Whether we fish from the boat or wade the shallow waters of the tidal flats, flyfishing for bonefish in the Turks and Caicos is an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our guides are trained and certified to ensure that it is also a safe and positive one. Fly-fishing for Bonefish in the Turks and Caicos can be exhilarating and frustrating – so it is worthwhile to have a full tackle audit in preparation
.Bonefish are typically found in shallow, clear saltwater flats, and they feed on a variety of small crustaceans, mollusks, and fish. When fly fishing for bonefish, it’s important to use a fly that imitates these types of food sources and that is small, lightweight, and subtle.
There are many different flies that can be effective for bonefish, and the best one will depend on the specific conditions you are fishing in and the apparent food preferences of the bonefish you are targeting. Some popular options include:
- Crab flies: These flies mimic small crabs, which are a major food source for bonefish. They are typically tied with a mix of natural and synthetic materials, and they can be fished either on the bottom or under a float.
- Shrimp flies: Like crab flies, shrimp flies mimic a key food source for bonefish. They are usually tied with natural materials like rabbit fur or deer hair, and they can be fished on the bottom or under a float.
- Clouser minnows: These flies are versatile streamers that are effective for many different species of fish, including bonefish. They are typically tied with a combination of natural and synthetic materials, and they can be fished on the bottom or under a float.
- Gotcha flies: This is a specific type of fly that is designed specifically for bonefish. It is usually tied with a mix of natural and synthetic materials and is designed to imitate a variety of small crustaceans and mollusks.
In general, when fly fishing for bonefish, it’s a good idea to start with a small, subtle fly and then gradually work your way up to larger, more flashy patterns if the bonefish are not responding. It’s also a good idea to bring a variety of flies with you and to be prepared to switch up your fly selection based on the conditions and the behavior of the fish.
Tackle:
With the totally undisturbed and undeveloped fishery, your guide will enable most clients to catch bonefish on their very first day. Even novice fly anglers soon experience the indescribable thrill of hooking their first bone on a fly!
Fly Tackle:
Rods should be 9’ for 7 or 8 weight for bonefish, while you might find a 9’ for 9 or 10 weight the perfect choice to rig for permit or barracuda. Reels should carry a minimum of 150 yards to the appropriately weighted fly line. It is also very important that your reel be equipped with a smooth and functional drag system. We recommend a weight forward floating line that is designed to delicately turn over a fly in the sometimes windy conditions found in saltwater fly fishing.
Leaders & Tippet:
We strongly suggest that you purchase a good quality abrasion resistant leader material intended and designed for saltwater use. In terms of length and strength, we recommend as a rule of thumb, 9′ – 12′ in length and 8lb – 12 lb test tippet. Additionally, if you intend to fish for barracuda, you should bring some #2 wire or one of the abrasion proof wire substitutes for use as shock tippet. Fly Patterns would be #4, #6, #8 weighted and without weight, off white, brown, beige, yellow, green and pink, patterns of crazy charlies, puffs, gotchas along with bonefish specials and small acrylic crabs.
Spin Tackle:
Rods should be a reasonably stiff 7-foot rod balanced for 8 lb to 12 lb test monofilament. Reels should have a smooth drag system and a capacity of 150 + yards.
Lures and Flies:
Light artificial jigs of varied colors such as grub tails with a weighted head in white, pink or chartreuse.
As far as flies – the bonefish on the flats have never seen one before and so are not shy ! Classic patterns such as Crazy Charlies, Gotchas, Puffs, Christmas Charlies, Spawning Shrimp and Crab Patterns all work well.
Great colours are pink/white, Chartreuse/white, Tan on size 4 or 6 Gamagatsu or similar.