East End Lodge Blog & News

Catch and release fishing has proven to be an invaluable tool in ongoing and increasingly popular conservation efforts. With this technique, it’s been possible to both increase the number of bonefish available in the water, and improve their average size. Unfortunately, however, catching and then releasing a fish doesn’t always ensure its survival. In fact, if it’s not done properly, this practice can cause serious physical damages, while greatly increasing the likelihood...

One of the biggest challenges in catching bonefish is learning how to spot them. Not only are these fish known for being stealthy and exceedingly good at avoiding capture, but they’re also blessed with mirror-like scales that perfectly reflect their surrounding environment. When these fish turn sideways, it can be difficult to distinguish them from the flat bottom. Fortunately, nervous water or water that’s being agitated as the result of movement, can make it infinitely easier...

Bonefish are impressive predators in their own right, but many of their natural attributes make them equally impressive at avoiding capture when pursued as prey. From their reflective scales to their incredible sense of smell, these fish have challenged many an angler indeed. Following are four little known facts about bonefish that you should know before heading out for your next bonefishing adventure. They Can’t Swim Backwards Despite the massive amount of interest that these fish...

Seasoned bonefishers know just how important it is to choose the right gear. While you may be able to borrow what you need from the lodge or one of your fellow fishers, bonefishing excursions are infinitely more enjoyable for those who come well-prepared. Keep this in mind when choosing your primary reel and any backup that you decide to bring. Following are five, essential features to look when searching for a reel that can stand up to both aggressive bonefish and the ravages of saltwater....

Given the stealthy, savvy nature of bonefish, bringing a big bone in can be a major challenge, even in ideal conditions. Unfortunately, however, not all fisherman have the benefit of calm waters, clear visibility, and zero wind. In fact, wind is something that you’re very likely to encounter when taking to the flats. The good news is that when you master the art of casting into the wind, you’ll often find yourself fishing with very little competition from your peers. Following...

Bringing a big bonefish in is exciting. Although size and quality don’t always go hand in hand, size is often considered a top determining factor in whether or not a catch is actually prize or pride-worthy. Bigger bones, however, have different attitudes and habits than small bones and thus, catching them requires more stealthy techniques. At the end of the day, these giants tend to be smarter and more adept at avoiding capture than their younger, smaller counterparts.   Cruising...

  Named in honor of the many, tiny bones within their bodies, bonefish are hardly considered sumptuous fare. In fact, bonefish are virtually inedible. That’s why bonefishing is often an exercise in catch-and-release techniques. Bonefish are smart and stealthy. On sandy flat bottoms, their mirror-like scales function as built-in camouflage. It’s things like these that make catching bonefish, and learning more about them so appealing.   1. What is the average lifespan of a...

  Although there are many species that populate warm temperature flats, bonefish are undoubtedly the most popular. These fish are well-known for their reel-stressing runs, their impressive strength, and the considerable challenge that they pose to even the most seasoned fishers. For anglers who are ready to flex and expand their fishing skills, casting for bonefish is definitely a worthwhile endeavor. These fish are plentiful in warm, quiet waters such as tropical, intertidal flats....

Bonefish are usually found in shallow, saltwater flats. Given the unpredictability of inshore flats fishing, you’ll find yourself confronting something new each and every day that you go out. To effectively rise to the challenges of this ever-changing environment, bonefishers have to have the best tools on hand. Among the greatest of these is the push pole. Skillful poling can bring you right up close to your prey, without alerting bonefish to your presence. Following are a few tips...

  When fishing for bones, strip setting is absolutely essential. Having a bonefish take your hook doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed to bring him in. That’s because these fish have very hard mouths that are almost constantly open. They also chew their food with granular, crushing teeth on their tongue and upper jaw, and in the throat, helping them to grind up prey. If you want to deeply embed the hook and minimize the likelihood of having your fish get away,...

