Best Flies for Bonefish
Flies that Catch One of the Strongest Fish that Swims in Saltwater
May 14, 2009
Bonefish (Albula vulpes) are fish that inhabit tropical inshore waters worldwide, and they make perfect targets for saltwater fly anglers. Although these fish do not grow to much more than twenty pounds (the current world record caught on rod and reel is nineteen pounds), the fish are very strong and finicky, making them coveted trophies for fly fishermen. Bonefish live predominantly in the shallower waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the South Pacific Ocean. They spawn in deeper waters offshore, and return to the shallows to feed on crustaceans and minnows.
The best bonefish flies generally look like the tasty morsels that the fish suck in as they root around in the mud or sand, looking for small fish and crustaceans. Generally, these fish are not too selective, but at times, there are only a few flies that bonefish will gladly engulf. At times when the fish are selective, they are usually easily frightened, and will be startled by a brightly colored fly that does not match the color of the bottom.
Bonefish Flies, Getting the Color Right
When well-placed flies are refused by bonefish, the first thing an angler should do is switch to a fly (or make sure that the fly being fished) matches the color of the bottom. When bonefish are feeding over hard, white sand, a light tan fly is usually best. when fishing over soft mud, which is usually covered with turtle grass, a darker fly is best, because a light fly will stand out and will often startle bonefish. At times bonefish are voracious enough to engulf anything that fits in their mouths, and even attempt to swallow larger flies, intended for jacks and tarpon, but when they are finicky, it is best to use smaller flies that match the bottom color.
Shrimp Flies
Flies that imitate small shrimp are usually the best all-around flies for bonefish, as they strip well, and mimic a crustacean that makes up a significant portion of the fish's diet. Crazy Charlie flies, Gotchas, Mini-Puffs, small Clouser Minnows (often tied with rabbit fur or fox fur, which undulates more in the water than bucktail does), and mantis shrimp patterns often act as great shrimp imitations that bonefish will readily pounce on. These flies are most enticing to bonefish when they are retrieved by a series of quick, short strips, making the fly dart forward only a couple of inches with each strip. Sometimes it is best to leave the fly motionless on the bottom when the fish turn away, as they often circle back around, and then the retrieve should continue. These flies are best in size 4-8 generally.
Crab Fly Patterns
Crab flies are also great flies for bonefish. Raghead crabs, Enrico Puglisi's Crab patterns, small Turneffe Crabs, Bonefish Bitters, and small Merkin are some of the best bonefish flies that mimic crabs,as they often do the trick when the fish want something a little bigger to eat. The flies should always match the color of the bottom being fished, and they should be cast far enough in front of the fish to allow the fly to sink to the fish's level before stripping. The slies should be stripped with longer (about a foot at a time) strips, and should be allowed to resink after each strip.
Weight of the flies also makes a difference in productivity. In shallow waters, it is best to go with lighter flies, with small bead chain eyes, or weightless flies. Heavier flies that splash when they land will often frighten the fish. But in deeper waters, of three feet or more in depth, larger lead eyes may be necessary to quickly sink the fly down to the fish's level. Fish in deeper water are less finicky, and will usually not be bothered by a heavy fly that splashes the surface. Crab flies are also usually more productive in deeper waters than they are in the shallows. The best bonefish flies to use at certain times are dependent on what the bonefish are actually searching for.
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