Bahamas
Fly fishing for bonefish
Bonefishing in the Bahamas
The thing we love about bonefish is wading and stalking them on beautiful flats. On our own. With only ourselves setting the pace. Choosing our own flies and enjoying the moment, when we spot a school or a single bonefish. Hopefully before the fish sees us. Calculating the path of the fish and presenting the fly, when we think the time is right – and then gently setting the hook is a great feeling. Of course, the long runs are pretty cool too.
Unfortunately, very few places on the planet offers this scenario. It’s easy to find lovely bonefish destinations but most of them require a boat and a guide – just to get you to the fish. We do know of a few accessible bonefish spots but they seem to have gotten way too much attention – the result being shy and spooky bonefish.
Bonefishing in the Bahamas
The thing we love about bonefish is wading and stalking them on beautiful flats. On our own. With only ourselves setting the pace. Choosing our own flies and enjoying the moment, when we spot a school or a single bonefish. Hopefully before the fish sees us. Calculating the path of the fish and presenting the fly, when we think the time is right – and then gently setting the hook is a great feeling. Of course, the long runs are pretty cool too.
Learn more about the concept, the fishing and our roots in the Bonefish capital of the world.
Ghosts
You’re at the bottom of a small bay, where the water is too deep for spotting any bones. However, where the bay ends, a little channel connects the bay with a shallow lagoon the size of three or four football fields – a place with a hard, light and sandy bottom. There is no one else in sight… your friends went in the other direction and you’ll meet them back at the point in a few hours.
The water is still low, too low for any bones to enter the lagoon. For now, that is. Casting a glance at the stick you planted at the water’s edge before sitting down for a drink, your hopes are discretely affirmed; the tide is coming in. With it, the bones will be coming too, and they’ll pass through right here.
Ghosts
You’re at the bottom of a small bay, where the water is too deep for spotting any bones. However, where the bay ends, a little channel connects the bay with a shallow lagoon the size of three or four football fields – a place with a hard, light and sandy bottom. There is no one else in sight… your friends went in the other direction and you’ll meet them back at the point in a few hours.
The water is still low, too low for any bones to enter the lagoon. For now, that is. Casting a glance at the stick you planted at the water’s edge before sitting down for a drink, your hopes are discretely affirmed; the tide is coming in. With it, the bones will be coming too, and they’ll pass through right here.
Booking Inquiry
Acklins Island FAQ
- When should I go?
The peak season is during July and August. The arctic char start running the rivers in late June, and somewhere between late August and early September they become so interested in spawning that they should probably be left alone. Also, once you get well into September, the weather can turn kind of rough.
- How do I get there?
Fly to: Acklins via Nassau.
- What are your favourite Bonefish flies?
A selection of small and light crab flies is your best bet in the mangroves. In here, the bones are extra wary and alert, but a nice little tan crab with rubber legs is hard to resist for a tailing bonefish. To avoid getting snagged, consider adding a weed guard to some of your crabs.
Classic shrimp flies are a must on Acklins. The huge sandflats call for lightly coloured bonefish flies and variations of Gotchas, Mantis Shrimp, Puffs and Crazy Charlies. The same goes for the modern, lifelike shrimp flies used for European sea trout fishing. Fortunately, Acklins has a very healthy population of bones so you will get plenty of opportunities to experiment.
- Do I need other flies?
If you’re ready to hook up with big barracudas, strong jacks – or even sharks – you should bring some baitfish flies tied on heavy-wire hooks. In order to effectively hook cudas and increase landing rates, a stinger hook is recommended.
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