  Given just how fast, smart and likely to spook bonefish are known to be, the ability to present your fly quickly and inconspicuously is always key to bringing a big bone in. Beyond having an excellent casting technique and being able to quickly adapt to changes in environmental conditions, you also have to develop a solid ready position. Following are a few tips to help you get started. Kick Off Your Shoes Well, don’t exactly kick your shoes off, but do make sure that your feet...

  Adaptability is a hallmark of good casting. After all, casting conditions are always going to change. Given the numerous bonefishing environments and situations that you’re likely to encounter, you definitely want several, solid casting techniques in your repertoire. Dropping the plane of your cast to one side, whether back casting or forward casting, is called side casting, or casting sidearm. This manner of presenting the fly can be exceedingly helpful when the winds are...

  Wading is the perfect exercise for those who enjoy the hunting aspect of bonefishing. Searching for cruising bones while wading the flats will test your stealth, your vision, and your listening abilities. When done properly, wading can be a very delicate and effective way to land your prey. Following are several tips to help you prime your wading skills for success.   Determine Your Ideal Wading Depth When traveling together, most bonefish tend to cruise at the same, approximate...

There’s obviously more than one way to catch a bonefish. From poling (fishing from the boat), to wading, to simply standing silently on the boat, watching for your chance to make the perfect cast, there are numerous strategies that you can use to pursue this beautiful, stealthy, and incredibly intelligent species. When chasing bonefish on foot you have the benefit of being directly connected to their environment, along with the challenge of making quiet steps that create minimum,...

Hooking a bonefish is rarely an easy feat. These fish are crafty, they spook easily, and they’re often difficult to spot. Once you’ve finally gotten a big bone on your hook, failing to bring him in is nothing less than heartbreaking. Following are five ways to break off a bonefish, along with a few tips for ensuring a seamless catch. 1. Keeping Your Eye On The Prize Your first instinct after you’ve hooked a bone is to follow him with your eyes. Although this often feels...

Being smart, stealthy, and quick is how big bones live to make it to their impressive sizes. That’s why too many false casts can and will invariably result in disappointment. It’s incredibly tricky to cast to bonefish with a fly rod and reel. Not only do you have to cast accurately and with excellent timing, but you also have to have a variety of strategies for presenting your fly. If a bonefish eludes you on a first false cast, presenting your fly in the exact same fashion...

Catch and release fishing has become the norm among responsible fishers who hope to ensure a robust bonefish population for many years to come. To keep these efforts successful, it’s important to minimize the amount of time that bonefish spend out of the water, and to limit overall handling. Many people who travel to Grand Bahama Island for these experiences want to capture impressive images of their hauls, before setting them free. The good news is that with the right equipment and...

  To ensure robust bonefish populations, catch and release fishing is being promoted as a valuable tool for conservation. This gives bonefishers the chance to flex their skills, capture evidence of their prowess in photos, and return their prey back to the water safely. Unfortunately, however, catch and release techniques are only effective at saving the lives of bonefish when people are diligent about using proper handling techniques. Following are several ways to ensure optimum...

There’s a lot to pay attention to when bonefishing. Choosing the right tide, however, is an important element that many novice bonefishers overlook. Not only do tides have a definite impact on bonefish activity, but they also affect how easy it will ultimately be to get them to bite. Following is everything you need to know about how changes in tide can impact your outcome while out on the flats. The Moon Reigns Supreme The moon governs the habits and attitudes of all ocean life, all...

Your ideal bonefishing trip is probably one with moderate weather, mild winds, and plenty of sunshine. In reality, however, some of your time on the flats is likely to be spent in all kinds of conditions. The good news is that the weather doesn’t have to have a negative impact on your haul. Your willingness to remain flexible and your ability to adapt to changes in the elements will allow you to bring big bones in, regardless of the weather conditions. Casting Without The Glare One of...

Fly presentation is everything in bonefishing. These are among some of the smartest, stealthiest fish that you’ll ever come across. Moreover, big bones don’t reach their impressive sizes by being willing to fall for anything. Mastering your back cast is a large part of making a good fly presentation. Good back casting, however, is one of the most challenging things to consistently do on the perpetually windy flats. This means that even seasoned fishers can make serious mistakes...

