It’s one of the most common mistakes we see guests make on their first trip to South Andros Island.
The angler makes a shot. The bonefish doesn’t eat. And just like that, the angler gives up! The shoulders slump, some choice words are muttered, and the line is slowly stripped back in.
But the fish is still there! Right there in casting range, not spooked, maybe moving around a little funny but definitely still a worthy target.
This isn’t the Florida Keys. You don’t have to be perfect. We catch lots of fish on our 3rd, 5th and 7th shots.
Sure, if the fish is blasting away at Mach 2 you don’t have a chance. But if he’s in casting range and not totally freaked out, cast again! And again, and again, until you’re sure he’s spooked or out of casting range.
Don’t give up until you’re sure you’re out of the game – you’ll be surprised what imperfection can get you.
That’s so true. I’ve also seen this with tarpon fishing too. The angler makes the cast and the fish change direction and (probably) don’t see the fly. Now the fish are really close so they pic a fish further back in the string but that fish doesn’t eat. Now, do they take that 90-degree shot at the leading fish (which might still eat and haven’t yet seen the fly)? No. They just give up.
So, here are a couple rules:
Rule #1: Always be ready to fish… this should go without saying, but that means always being ready to cast, which means having enough line out and clear, and not letting your fly drag behind you so that it’s caught in the grass or coral when you’re finally ready to take the shot.
Rule #2: Never stop fishing… until you’re actually back at the lodge/hotel/home/campground/etc. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen anglers reel in when the guide says, “ok, let’s head back to the shore/skiff/etc.” Then you get almost back and a bonefish pops up. In fact, if I’m being poled along, I don’t reel up ’till the guide already has his pole in the chocks is ready to start the engine.