Down in Islamorada, Florida, the waters are clear and crisp, the sun turns the blue green waves into crystal gems, and the fish are fast and flourishing. Many people come to the Florida Keys for the calm refreshment of paradise, but for a fisherman it’s the excitement of the hunt that really thrills. Fly fishing for bonefish is an incredibly exciting adventure for anyone with or without previous fly fishing experience. The bonefish are hard to find; they’re fast and easily spooked, making them a challenge to catch. But fishing for bonefish is a great activity for those with all levels of experience, including those with no experience at all. Captain Brian Helms will not only teach you how to properly fly fish; he will deliver you right to the elusive creatures.
Casting for the Bonefish
The very first thing Captain Helms is going to teach you is how to properly cast your line. With bonefish being as easily spooked as they are, it’s important to know how to float your line out to the fish. You’ll be taught how to prep your line, set the hook, and clear your line after a cast. Casting a fly rod is different than casting a spin rod, but it is learned easily enough with the expert instruction of Captain Helms.
Locating the Bonefish
Though these fish are incredibly elusive and are often referred to as the gray ghosts of the Keys, locating the fish is an easy enough task for your guide. There are multiple places they like to hang out to eat, since eating is what they do most of the time. Captain Helms will take you to the intertidal flats, and deeper adjacent waters and mangrove areas where the bonefish can be found. In shallow waters, the bonefish’s spiky fins will stick out of the water as they feed. In deeper waters, plumes of mud will help you locate the fish as they dig through the silt on the bottom.
Have Fun!
Our top priority is to make sure that you’re having fun as you fish for the gray ghost, whether that’s with mastering the skills of casting or learning all about them as you catch them all day long. The waters of Islamorada are a wonderful place to learn to fly fish, and the best part is that they’re warm and fishable all year long. So come out and try your hand at fly fishing for the bonefish of the Florida Keys.