Bonefish are among the favorite targets of saltwater fly anglers for good reason. These elusive creatures, known as the “silver ghosts” of the flats, possess an captivating allure that draws anglers to tropical and subtropical waters around the globe searching for reel screaming runs. 

Bonefish offer a great combination of challenge and reward, willing to chow down on well-presented flies but won’t strike any ol’ presentation. You have to be stealthy, accurate, and patient in order to hook into bonefish. But when you do, it’s well worth the effort.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of bonefish, uncovering their habitats, behavior, and the tactics required to reel in these prized game fish on the fly.

Also, check out The Beginner’s Guide to Saltwater Flats Fishing

What are Bonefish?

Bonefish, scientifically named Albula vulpes, are sleek, silvery fish found in the warm coastal waters of tropical and subtropical regions. Basically, if there is a shallow flat in a tropical climate, there are likely bonefish swimmin’ around. 

Bonefish habitat includes shallow flats, mangrove-lined shorelines, and seagrass beds, where they forage for crustaceans, small fish, and marine invertebrates. While they spawn offshore, they’re predominately a coastal species and spend most of their lifespans living on inshore flats, able to better avoid larger species and find prey in the shallows.

Bonefish have evolved to be elusive, powerful creatures. While contrarily named bonefish, they’re nearly all muscle and can also display some chameleon-like qualities. Depending on where they live, they very often match the color of their surroundings, whether it be silvery white to match the sandy flats they inhabit, or a darker greenish/brown coloration akin to the mangrove shorelines they live. Their nicknames of “silver ghosts” or “ghosts of the flats” are very appropriate.

The power and challenge that bonefish exhibit and provide make them a perfect fly-rod fish. Renown angler Lefty Kreh, who has caught fish all over the world, once said that if he were to fish for just one species, it would be bonefish.

Where are the Best Bonefish Destinations?

As we mentioned, any tropical or subtropical climate can hold bonefish. All that is required is warmer water temperatures, coastal flats, and access to deeper spawning waters.

In the US, Florida and Hawaii are well known bonefish destinations that many anglers frequent. The Florida Keys are a hotbed for anglers from around the world to target bonefish, while Hawaii is known for fewer, but larger bonefish.

For the adventurous angler, The Seychelles are also a popular destination. Go on YouTube and search “bonefish” and there are sure to be videos from the tropical region off the coast of Africa that will fill you with wanderlust. The Alphonse Fishing Company, a well known outfitter in the Seychelles has a great article on Bonefishing applicable to anglers of any skill level

Some regions are known for a higher population of bonefish (Belize, for example), other regions are known for fewer, but larger bonefish (Hawaii, The Bahamas), and some for both (The Seychelles). Wherever you’re fishing for bonefish, they’re still a challenge to catch but well worth the adventure. 

Fly Fishing Gear for Bonefish

Bonefish Rods

An 8-weight is the best all-around fly rod for bonefish. This will provide enough power to cut through wind, but light enough to carry all day to deliver casts and slow down fish that will inevitably go on a powerful run. If you’re going bonefishing, an 8-weight is a must-have and will be able to handle any conditions you encounter.

For very calm days on skinny water, some anglers also carry a 6-weight or 7-sweight. Bonefish can be spooky and a lighter weight rod could deliver a softer presentation that is less likely to scare fish off. Some anglers that are wading for bonefish like the lighter weight as well, as stealth is paramount and distance less important. Plus, it’ll make the fight all that much more fun.

On windier days, or targeting well above average sized bonefish, a 9 weight can also be useful. Weather in tropical regions is often windy and gusts can get sometimes get powerful, so a heavier rod to cut through those winds also has its place. If you’re fishing for trophies, a 9 weight with a more powerful backbone can help slow them down as well.

Bonefish Reels

While the specifics of your reel may not be all that vital in freshwater fishing, they’re very important in saltwater fishing, especially when it comes to bonefish.

Bonefish can and will go on powerful runs. A high-quality reel with smooth drag and a large arbor is essential. Additionally, the drag system should be fully sealed to prevent any salt water from rusting out the gears of your reel. 

The quality drag system will help slow down the fish, putting the brakes on their extensive runs and eliminating the chance of the drag “locking up” and breaking your leader. Bonefish are also known to make runs toward you, so a larger arbor reel to pick up line more efficiently can be the difference between catching a fish and losing it. Your reel should have plenty of backing as well (150-200 yards) in case you hook into an especially frisky bonefish. 

Fly Lines for Bonefish

Opt for a weight-forward, floating tropical fly line specifically designed for bonefishing. These lines feature a durable, hard coating to withstand the rigors of saltwater environments while providing excellent turnover and presentation.

Freshwater lines will not work in the salt. They’ll quickly turn into spaghetti noodles and become uncastable in the salt. Be sure to be using a saltwater friendly line on your bonefishing adventure.

Leaders for Bonefish

Leaders for bonefish are pretty straightforward. Your leader should be 9-10 feet in length, tapered down to 16 lbs as a starting point. Luckily, bonefish are not too leader shy under most circumstances, however flat calm days in super skinny water may call for 10 lb tippet. Bigger bones in cloudier water or fisheries with a lot of coral or rocks on the bottom may call for tippet up to 20 lbs.

Fluorocarbon is the primary choice for leader material. It’s stiffness helps cut through the wind and it’s resistance to abrasion can be helpful on especially sticky bottom structures. Mono will get the job done, but fluorocarbon is certainly the preference. 

