There are many, many ways to blow a shot at a bonefish. Trust us, we’ve blown our share.. But arguably the most frustrating way of all is by accidentally standing on your line while attempting to present the fly. We could explain the scenario in excruciating detail, but we have a feeling many of you know exactly what we mean.
That’s one of the reasons why we suggest fishing barefoot (or in socks, if you prefer) whenever fishing from the boat. After all, being able to feel your fly line underfoot helps to know whether or not you’re standing on it.
However, believe it or not, there are some times when intentionally standing on your line can be advantageous on the bow. Andros South team member, Jason Whiting, gives us the details.
Windy Day? Keep Your Line Under Your Toe
If you have spent much time on the flats, it’s pretty safe to assume you’ve ran into some windy days, and probably even some very windy days. One problem that seems to be amplified by those windy days is keeping your line organized from blowing into the water (especially during a strong cross-wind).
If assuming the classic ready position, the majority of your of your line is most likely laid out on the deck of the boat. However, in a strong cross-wind, that little bit of line suspended between your hand and the boat can be easily carried out by the wind, slowly pulling line off of the deck and into the water. If you’re not constantly paying attention to it, when you make your next cast to a bonefish, instead of getting stuck into the fish, you might instead find your line stuck in the water underneath the side of the boat.
So, the next time you are dealing with these tough conditions, try tucking the line coming from your rod under your pinky toe, keeping it secure from getting picked up by the wind. Then, once it comes time to cast, simply rotate your foot enough to free that line and you are good to go!
One thing to remember – flats species are extremely sensitive and at times can hear your feet sliding over the deck of a boat. So, when using this method, its important to focus on making the move smoothly and quietly on the deck to avoid spooking wary fish.
I know it was just Geo Washington’s birthday, but all this ‘standing up in a boat’ like you were crossing the Delaware is dangerous. I think I’m going back to the Kanektok (in my dreams!) and stay on dry land under the river of course, but all this stuff above water made me lose my vertigo. I ain’t Jesus you know. And besides that Canadians can walk on water, for at least four or five months of the year. Go Figure… Skate, eh?