From most angles, bonefish are virtually invisible as they move beneath the surface of the water. With bright, mirror-like sides that perfectly reflect their surroundings, they can evade the untrained eye with ease. The most basic truth of bonefishing is that you can’t catch a bonefish until you learn how to spot one. Fortunately, this is a skill that you’re certain to master after you’ve spent enough time out on the flats. Following are seven more tips to help you hone...

One of the most important parts of planning a successful bonefishing trip is preparing for the demands of this adventure ahead of time. With the right gear and plenty of casting practice, you’ll have a far greater ability to enjoy yourself while avoiding a host of common, yet unnecessary problems. Following are five things that you should make sure to do before heading out. 1. Practice Casting This is at the top of nearly every list on preparing for bonefishing trips. These are among...

Even the most experienced fly fisherman are guaranteed to experience frustration during their first few bonefishing trips. Before heading out to the flats, you have to prepare for the wind, the glaring sun, and fish that are just as stealthy as they are smart. As ever, people who make the fewest mistakes when bonefishing tend to land the most fish. Following are four, common mistakes that beginners often make along with a few, easy strategies for avoiding them. 1. Too Many False Casts...

Bonefishing gear has to be both versatile and specific to the type of terrain you’ll be covering. This is especially true when it comes to wading boots and shoes. You may have a comfortable, durable pair of wading shoes already picked out and packed for your trip. Determining whether or not these are sufficient for the environment you’ll be fishing in, however, is essential. You may find that the perfect shoes for your last bonefishing trip are hardly appropriate for your next...

Bonefish are smart, savvy and prone to run. When you see big bones out on the flats, you should know that they’ve likely reached their impressive size due to their innate ability to both sense and flee from danger. This makes stealth, skill and practice incredibly important. Following are five rookie mistakes that will keep you from ever hauling any big bones in. 1. Wearing Your Wading Shoes While In The Boat When it comes to catching bonefish, being stealthy is about far more than...

Spotting bonefish is about far more than simply identifying their location. You also need the ability to determine their behavior and their most likely course of action. To make things all the more complex, these fish have near-perfect camouflage and they’re constantly on the move. Although it’s good to rely on the advice and directives of your guide, it’s important to develop bonefish spotting skills of your own. The following tips will help you get started. Check For...

Casting to a tailing bonefish is actually quite easy. These fish are content, less likely to spook, and busy sifting through the sand. This makes it a cinch to present your fly without raising any suspicions, especially if you relax, take your time and focus on making the best possible cast. Following are a few tips to help you make the most of these prime opportunities. Calm Down Everyone is happy when they’re around food and so are bonefish. Don’t let the excitement of seeing this perfect...

Our beloved bonefish, which we highly esteem and inhabit our shallow flats to provide us with many amazing battles, have their unique beginnings. And they’re not what you think they are. Several marine studies have shown that for a few days, actually twice a month, from November until May, schools of bonefish gather around sunset, then swim together away from shore. Once in deep waters, as if on a crowded dance floor, the bonefish get busy loving on each other.  Even as romantic as...

When it comes to fishing for bonefish, experts don’t always agree on choosing sandy or weedy flats. There are those who swear by sand, saying that it’s the best way to spot the fish. Others love to explore the weeds, since they feel that’s the place where the bonefish feels least vulnerable. At East End Lodge, we agree with both schools of thought. There are seasons and days when looking for bonefish in the sandy flats is the most rewarding. Other days the weeds prove to...

Flats fishing on Grand Bahama Island is not solely limited to hunting and catching bonefish. Many other species of fish inhabit our skinny waters. Missing out on this extra fun would be a shame, so be on the lookout for some of these highly desirable catches. Permit Permit are also a popular and rewarding catch when fishing the flats. Very elusive, the permit is even considered by some to be the most challenging catch of any other sport fish that inhabits this area. They usually weigh in at...

