Turks and Caicos Bonefishing in the Bottle Creek Reserve of North Caicos

 

Turks and Caicos Bonefishing Trip

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Some of the best Turks and Caicos Bonefishing can be found on the bonefish flats of Bottle Creek on North Caicos. Whether guided fishing for bonefish on the ankle deep flats or you prefer to try some self-guided fishing, there is easy access to the crystal clear water and hard wading bottom of Bottle Creek. The vast expanse of water ranging from mangroves to channels and small estuaries is largely unfished and bonefish are easily stalked. There are very few places in the world that you have a realistic chance at catching double-digit bonefish fly-fishing, but it happens on a regular basis on the pristine flats of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Promotional packages and reviews often highlight the expertise of local guides and the overall excitement of bone fishing in these scenic locations.

The productive flats are only minutes from embarking on the boat so you don’t waste a lot of time running around the shallow banks to get to water that consistently hold fish. This has the dual benefit of significantly lower fuel costs and so a less expensive bonefishing experience as well as more time out on the water actually fishing! Specialized flats skiffs are used for shallow-water fishing, allowing anglers to effectively cast at sighted fish while poling across the flats.

The bonefish tend to be mid-size fish of up to a few pounds when commuting the flats in schools. Larger bonefish can be found in singles and pairs cruising the flats and willing to take a fly. The bonefish have likely never seen a Crazy Charlie or a bonefish jig and so do not hesitate to investigate and can be quite aggressive especially when in pairs/threes and feeding. Observing tailing bonefish, with their tails flicking up out of the water as they root for food, adds to the unique and thrilling fishing experience.

Although many of the flats around the prime tourist Island of Providenciales are well known and well fished……we fish elsewhere…….

About Bonefishing in the Caicos Islands

The Caicos Islands are a fly fishing paradise, offering some of the best bonefishing in the world. With their crystal-clear waters and expansive ankle-deep flats, these islands provide an ideal habitat for bonefish. The unique geography, featuring shallow waters and mangrove-lined shores, creates a perfect environment for these elusive fish. Fly fishing enthusiasts flock to the Caicos Islands for the chance to experience world-class bonefishing. Our fishing lodge and experienced guides are available to help plan a successful bonefishing trip, ensuring that anglers of all levels can enjoy the thrill of the catch.

The Bottle Creek Reserve

Nestled on the north coast of North Caicos, the Bottle Creek Reserve is a gem for bonefishing enthusiasts. This protected area is renowned for its pristine bonefish flats and diverse marine life. The clear waters and shallow flats make it an excellent spot for sight fishing, allowing anglers to easily spot and cast to bonefish. Beyond bonefish, the reserve is home to a variety of other species, including tarpon, permit, and barracuda, making it a versatile fishing destination. Visitors can enhance their experience with guided fishing tours, or to just appreciate the serene beauty of Bottle Creek.

Licenses and Regulations

When planning a fishing trip to the Caicos Islands, it’s essential to obtain a valid fishing license. These licenses can be purchased at the National Environmental Centre or at various marinas across the islands; if you are already on North Caicos, licenses can be obtained at the District Commissioner’s office in Bottle Creek. Options include daily, monthly, and annual licenses, catering to different lengths of stay and fishing activities. It’s crucial to ensure you have the correct license for your planned activities. Additionally, be aware that certain areas, such as national parks and nature reserves, are protected, and fishing is prohibited to preserve the natural ecosystem. Adhering to these regulations helps maintain the pristine environment that makes the Caicos Islands a premier fishing destination.

Planning Your Fly Fishing Trip

Planning a fly fishing trip to the Caicos Islands involves some thoughtful preparation. The peak bonefishing season runs from November to June, offering the best conditions for a successful trip. Consider the type of fishing you want to experience, whether it’s sight fishing on the flats, wading through shallow waters, or venturing into deeper channels. Researching and booking a reputable fishing guide or lodge is highly recommended, as their local expertise can significantly enhance your fishing experience. With the right planning, your fly fishing adventure in the Caicos Islands is sure to be memorable and rewarding.

Fishing Locations and Techniques

The Caicos Islands boast a variety of prime fishing locations, each offering unique experiences. The bonefish flats of Bottle Creek are a must-visit, with their clear waters and abundant fish. Middle Caicos, with its mangrove-lined shores, provides another excellent spot for bonefishing. Flats fishing involves wading through the shallow waters, while deeper channel fishing offers the chance to catch species like tarpon and barracuda. Each location and technique provides a unique challenge and reward, making the Turks and Caicos Islands a versatile and exciting fishing destination.

Although many of the flats around the prime tourist Island of Providenciales are well known and well fished……we fish elsewhere…….

Where we Fly-Fish for Bonefish 

We are based on Bottle Creek in North Caicos and offer proximity to flats where the fish have never seen a fly or jig. Our boats are classic flats boats – enough power to quickly jump out of a “hole” and get up on a plane so that we can move quickly from flat to flat as the tide may dictate. They have a wide beam and so stability in the water and a large poling platform so that we are able to drift and maneuver the angler into the best casting position.
They are ideally suited to get you quickly to the best areas throughout the day whether you prefer to wade or pole the channels and open flats. In either case, we are able to take you to flats that offer fantastic wading and stalking of bonefish, and there will not be another angler in sight – in fact when Turks and Caicos Bonefishing on the flats surrounding Bottle Creek, you will be fishing water that has only been fished a handful of times in the whole year !
The bonefish here are plentiful and aggressive feeders. Tides, season, moon and weather all play into their feeding patterns, so experience matters. Our guides have fished the area their whole lives and are always happy to share their knowledge
 

What size bonefish can I expect to see ??

When the tide is moving you can typically expect to see schools of bonefish in the 2-4lb class moving across the flats in search of a meal. Often when wading or poling across the flats you will see much larger fish either as singles or pairs cruising the shallow grass banks in search of crabs and small crustaceans. These fish can approach

double figures and can take you into your backing before you have time to adjust your drag. Make certain that your knots and line (or loop) connections are strong and there are no abrasions or nicks in the line as it doesn’t take much for these large bonefish to test your equipment to breaking!