Bonefish in the Bahamas: Then & Now

Bonfishing was a brand-new sport in 1969 and fly fishers largely preferred wading through the flats and chumming for this sly, stealthy species. Throughout the years, bonefishing tools and techniques have become increasingly sophisticated. Moreover, the regulations pertaining to the capture and retention of bonefish have become ever more stringent. As this sport evolves, new developments are making it infinitely easier to catch big bones without taking an unnecessary or potentially long-lasting toll on the natural environment. As a sport, bonefishing has also become far more enjoyable.

 

 

One of the top tips for bonefishers in 1969 was to don a surgeon’s mask before going out. This was a simple strategy for ensuring basic sun protection. Now, bonefishers hit the water with high-quality, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen with high SPF ratings, hats, and other protective gear. Bonefisherman understand more about this species than they did in years past. They currently wear clothing that blends seamlessly into their surroundings and take extra care to remove pervasive smells from their skin and gear.

 

 

Although wearing waders and fishing directly from muddy flat bottoms is still an option, all- inclusive bonefishing tours are presently the norm. These give anglers the benefit of seasoned guides, fully stocked boats, and the opportunity to tour waters that are seasonally rich with bones of all sizes. While bonefishing was once a summer sport, guided excursions make catching bones possible year-round.

 

Another major change that this sport has experienced is the introduction of catch-and-release requirements. Modern bonefishers snap photos of their fish before unhooking them and sending them back in, or they may even keep them in live wells onboard to let them overcome their shock before returning them. Although bones have never been a first choice for dinner, catch- and-release requirements are an indication of how thoughtful fishers have become in terms of ensuring robust bonefish populations for generations to come. Outdated fishing methods such as gillnetting have also been put to rest so that bonefish are collected and returned just one at a time.

 

 

The evolution of bonefishing can best be seen in the changes that have occurred across bonefishing equipment. Boats with single, pull-start 10 hp outboard motor are a thing of the past, and anglers are no longer using flimsy, fiberglass rods that allow even modest-sized bones to run out hundreds of feet of fishing line. Bonefishers can choose from increasingly realistic-looking lures, stronger and more flexible rods, and better-performing gear all-around. Even advances in the equipment being used for bonefishing allows for cleaner catches and less harm to theseelusive fish.

 

Best of all, identified spawning areas for bonefish are increasingly being protected, as are natural resources that support these populations. These changes have hardly decreased the fun of a sport that consistently attracts both seasoned anglers and new fishers alike. Instead, they ensure that bonefishing can be done safely, comfortably, and without taking a lasting toll