Bonefish
Also called bone, bones
A bonefish is a fast, silvery flats fish that feeds by tailing and rooting for shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish in shallow saltwater.
- Group
- Flats species
- Category
- Species
- Level
- Beginner
- Water
- Saltwater
Last updated
What Bonefish means
Bonefish are shallow-water saltwater fish that spend much of their time on sand and turtle grass flats. They are built for speed, and they are known for long, hard runs once hooked.
Most bonefish feed with their head down, using their mouths to pick up shrimp, small crabs, worms, and small baitfish. When they tip down to feed, their tails can break the surface, anglers call that “tailing.”
Bonefish are a classic sight-fishing target. Shots are usually quick and close, a short cast to a moving fish, then a strip set and controlled pressure while the fish runs.
Why it matters on the water
Bonefish reward clean presentation more than distance. If the fly lands too close or too hard, the fish often spooks. Learning to lead a moving fish and let the fly settle is a big step.
They also expose weak rigging fast. A rushed knot, nicked tippet, or too-tight drag shows up when a bonefish takes off. Good habits, smooth drag, solid knots, and checking tippet after each fish, lead to more landed fish and fewer break-offs.
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Read next
- PermitPermit are powerful flats fish in the jack family that feed heavily on crabs and shrimp. They are known for being selective and for demanding accurate presentations in shallow water.
- ShrimpShrimp are small crustaceans that many flats and inshore fish eat. “Shrimp” also refers to fly patterns tied to imitate their shape, color, and quick darting movement.
- Strip setA strip set is a hook set made by pulling the fly line hard with the line hand while keeping the rod low, instead of lifting the rod tip.
- TarponA tarpon is a large, air-breathing saltwater fish found in warm coastal waters and on flats. It is famous for long runs and jumps after the hook set.
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