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Keys Fishing
Bonefishing the Florida Keys
Out in the Florida flats, bonefish are a unique challenge
They are known as the grey ghosts of the flats. Some say that bonefish, Albula vulpes, can outrun any fish in the ocean. These torpedo-shaped masses of muscle can cover 100 yards in the blink of an eye leaving even the most experienced anglers asking what went wrong.
“Are you up for the challenge? Even masters can be humbled by the mighty bonefish...”
That’s why the world’s top sportsman fishing in the keys put this species at the top of their must do list. But before you call Florida Keys outfitters to set up a bonefishing trip ask yourself, “Are you up for the challenge?”
Florida Keys fishing has its hard to catch species including tarpon, permit and snook, but even masters of these species can be humbled by the mighty bonefish. First, consider the habitat.
Bonefish are typically found in clear water less than one foot deep, which makes the Hawks Cay Marina on Duck Key an ideal starting point for any bonefishing adventure. Fortunately, the same conditions that make the Florida Keys excellent for bonefish make it an ideal area for tarpon fishing and snook fishing.
Bonefish have only one means of defense – speed. They are a favorite prey of both sharks and barracuda which makes this inshore species exceptionally skittish, especially in shallow water.
The bonefish has a deeply forked tail which provides the power it needs to chase prey across the grass flats and open patches of sand. While this species will travel in schools, most guides typically hunt one fish at a time.
The preferred method is to pole a flats skiff across a flat with the angler stationed on the bow. Bonefish like to root around for food, kicking their tails up out of the water, hence the term “tailing bonefish.” When the guide spots a bonefish, the order to fire is give – one o’clock at 50 feet. Hopefully the bait, which can be everything from a live crab to an artificial fly, will land in the path of the fish.
The average size of the bonefish caught in the Keys is 3 to 5 pounds but fish weighing 10 pounds or more have been caught in local waters. In fact, a 16 pound 3 ounce monster was once landed near Islamorada, setting a new state record.
Peak bonefish season is runs March through October. Many anglers who want to catch a bonefish try to tie their trip into snook season, which runs pretty much year round, thanks to good weather and virtually unlimited number of sheltered fishing spots.
Many captains, including Bill Whitney aboard the Soc-Et-Tu-Um, provide light-tackle half and full-day excursions. Jeff Malone of Tarpon Time and Joel Tomlinson of I’m Hooked are also masters of the flats.
In April 2011, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission made bonefish a catch-and-release fishery, eliminating the long-standing one-fish bag limit. The new regulations allow for a temporary possession of one bonefish at a time, at the site of capture for photos, measuring and weighing.
A recent study conducted by biologists at the University of Miami estimated the single bonefish in the Florida Keys contributes about $3,500 to the local economy each year. That's nearly $75,000 over the lifespan of the average bonefish.
QUICK FACTS:
Offshore Rates
Half day reef charters from $750
Full day reef charters from $1100
Backcountry Rates
Half day charters from $450
Full day charters from $650
Full Charter Price List
10 boats and captains available to suit any need. Download the complete
Hawks Cay Charter price sheet here.
Wish you were catching these fish?
We can “hook” you up! call for reservations:
charters available through:
I'm Hooked
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
charters available through:
Tarpon Time
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
charters available through:
Soc Et Tu Um Charters
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
charters available through:
Saltwater Experience
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
Current Conditions Mostly Cloudy
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Air 83.0° |
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