Sunday, June 2, 2013

Voted Best Spot For Bonefishing Key West

By Michelle Howe


Many sport fishermen will have heard that for bonefishing Key West is the place to go. The surroundings are ideal, shallow waters which the fish enjoy, and white sandy bottoms making it easier for these fish to be spotted. They can tend to blend into the background with their silver grey bodies and darker backs. Many locals call them the grey ghost or the ghost of the flats.

They have a preference for warm water, and if the water cools due to a storm they will soon make themselves scarce. Consequently it is advisable to charter a local guide. They are familiar with the waters, the prevalent conditions and the fish.

Many fishermen have heard of flats fishing but have never experienced it for themselves. There are just two of you and the guide, on a small skiff. On reaching the flats the engine is trimmed and the guide starts to pole across the flats from a platform above the engine mountings.

From his elevated position he will be surveying the water, looking for that elusive fish. If he sees one he will call the distance in boat lengths. He will also tell you the direction using the clock face system. So if he tells you 6 lengths at 2 o'clock you know that over to your right is your fish, the rest is up to you and your skills.

It will become immediately obvious if you get a strike. These fish are fast movers and will streak for cover. Although it is also said that these are shrewd fish, and it can become a battle of wills between hunter and prey. Some say that this is one of the main appeals to the sport.

There are some prize specimens out there just waiting to be hooked. It is entirely up to you as to whether you try fishing with light tackle or if you try your hand at fly fishing. A word of advice, set up your rod the night before. This is because space is tight on a skiff, and if you have to rig on the day, this will eat into your fishing time.

If you thought that you had experienced fly fishing before, just wait until you try it on the flats. It is totally different, however the possible results can make it so worthwhile.Try to get a local fly fishing guide, ask him what equipment he uses, and whether he has any tips or tricks he would like to share.

You will soon come to understand just why there are quite so many fishing competitions held there. Fishing with just light tackle is both exhilarating and fun. Try using live shrimp as bait, something that these fish really enjoy. Just listen to the guide for where to cast, drop the bait before your fish and wait for the battle to commence.

So if you enjoy your fishing, there is only really one destination for your next vacation. Try bonefishing Key West style. You will soon discover why so many people come year after year. These fish are similar to those in the Bahamas, but are bigger and so much harder to catch




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