Albula speaks much wisdom. It does depend on where you go. I strongly recommend a smooth working large arbor reel, including spending some real money if you have to, if you are chasing larger bones. I spent 6 months on Hawaii going once a week or so, and made the mistake of taking my junkier, older travel reel, figuring I wouldn't care much if I lost or broke it or it got stolen, etc. That decision cost me some large fish popping knots or breaking the line on the very initial take off because my reel wasn't great at going very fast very quickly, and I wasn't forgiving enough when I didn't know what to do. Steelhead and coho and freshwater fish experience counted for very little.
What would be a good bonefish setup?
- Thread starter dbaken
- Start date
A Steelhead at full flight plus river current will run 10-12 mph.
a Bonefish will run 25-28 mph for 50+ yrds than a another 50= yrds in the other direction
at the same speed.
You hope to understand the dynamics and thrill of the difference.
What fun!
a Bonefish will run 25-28 mph for 50+ yrds than a another 50= yrds in the other direction
at the same speed.
You hope to understand the dynamics and thrill of the difference.
What fun!
SilverFly
Legend
"Springer", very early (like March) returning summer Skamania fish, are the closest freshwater analog I can think of speed wise. "Closest" of course, being a relative term based on 40+ year old memories.
Pink Nighty
Legend
I have very limited flats fishing experience, but can confirm that quality gear rigged appropriately is crucial. I got one shot at a GT, got it to eat and it broke my line before even getting to the reel. Just a little resistance from my hand and SNAP! Only caught a little 3# bone, but even it gave my 6 weight all it could handle. Also caught a surgeonfish that made my reel spin like it was a 30# chinook in heavy current. They are different critters and your gear should reflect that.
JohnB
Steelhead
My Belize trip made me buy a 6 weight just in case I went back to Belize. I haven't been back to Belize but I've sure used the heck out of it on trout.
Skagittarius
Steelhead
One that you can cast accurately with into wind with minimal false casting. I've been doing Bonefish trips for years and 80-90% of the time I'm using an 8 wt due to wind. With bones there's really not much of a difference fighting an average fish with an 8 or 6 wt. Here's a tip - use a fly that moves when not retrieved (rubber legs, rabbit hair, etc. - fine materials that will pulsate with the natural current flow). As for reels, I've always preferred one that I could break down and thoroughly clean after every outing. I've dunked my reels many times in sandy, salt water while scrambling to take a fish photo. It was always a cool ritual of mine to clean my reels while enjoying a beer or 2 after each outing.
