· #1 Posted February 7 (edited) So, I wanted to thank all who gave me advice on my recent bonefish trip to the Bahamas. this is the post where I asked the audience. Shout out to @numbskull for so much extra info via pm. https://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/topic/860394-bahamas-bonefishing/ If you don't like reading or pics here is the summary: My arc as a fisherman has brought me here to this place targeting bonefish with a flyrod. If it were not for my surfcasting partner, I would have never picked up a flyrod two years ago, nor would I ever had this wonderful experience. In short, what a wonderful fishery and natural frontier. Mission accomplished, I had some fun and some laughs. Targeting these fish tests your humility both as a fisherman and as a fly caster. I wanted to share the below report for those who never targeted these fish and who have wondered about them. This is completely a greenhorn's perspective. Details and pics in the attached pdf or in this goggle doc. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sJ2CdC4nyzN__MsOP1QfHmnhaVO2oc02nKg_i9q7TrE/edit?usp=sharing Bahamas Bonefishing 2023.pdf Edited February 7 by puppet 9 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #2 Posted February 7 Yes Bahamas is very special excellent reading & enjoyed it very much , thanks for sharing 1 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #3 Posted February 7 Nice write up. Sounds like a great trip. Signed, Fellow bonefish addict. 1 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #4 Posted February 7 Fun read. Thanks for posting it. Brings back memories of starting into it years ago. 1 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #5 Posted February 7 Great write up. Glad you had a good trip and thanks for sharing your experience. SF 1 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #6 Posted February 10 great report, thank you.. and congratulations ! on getting some bonefish, clearly did a few things right.. flats fishing is a whole nother world. I've fished a lot of carp on the fly, spotting stalking and presenting, thought this would translate a bit to the flats - it really doesn't.. The spot is key and the guide sees fish where I see only waves shadows and weeds. Then the cast is key, have to make quick accurate casts to moving targets in strong winds. Carp tend to stick around with their heads down when feeding so you can stalk, flats fish are rushing around.. 1 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #7 Posted February 11 I forgot I had a short fixed line episode on the flats. There was a a group of bones coming within range. I took a shot but I totally missed and lead the group by about 5 yards, just a crap cast pushed by wind. I got lucky. I waited and left my fly where it landed, the group turned, and slowly made its way to my fly. I took a few slow strips and when I saw a form move to the fly, I stopped. When I did start my next slow strip, I felt the weight of a fish and it took off like a bolt of lightning. I cleared my stripped line through the guides and as I was about a yard from getting the fish on the reel, I looked at my reel and to my horror the line was wrapped around my reel and had itself in a crazy knot. Hahahahaha. I was in a fixed line scenario with a bonefish…and I ran like a devil to follow it. It was the biggest clown act ever performed on the flats. Calm and quite flats…still…with the sun beating down…then a clown in his clown wading shoes splashing…chasing after a fish, corrupting the peaceful venue and every fish on the flat. As I ran…by some miracle, I was able to undo the knot and freed my line. I must have ran 40 yards, and had luck on my side as the bone slowed when it reached the edge of some deeper water. I had a good laugh when the fish was pulling drag again, but the moments before it were just panic and completely void of grace. 2 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #8 Posted February 11 puppet ---- great description, if only it were caught on film. LMAO 1 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #9 Posted February 11 I believe I ruined my eyes on the flats.. was a plus vision until i got the disease. 2 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #10 Posted February 11 (edited) On 2/6/2023 at 7:56 PM, puppet said: So, I wanted to thank all who gave me advice on my recent bonefish trip to the Bahamas. this is the post where I asked the audience. Shout out to @numbskull for so much extra info via pm. https://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/topic/860394-bahamas-bonefishing/ If you don't like reading or pics here is the summary: My arc as a fisherman has brought me here to this place targeting bonefish with a flyrod. If it were not for my surfcasting partner, I would have never picked up a flyrod two years ago, nor would I ever had this wonderful experience. In short, what a wonderful fishery and natural frontier. Mission accomplished, I had some fun and some laughs. Targeting these fish tests your humility both as a fisherman and as a fly caster. I wanted to share the below report for those who never targeted these fish and who have wondered about them. This is completely a greenhorn's perspective. Details and pics in the attached pdf or in this goggle doc. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sJ2CdC4nyzN__MsOP1QfHmnhaVO2oc02nKg_i9q7TrE/edit?usp=sharing Bahamas Bonefishing 2023.pdf Totally enjoyed every one of your responses in Your thread, not to mention your writing style made the journey that much more fun to read ! Same x2 for the pdf . . . Now that I am in Florida I hope to give a go, first on my own via Key’s Beaches, for the grey ghosts. We share similar fishing philosophies as well. I’ve been a fly fisher for a long time, and my skill level fairly good, but, still no guarantee. Patience and stealthiness very important, not to mention a very good pair of polarized glasses. Edited February 11 by FlyFinaticLou Hit the send before I made a comment, duh ! 1 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #11 Posted February 19 Excellent write up! and sounds like a great trip. You hooked up a lot of Bonefish. What Island were you on? I’m headed to Exuma in a few weeks for vacation with my wife. Doing 1.5 days guided and probably get a DIY trip in. Been years since we’ve headed to Caribbean Bonefishing is my favorite fishing by far and unfortunately I haven’t done a ton of it, mostly just some DIY or guided trips when on vacation with family. The places that have bonefish are also many times good vacation destinations. The thrill of Bonefishing for me is sight fishing….stalking on foot in inches of water and the excitement of not knowing when they will show up, then seeing them and trying to get a a cast off quickly and accurately before they move out. They fight hard and look cool too! I believe I could live on a deserted island surrounded by flats and just fish all day every day and be content. 1 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #12 Posted February 19 Very nice report. One I can relate to. Not easy. I have no respect for your first Guide. He should not be allowed to guide paying customers. Guides like him just dont get it full stop. Glad you moved on from him and enjoyed the rest of your trip so much. I hope the flat earthers when it comes to casting well, we’re listening but I doubt it. I hope you go back. mikey 1 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
· #13 Posted February 19 Awesome story. It is on my bucket list for sure! 1 Go to top Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
