Exuma Bonefishing: An Alluring Sport!
Fishing is the sport of kings in Exuma
Can
you conquer the bones? Sure, the Bahamas
can offer sunshine, seclusion, solace,
and a sexy tan, but did you know it can
also offer the chance to engage in some
of the best fishing in the world? Exuma
bonefishing is truly a challenging and
gripping sport and the regional coastlines
are particularly exceptional for this
spirited pastime. Bonefish are some of
the most elusive fish in the sea and can
be a slippery prey to hook; however with
a knowledgeable guide and a few tricks
and know-how, hooking yourself a “bone”
can be a truly satisfying and pleasurable
experience.
The Bonefish
Bonefish are native to the Caribbean,
but are particularly plentiful just off
the coast of the Exuma Islands. The immaculate
sandy flats of the Exumas provide the
ideal location for this sport, as bonefish
keep to shallow muddy and sandy flats
when digging for food. Parts of the south-east
side of the island are known to have some
particularly good spots. Bonefish are
usually caught for the sport and spirit
of the chase; they are not particularly
known to be so great-tasting. In fact,
bonefish are said to have the most fight
per pound of any other fish!
Fly fishers flock to the islands of the Bahamas every year to experience the challenge and adventure of Exuma bonefishing. Bonefish are silvery in color and are very fast-moving; it is not uncommon to see three or four enthusiastic fishermen splashing merrily through the shallow waters, rods in hand, to chase down a school, which can reach up to approximately 300 fish. A bonefish can streak up to 25 miles per hour in order to evade sharks, barracudas, and of course, energetic fishermen! An average bonefish weighs between 4 and 6 pounds, but can reach up to a whopping 19 pounds. Although bonefishing is popular in any season, the months of May to July are said to be particularly exceptional for this spirited sport.
Exuma bonefishing
Bonefishing is not your typical
fishing expedition by any means. Exuma
has many resources and facilities where
visitors, whether amateur or pro, can
visit to learn the techniques of bonefishing
and seek aid from experienced and enthusiastic
guides. Most guides on the island have
grown up in the area and are well-versed
in the movements of this slippery, silvery
fish. It is important to rig up your rod
straight away while your guide prepares
the boat; you definitely do not want to
be caught unprepared as a school of bonefish
swiftly heads your way. If the tides are
high, you can expect to be fishing in
creeks and mangrove shorelines, as Exuma
bonefishing is tide-dependent. Depending
on the weather and seasonal changes, the
average number of bonefish schools sighted
per day in Exuma is 40 to 400, while the
average number of fish caught per day
is between 3 and 45.
Essentials for Eager Bonefishers
• Fly rods
• Reels with plenty of backing (150-200 yards)
• Spare flylines
• Leader material/tippets
• Flies (Gotchas, Christmas Island Specials, Charlies)
• Pliers/clippers/hook sharpener
• Wading shoes
• Wading pack
• Fly tying kit
• Sunglasses, hat & sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Light rain gear
Whether you have the craving for an exhilarating fishing experience or just want to try something new and different, Exuma bonefishing is the ideal choice. It is definitely not a passive activity and can be enjoyable for the whole family. Hooking your first bonefish is a unique and fulfilling experience that may have you adopting the sport full-time. As any local bonefisherman will tell you, there is nothing as exciting as casting your line out into that azure sea and waiting in anticipation for that impending thrill of the chase. The avid bonefisher is always scanning, anticipating, and moving in order to hook their next big one.
Author Bio: Amanda Smith-Barrett is the author of numerous articles for www.oceaniaheights.com concerning the Bahamas and has her finger on the pulse of new and exciting opportunities that arise in the area. By exploring current trends, traditions, and the Bahamian lifestyle, she was uncovered several fresh, exhilarating activities and events native to the region. See Oceania Heights Bahamas Real Estate for more information.