Bonefish line suggestions please

Doublebluff

Doublebluff

As sure as your sorrows are joys
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I have one shot for bonefish, next month in the Bahamas, probably my only trip down there. Maybe I'll get hooked and go back, who knows. I want to buy a 8 wt line that I can use there and then bring back to use as a standard 8 wt dry line. Suggestions?
 
The line that functions most satisfactorily in warm water tropical environs is not the same line that is best suited for use in the PNW. Were it me I would get the line that is best suited to the fishing that you will be doing most and not worry about a saltwater specific line. After all there were many tens of thousands bonefish caught on fly before there was any such a thing as a warm saltwater specific fly line. I know I sure caught a lot of them on the same line I used chucking steamers in Colorado.
 
Doublebluff said:
I have one shot for bonefish, next month in the Bahamas, probably my only trip down there. Maybe I'll get hooked and go back, who knows. I want to buy a 8 wt line that I can use there and then bring back to use as a standard 8 wt dry line. Suggestions?
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I would suggest borrowing an 8 weight bonefish line for your trip if this is your only planned flats trip. SA, Cortland, RIO all have good bonefish lines, but I like the longer taper Cortland lines.

You won't be able to use a bonefish line for most PNW fishing unless it is a very hot day casting into warm water.
 
I'd go with a clear tip line. Bones are spooky in most of the popular places. For those fish you're much better casting in front of them and letting them come to you. A clear tip line will help there.
 
albula said:
The line that functions most satisfactorily in warm water tropical environs is not the same line that is best suited for use in the PNW. Were it me I would get the line that is best suited to the fishing that you will be doing most and not worry about a saltwater specific line. After all there were many tens of thousands bonefish caught on fly before there was any such a thing as a warm saltwater specific fly line. I know I sure caught a lot of them on the same line I used chucking steamers in Colorado.
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This is true. Although I use a saltwater specific line when targeting bonefish in tropical locales (probably because the manufacturers convinced me I need one), my carp reel has a regular freshwater line, and it works just fine under basically the same conditions (minus the salt) around here in the summer (85 degree day and 75 degree water temp). The same cannot be said for the Saltwater line working around here most of the year. It coils like crazy in cold conditions.
 
Get a "salt water" line from "Maxcatch" on the big auction site Will cost Less than $20.00.
I use them as back up lines for my bonefish outfits actually a decent line.
If you only fish one time it wont matter if you cant use it later
but if you have not been bone fishing Im pretty sure it wont be the "only trip".
 
Doublebluff said:
Folks- Thank you for your perspectives. I had a wonderful member of the community offer me one of their
spare lines for the trip. It is so awesome and it really made my day. I will post about the trip as long as my fishing flailings are not too humbling!
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Nice. But only one line? That’s probably okay unless a bonefish goes on a long, fast run then changes directions and your line rubs against an abrasive rock or coral …. listen: Shred!
 
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Nice that a member provided you with a line.
thats what some good forums can do.
I agree with Buzzy about only one line most flats fishers know the value of a backup line
I would still recommend an inexpensive backup like Maxcatch or similar.
If you are close to Governors Harbor gool luck with the fish that are there
its a great place to practice seeing fish and working on your presentation
plus you'll be frustrated in no time. Think small flies for heavily pressured fish.
There used to be a "Fish Fry" on Fridays in Governors that should not be missed.
Dont drink too many "Rum Bubbas"
 
Key point is whether you will be fishing from a skiff or wading. If you are on a skiff the line on the deck can get really hot. A “warm water” line is actually needed for that, not for the water. If you are just wading then you can get away with a cold water line, so long as you keep it wet.
 
Skagittarius said:
I'd go with a clear tip line. Bones are spooky in most of the popular places. For those fish you're much better casting in front of them and letting them come to you. A clear tip line will help there.
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I have used clear tip lines for bones and permit, and not found them to be any better than using a long leader in deeper water, and significantly worse in shallow water because they sink and drag on the bottom. I have never met an actual bonefish guide who recommends them either. Stick with the tried and true full floater.
 
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