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Tackle
& Flies
Reels:
Bonefishing
requires a reel that holds a minimum of 150 yards of
twenty pound backing and has a smooth, reliable drag
mechanism. Large arbor reels are often a Godsend when
trying to regain some of the line that was just melted
off your reel moments ago. Bonefish are inclined to
make two to three runs, so the ability to quickly retrieve
your line is an added bonus. Your drag should never
really exceed more than a pound to land a bonefish.
Rods:
Although
there is no one rod that is perfect all the time for
bonefish, the best all around solution is a nine-foot
8 weight. A nine-foot 8 weight rod is heavy enough to
handle a little wind, yet it has enough power on tap
to help you pick up and quickly recast if your target
suddenly changes direction like bonefish are prone to
do.
Line
& Leaders:
Your
reel should be lined with at least 200 yards of backing
matched to a brightly colored fly line. The colored
line improves your accuracy because you can visually
track your cast as it unrolls toward your target. If
you use the proper length leader and cast properly,
the colored line won't spook the bonefish and send them
rocketing off towards Mexico.
Bonefish
leaders are remarkably simple in their efficiency. Use
a nail knot to tie a six to seven foot thirty pound
butt section to the end of your 8 weight line. Tie a
loop knot at the end of the butt section so that you
can easily change your leaders to match the conditions.
You then tie on a two to three foot section of twenty
pound test, two to three feet of your class tippet.
15 pound flourocarbon works best for general conditions,
but if it is extremely calm or the fish are more nervous
than "usual", you can lengthen the leader
and drop down to twelve or ten pound test.
When
tying on your flies it is best to use the nonslip knot.
When tied correctly, this knot offers maximum strength
while allowing the fly to move more freely and naturally.
Flies:
Bonefish
are ravenous hunters and will eagerly eat clams, shrimp,
crabs, worms urchins, and any other crunchy critters
they happen upon. The larger fish favor crabs and mantis
shrimp.
In
moderate waters the more successful flies are the fast
sinking ones that mimic the bonefish's diet. The shallow
flats are more appropriate for lighter, slow-sinking
patterns.
The
most popular flies for bonefish are fast sinking and
no smaller than a size four. Weighted fly that creep
along the bottom with the hook pointing up are the most
effective. A general rule of thumb when deciding on
a fly pattern for the flats is to match the color of
the fly to the color of the bottom.
The
Crazy Charlie is hands down the ultimate bonefish fly.
It is easily cast and quickly sinks to the bottom where
bonefish quickly scarf it down.
The
snapping shrimp is a must have pattern when fishing
over grass flats. It is a common fly pattern that is
readily available at any fly shop and is best in a size
four.
Is
there a fish that doesn't like a Clouser Minnow? A size
two white and chartreuse Clouser catches bonefish as
well.
The
Del Brown Crab Fly matched to the color of the bottom
is another selection to round out your box.
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