The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper


Vol. 16 No. 41 - August 10, 2016

reel time

Homegrown bonefish

Reel time

rusty chinnis | sun

Captain Mark Bradow caught this bonefish while cast netting
bait near Beer Can island. Bradow reported landing over 50 in one throw.

 

Bonefish are one of the most sought after gamefish in the world. Ask most serious fly anglers about their favorite species, and bonefish will be at, or near, the top of their list. Why? When hooked, bonefish accelerate to speeds that have the angler's line rooster-tailing through the water. The initial run is so spectacular that neophyte anglers are known to freeze in place, hanging onto their fly line and unable to respond until their leader breaks.

Bonefish have been traditionally caught from Miami south. The Keys and the Bahamas are two of the best places to pursue these elusive fish. They are also found along most of the Caribbean coast, as well as tropical locations worldwide. In the past few years, their range seems to be expanding, as evidenced by anglers who have been encountering them locally.

Last month Captain Mark Bradow was catching bait near Beer Can Island when he caught over fifty small bonefish on one throw of his cast net. The presence of these bonefish reveals that they can survive in local waters. Whether they go offshore during the winter is not known, but the chance at a bonefish locally is an enticing idea. Several months ago, I saw what looked like bonefish on a sand flat in Longboat Pass. The fish acted like bonefish, disappearing as soon as I saw them, and living up to their nickname the grey ghost. I plan on returning to that flat with my fly rod as soon as possible to see if I can entice one of these wayward bonefish.

Here are a few things you'll need to know if you want to try your hand at landing a bonefish in local waters. When the water and sky are clear and calm, the utmost stealth must be employed. This means long casts with light flies, long leads and very soft entries. More than one cast is often required to get in the strike zone.

By never letting the fly line leave your left hand (right handed casters), you can stop the fly to pinpoint your target and be ready to impart immediate action to the fly. A fly that doesn't look natural will generally spook fish, but at best they will lose interest. Fish seem to be less spooky on the first of the rising tide. On the falling tide they are already thinking about moving and can be as wary as a cat in a dog pound. Lead the fish by at least two feet, and then move the fly to match their speed.

When a fly tied in a crab or crustacean pattern is spotted by a bonefish, it should be hopped and stopped using six inch strips. Flies that mimic bait fish are stripped so that they swim. Rigging for wary bones is critical with leaders varied according to weather conditions and the clarity of the water. On clear days up to a 12 plus foot leader may be required. Most bonefish rods are from 8-10 weight and leaders should include a 50# butt section tied with a nail knot to the fly line.

To turn over properly the butt section should be 50 percent of the final length of the leader. Leaders should be tied with progressively lighter sections of line (40-30-20), ending with a 12-inch bite tippet of 12-pound fluorocarbon. The leader can be built with improved blood or uni knots. The fly should be tied to the bite tippet with a loop knot to add action to the fly.

While bonefish are generally pursued with fly tackle, they can be caught by spin anglers as well. Spin fishers need to apply all the techniques that fly anglers do and use equipment that lets them make long casts. Bonefish will readily take jigs if they are light and presented correctly.

Bradow's bonefish were not the first captured by local anglers catching bait. There have been several occasions when larger bonefish were reported. Anglers who have the patience should try the shallow flats at the local passes and near Egmont and Passage Key. Catching a homegrown bonefish may be a long shot, but it's definitely a possibility. If you do catch one, make sure to take a picture! Captain Bradow can be reached at 941-242-8626.


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