Other names: Bones, Ladyfish, Ghost of the Flats, Sharpjaw

Habitat

There are a number of species of Bonefish and together they are generally found in warm water on shallow, sandy flats in tropical waters. They are a popular target species for fly fishing in the Caribbean, some mid pacific island nations and the Seychelles and Indian sub continent. In Australia they are not prolific and their range can include all northern coastal waters from Shark Bay on the west coast around to Brisbane on the east coast. They are also found around some offshore islands with sand flats.

Size

Bonefish have been known to grow to 77cm or 7kg overseas and up to 45cm or 4.5kg in Australian waters. They are more likely to be caught between 1 and 3kg but they fight well beyond their weight when hooked.

Feeding

Bonefish are bottom feeders and they feed on prawns, clams, mussels, crabs, oysters and other shellfish. They have a mouth which is well adapted for this being downward pointing and filled with strong crushing teeth. They have also been known to enjoy the occasional fish.

Seasons

There are no restricted seasons for Bonefish and they are most likely caught in warmer waters in the north of Australia or Christmas Island in the island nation of Kiribati in the Pacific anytime of year.

Description

The Bonefish is similar to the silvery white in appearance and it only has a single dorsal fin. It has a small but tough downward facing rubbery mouth with strong, crushing teeth.

How to catch them

Best conditions for Bone fishing are light to no wind days with cloudless skies on a low or incoming tide when the fish are concentrated into less water. The number one rule with Bone fishing is be patient! You will be wading around shallow water flats to find them and the fish spook easily. They are primarily schooling fish so when they do spook they will generally take the other fish away with them. Even when you are hooked don’t follow the fish as it runs. Bonefish do put up one hell of a fight with runs in excess of 100 mts so be prepared with light drag. Bones are bottom feeders so flies should sink and sit on the bottom. Leave it on the bottom and give it a short, sharp strip to get the attention of the fish when it is swimming nearby and towards the fly.

Hot Spots

Christmas Island, Kiribati, mid Pacific Ocean

Equipment

Bonefish fly fishing gear should include the following;

• 8/9 weight saltwater rod
• Appropriate large arbor reel with at least 300m backing. Braid is best.
• Flyline- Tropical Floating line
• Leaders-3 m tapered
• Tippet- fluorocarbon of 6 to 8kg

Popular Flies

• Crab patterns
• Prawn patterns
• Crazy Charlie patterns