Caribbean Bonefish

The Caribbean is famed for having some of the largest average sized Bonefish in the world.  And consequently, these fish often prefer larger than average sized flies.  Also, much of the Caribbean's fisheries are ideal for wading while sight casting to this awesome game fish.  These key factors influence the tackle choice for your pursuit of Caribbean Bonefish.  Here are my favorite setups and flies for covering most conditions:

Keith's Bonefish Tackle
  • Rods: Sage TCX/Xi3 890-4 / Redington Torrent 890-4
  • Reels: Sage 6080 / Ross F1 #4
  • Fly Lines:
    • Wade Fishing: RIO Saltwater Taper / Scientific Anglers Textured Saltwater Taper
    • Boat Fishing: RIO Tropical Clouser / RIO Bonefish Taper (strong intermediate to advanced casters)
  • Leader Options:
    • Leader: RIO Bonefish Leader (10 foot - 12 pound test)
    • Bruce Chard Bonefish Leader (build your own):  RIO Allo-Hard Saltwater Mono in 30, 25, 20, 16, and 12 pound test (NOTE: all sections connected by 3-4 turn blood knots)
  • Tippet Options: 
    • Seaguar GrandMax (01X @ 18.5 pound test - AND - 1X @ 14.5 pound test for skinny water - small flies)
    • RIO FlouroFlex Tippet (15 pound test - AND - 12 pound test for skinny water - small flies)

Recommended Bonefish Flies
  • Tan/Pink Gotchas (bead chain eyes / standard hair or bunny strip version / sizes 4-6)
  • Tan/Pink Charlies (size 4-6)
  • Veverka's Mantis Shrimp (size 2-4)
  • Miheve's Flats Fly (size 4-6)
  • Solitude's Para Vida (size 6-8) 
  • Peterson's Spawning Shrimp (size 2-4)