game. Sometimes, their behavior is a mystery even to seasoned guides. It must be one of their survival skills not just to follow daily routines, and – as a result - trying to figure them out is one of the things that keep us coming back for more.

You can always improve your bonefishing: The casting (and yes, modern fly rods do actually get better and better), new flies to tie and new techniques to test after each trip, new flats and areas to investigate. New maps, satellite images and apps on tides to investigate. As with every other part of fly fishing it never stops, and you will never be fully educated. Which really is the beauty of it all.

For more information log onto: www.getawayflyfishing.com or write to: info@getawayflyfishing.com