The Bahamas is a fantastic destination for many reasons. People come here for the amazing beaches and the opportunity to swim, snorkel and scuba dive in some of the most beautiful waters found anywhere on the planet. However, the Bahamas isn’t just a fun place to relax in the sun, it’s also a major destination for bonefishing. If you’ve never heard about the incredible bonefishing that you’ll find on Grand Bahama Island, then it’s time you did. Because the...

There’s no over-stating the importance of stealth when it comes to catching bonefish. This is definitely something to keep in mind when choosing clothing for your next big trip. You’re guaranteed to hear plenty about limiting loud, bumping and jostling sounds on the boat deck. You may even be encouraged to rub heavy, noticeable scents off your hands before heading out or handling your equipment. Mature bonefish are so smart that they can be turned around by the lingering...

There are many things you can do to increase your chances of catching bonefish off the flat you are fishing.  And there is no better way to win a battle against the Grey Ghost than by getting into his mind. So let’s see four things bonefish hate, that should help you land more bonefish and effectively “beat” your adversary. Noise. They react quickly to unnatural noises around them, so silence is golden. Your fly line tearing out of the water, hard shoes shuffling on a boat-deck,...

Not all bonefishing is done from a boat. In fact, some of the best bonefishing experiences you’ll ever have could come when you’re standing knee-deep in water with your line looped by your feet. Thus, in addition to priming your casting skills for your big trip, you also need to get ready for days when you’re out of the boat and wading the flats in pursuit of your prey. The following are a few, basic wading tips and techniques to help you prepare. Choose The Right Footwear...

Few bonefishers bring anything impressive in on the first try. Fishing for bone takes patience, skill and all the right strategies. Fortunately, the five tips that follow will greatly increase your chances of success as you hit the flats and start learning the nuances of this truly clever fish. 1. Hire A Guide There are countless benefits in hiring a guide, especially when heading out to the flats for the first time. These seasoned professionals can act as both your eyes and ears and will...

Whether you’re a new or seasoned angler, there are a number of factors to consider when deciding how far you should lead your fly. No single, lead distance will work well in every situation. If you ask around, you’ll hear stories of success that involve leads of up to three feet and leads as short as a few inches. The key to leading a bonefish correctly lies in understanding the different factors that can impact your success. Stealth The importance of stealth simply cannot be...

You never want to let a rush of excitement spoil your chances at catching a tailing bonefish. Happier, more aggressive and much less likely to spook than a fish that’s lazily swimming near the bottom, tailing bonefish still require an incredible amount of stealth and skill. When you spot an exhilarating flash of tail just breaking through the surface, take a deep breath and collect yourself so that you don’t rush the shot. A Good Shot Trumps A Fast One Cruising bonefish only...

New anglers have a lot to learn when it comes to approaching bonefish with stealth. Bonefish are among the easiest fish to spook. They are also highly vigilant and very much cognizant of changes in their environment. That being said, there’s a lot that must be done to disguise your efforts to get up close. Beyond learning the best casting techniques and being ever-mindful of sounds on the boat bottom, you also have to account for the incredible sense of smell that all bonefish...

  One of the best ways to improve your forward cast is by working on your backcast. In fact, this is also the best way to perfect your overall fly fishing skills. This cast happens directly behind you and you’ll be walking backwards while you do it. Practice will give you a good feel for the necessary movements, but the three tips that follow will help you avoid common mistakes as you engage in an activity that you can’t actually see yourself perform. 1. Don’t...

There are a number of important considerations that you need to make when presenting the fly to permit fish. If you have a lot of experience fishing for trout or bonefish, you may be tempted to use some of the same techniques. Without the right strategies, however, even the most masterful anglers can struggle to land a permit. These fish behave quite a bit differently than bonefish and thus, your approach has to be different as well. Following are three tips that will help you haul a big...

Surprisingly, you don’t have to cast great distances in order to catch bonefish. In fact, some of the best fish have been nabbed at less than 40 feet. While mastering the long cast is a very common goal, casting short for bonefish will often provide the greatest opportunity for success. Unfortunately, the short cast can actually be far more challenging than casting for distance, especially when winds are fierce. Establishing The Right Casting Speed There are a number of difficulties...