Bonefish Flies

Stock your fly box with a variety of shrimp and crab imitations, tied on size 4 to 8 saltwater hooks. Popular choices include the iconic Crazy Charlie, the versatile Gotcha, and the ever-reliable Bonefish Clouser. Spawning Shrimp are also a popular pattern along with EP Crab style flies. 

Bonefish are not typically very picky about the flies they attack. Similar to everything in fly fishing, presenting the fly is more important than which fly you select. I’ve found that if your fly looks “shrimpy” or “crabby”, it will look tasty to a bonefish if fished correctly.  

Bonefish Techniques

Check out our 5 Bonefish Tips You Need to Know

How to Spot Bonefish on the Flats

The art of spotting bonefish is essential for success on the flats. They’re called the “ghosts of the flats” for good reason, stealthily blending to the bottom and easily avoiding detection.

When spotting bonefish, look for subtle signs such as “moving shadows” on the bottom, tailing fish, or slight disturbances on the surface (also known as “nervous water”), indicating the presence of feeding bonefish. Understanding their habitat preferences, including shallow sandy flats and seagrass beds, can also help you pinpoint potential hotspots.

The reality of bonefishing is that it is a lot of searching. Depending on where you’re fishing, it’s not uncommon to spend half an hour or so (sometimes, if not often, longer) looking for bonefish before you actually cast to them. This sight fishing style is similar to hunting or stalking fish, and while it’s not necessarily non-stop action, the search for fish actually becomes enjoyable and borderline addicting. Be patient, it will pay off!

When sight fishing for bonefish, the sun is your friend. The sun will light up the bottom of the flat, illuminating fish and structure that is nearly impossible to see if the sun is shrouded in the clouds. Fishing when the sun is overhead provides the strongest, most direct light, while early mornings and late afternoons provide some, but not the best light. 

Casting to Bonefish

When casting to bonefish, it is vital to lead the fish, placing a fly in the direction in which they are swimming. This is a skill, being able to read where the fish is going and casting your fly in front of, not too far and not too close to the fish.

The general rule when leading fish is about 5 feet in front of the fish. This distance allows the fish to see the fly, but gives enough distance to not spook it. If you’re fishing with a guide, listen to his directions, as this distance could change depending on the shyness of the fish, the color of the water, and the speed in which they’re swimming. 

Retrievals for Bonefish

Mimicking a fleeing shrimp, crab, or baitfish correctly is key to catching bonefish. Your retrieval should match the natural motion of the prey you are imitating, which can very depending on what fly you are fishing.

Keep in mind that with all patterns, no prey in their right mind will swim directly at a predator. It’s just not natural. All presentations at bonefish (or any other fish) should be made with the fly swimming away or across the fish, not directly into their mouths. Would you eat a chicken finger that was crawling toward you? Weird image, but you get the point. 

Shrimp naturally swim in a short, jolty motion when fleeing from predators. We need to match this with our presentations when fishing shrimp patterns. Short, quick strips will mimic the natural motion of a fleeing shrimp very accurately and draw in the bonefish’s attention. 

On the other hand, crabs swims more slowly and methodically through the water column. Longer, more deliberate strips will mimic this motion naturally.

Baitfish will swim erratically when fleeing from predators. Quick, erratic strips of your line with varying lengths (don’t think too much about that) will match the natural fleeing motion of baitfish. Contrary to intuition, trying to get the fly away from the fish is often the best method to get them to bite.

Strip Sets

You’ll hear this a thousand times in saltwater fishing: strip set, don’t trout set. 

What is a Strip Set?

As the name suggests, strip sets are hook sets created by a firm strip of  the fly line with your hand. As opposed to lifting the rod to drive the hook into the fish’s mouth, you’ll instead grab a hold of the fly line in your stripping hand, and swiftly pull back on the line to set the hook. This is a vital skill in all of saltwater fishing.

Trout setting is a hard habit to break, especially if you have done mostly freshwater fishing. However, strip sets are by far the best way to hook a fish in the salt and the bonefish you’ve worked so hard to get to bite will likely swim away if you try to hook it with a trout set.

Strip Sets and Bonefish

Because bonefishing is nearly all visual, you’ll be able to see when the bonefish has taken your fly. Occasionally you’ll be able to feel the strike, especially on an aggressive fish, but for the most part you’ll be strip setting once you see the bonefish eat your fly.

Timing is critical when setting the hook on bonefish. Too early and you’ll strip it out of their mouths (I’ve done this plenty of times) and with too late of a hook set, the fish will have spat the fly out of its mouth. The best advice I’ve heard is to not anticipate the hook set, rather read the fish and react quickly. Keep your fly rod in the water until the fish is hooked to limit the temptation of trout setting. It takes practice, but so does all things that are worthwhile!

Conclusion

Bonefish bring arguably more fly anglers to the salt than any other fish not named tarpon. They’re truly an addicting fish that will take your gear to the limits with blistering runs. 

The most versatile rod is the 8 weight. Pair that with a floating tropical type line with a 9-10 ft leader. Tie on your favorite shrimp, crab, or baitfish pattern and patiently stalk the flats of tropical warm water regions in search of tails, nervous water, or cruising shadowy figures. 

Bonefishing requires patience and discipline. When you spot fish, casts must accurate and delicate, drawing the fish’s attention in with your shrimp or crab fly. Once you get the fish’s attention, mimic the natural motion of the type of fly you’re using, wait for the eat, and most importantly, strip set!