Because of the size of the waters your fishing, by necessity, fishing for "BONES" is fishing by sight.  You must spot the fish before presenting your fly. You will want to aim 3 to 4 feet ahead of a TAILING fish or 5 to 10 feet ahead of a MUDDING BONEFISH or a slow moving fish and 20 to 30 feet ahead of a fast moving fish.

Casting ahead allows the time to sink to the bottom before the fish reaches the fly.  Begin your retrieve just as the fish comes within sight of the fly.   Avoid false casting over the fish's head and keep additional false cast to a minimum.

 

The Bonefish's CAUDAL FIN gives it blinding speed on the flats.  "Bones" can reach 30 miles per hour in a very short distance.  Because of the power and speed of this fish, it's vital you minimize your drag, and let the fish run to protect your tippet.

It is easier to spot "Bones" that lie and feed on flats of light sand.  If the fish lives and feeds over dark turtle grass it will likely have a dark colored back while those that inhabit light sand are almost a pure silver in color because of fewer vertical markings.

If fishing in a foot or less of water look at the water surface for a tailfin, wake, a blast of water, or a puff of mud.  If you are more than a foot deep, look at the bottom for a shadow or "nervous water."

  

INDUCING THE STRIKE
Halting your retrieve and moving the fly again can induce a strike as can lifting the fly as soon as it settles.   When confronted by a school get your fly in front and move it at the same speed as the school. You want an even, steady retrieve by hand stripping while always maintaining a tight line. If the fly, when settled, attracts attention slowly, drag the fly on the bottom.  React to the strike setting the hook with your line hand and let the fish run. 

A BONE HARD MOUTH

When setting the hook for Bones remember the fish has a tough-lipped mouth and hard interior bonelike crushers to feed on the crustaceans found on the saltwater flats. You must use sharp hooks and set the hook firmly When striking with your line hand form a "ring" with your first finger and thumb and allow the line to run through until it is on the reel- now play the fish.  If you are going to strike with your rod, hold the tip close to the water and jerk the lowered rod sideways.  With an upward arm movement, you may miss the strike and hook yourself or your guide.

 

PLAYING THE BONEFISH

When you steel hook penetrates the mouth of a "fresh" Bonefish, prepare for the first run which will probably be the longest, fastest and most powerful run of the fight.  The pressure must be kept even and steady; no sharp jerks.  Your drag, which should be set at about 1-pound, will increase as line runs off your reel and while raising your rod towards the vertical.  Protect your tippet. Don't let the fish rest by holding the bent rod; You will prolong the fight.

STRIKING WITH LINE HAND
 

If the fish runs straight towards you, retrieve the line by stripping furiously with your line hand. When the fish runs, hold your rod high putting pressure on your rod and not on your tippet.  Face the fish as you play it and leave your drag adjustment alone.  Help control your drag by controlling the angle of your rod.

Bonefish will give their all. When the fish is spent, reel in all your line leaving the leader out of the tip-top.  While holding the rod as high as you can, release the Bone by holding the fish firmly behind the head, turning it belly up and backing the hook out of its mouth.  With the bonefish upright revive it by pushing it gently several times aiding the fills in oxygenating the fish.   This fish is exhausted and needs to be treated properly to survive.

HOLD ROD HIGH KEEPING
PRESSURE OFF THE TIPPET
 

REVIVING A BONEFISH

WADING VS BOAT

Since Bonefish are found in less than 4 feet of water you can gain advantage of a quieter approach and getting closer by wadding.  However, fishing from a boat allows you to cover more water and see farther because of the increased height. Water transmits sound at about 4 1/2 times faster than air so both methods must keep sound to a minimum.
 
MAXIMIZE VISIBILITY

Try to avoid approaching white clouds that reflect off of the water surface because it will be nearly impossible to see a fish.   Try to keep the sun either behind you or to the side to maximize your visibility.  Always wear POLARIZED SUNGLASSES. Yellow-brown polarized sunglasses for bright sun or bright yellow polarized sunglasses for overcast days offer the best visibility.

BETTER VIEW CLOSER APPROACH

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