Coined the "ghost of the flats", bonefish have an incredible ability to camouflage themselves by reflection. Their scales are basically thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect the colors around them. For this reason they are difficult to spot. There are four main ways to spot this Florida Keys fish before they spot you. Tails, wakes, moving "shadows" and luck.
Once spotted, the presentation is very important. Bonefish are extremely spooky. The calmer the wind, the spookier they get. This is why the phrase, “The wind is our friend” is quoted often by the Florida Keys charter boat guides.
When feeding on a flat, bones will be moving fairly fast so judging where the fish will be by the time the fly has
been delivered and has sunk to the fishes level is key. The fly should be placed slightly further away than with permit.
Bonefish have incredible vision so 1-3 feet, no more than 3, is good. After the cast, point the rod down, tip at the water
surface, in the direction of the fly. Let the fly settle. Strip once. If the fish sees the fly he will react to it. If he
comes toward the fly start stripping with 6-8 inch strips. I like to start out with a short medium speed strip and
increase in speed and length as the bonefish approaches. Remember bonefish are used to “would be meals” running
for their lives so make the fly behave that way. Keep stripping until the line comes tight. Do not lift the rod. Once the
line comes tight you can give the line one quick “strip set”. (This sometimes is tricky. If the fish realizes that something
is wrong at the same time you strip set, you will break the fish off.) Once the line comes tight the fish will bolt for
deeper water. At this time you should make a circle with your index finger and thumb in your line control hand and
hold the line out away from your rod and body thus clearing the line to the reel. Be sure you are not standing on
the line or the “bonefish dance” will make your guide laugh hysterically and loose his concentration.
Once the fish is on the reel you can relax, hold the rod high and watch the line melt out of your reel. Enjoy it! This is what you came for.