Bahamas for Bones

[Simon Chu]

Theres a chance I might have the opportunity to fish in the Bahamas next year, June.
I was wondering if anyone had any tips re flies, lines, rod weights or anything to be honest?
Thanks. 🙂

[none]

To be honest, I’d love to be in your situation…  😀

What basic heavy fly fishing gear do you already have?

[Buzz Bryson]

I’d start with an 8-wt outfit and WF-8-F line, going up or down depending upon wind, fish size and alternate species (some big ‘cudas prowling around the flats).

Flies, just too numerous to mention.

[none]

So, is it okay if this question is remodeled to “what’s the basic gear needed for tropic saltwater fly fishing?”?

About the rod:
Todays saltwater rods are basically fast-ultra fast.
In the 90’s when saltwater fly fishing became more popular, brands like Scott, Winston, Fisher and (even) Sage made rods that were beefed up trout rods. Probably good as it needs to be.

Is there a basic first saltwater rod’s preferred action?

[keith b]

I am by no means an expert in the salt but I have fished a few places in the world them, as well as other species of salt.
My first salt rod (only one) is a fast action rod, and i could not see fishing anything other than fast to very fast.
the next thing you need to do is get yourself some casting practice/instruction.
I was not really sure what to expect the first time I hunted bones in Islamorada and subsequently got scolded many times through out the day!
Practice, Practice, then go out on the worst day you see and practice more.

[Zach Matthews]

Simon –

The Bahamas are frankly the easiest bonefishery on the planet.  You should post double-digit days if the weather cooperates.  My experience was to find huge schools on the edges of flats, often trapped there by sharks or barracuda.  The trick is getting one of the bigger bones in the middle of the school to pick up the fly – there are plenty of five pound bonefish there, but they’re surrounded by thousands of smaller guys.  The Bahamas remind you that bonefish are a kind of schooling baitfish, man.

Bring tan Mantis Shrimp in about size 6-8, and Pink Puffs in the same sizes, and bring both lead eye and bead chain versions.  You shouldn’t need anything else unless you want to target ‘cuda.  Eight weight rod max for bones.  Any saltwater line will do, use probably 11’ leaders and expect 60-80 foot casts.  The longer casts are helpful for dropping the fly well into the school, where the bigger fish are.  When the cast lands, the school will split away from it, but they will inevitably swirl back around and you’ll get plenty of eats.  Lots of tailing fish, too.

Here’s what it looks like:

Also, I fished Grand Bahama Island – conditions elsewhere may well be different.  The bottom was soft but wadeable; I wore neoprene wader bootie type socks.  I had Marlwalkers available but took them off because they were getting stuck.  I was there in mid-July but I was told that the previous month had been even better (and the log supported that).

This one is very typical in size:

Zach

[Joel Thompson]

Hey Mate, isn’t this a life size portrait of a bone fish you caught? The only reason I say that is I saw the photograph of the fish in your cottage.

Are you really sure you need our help mate?

[Simon Chu]

Looks bigger than you think as I’m in front of it eh 😕
Thanks Zach and others
Its probably the flies I have most interest in and the fact that that you are all recommending 8s as the heaviest rod I might need.
The leader length and breaking strain recommendations also give me an indication as to what to expect.
If I can cast to a few schools that would be a bonus!

[Zach Matthews]

Simon –

I used 10# leaders the whole time with no problems.

[anonymous]

What the heck does it say on that S3s rod?

[butch leone]

Simon,
    Nice to see your smiling face infront of a bonefish again, although it is just a picture.  In the last 2 1/2 weeks we have put in at least 20 nice bonefish here on the flats of Aitutaki.  There have been some big ones as you know there can be here.  I don’t even want to talk about the ones lost.
    Butch

[Zach Matthews]

Simon –

I also found this older post which I wrote right after I returned:

http://www.itinerantangler.com/cgi-bin/board/YaBB.pl?num=1184364728/6#6

The rod says “Tested on Animals.”

[Simon Chu]

Thanks Zach
I’m apparently going to an Island where there will be shots at everything from Bones to Tarpon.
Apparently I should be taking everything from an 8-10. Crabs, gotchas and toads?
I’m pretty psyched and its still 8months away!! 🙂

I like the shot of the bone swimming away. Was there a filter on that shot Zach?

[Simon Chu]

Hi Butch
That fish hangs right behind my vice and I dream of getting back. I was planning on next year but with this other trip happening it might be 2011. Hope you leave a few for me!

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