These ‘ghosts of the flats’ are found all over the world from the Seychelles to Belize and Florida. Spending vast amounts of their time gliding in and out of the mangroves that are nestled on the extensive flats that can be found in these warm water paradises for anglers and fish alike; bonefish feed primarily on small shrimp and crabs as well as the odd small fish and it is on these flats where their quarry can be found in abundance.

Bonefish are perfectly suited to this environment, as they feed in such shallow water (often feeding in areas where their backs are out of the water) they need to blend in with the surroundings. The white sand bottom dispersed with areas of turtle grass are no problem for the bonefish, their silvery white flanks and belly are transformed to a blend of greens, browns and shades of black on their backs that allow them to disappear as easily as a chameleon on a branch.

Tackle

Depending on where in the world your destination is will dictate what tackle to take with you, in areas like Belize where the fish average 3-5lb’s a 6 weight can be easily used on calmer days but a 7 or 8 are ideal. Other places such as the Bahamas and Christmas Island where larger fish over double figures can be found an 8 weight or in some cases even a 9 are a must. 4 piece rods will make transportation a breeze; I recommend the T3 and Zero gravity series. You need to have the confidence in your tackle to make an accurate cast into the wind and delicately drop your fly onto the dinner plate of your chosen target.

Floating lines are often all that are required to target the shallows together with 200 yards of high capacity gel spun backing and a salt proof disk drag reel such as the Battenkill Mid arbour or Mach. Always make sure that you have a spare line with you, the last thing that you want is to loose a line on coral or mangroves and not be able to carry on fishing! For the ultimate presentation I use Mirage knotless tapered bone fish leaders in 8,10 and 12lb breaking strains.

Other Essentials

Often in your preoccupation to get all of your fishing tackle ready it is all too easy to neglect the other essentials for a trip. One of the most important items to take with you is a good hat that will cut out plenty of sun and offer you protection when out for several hours; hats such as the flippah hat are ideal together with a pair of Polaroid’s with and orange lens my first choice are the HVO wrap.
Cool clothing in terms of your temperature will make your long days more comfortable and enjoyable; shirts such as the open weave cay caster and the ultralight nylon caster’s with their venting will allow the breeze to circulate around your body. Finally flats boots and the all important sun tan lotion and plenty of it, always better to take too much than not enough.

Flies

There are hundreds of different patterns to choose from, such as the infamous Crazy Charlie, the Gotcha, bonefish Bitters and Clouser minnow’s. Just as important if not more than the pattern it’s self is the weight, many patterns have bead chain eyes or some form of weight but don’t neglect the un-weighted flies; in shallow water you need to be able to fish your fly with confidence that it won’t catch the bottom. Either select your own flies individually or buy pre-selected packs.

All that’s left now is to prepare you self for that first torpedo like run as the bonefish heads to the horizon, rod bent and reel screaming!

Jonathan Tomlinson