They’re fast, finicky, and famously spooky, and we’re not talking Halloween spooky. Bonefish are called “grey ghosts” for a reason. They are stealthy, but on the flats, it’s their keen sense of surroundings that humbles predators and anglers alike. Some days they’ll tail happily in knee-deep water, perusing for food. Other days, they vanish at the slightest misstep, noise, or shadow. If you’ve ever wondered why your perfect shot ended in a puff of mud, it might be because you broke one of their unspoken rules. Here are three things bonefish can’t stand and how to avoid sending them sprinting for deeper water. Avoid these and become predisposed to catching more fish.
Three Things Bonefish Hate
- Shadows. They call bonefish “grey ghosts” because “poof,” they disappear in an instant. Osprey are natural born enemies of bonefish, so naturally if bonefish see shadows, they make a like a tree and split. Therefore, always be cognizant of the shadows you cast, whether you’re walking the flats or on a boat, to avoid spooking bonefish. In addtion, move slowly and be mindful of the position of the sun while moving, including while casting, to avoid projecting long shadows over the flats with your rod. Cast sideways when necessary.
- Unnatural Smells. While you’re scoping the water for bonefish, avoid holding your fly. Bonefish relies on its keen sense of smell to locate food. Therefore, lotion, sunscreen, and other topical ointments can detract from a potential strike. Pro tip: when you’re out on the flats, try rubbing your hands in the mud and raising them off. This will help remove and mask any lingering odors from your hands.
- Garnish. Bonefish can be picky eaters, and there’s a good chance that the majority of their prey don’t come with a side salad. Thus, fishing a fly with the slightest piece of turtle grass, algae, or other clingers is naturally not a good idea. Bonefish feed primarily on or near the bottom, making choosing the right weight of the fly important to hover on or near the bottom, without hooking vegetation. Sometimes, picking up small pieces of debris along the way is unavoidable. So it’s prudent to check your fly often. You probably don’t garnish. Neither do bonefish.
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