The author moments after "seeing the light."

Tackle and Times

From my experience, I recommend packing fly rods for this trip—a 5- or 6-weight for calm, glassy mornings and a 7- or 8-weight for when the breeze picks up. Most casts are within 20 to 40 feet, and in these clear waters excessive false casting is a detriment. Line shadow spooks these bones quickly. Pack an assortment of Crazy Charlies, Bonefish Killers, Gotchas and Bonefish Specials. These, and most pink or brown patterns were rarely refused.

For terminal tippets, bring several spools of 10-pound fluorocarbon or mono leader material. We tried 8-pound and kept losing fish to reef patches and mangrove shoots. When we tied on 12-pound, bites slowed down—even in mudding schools. Ten-pound shock tippet also ups the odds if you happen to hook into a hefty bone. Although most fish we released ran between 1 and 3 pounds, Paul hooked one whopper pushing 9 or 10 pounds that made short work of his 8-pound shock tippet.

Fishing spinning tackle is tricky. The concussion of a jig landing near chosen targets often spooks them.

Picking the right time for any South Andros bonefishing trip seems easy enough. Resident fish prowl these flats year-round. Choosing a date depends on what type of fishing you want to do, and how many release numbers you need to rack up. June and July are known for huge, mudding schools of little bones, primarily fish in the 1- to 2-pound class. Bruiser models also roam summer’s extreme shallows, particularly early and late in the day when water temps are moderate.

From August until September, Bonefish Bay Resort latches its doors, as do many others during hurricane season. Not that bonefish are unavailable those months, but wind often keeps flats riled up and difficult to access. Smith hinted that bonefishing is best from October through February. That is if bones weighing above 5 pounds stretch your string. But, you have to play the weather. When it’s calm, count on excellent bonefishing. When it’s blustery, your skills had better be up to par.

Spring offers consistency. Schools often form in channels during ebb tide and once the tide turns to flood, beat it for the shallowest flats where they burrow for crabs and tail continually. Sometimes, Smith says, fish are so absorbed with rooting crustaceans from the bottom that it’s possible to wade within 20 feet of a waving tail before casting your fly. When that occurs, drop the fly right on its head, let it sink and retrieve it in short, 1-inch strips. This action mimics small shrimp and crabs fleeing from danger.

FS