BONEFISHING IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

Bonefish thrive in the warmest regions of the world in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.  However, no destination can lay claim to having the largest bonefish in the world more accurately than the Florida Keys, Islamorada and Key West.
 
Anglers arrive here from far and wide to try their hand at catching a true trophy bonefish.  Many world class tournaments are held in the Florida Keys targeting the largest bonefish.  Serious anglers have this destination in mind to set a world record while others simply want a personal best.  Either way, the IGFA record book is full of past and present bonefish world records and countless anglers have boarded the plane with a photograph or memory of the biggest bonefish they had ever caught.
Bonefish are available from north of Key Largo, Biscayne Bay, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, Sugarloaf, Key West, The Marquesas Keys and The Dry Tortugas.  As one of the most popular fish in the Florida Keys, we get daily requests to catch bonefish. 

METHODS OF CATCHING BONEFISH

The most productive way to catch bonefish is by using bait and a spinning rod.  Further, guides will often chum bonefish by dicing shrimp and crabs into small pieces and placing them in an area that has strong current which will take the scent to the fish.  Once the bonefish smell the scent of the fresh shrimp, they will beat a path to the area and anglers can catch them.  This method is undoubtedly the most productive way to fish for bonefish. 
Bait fishermen can also sight cast for bonefish which is often more like hunting than most fishing situations.  Guides will pole or use a trolling motor to find and actually see the bonefish in the water before the cast is ever made.  Requiring precise casts and delicate presentations, the live shrimp is “placed” in the water in front of the sighted fish.  Because the cast is so important and often has to be long, tackle choice is usually a 7 foot spinning rod with 10 pound braided line.
 
Fly fishing is the most difficult, least productive but most rewarding method of fishing for bonefish.  Flyfishermen will target bonefish which are cruising or tailing (feeding in water so shallow that their tails protrude from the water’s surface).  This is the ultimate in fishing for bonefish.  Due to the depth of the water, the bonefish is extremely spooky and ready to leave the flat at any moment.  Placing a fly delicately in front of a tailing fish requires practiced precision and a gentle touch.  Anglers who desire to catch bonefish on fly are encouraged to practice their casting a lot before coming to the Florida Keys.

For many anglers, pursuing the bonefish with a fly rod is the only way to go.  Others prefer to catch a larger quantity of fish and prefer bait fishing for them.  Whichever you prefer, Saltwater Experience can provide you with a true professional bonefish guide capable of creating the best environment for you to catch a bonefish based upon your experience and skill level. Give us a call or email to design your bonefishing vacation.