General Description and habitat:
Bonefish are often referred to as the grey ghost or phantom, due to its ability to stay well camouflaged in clear shallow flats, often to the frustration of the fly angler pursuing them. The speed and strength of the bonefish, combined with the sight fishing technique used to outsmart this species, make bonefish one of the most popular salt water species to target with a fly rod. Juvenile bonefish may be observed in large shoals of like-sized individuals while large mature fish swim in smaller groups or in pairs.
Bonefish have the ability to reach a length of 100cm and 10kilograms, but fish of this size are uncommon, and in most areas a bonefish of over 50cm is considered a good specimen. The bonefish’s colouration is perfectly suited to the shallow flats on which they feed, they appear blue-greenish above, with bright silver scales on the sides and below. Dark streaks run in between the rows of scales, predominantly on the dorsal side. The body is long and thin, with a bluntly conical snout. This colouration makes the camouflage of this species so good that often the only aspects to betray the bonefish’s position are the eye of the bonefish, or the shadow that the bonefish forms on the sandy bottom.

GT’s, Sharks and barracuda often prey on bonefish, which may explain why the fish have evolved such a sleek body, as speed is their primary tool in fleeing from these predators.

Angling Tackle and Tactics:

Fly:

Tides are vital when targeting bonefish on fly as this species tend to move onto shallow tidal flats to feed with the incoming tide, and retreating to deeper water as the tide ebbs. Tourette Fishing guides have an intimate understanding of the movement of bone fish on the flats of the Seychelles, and will ensure you are wading the right flats at the correct time. Polarized glasses and comfortable rubber soled wading boots with gravel guards are vital.

Fast action 9ft 8/9wht rods, matched with a large arbor direct drive reel, along with a good quality floating line is the standard bonefish set-up. Reels should be spooled with 200yards of 20lb backing.

A pelagic fish, the bonefish nonetheless feeds on bottom dwelling creatures such as worms, crustaceans, and mollusks, rooting them out from the sandy bottom. Flats sporting currents, drop-offs along the edge and clean, healthy turtle grass beds produce an abundance of these prey species.

Fly selection is made with these aspects in mind, and some of the best flies including a variety of charlie’s, Gotcha’s, shrimp patterns, and small crab patterns. With smaller flies in the size 6 range being preferred in areas where the bonefish are more skittish, and flies being tied on hooks up to the size of 2 in other areas.

Leader set up is vital in targeting the bonefish, as their keen eyesight can make them a frustrating target species. A good leader set-up would entail a 9 - 12 ft tapered leader, ending with a 15lb fluorocarbon tippet.

Comprehensive tackle lists, compiled for each unique salt water fishing area, will be sent out on request keith@tourettefishing.com or on booking.

For details on the areas Tourette Fishing targets bonefish, go to the following page:

• St Josephs atoll, Seychelles