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Do you want to experience the thrill of catching bonefish? Would you like to learn how to catch bonefish? It is challenging to catch bonefish as it is elusive, good at hiding, and stealthy. Fishing for bonefish will not only test your patience but also your skills as an angler. In this article, we discuss how to catch bonefish, share fishing tips, baits, and lures, and discuss the equipment needed to catch bonefish.
Table of Contents
How To Catch Bonefish
1. Sight-fishing
One of the popular fishing methods to catch bonefish is sight-fishing at schools or a single fish. Additionally, you can also fish for bonefish by wading or poling a shallow draft boat around shallow flats looking for fish. Sight fishing is an easy and effective way of fishing. it is a good way for beginners to get started with fishing. When sight-fishing for bonefish, you will need to wear polarized sunglasses to clearly spot the bonefish in the waters when it is windy.
2. Fly fishing
Fly fishing is the quintessential method for targeting bonefish, known for its finesse and technicality. Anglers use lightweight fly rods and reels paired with specialized fly lines and flies designed to mimic the small crustaceans and baitfish that bonefish feed on.
Stealth and accuracy are crucial in fly fishing for bonefish, as these fish are incredibly wary and easily spooked. Anglers often sight-fish for bonefish on shallow flats, scanning the water for subtle signs of movement or the distinctive shadows of feeding fish.
Once a bonefish is spotted, anglers must carefully present the fly with precision, leading the fish just enough to entice a strike without alarming it. Successful fly fishing for bonefish requires patience, skill, and an intimate understanding of the fish’s behavior and habitat.
3. Spin Fishing
Spin fishing is another popular method for targeting bonefish, offering anglers versatility and ease of use compared to fly fishing. Anglers typically use lightweight spinning rods and reels paired with fluorocarbon or monofilament lines and a variety of artificial lures or natural baits.
Soft plastic swimbaits, small jigs, spoons, and shrimp imitations are commonly used lures for spin fishing for bonefish. The key to successful spin fishing for bonefish lies in casting accuracy and presentation.
Anglers must cast their lures with precision to intercept the path of cruising bonefish without spooking them. Retrieving the lure with subtle twitches or a slow, steady retrieve can entice bonefish to strike. Spin fishing for bonefish is often productive in a variety of habitats, including shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and channels, where bonefish actively feed.
4. Live Bait Fishing
Live bait fishing is a straightforward yet effective method for targeting bonefish, particularly for anglers looking to capitalize on the fish’s voracious feeding behavior. Anglers typically use small live bait such as shrimp, and crabs, or small baitfish like pilchards or mullets.
These baits are presented on light tackle using a variety of rigs, including Carolina rigs, drop shot rigs or free-lined presentations. Live bait fishing for bonefish is most productive in areas with strong tidal currents or around structures where bonefish congregate to feed.
Anglers must employ stealth and patience when presenting live bait to bonefish, as these fish can be easily spooked by any disturbances or unnatural movements in the water. With the right presentation and proper bait selection, live bait fishing can yield exciting results when targeting bonefish.
Bonefish Tackle Setup
A light spinning setup, preferably 6 to 12 pounds with a 7 to 7 1/2-foot fishing rod and reel carrying about 200 yards of the line will work for bonefish fishing. Add a 20- or 30-foot mono or fluorocarbon top shot to prevent spooking the fish if you opt for a braided line.
For fly fishing, an 8- or 9-weight fly gear will work for fishing bonefish. For smaller bonefish, you can use a 7- or 6-weight fly gear when to fly fishing. When fishing bonefish on foot, to prevent slapping of the water on the back cast, you can go with a 9- or 9 1/2-foot fly rod. Use tapered leaders, that are about 10 feet long, with a 6- to 12-pound tippet.
How To Catch Bonefish In The Keys
In the Florida Keys, bonefish can be found in clear waters that are less than one foot deep. Bonefish is a schooling fish and the fishing method used to catch bonefish is to pole a flats skiff across a flat with the angler stationed on the bow. Live crabs and flies can be used when fishing for bonefish.
