Bonefish On Fly In The Lower Florida Keys
Fly fishing for bonefish in the Lower Florida Keys and Key West is back in a big way. That’s the good news, the bad news is you might have just stumbled upon your next angling addiction. In the time that I have lived here, I have seen major changes in the bonefishing. When I touched down in the conch republic in 2006 the bonefishing was good not great. A severe cold snap in 2010 changed it all. It went from good to nonexistent. The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust estimates we lost 80 to 90% of our bonefish population. I believe them.
Time heals most wounds, and low and behold magic started happening 3 years ago. I started catching them again. Mostly smaller fish of 2 -3 lbs. Then in the spring/summer of 2018 I began to become a bonefishing guide for the first time in my career. Those of you who know me know my first love is that cunning, baffling and if you were to ask Grant (pictured above) mythical fish known as a permit. I gave little thought to bonefish. I often sent bonefish only trips to other guides. An amazing thing has happened, they have became one of my favorite things to target while fly fishing the Florida Keys. I had one day in April 2019 my client caught 14 in one day on fly. Those are numbers I never thought possible a few years back.
Why are Florida Keys Bonefish So Big?
Bonefish in the Florida Keys are known for being above average, in some cases way above average. Compared to their counterparts in the rest of the world they are heavy weights. In Belize or Mexico you will be lucky to catch a legitimate 3 lb. bonefish in a week, in the Keys our average bonefish is 4 – 6 lbs with double digit fish a real possibility particularly in the fall. According to Bonefish and Tarpon Trust research Keys bonefish pack on pounds faster than even their Bahamian relatives. The answer is believed to be their reliance on crabs as a food source. Much like our permit, bonefish in the Florida Keys seem to prefer crab patterns over shrimp patterns. The smallest bonefish flies I ever use in the Keys are size 2. Crazy charlies and gotchas will catch fish, but our bonefish prefer a larger meal most times.
Almost all world records for bonefish have been set in the Florida Keys. Islamorada has long been known for its giant bonefish that live within sight of the overseas highway. They have exceeded 16 lbs! They are smart, and can leave even the best angler empty handed, or in this case empty two handed! Targeting trophy bonefish is exciting and can be frustrating, but make no mistake they are here and they are catch-able. Like permit fishing it’s tough but extremely rewarding.
Fly Fishing The Florida Keys For Bonefish – Best Months For Bonefish
As a rule, bonefishing can be great year round here in the Keys. The good stuff usually begins in March. Water temps are rising, and the bonefish are chewing. as long as water temps are above 72 degrees I can find them. This will continue into May. Its very solid, you can expect to have plenty of shots.
From Late May through September the action is red hot. Lots of bonefish activity particularly early and late in the day. Some really cool things happen just before dark fly fishing for bonefish in the Lower Florida Keys. In Summer on outgoing tides that coincide with dusk, bones can be found feeding like crazy on the gulf side flats. A lot of these flats are wade-able and hunting tailing bones on foot is incredible. This time of year tons of shots are the new normal.
I always save the best for last. The single malt of fly fishing for bonefish in the Florida Keys is the fall. From mid September through December the action is outstanding. This is the best time of year to target trophy bonefish in the Keys. Shorter days and cooling water kick on the feed button, and the big bonefish relax a bit due to less pressure. If I could choose one “month” it would be October 15th – November 15th. Its an amazing time to catch a Keys boonefish.
If you are interested in fly fishing for bonefish anytime of the year give me a call at 305-340-9863. You can also visit Florida Keys Fly Fishing.