DIY Bonefishing, does it exist?
- This topic has 15 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated Jan 11, 2008 at 12:00 am by
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So I basically wanna get dropped off on a beach adjacent to a wadeble flat for like a week with some food some gear and my girlfriend. And I want it to be cheap, just paying for he boat to drop me off, no guide no other people just me a tent a flyrod and my lovely lady, and some fish.
Do trips like this exist?
Pat,
Thanks for the reminder 25 years ago we called it beer,babes and bones. Hopefully the fun police haven’t ruined it for your generation.My only suggestion would be rent your own boat.
Mark
There was an article on it in a Fly Fishing in Saltwaters magazine a while back. I’ll look around and see if I still have the magazine.
-Mike
I also would like to do a dirt cheap DIY bonefish trip.
I live in Europe so which destination would make this trip worthwhile?
You guys would go to Florida or Mexico (Yucatan)?Jay
Jay,
I would head to the Bahamas or Mexico. The fish are not as large as some of the Florida bones, but there is good numbers and a better chance of success.
-Mike
Mike,
thanks for the tip!
I think Mexico would be the cheapest air fair I guess.The most fun would be to travel with someone who also have the same goal: cheap DIY bonefishing.
Jay
Mexico would be cheapeast, it is possible in the keys (especially camping)…but rent a house for a week on Eluthera (Bahamas)
Mexico would be cheapeast, it is possible in the keys (especially camping)…but rent a house for a week on Eluthera (Bahamas) Step 1. Walk out of your house Step 2. Walk onto beach Step 3. Walk onto flat Step 4. Catch bonefish Step 5. Return to beach where bikini laden girlfriend has prepared lunch Step 6. You fill in step 6. Step 7. Walk back onto flat. Step 8. Catch more bonefish
Editors Note: Beer can be added to enhance any of the above steps.
Wowza!
Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
Just had a friend go there for a week.
Here is one of his pics.
Phil
I think that you need to first set a SOLID price point and a maximum spending ceiling for the trip if you are going to do a DIY saltwater trip. In my experience, for a full 3 to 4 day trip (minimum time mind you, the more the better) one would be hard pressed to get in under $2,000; and that would be packing your own food, not eating out, staying in very cheap lodging, and not hiring a guide. Then factor in your destination and the tourism taxes/fees (add about 10%) and tip money (nobody is going to tell you the hot flats without a few bucks extra). If you have contacts then use them otherwise a travel agency will work with you but at a price. Also, you need to know and understand the moon phases and tide reports, aagghh. Remember that most of the great DIY bonefishing spots are in the Caribbean and also Mexico, especially Belize, but airfare is costly during peak times and cheap lodging is hard to come by. No matter how you look at it, bonefishing is expensive!
Furthermore, you need to have the right equipment, rods, reels, flies, etc. – we all know how expensive that stuff is if you have to start from scratch.
It is actually quite difficult to organize a “first-time” DIY bonefishing self-wading trip but it can be done. There are a few webpages and podcasts out there that discuss the potential sites, google it and do your homework.
Sure you can – at least in the Bahamas. A couple of key things to keep in mind: First it’s illegal to camp in the Bahamas. The good news is that unless you are blatant about it no one should mess with you. The Bahamas have too much shoreline and not enough enforcement to prevent it. I would not suggest listing that you are planning on camping on your immigration form.
MD, that’s a very helpful explanation! Thanks.
What’s the best period to fish for bones in the Bahama’s?
Thats a loaded question – depends on your preferences, and where you fish. If you are comfy with hot weather and low winds – August and Sept are my favorites. Flats are empty of boats and anglers, but you can count on losing four pounds of water weight while wading. If you choose the right spot (Ocean side with access to deep water) you will still have multiple shots at double digit fish as well as plenty of treys, quads and large schools. If you prefer more moderate air temps Oct, Nov, Dec, April, May and June are solid as well.
To behonest fish are always present (although if you fish mangrove country the numbers drop dramatically) the only difference is which way and how intense the wind blows. This is critical when going the DIY route – If you have two foot breakers, spotting becomes exponentially more difficult.
MD
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