Best Bonefish Baits
1. Shrimps
Shrimp are highly effective bait for targeting bonefish due to their natural appearance and widespread availability in bonefish habitats. Anglers often use live or fresh shrimp, although artificial shrimp lures can also be successful. When using live shrimp, anglers typically rig them on a small hook with minimal weight to allow for a natural presentation.
The presentation of the shrimp is critical, as bonefish are known for their keen eyesight and can be easily spooked by unnatural movements. Anglers may choose to free-line the shrimp or employ a light leader with a small weight to keep the bait near the bottom where bonefish feed. The scent and movement of the shrimp attract bonefish, enticing them to strike.
Shrimp can be particularly effective when fishing in shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, or around structures where bonefish are known to feed. Overall, shrimp is a versatile and reliable bait option for anglers targeting bonefish in a variety of habitats and conditions.
2. Crabs
Crabs are a popular and effective bait for targeting bonefish, especially in areas where these prized gamefish frequent flats and shallow waters. Bonefish are known to feed on a variety of crustaceans, including crabs, making them a natural and enticing option for anglers.
Live crabs, such as small blue crabs or fiddler crabs, are often preferred, although artificial crab lures can also yield success. When using live crabs, anglers typically rig them on a small hook with minimal weight to allow for a natural presentation.
Presentation is key when using crab bait for bonefish, as these fish have keen eyesight and are easily spooked by unnatural movements. Anglers may choose to free-line the crab or use a light leader with a small weight to keep the bait near the bottom where bonefish feed.
The scent and movement of the crab attract bonefish, enticing them to strike. Crabs can be particularly effective when fishing in sandy flats, grassy areas, or near mangrove roots where bonefish are known to feed. Overall, crabs are a versatile and reliable bait option for anglers seeking to hook into these elusive and powerful fish.
3. Seaworms
Sea worms are a popular and effective bait choice for targeting bonefish, particularly in areas where these elusive gamefish frequent shallow waters and sandy flats. Bonefish are known to have a diverse diet, which includes various small crustaceans, mollusks, and worms found in their habitat.
Sea worms, such as bloodworms or sandworms, are readily available in coastal areas and provide a natural and enticing presentation for bonefish. Anglers often rig sea worms on small hooks with minimal weight to allow for a natural drift or presentation along the bottom where bonefish feed.
The scent and movement of the sea worms attract bonefish, enticing them to strike. Presentation is crucial when using sea worms as bait, as bonefish have keen eyesight and are sensitive to unnatural movements.
Anglers may choose to thread the sea worms onto the hook to maximize their attractiveness to bonefish. Sea worms can be particularly effective when fishing in areas with sandy bottoms or near grassy flats where bonefish are known to forage for food. Overall, sea worms are a versatile and reliable bait option for anglers targeting bonefish in coastal waters.
4. Sardines
While sardines are not typically the first choice of bait for targeting bonefish, they can still be effective under certain circumstances. Bonefish are known to have a varied diet, feeding on a range of small crustaceans, mollusks, and baitfish found in their habitat. In areas where sardines are abundant and part of the local baitfish population, they can serve as a viable bait option for bonefish.
Anglers may find success using fresh or frozen sardines rigged on appropriate-sized hooks and presented in areas where bonefish are known to feed, such as shallow flats, mangrove edges, or sandy bottoms. However, sardines may not be as preferred as other bait options like shrimp, crabs, or small baitfish more commonly found in bonefish habitats.
Additionally, presentation and rigging are essential factors when using sardines as bait for bonefish, as these fish can be selective feeders and may require a natural-looking presentation to entice a strike. Overall, while sardines may not be the go-to bait for targeting bonefish, they can still be effective when used strategically in areas where they are a natural part of the ecosystem.
5. Minnows
Minnows, particularly small baitfish species like mullet or pilchards, can be effective bait for bonefish in certain situations. While bonefish are primarily known for feeding on crustaceans and small invertebrates found on the flats, they are opportunistic feeders and will readily consume small baitfish when available.
Anglers targeting bonefish with minnows should present them in a natural and enticing manner, mimicking the behavior of injured or distressed baitfish to attract the attention of these wary predators. Rigging minnows on lightweight hooks with minimal weight to allow for natural movement and casting them into areas where bonefish are known to feed, such as shallow flats or along mangrove edges, can increase the likelihood of success.
