Mastering the Art of Fly Fishing Bonefish

Fly fishing, an ancient and unique fishing method, has become most famous for catching salmon and trout. However, the technique is used today to catch freshwater fishes such as carp, bass, panfish, and pike. Fly fishing is also used to catch various saltwater fishes, such as in fly fishing bonefish. The bonefish is a thin, silvery marine fish that is located in mangrove lagoons and tropical mud flats.

Big Skills For The Big Catch

The key to fly fishing, including fly fishing bonefish, is in the technique. In addition to your line hand’s movements, you should consider several other factors. If slack in the line exists while you try to animate the fly, your line hand will only remove a portion of the slack, and the fly will remain still as a rock. The bonefish will then lose interest and eventually swim away.

What causes slack? Even a textbook cast will include some slack at the cast’s end. Furthermore, waves and wind can create more slack immediately after the line contacts the water. In addition, when fly fishing bonefish, if you commence the retrieve with the rod’s tip far above the water while the boat moves toward the fish, more slack could be created. This slack will take in each of your line hand’s actions.

However, there is hope when fly fishing bonefish. Make the fly come alive by lowering the rod’s tip as close to the water’s surface as possible. Even if you cannot contact the surface due to your elevation, get as close as possible. Next, strip until the fly line becomes taunt. This will cause any movement of the hand line to become nearly equivalent to the fly’s movement. Thus, you will perceive the least amount of tug, increasing your daily catch when fly fishing bonefish.

How Deep Is Your Love (For Fly Fishing)?

When fly fishing bonefish, special adjustments should be made for deeper and shallower water. Deeper waters typically contain larger bonefish and allow for more challenging fly fishing. Use a longer lead, giving the fly ample time to drop to the bottom or near to it. Although a heavier line is generally used, this will still require more time. Thus, never begin the retrieve prematurely. Determine how long the fly needs to hit the bottom. This information is important, as your target area for fly fishing bonefish is at the level of the fish or beneath it. As deeper water flies tend to be larger, a quicker, more forceful retrieve should be used.

Skinny Waters With Thick Fish

On the other hand, when fly fishing bonefish in shallower waters, allow the fly to sink in water below a foot deep, but not particularly to the bottom. Bonefish tend to pursue flies as they near grass or sand. Try slightly yanking the line a few times to catch the fish’s attention. If the bonefish pursues the fly without biting, smoothly drag the fly slowly and progressively. You must remember that several of the bonefish’s foods move leisurely and clumsily. Another technique is to let your fly lie on the floor of the body of water for a few seconds, before creating any movement. When fly fishing, imagine that your fly is an actor or puppet.

Though it requires particular skills and a significant time to master, fly fishing, including fly fishing bonefish can be quite challenging. However, making a huge catch serves as an ample reward for any angler.