Ed Mitchell Outdoors

Part 4,    Flies for Deadman’s Cay

Ok, time to talk flies! But before we dive in, I have a thought for you. While I’m far from the most experienced bonefisherman, I feel confident in saying this: on the flats “presentation” is king, fly pattern is queen.  That doesn’t mean fly patterns are unimportant, only that your ability to deliver a fly accurately, softly,  and on time, is far more important. Enough said.

My Fly Box

The Long Island Bonefishing Lodge suggests several fly patterns (Gotchas, Charlies, Puffs…etc.) in sizes 4,6,8 – of varying colors and weights. Fair enough, but let me refine that for you.

On the flats of Deadman’s Cay, our fishing was done in 5-15 inches of water. Skinny, skinny water. Consequently, any fly that landed with a “plop” immediately spooked fish.  Instantly! So small, lightly weighted (or unweighted) flies ruled.  Sizes 6 and 8 flies with bead-chain, or key-chain, eyes are as heavy as you want to go. Lead-eye flies were verboten. They may work wonders on the ocean-side flats, or farther north, but not here. (Weighted or unweighted, be sure you’re flies ride hook up. I’ll tell you why at the end of this post.)

Because the bottoms are mainly light-colored, light-colored flies did yoke-man’s duty – white, pearl, pink, tan…etc. But don’t be afraid to add a splash of color. It helps catch the “bone’s” attention. As you can see in my fly box above, I like some yellow, purple, pink, orange, or red in my flies.  And I also like colorful rubber legs. They’re helpful too. (Check occasionally that they haven’t fouled around the hook.)

Size 8 Gotcha-type & a Size 6 Puff

Here’s two flies that worked for me. A size 6, Puff and a size 8 Gotcha-type fly. By the way, you can find well-tied bonefish patterns, at excellent prices, over at Discount Flies.com

Let me mention one final point ( no pun intended). Be sure your flies ride hook up. Why? Two reasons. Obviously a hook that rides up is a help when fishing over a turtle grass bottom. Second, and more importantly, a bonefish’s mouth is oddly shaped. It points downward, and the upper jaw is noticeably longer than the bottom jaw. A hook riding point up is far more likely to find a secure hold.

Part 5, will  cover rods, leaders & lines

Part 2,  “DIY” Bonefishing

This was my first experience with DIY (Do-it-Yourself) bonefishing – also known as “assisted” guiding. I enjoyed it for two reasons. It offers anglers a great deal of independence. You fish at your own pace and how you want. And it is also less expensive than full-guided fishing.

Here’s how DIY, assisted guiding, works at the Long Island Bonefishing Lodge. After breakfast, my son and I would meet the guide at the boat. (Our lunches are in the cooler) Then together we take a short ride – typically 5 minutes- to the first flat of the day.

My Son and the Guide

Upon arrival, the guide offers advice on how to fish the area in question. Next he hands out wallie-talkies, allowing everyone to stay in touch throughout the day. (I put mine in my shorts pocket. My son stuck his inside a fanny pack.) At that point, my son and I would set off seeking bones, while the guide hangs with the boat. Eventually he repositioned himself to the far end of the flat, where we all meet up for lunch.

After lunch, the guide would take us to a different flat, where the process starts over again, our day ending around 4PM. (Yes, 8 solid hours of bonefishing) Hopping aboard, we then head to the lodge for conch fritters and cold beer!

In Part 3, we’ll talk about the flats, the flies and the fishing.

Part One,  The Lodge

My son and I just returned from a 4 day, 5 night, “DIY” bonefishing trip on Long Island in the Bahamas. If you’re unfamiliar with Long Island,  it lies southeast of Great Exuma, some 300 watery miles below Florida. The island calls itself the “Bonefishing Capitol of the World”. It is 80 miles long and 4 miles wide. Roughly halfway down on the west side, Long Island has extensive flats near the settlement of Deadman’s Cay. By any standard the island is remote, unspoiled, and lightly populated.

Cottage at Lodge

We stayed at the Long Island Bonefishing Lodge in Deadman’s Cay. The lodge is only minutes from the airport and sits facing the flats. Nevin Knowles runs the operation; his sister runs the kitchen. Both were born on the island, and both are fine folks, congenial, and fun to be with. I booked the trip through Judy Hall at Angler Adventures.  She was very helpful. I recommend her to you.

Bedrooms are clean and neat

Accommodations were excellent. The cottages are neat and clean, with very comfortable beds. A major plus at the end of an 8 hour day on the flats, believe me. The Mitzi flats boats are relatively new, and ready to go.

The Lodge’s Dinning Hall

The lodge supplies 3 meals a day – full breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner. The food was wonderful. Dinners included lobster, grouper and conch. Upon returned to the lodge each afternoon, a tray of hot conch fritter magically appeared on the deck. Washed down with a cold Kalik, it was a great end to an angling day. OK, on to part two