Florida has some of the most exciting fishing around. Bonefish is a great addition to any angler’s dream. Best Bonefishing Spots In Florida.
Florida’s top bonefishing spots will provide you with an unforgettable fishing experience.
Experience the amazing fishing and wildlife in southern Florida. You’ll be ecstatic to catch largemouth bass, only to see a crocodile grab it right on the boat.
Bonefish is a favorite among many because there are so many species to choose from.
Bonefish can be caught on the flats in southern Florida. We will show you a few areas that are known for producing big numbers of bonefish consistently.
The Bonefish is a unique specie. A specialized air bladder allows them to happily live in 6 inches of water. It’s also almost impossible to spot them. They are almost invisible.
Here are the top bonefishing locations in Florida. It’s now time to hit the water and start catching some amazing fish.
Florida’s Best Bonefishing
Bonefish are prized by anglers for their ability to fight. One of the most popular species for sight fishing. Southern Florida is one of the best places in the world to catch these bucket-listers.
Key West
Key West is a great place to find bigger fish. Bonefish are bigger here than on the mainland, but with this size comes experience.
It will take a lot of time to identify the fish.
While they are present on the Keys and neighboring islands all year round, the best time to visit is from August to October.
Hiring a guide will help you get the most out of your bonefishing experience. They will help you find the almost invisible fish, and guide you to the best places to place your streamer.
Key West is well-known, so you can get an idea of the lodging and tackle shops. Both are available in abundance.
Islamorada
Islamorada may be the world’s best location for bonefish fishing. The fish are large, abundant, and friendly for intermediate and advanced anglers. Bonefish is not the usual target for novice anglers.
Islamorada holds the Florida state record at 16 pounds. This is a huge bonefish. You can also catch the next world record right here. You can find it somewhere.
Islamorada is renowned for being the birthplace of saltwater fly-fishing.
In just a few minutes, the flats surrounding Key Key will prove to you why. The flats around the Key will show you why within minutes.
This area is also famous for its tarpon fishing.
There are many resorts, restaurants, hotels, and shops selling food and tackle on the island.
Key Largo
There is an amazing flats fishing between Key Largo Bay and Biscayne Bay. Bonefish in the 2-10 pound range are most common. The fishing is epic.
Do not be discouraged by the idea of catching two pounds of bonefish. You’ll put your reel to the test and get a good taste of what you can expect with a larger one.
In this case, it is best to use shrimp, conch, and cut fish as chum. Watch for fish as you throw the chum. If you see a muddy plume, or if a tail is sticking out of the water, that’s where you should go.
Key Largo attracts both tourists and fishermen. There are plenty of accommodations and restaurants, including the Cuban sandwich at Ferdinand the Bull.
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay has a lot of fish. It is beautiful and largely untouched. The shallow bay is home to tarpon, snooks, redfishes, sharks, and barracuda.
Bonefish of trophy size can be found on the islands in the southeast portion of the bay. The flats of several keys and smaller isles are ideal for bonefish.
Key Biscayne has some of the biggest bonefish in the world. The flats are a great place to catch barracuda and other big fish. Here, there’s plenty to do.
At the bottom of this bay, you will find a number of smaller islands as well as the Florida Keys. You want to be here. These waters are home to many 5-pound and larger bonefish.
Miami lies to the north and the Keys to the south. You can find everything you need for a trip, including lodging and equipment. Best Bonefishing Spots In Florida
Bonefish of trophy size can be found on the islands in the southeast portion of the bay. The flats of several keys and smaller isles are ideal for bonefish.
Key Biscayne has some of the biggest bonefish in the world. The flats are a great place to catch barracuda and other big fish. Here, there’s a lot of action.
At the bottom of this bay, you will find a number of smaller islands as well as the Florida Keys. You want to be here. These waters are home to many 5-pound and larger bonefish.
Miami lies to the north and the Keys to the south. You can find everything you need for your trip, including lodging and equipment.
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is on nearly all of our saltwater “best of Florida’s” lists. Tampa Bay is a great place to fish because of its warm waters, flats, and easy access.
In the last few years, more and more bonefish are moving into the water around the bay. Anglers have benefited from the migration of this species.
Bonefish in Tampa Bay are smaller than those found in the Keys. The number of species to target is astronomical.
Try your luck on the grass and mudflats surrounding the islands of the bay.
Tampa offers everything you’ll need to make the most of your trip.
Tampa Bay offers some of Florida’s finest snook fishing.
Bonefishing Gear & Tactics
Bonefish is a fantastic fish. They blend in perfectly with the bottom. They will leave at the slightest sound of a motor. If you don’t want to wade into the water, then a poling flats boat is required.
Remember that bonefish is also an important food source for sharks migrating. To avoid them getting too tired, it’s important to make sure you play them well before releasing them.
There’s a thin line between being tired and not playing enough. You will feel the effects of picking up a fish that has some run left. These are strong bugs.
Distraction is the best way to sneak on them. Once they are engaged, throw some chum, and then your line 5 to 10 feet in front. Avoid letting the line touch them and avoid making a big splash with your lure.
Check out the gear available for spinning and fly-fishing.
Spinning
Spinning is the most popular method because it’s easy to use and accessible to almost anyone. A 7- to 8-foot rod and reel are required.
To minimize the chance of a fish breaking, you’ll need to use at least 200 yards (8lb braid) or 12lb mono.
The trick is to use live bait. Make sure you put some chum into the water, and then let it dissipate before throwing your line.
Live bait and some jigs will also work but they prefer cut bait. Start with shrimp, then conch or crab.
Fly Fishing
Bonefish is something that almost all fly enthusiasts want to do. The lack of live bait makes it more difficult than spin fishing.
A rod of 8wt or a 9wt with a sinking-tip line is required. Be sure that your line is strong enough to handle the large flies with a 2/0 average hook size. Remember to use only saltwater-rated gear. On the flats, you’ll quickly destroy your favorite reel.
Try the Borski Slider or Spawning Shrimp Flies. It is so popular, that someone calculated how many Borski Sliders could be tied by shaving Chewbacca. It turns out that it’s quite a few. For those who are interested, it’s just under 5,000.