However, it’s essential to match the size and species of the minnows to the local baitfish population and the preferences of the bonefish in the area. Overall, while minnows may not be the most common bait choice for bonefish, they can still be effective when used strategically and presented convincingly in the right conditions.
Best Bonefish Lures
1. Skimmer Jigs
Skimmer jigs are a popular lure choice for targeting bonefish, especially in shallow water and flat environments. These jigs are typically lightweight and designed to imitate small baitfish or crustaceans, making them highly attractive to bonefish, which are known for their voracious feeding habits.
Skimmer jigs are often rigged with a single or treble hook and feature a streamlined body shape that allows them to glide through the water with minimal resistance, mimicking the natural movements of prey species. Anglers can work skimmer jigs using a variety of techniques, including a slow and steady retrieve, subtle twitches, or erratic jerks to simulate injured baitfish or fleeing crustaceans, enticing bonefish to strike.
When fishing with skimmer jigs, it’s crucial to match the color and size of the lure to the local forage species and water conditions to maximize effectiveness. Overall, skimmer jigs are versatile and effective lures for targeting bonefish in a range of shallow water environments, making them a go-to choice for many anglers pursuing these elusive gamefish.
2. Plugs
Plugs are versatile lures that can be effective for targeting bonefish in a variety of environments, from shallow flats to deeper channels. These lures typically feature a hard plastic or wooden body with one or more treble hooks attached. Plugs come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing anglers to match the hatch or experiment with different presentations to entice bonefish.
Floating or suspending plugs are ideal for fishing shallow flats, where bonefish often feed, as they can be worked with twitching or popping action to mimic injured baitfish or fleeing prey. Additionally, sinking plugs are suitable for targeting bonefish in deeper water or areas with stronger currents, where a subsurface presentation is more effective.
Anglers can retrieve plugs at various speeds and depths, adjusting their technique based on the behavior of the fish and prevailing conditions. When fishing with plugs for bonefish, it’s essential to use light tackle and fluorocarbon leaders to ensure a natural presentation and prevent spooking wary fish. With their lifelike appearance and enticing action, plugs can be highly effective lures for enticing bonefish and enticing strikes in a wide range of fishing scenarios.
3. Soft baits
Soft baits, such as soft plastic shrimp or worm imitations, are highly effective lures for targeting bonefish in shallow flats and coastal waters. These lures typically feature a soft, flexible body with a lifelike appearance and natural movement in the water.
Soft baits can be rigged on a jig head or weedless hook and worked with a variety of retrieval techniques to mimic the behavior of prey species that bonefish feed on, such as shrimp, crabs, or small baitfish. Anglers can use a slow, steady retrieve to simulate the movement of a fleeing crustacean or employ a series of short twitches and pauses to imitate the erratic behavior of injured prey.
Soft baits are versatile lures that can be fished effectively in a range of conditions, from calm, clear flats to deeper channels with stronger currents. When targeting bonefish with soft baits, it’s crucial to use light tackle and fluorocarbon leaders to ensure a natural presentation and prevent spooking wary fish. With their realistic appearance and lifelike action, soft baits are a go-to lure for many anglers pursuing bonefish and can often result in exciting strikes from these elusive gamefish.
Best Bonefish Flies
1. Shrimp flies
Shrimp flies are a popular type of fly used by anglers targeting bonefish in shallow flats and coastal waters. These flies are designed to imitate the appearance and movement of small shrimp, which are a primary prey species for bonefish.
Shrimp flies typically feature a slender, elongated body made from materials such as synthetic fibers or marabou feathers, which provide a lifelike profile in the water. The body may be adorned with additional features such as bead eyes, rubber legs, or flash materials to enhance its attractiveness to bonefish.
Shrimp flies are typically tied on lightweight hooks to ensure they float or sink slowly in the water, depending on the desired presentation. Anglers can fish shrimp flies using a variety of techniques, including sight casting to actively feeding fish or blind casting across likely holding areas.
