Key West and Lower Keys

Capt. Dexter Simmons
August 29, 2002
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

Wading for Bonefish

Wading the flats for tailing Bonefish is probably the most relaxing and satisfying saltwater fly fishing. When I think of all of the Bonefish that I have caught or have guided anglers to catch while wading on the flats, then I am reminded of the sense of absolute angling accomplishment. Big Bonefish like to feed surreptitiously, staying close to the edge of deep water basins or channels for an escape route in case of danger. They are spotted on early morning low tides tailing up on turtle grass flats like this 11 pound fish.At times when you are wading, stalking the tailing fish in calf-deep water, it is prudent to stop for a few minutes to observe the fish that are out of range of your cast. Oftentimes the Bonefish will shy away from a wading approach that is too aggressive. They sense your presence from the noise that you are making when wading or from the vibrations of your movements in the water. Slow down or stop altogether and they may swim closer to you. Wes made a couple of casts to a pair of big Bonefish that tailed up about 15 feet from us. These fish tailed up onto the edge of the grass flat a moment or two after we had paused our wading to observe some tailing fish 100 feet away from us. Wes hooked up on his second cast and is pictured here fighting the Bonefish.One of the reasons that anglers love to wade for Bonefish is that you become part of the natural surroundings where the fish live and feed. Wading in 85 degree shallow water over grass and sand beds you can observe the shrimp, crabs, rays, small sharks, birds and most importantly the Bonefish and Permit that like to feed in the shallows. At sunrise or sunset, it is a beautiful scenic encounter with mother nature's subtropical tidal flats. And if you are skillful enough to catch a Big Bonefish, then your quest will be complete. Releasing a Big Bonefish is an important act to ensure that the fish is fully revived so that the fish will be able to avoid the dangers of sharks, etc in the short term after the release. Here, Wes cradles this 11 pound Bonefish making doubly sure that the fish is struggling to be free before the release.Wes went on to catch two more Bonefish on fly during his one day of angling aboard "FlatsMaster" with Capt. Dexter. ....................................

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