Fishing enthusiasts from across the globe travel to the Caribbean just to experience bonefishing Bahamas. This high-speed sport has blown up in the last decade. Requiring accurate casts and precise strikes, bonefishing Bahamas is sure to thrill and excite all its participants. What’s more is that you will be in some of the world’s most beautiful tropical scenery during your bonefish fly fishing experience.
Fishing in the Bahamas is something that dates back many centuries. While it used to be a matter of survival, these days it’s all for sport. That’s not to say, though, that you wouldn’t be able to eat a number of the fish that you catch here. Fishing in the Bahamas is generally split into two main categories: big game fishing, and fly fishing. If you’re looking to battle enormous, prize winning blue marlin in the deep waters around the Bahamas then big game fishing is undoubtedly for you. However, if you want the challenge of spotting the lightning fast bonefish while you stand knee deep in some of the world’s most beautiful turquoise water, then you’d best start looking for some good bonefishing Bahamas tours.
Fishing in the Bahamas
What is Bonefish Fly Fishing?
Bonefish fly fishing is a sport unlike anything else on earth. What’s more, is there is simply nowhere better than the Bahamas to experience it. Bonefishing Bahamas is a whole lot more like hunting than it is fishing. This is due to the temperament of the bonefish. With the constant danger of sharks or barracuda making a meal of bonefish, they are always on high alert. To top this off, they are also lightning fast and very difficult to see. Any sign of a threat will send them darting off with a flick of their tail, never to be seen again.
This may sound like the odds are stacked against you, the fisherman. This is actually the case, but that’s what makes bonefishing Bahamas such a thrilling experience. Roaming the sandy flats of the islands for a while until you, or more likely your guide, spots a bonefish is step one. This can take hours, because of how well these fish blend into their background. In fact, you may think your guide is gesturing at absolutely nothing when a fish is pointed out. This is the easy part though, next you will need to either balance on the small casting deck of the boat that you’re on, or get your equipment ready while you’re knee deep in water. Any movement that is too fast or obvious will send your prey scattering in all directions.
Fly Fishing for Bonefish in the Bahamas
Now the skill of bonefish fly fishing will come into play. Casting your line in the right spot is absolutely essential. Too close and the bonefish get spooked, too far and they won’t even notice it. Once you’ve got that placement right, you must lie in wait for the perfect time to strike. As the bonefish grabs hold of the line all it takes is a flick of your wrist and you’ll have it hooked. Now you’ll need to actually reel the fish in, which may sound simple, but any fishing enthusiast will know that it’s not. Once hooked, the fish will immediately try to escape, swimming away at absolutely blinding speeds. Trying to fight it now will just bend your rod double. Once the fish seems to have stopped, you can begin the gradual dance of reeling it in.
Eventually you will have the shimmering body of the bonefish in your hand. With enough time for a couple pictures and a quick look at the fish itself, you can then release it back into the water and begin searching for another. There really is nothing quite like bonefishing Bahamas. The Bahamas has become renowned around the world for this adventure, so much so that some say Bahamas is synonymous with bonefish.
One thing about bonefishing Bahamas is that it isn’t for the faint of heart. It really is a thrill to catch one of these incredible creatures, but the entire process is long and difficult. Comfort is not something that you’ll likely find on these sandy flats, but if you’re able to put that aside, you can focus on the staggering beauty of your surroundings. Not only is bonefishing Bahamas exciting, but it is also absolutely picturesque.
Bonefishing Charters can be easily organised on most islands
Where to Go Bonefishing Bahamas
Naturally, there are certain areas that are ideal for bonefish fly fishing, and others that aren’t so great. The first step towards the perfect bonefishing Bahamas experience is familiarizing yourself with these destinations. From that point you can decide where you’ll be enjoying this exciting activity. Though big game fishing simply requires deep water, the conditions for bonefishing Bahamas are a little more specific. Fortunately, the sandy flats of a great deal of the Bahamian Out Islands are perfect. In fact, some schools of bonefish are so large that evidence of their presence can be seen from the seat of a plane. Don’t be fooled by this though, bonefish are notoriously difficult to see. If you’re new to the game, be sure to get yourself a good guide with a sharp eye to help you spot your prey.
Bahamas Fishing in the Bahamas Out Islands
1. Abaco Bonefishing
The first stop on your list will likely be The Abacos. The reason for this is that you will have numerous locations to choose from here. What this means is that if the marls on the western shore of Great Abacos don’t seem to be yielding results, then you can take a quick trip over to the eastern coastline to try your luck at Cherokee Sound. In fact, a number of the surrounding isles and cays offer excellent bonefishing Bahamas opportunities. Sites like Green Turtle Cay are also worth a visit on your bonefishing tour.
2. Bonefishing in Andros
Similar to Abaco bonefishing, your trip to Andros will certainly spoil you for choice. Andros Island offers numerous different bonefishing sites. In fact, this island has been called the best bonefishing destination on earth because of its remarkably varied options. Not only will you be sure to find plenty of bonefish around Andros Island, you can go from really well-explored terrain to areas almost undiscovered. With a huge bonefish population which reflects the size of the island, Andros bonefishing Bahamas is sure to be one of your very best stops.
3. Bimini Bonefishing
North and South Bimini are located particularly close to Miami. This makes them ideal for Bahamas Air Tours day trippers. You can be transported from Miami to Bimini and be bonefishing in hardly any time at all. This will allow you to spend your full day enjoying the hunt and thrill of the catch. What’s more is that North and South Bimini are near enough to one another that there is a considerable area of sandy flats linking the two that is absolutely ideal for bonefishing Bahamas.
4. Long Island Bonefishing
If you’re looking to combine a comfortable trip with the excitement of bonefishing, then Long Island is for you. The wading flats on which you will spend most of your time bonefishing are very near the islands main resorts. This means that you can eat, sleep and rest in absolute luxury, and within 5 minutes you can be wading through the crystalline water in search of bonefish. This site should be at the top of your list if you’re hoping to spend several nights in the Bahamas. However, if you only have a day spare to go bonefishing Bahamas, then you’ll have plenty of destinations to choose from.
5. Acklins and Crooked Island Bonefishing
Much like Abaco bonefishing, Acklins and Crooked Island offer a plethora of sites to choose from. With a wide expanse of flats that are simply ideal for bonefishing, these sites should certainly be on your list. Be sure to have an excellent guide with you on this trip, as some of these areas make for particularly good bonefish camouflage.
Wherever you decide to go on your bonefishing Bahamas tour, you will be sure to have the time of your life. The beauty of the landscapes combined with the thrill of the sport will undoubtedly make for an absolutely unforgettable time. Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or not, you will find that bonefishing Bahamas is a truly exceptional way to discover the beauty and excitement of the Bahamas.
Bonefishing in the Exumas
Bahamas Fishing Charters with Bahamas Air Tours
If you book a trip with Bahamas Air Tours to go bonefishing, you will be transported directly to some of the best bonefishing locations in the world, where you can spend your time stalking these infamously wary fish. Bahamas fishing charters are sure to be some of the best fun you’ve ever had in your life. Nothing beats the exhilaration of the first strike, or the eventual capture of the bonefish, and Bahamas Air Tours can ensure that you have a chance to experience this all first hand.
Booking a Bahamas day trip with Bahamas Air Tours will allow you to explore some of the world’s very best bonefishing Bahamas destinations. You will be subject to vistas of truly exquisite landscapes while you stalk fish that are renowned across the globe for their difficulty to be caught.
Select images courtesy of the Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism.
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