Bonefish fishing in Florida

Bonefish are the gray ghosts of the shallow flats in the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay, rarely found far north of there. They move up onto sand and grass flats with the rising tide to root for shrimp, crabs and clams, and slip back into deeper channels as the water drops or temperatures get too hot or cold. Shore-based anglers wade or walk flats and ocean-side beaches in the Keys, looking for tailing fish or the puffs of mud they leave when feeding. Calm, sunny conditions with good light for sight-fishing are ideal, typically spring and fall when water temperatures are comfortable. Cast a live shrimp on a small hook, a light skimmer jig or a fly well ahead of the fish so the landing does not spook it, using 8 to 12 lb line and a fluorocarbon leader. Once hooked they run fast and far, so keep a smooth drag and plenty of line. Bonefish are treated as catch-and-release in Florida; keep them in the water, handle them gently and release quickly, and check current FWC rules.