Bonefish flies for autumn

Big Sky Dave

What are "must have" flies for upper keys bonefish in October?

Thanks,
Dave

Permit Rat

"October," has nothing to do with it, in that the same flies that worked the other 11 months will still work for bonefish. So you'll get myriad responses from others with their favorite patterns. When I was a guide I almost always chummed bones for my clients and any fly worked, as long as it was a crazy charlie in pink or tan. When chumming, a size 2 works fine, but apart from that you'd be better off with a 4 or 6, depending on the wind conditions and depth of water where you find them. As always, you should choose your flies according to the conditions. General rule of thumb is a light fly over sand and a darker pattern over grass. Horse pucky.....I use the fly I can see the best and presentation is IMO the most important factor. After all, bonefish come onto the flats for just one reason and that is to feed. In my limited experience, they'll eat just about anything that is presented properly.

Now I fish bonefish mostly in Mexico and my favorite is a natural bunny gotcha with a little orange in it. There I prefer a size 4 because there are also a lot of dinnerplate permit around and they'll eat gotchas as well. Flats fishing in Mexico isn't near as challenging as it is in the Keys.....I kind of miss that....good luck.

JoeBC

Permit Rat wrote: »

presentation is IMO the most important factor. After all, bonefish come onto the flats for just one reason and that is to feed. In my limited experience, they'll eat just about anything that is presented properly.

This is the answer. Also remember that approach is just as important as presentation, but if you are hiring guides that isn't something that you will worry about as much. As for flies I like to have something tied on I would be confident enough to cast at a permit.