When presenting shrimp flies to bonefish, it’s essential to make accurate casts and impart subtle movements to the fly to mimic the natural behavior of shrimp. Shrimp flies are a versatile and effective fly pattern for targeting bonefish in a range of conditions and are a staple in the fly boxes of anglers pursuing these elusive gamefish.
2. Crab flies
Crab flies are a specialized type of fly pattern used by anglers targeting bonefish in shallow flats and coastal waters. These flies are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of small crabs, which are a primary food source for bonefish in their natural habitat.
Crab flies typically feature a realistic body shape with flattened profiles and segmented sections, often crafted from materials like synthetic fibers, fur, or foam. The coloration and texture of the fly closely resemble that of live crabs, with variations to match different species and stages of development.
Crab flies may also incorporate additional features such as bead eyes, rubber legs, or weed guards to enhance their effectiveness and durability. Anglers typically present crab flies to bonefish using sight casting or blind casting techniques, depending on the conditions and behavior of the fish.
When fishing with crab flies, it’s crucial to make accurate casts and impart subtle movements to the fly to simulate the natural behavior of crabs in the water. Crab flies are highly effective for targeting bonefish in a variety of environments, making them a valuable addition to the fly boxes of anglers pursuing these prized gamefish.
3. Clouser Minnow
The Clouser Minnow is a renowned fly pattern widely used by anglers targeting bonefish in shallow flats and coastal waters. Developed by fly tier Bob Clouser, this fly features a distinctive design characterized by its weighted eyes positioned near the hook’s bend, which causes the fly to sink rapidly and assume a jigging action when retrieved.
The body of the Clouser Minnow typically consists of a sparse combination of bucktail, synthetic fibers, or other materials, often tied in contrasting colors to mimic baitfish or shrimp – primary prey items for bonefish. The weighted eyes help the fly to ride hook-up and minimize snagging on the bottom, making it ideal for fishing in shallow water where bonefish forage.
The Clouser Minnow’s versatility and effectiveness in imitating various prey species make it a staple in the fly boxes of bonefish anglers worldwide. When fishing with Clouser Minnows, anglers often employ techniques such as sight casting or blind casting, depending on the water conditions and the behavior of the fish. With its proven track record for enticing strikes from bonefish, the Clouser Minnow remains a go-to fly pattern for anglers pursuing these elusive gamefish.
4. Crazy Charlie
Crazy Charlie is a legendary bonefish fly known for its irresistible allure in the flats. Crafted to mimic the natural prey of these elusive fish, Crazy Charlie boasts a slender silhouette and a captivating bead-chain eye that imparts just the right jigging action underwater. Its body, often tied with flashy materials like pearl or silver tinsel, dances effortlessly in the currents, drawing the attention of even the most discerning bonefish.
Whether in the crystal-clear shallows of the Caribbean or the mangrove-lined coastlines of the Florida Keys, Crazy Charlie has earned its reputation as a go-to pattern for anglers seeking the thrill of hooking into these powerful and elusive saltwater predators. With its uncanny ability to entice strikes, Crazy Charlie remains an indispensable tool in the arsenal of any bonefish angler chasing the ultimate flats adventure.
5. Borski Bonefish Slider
The Borski Bonefish Slider stands as a testament to innovative fly tying in the pursuit of bonefish. Developed by legendary angler Tim Borski, this fly combines simplicity with remarkable effectiveness. Featuring a streamlined profile and a tantalizingly subtle movement in the water, the Borski Slider mimics the natural motions of crustaceans and baitfish that bonefish avidly seek out.
Its sparse yet precisely placed materials, often including tan or olive-colored bucktail and a hint of flash, create a lifelike appearance that proves irresistible to these discerning predators. Whether sight fishing in shallow flats or probing deeper channels, the Borski Bonefish Slider’s ability to elicit aggressive strikes makes it a favorite among seasoned anglers chasing these elusive silver ghosts.
In the arsenal of bonefish enthusiasts worldwide, the Borski Slider stands as a testament to its creator’s ingenuity and remains a staple fly for any angler seeking success on the saltwater flats.
6. Dorsey Kwan
The Dorsey Kwan is a revered bonefish fly that embodies precision and finesse in its design. Originating from the innovative mind of renowned fly tyer Pat Dorsey, the Dorsey Kwan has earned its reputation as a go-to pattern for targeting bonefish in various saltwater environments.
