Bonefish

8/20

Still champions of the skinny.  reports of lots of em  in islamorada recently.  Some big fish were lurking around, but the fish I caught on the 20th were average... about 10 lb and 7 for a double slam.  One cut off by the mangrove shoots early in the morning, probably over 12lb. Later caught a couple of cruising singles.

Bonefish in Islamorada are some of the toughest in the world. They literally have seen it all. Most have been hooked several times. They want things perfect. In the bay, the fish are a little more tolerant of mistakes. The ones in Florida bay in the back country seem actually stupid in comparison.

Pound for Pound, these fish produce some of the most amazing runs that I have ever seen. When staked up, 120 yards of line may go in seconds and necessitate either pulling up or moving to stronger line or bigger reels.

Some of the biggest bonefish in the US are right here in South Florida.

Bonefish from the florida keys...
Double header of  Islamorada Bones caught by Me and Tim Thrower.  Photo by Capt. Mark Krowka.
Robert Hous with his first bonefish caught in Biscayne Bay. 12 1/2 pounds
Bob Dubois's first bonefish. He also caught a tailing permit on the trip and although we saw and had 14 tarpon look ar our bait not one would eat despite some perfect presentations. Frustrating!
Vito Proscia with a nice bonefish from Biscayne Bay, May, 1998
Richard Hous with a 10 pound bonefish from Biscayne Bay. Slippery!
Third leg of the Grand Slam in Islamorada. Small, but he's still a bonefish.
Another good size Islamorada Bonefish
Richard and Mark with bonefish caught in Biscayne Bay, May 1996. Released unharmed.
Ray and Mark with 12lb 8oz Bonefish Biscayne Bay, May 1997. Released unharmed.
Ray and Mark with 13lb 4oz bonefish Islamorada Florida, August 1997. The fish was released unharmed.