Those with the greatest amount of success in catching big bones tend to have a lot in common. Not only are they experienced,but they know which actions consistently produce amazing results. Following are seven habits that every bonefisherman should adopt and that every effective bonefisherman already maintains. Listen To The Guide Guides are present for a reason and seasoned, successful bonefisherman recognize the value of listening to these professionals. Guides have sharp, keen eyes and...

Just because you are not fishing doesn’t exactly put you off duty. When your fishing partner is on the bow, there’s a lot that you can do to ensure his success. When your time to stand on bow arrives, your partner is guaranteed to return the favor. The following are five ways to make sure that you’re a great boat buddy. Pay Attention To The Line The first and foremost job of the boat buddy is to mind the line. The line gets stripped into a big pile by the fly fisherman on...

Fast and accurate casting is essential for making the most of your bonefishing trip. You have to be able to cast the distance for bonefish and it is important to do so with stealth. With little time to prepare for your cast and extremely windy conditions to contend with, there is nothing better than practice to prime you for this experience. Practice One Skill At A Time If possible, practice over still water that has a flat, shallow bottom and use an eight or nine weight rod with a tapered...

Fly tying season is upon us and as you start restocking, you may want to have a few techniques for tying your flies faster. Moving through this task in a slow and methodical fashion can be quite beneficial. When the pressure is on, however, these 10 tips are guaranteed to help. Never Put Down The Scissors Putting your scissors down and picking them up again for each tie can waste a considerable amount of time. Try keeping your scissors constantly in your bobbin hand instead. It will take...

On days of low visibility, casting at schooling bonefish could be your best shot at landing a great catch. In these instances, the wrong approach could send countless fish swimming off in the wrong direction. Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to increase your chances of reeling one in. Following are several techniques that are well-worth trying the next time you come across a large school of bonefish. Avoid Casting Into The Middle Of The School Casting directly into...

Accuracy is far more important than distance when it comes to catching bonefish. Unlike trout fishing, you don’t have to cast very far. Rather than pushing for distance, you’ll need to be cognizant of wind speeds and wind direction, the instructions of your guide and how fast you can get your line out there. As always, you’ll want to avoid spooking bonefish by limiting false casts as much as possible and by focusing on precision. Location And Distance It is important to...

The only thing better than catching a bonefish is catching a big one. This isn’t something that happens by chance. Bonefishing takes a lot of careful calculation, especially if you’re hoping to haul in a record-breaker. Fortunately, with the right flies, fly placement, stripping techniques and focus, you too can find and land a huge bonefish. Choose The Right Fly Pick the heaviest possible fly for the current fishing conditions. Big bonefish won’t take a fly that...

Whether or not you have the right gear for your bonefishing trip, it will play a major role in determining how successful you are. From your rods to your clothing and your footwear, different items and accessories are essential for comfort, efficiency and safety. The following is a detailed list of everything you need to pack before departing. Comfortable, Tropical Clothing And A Good Raincoat Pack comfortable pants and shirts that blend in well with the surroundings. These will help you...

Poling for bonefish is its own, unique experience. When you pursue bonefish on foot, accuracy and stealth are key. If you’re fishing from the boat and the push pole is being manned by your guide, you’ll experience a range of difficulties in terms of noise, boat speed and line-stripping. The following are five things you’ll need to do to ensure success. Keep Quiet Bonefish spook easily and they are really sensitive to noise. Don’t bang the cooler lid or drop gear on...

Once a bonefish takes your hook in his mouth, how you respond is going to play a critical role in determining whether or not you actually reel him in. Strip setting the hook instead of raising your rod will ensure that the hook embeds itself deeply. Bonefish have hard mouths and they chew their food with teeth that lie at the back of throat. Moreover, they never actually need to close their mouths while eating and thus, there is absolutely no guarantee that they are going to close them...