Characterized by its elegant simplicity, this fly features a slender body tied with natural or synthetic fibers in earthy tones, complemented by a delicate bead-chain eye for subtle movement underwater. The Dorsey Kwan’s lifelike presentation and natural profile make it particularly effective when fishing in clear, shallow waters where bonefish are known to roam.
Whether stalking the flats of the Bahamas or the sandy shallows of Belize, anglers rely on the Dorsey Kwan to entice strikes from these elusive silver torpedoes. With its proven track record and widespread acclaim, the Dorsey Kwan continues to hold a cherished place in the fly boxes of bonefish enthusiasts worldwide.
Bonefish Fishing Tips
1. You can catch bonefish on flies, lures, and bait.
2. Bonefish will put up a hard fight when hooked.
3. Bonefish is a schooling fish.
4. Bonefish are found in tropical waters that are close to the shore.
5. You can find bonefish in shallow waters sometimes with their tails sticking out of the water.
6. Bonefish are often fished on shallow sandy flats.
7. Many anglers fly fish for bonefish using weighted flies that imitate shrimps and small crabs.
8. Bonefish feed on the bottom by sucking prey from the bottom instead of chasing prey that is above them.
9. You can also catch bonefish using small jigs or plastic tails on spinning gear.
10. When using baits to catch bonefish, you must drop the bait to the bottom.
11. Always carry polarized sunglasses when you go bonefish fishing.
12. Sight-fishing is an effective way to fish for bonefish.
13. You can hire a fishing charter to bonefish if you don’t have much experience and want professional guidance.
14. When bonefish are feeding, the condition of the surface of the water impacts their feeling of security.
15. Bonefish tend to be more nervous in calm waters.
16. When there is a ripple on the surface of the water, cast the fly 3 to 5 feet in front of the bonefish.
17. When calm and still days, cast the fly further away from the bonefish and stripped back into his area of awareness.
18. Large schools of bonefish will move off the shoreline into about 5 to 10 feet of cooler water during warmer months.
19. When you are casting to traveling bonefish, cast well ahead of the fish and let it settle. When the bonefish is in range, then strip.
20. Bonefish have three main modes of behavior: feeding, mudding, and traveling.
21. When fly fishing for bonefish, most of the time you will use flies in sizes 2 and 4.
22. Bonefish crush their food after ingesting it because they don’t have teeth.
23. Bonefish are very fast and can swim up to 40 mph.
24. The design of the bonefish’s body allows it to be difficult to spot in the water by an inexperienced angler which helps it swim and feed undetected by predators and anglers.
25. One of the ways to improve your bonefishing skills is by learning to identify the leader of the school. When they travel in a school, the leader will be at the front of the group.
26. Bonefish are great at camouflaging themselves and they are highly suspicious. Add their ability to swim very fast and stealthy behavior, bonefish is a challenging fish to catch.
27. Bonefish create “V” wakes, which are large v-shaped trails in the water, as they move in shallow water. These v-shaped trails appear as long trailing streaks in the water and they can give you an idea of the direction of the bonefish as the head of the bonefish will always be the head of the V. You can easily spot them on calm days but are harder to spot on windy days.
28. Anglers usually follow a rule of getting your fly to hit the bottom in no more than 3 seconds.
29. Adjust your fly to changing water depths. There are weighted, lightly weighted, and heavily weighted flies. The depths of the water will dictate which flies to use.
30. Bonefish feed on shrimps, small crabs, sardines, minnows, sardines, mollusks, and other crustaceans.
The Bottom Line
Bonefish is a favorite gamefish for many anglers as it is elusive, good at hiding, and stealthy. It is a schooling fish and feeds on the bottom. Bait, lures, and flies can be used to catch bonefish. In this article, we discussed the fishing methods most anglers use to catch bonefish, its unique characteristics, and the equipment to use when fishing for bonefish.
If you fish for other fish like bowfin, bonito, and Almaco jack, then read these articles how to catch bowfin, how to catch bonito, and how to catch Almaco jack to improve your chances of catching more of these fish.