Okay, so you’re going bonefishing in a target-rich environment like at Andros South Lodge this next season. On a good day, a single guide can pole more than 15 miles of flats at Andros South Lodge. That’s not just work; it’s an art form. Out here, bonefish aren’t fooled by luck—they’re won over by flawless timing, observation, and movement. The pole is your conductor’s baton, turning a skiff into a silent stalker and giving you the advantage in waters where one wrong shadow means game over.
Every detail matters. The next shot might be a career highlight, or the missed chance you replay on the flight home. Let’s dig into tips while poling for elusive Andros bones, and transform your next outing from average to unforgettable. Whether you’re a bonefish first timer or a seasoned veteran, here are 6 tips to increase your hook-up rate while poling on a skiff.
Here’s what.
- Stay quiet. Since bonefish are extremely sensitive to noise, they are sensitive to all kinds of noise. Silently close the cooler. Avoid dropping equipment in the boat, and don’t shuffle your feet. Every attempt you make to move silently and thoughtfully will be highly beneficial. Keep silent because your boat’s hull acts as a massive amplifier for sound waves.
- Listen to your guide. Your guide’s keen eyes, combined with the additional height of the poling platform, enable him to see far better and farther than you can. Cast to the fish he sees, not at the fish you see. We assure you that he will put you on the big one. -trust us, trust your Guide.
- Pay attention to how fast your boat is moving. With wind and tidal currents, your boat is moving faster than you think. So make sure to strip your line as soon as your fly hits the water to remove any slack.
- Keep a ‘cuda rod rigged and ready. On South Andros, barracuda frequently appear on the same flats where bonefish are sought. You don’t want to be fiddling with rod holders when that 4 1/2 footer swims past and miss a shot. Have that ‘cuda rod close at hand.
- Strip your line into the middle of that boat. When you’re standing on the bow of the boat, it’s easy for your running line to get blown around in the wind and magically wind up under your feet whilst stripping. To help manage this, first determine the amount of line that you can cast comfortably. Then, when you strip your line, strip it into the middle of the boat to keep your line feet free so when that double-digit bonefish hits your fly, you’ll be glad that your line can leave the boat quickly, with no obstructions.
- If you’re the one who’s not fishing, mind the line. When fishing from the boat, one angler at a time is on the bow making the shots. The other angler is probably seated, but he or she has a pretty important job too – making sure that stripped-off line is coiled neatly on the bottom of the boat, and not looped around your boat bag, or your flats boots, or the butt of that ‘cuda rod. Your buddy on the bow will thank you later.
- One angler at a time is on the bow, making the shots when fishing from the boat. Making sure the stripped-off line is coiled neatly on the boat’s bottom and not looped around your boat bag, your flat boots, or the butt of that ‘cuda rod is the other angler’s crucial task, even though they are most likely seated. Later, your friend on the bow will appreciate it.
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