With countless years of experience and a strong familiarity with the local flats and the fish that swim in them, your guide is by far, the best resource that you’ll have when heading out to catch bonefish. The importance of trusting and listening to your bonefishing guide cannot be overstated. With his help, you’ll spot more fish, have a greater opportunity to position yourself and cast correctly and learn lots of valuable information for future outings. Interacting With Your...

Casting for bonefish in windy condition is tough. In fact, it is one of the biggest and most common challenges among bonefishermen. Fortunately, there are a few flyfishing techniques that can make these efforts far less frustrating. Following are five tips that will help you cast quickly and accurately in any circumstances. 1. Practice Ahead Of Your Trip In order to ensure success on your bonefishing trip, spend some time casting in windy conditions before you head out. This will help you...

Learning how to properly wade is one of the most important parts of bonefishing, especially if you re eager to spend time chasing these fish on foot. Bonefish spook easily and they can sense vibration and noise from great distances. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to improve your wading skills before you set out for your trip. The Proper Walking Technique Flats with hard bottoms require soft steps that place you on the ball of your foot. Practice picking your feet up...

Silence is one of the most critical skills to develop for bonefishing. Whether you are on the boat poling for bonefish or going after them on foot, every deliberate effort to mute noise and conceal your presence will help. Moving Through The Flats With A Push Pole Seemingly small noises can spook bonefish. Banging your cooler lid closed, dropping heavy gear on the boat bottom and even shuffling your feet can prove counter-productive. Moreover, the boat’s hull will actually amplify any...

People often spend considerable sums in order to fly to exotic locations for bonefishing trips. In order to make the most of your trip you are going to want to practice casting. Thus, it makes good sense to spend some time practicing your casting techniques before taking to the boat. Following are a few pointers for mastering this skill in all conditions and at any distance.

Once you have learned how to spot the bonefish and have gotten them to take your fly or bait, it’s time to learn how to fight bonefish so that you can successfully reel it in. Although you might run into a few bonefish that don’t put up much of a fight, knowing how to respond to an aggressive fighter is often the most important part of claiming your trophy fish.  The following is everything you need to know about letting this fish run, keeping your line at the right angle and...

Among the many fly casting challenges that exist, fishing for bonefish is by far the most demanding. Fortunately, getting the right gear can significantly increase the likelihood of success. This is especially true when it comes to choosing the right bonefish fly. Size, weight and color are three vital factors to focus on when making your selection. Color In most instances, the color of the flat and the color of the fly should be similar. The idea behind this concept is simple. Bonefish...

When you think about dressing for a bonefishing trip, if you are a first-time angler you probably envision throwing on a simple t-shirt and shorts just before heading out the door. While this outfit makes sense for comfort, there are many other facets to consider when preparing your outfit for a successful day on the flats. This is your comprehensive dressing guide for your next Bahamas bonefishing trip! Hat Your choice of hat is imperative. Always wear a hat with a dark or black...

When potential guests call us, one of the most common questions they ask is, “When is the best time to go bonefishing in the Bahamas?” The short answer to this question is “whenever you can.” The bonefishing truly is great year-round. Because the east end of Grand Bahama Island features a climate that tends to stay steady and consistent, temperature often is not a factor. Average temperatures throughout the year tend to stay within a close range, creating optimal...

Fish can sometimes be difficult to spot with the naked eye, and this is especially true for bonefish. They have impeccable camouflage, and their silver bodies act as mirrors for blending well into their surroundings. This is why they are often referred to as, “the Grey Ghost of the Flats”.There are three primary ways to spot a bonefish and by knowing what to look for, it will make it easier to catch them in their natural environment. Before you fish, be sure to have a good pair of polarized...

People come to the Caribbean islands to rejuvenate by getting away from their fast-paced lives for a few days.  A sunny getaway in the Bahamas is the perfect way to combat stress and treat yourself well. The East End of Grand Bahama Island is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and, of course, fish.  Far enough away from the big resorts and cruise ship ports, the East End allows you to experience the true Bahamian culture.  At East End Lodge, you’ll get enjoy sun, relaxation, good company,...