Tag: wade fishing

  • Grey’s Point Inn

    Grey’s Point Inn

    Wading the flats on Acklins Island, Bahamas:

    Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn

    99% Wading

    Acklins Out Island

    Williamson Family

    Bahamas location map

    Overview

    Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn on Acklins Island is a Williamson-family bonefishing lodge built for wading. About 99% of the fishing is on foot across Relief Bay and Lovely Bay, with a maximum of eight anglers, comfortable rooms, and Out Island hospitality.

    Acklins Island bonefishing at Grey’s Point Inn

    Acklins Island is the remote Out Island Bahamas at its best. There are two flights a week. Phone and internet can be sporadic. Traffic jams are never a problem, and the people of Acklins are among the friendliest you will meet.

    The flats fished by Grey’s Point Inn are spectacularly beautiful and relatively shallow, especially in Lovely Bay and Relief Bay. Acklins bonefish feed in extremely shallow water, especially at low tide, so the fishing is 99% wading. Nothing captures bonefishing like stalking, casting to, and hooking a 6-pound bone in 4 inches of water.

    Close proximity to the open ocean means guests occasionally see larger fish. The average bone is 3–5 pounds. Fish in the 6–8 pound class are fairly common, and at times you get shots at double-digit bones fresh from deeper water. The club record is 16 pounds.

    Bones often school at high tide, then spread over the shallow flats, cuts, and channels as the water drops. That makes for diverse wading — drop-offs one hour, tip-toeing after tailers the next. Guests may also see permit, sharks, and big barracuda. Tarpon sightings are rare, but they happen on Acklins.

    Grey’s Point has three full-time bonefishing guides and several part-time guides, all with years on Acklins. They grew up on these waters and work hard to put you on fish. Boat rides are typically 5–15 minutes. The Lovely Bay launch is about 25 minutes from the lodge; Relief Bay is a short walk down the hill, and you can be fishing in two minutes. A canoe and two kayaks are available the afternoon you arrive, and there is a wadeable flat in front of the lodge.

    Bonefish with a fly in the clear shallow flats at Grey’s Point Inn, Acklins Island, Bahamas
    Angler wading clear Acklins Island flats on a Grey’s Point Inn bonefishing trip, Bahamas
    Guest-room wing and main lodge at Grey’s Point Inn on Acklins Island, Bahamas

    Accommodations at Grey’s Point Inn

    Grey’s Point offers surprisingly comfortable rooms given how remote Acklins is. There are six guest rooms and a main lodge, all overlooking the flats of Relief Bay. Rooms have two large double beds, air-conditioning, satellite television, a refrigerator, a small desk (perfect for fly tying), a private bath, and intermittent WiFi. The main lodge holds the kitchen, dining room, common area, and a game area with a full-sized pool table. A small lounge next to the guest rooms has comfortable chairs and a big-screen TV. Except for intact larger groups, Grey’s Point takes a maximum of eight anglers.

    Food is Bahamian style — broiled or steamed lobster, fried grouper, roasted chicken, cracked conch. The owners and staff are punctual, courteous, and a pleasure to be around.

    Grey’s Point does not sell beer or other alcoholic drinks. Buy liquor and wine at the duty-free shop on arrival in Nassau, and beer on Acklins. The lodge meets you at the airport and stops at a grocery that sells beer. Keep it cold in the mini-fridge in your room. Kalik and Sands are always around; Heineken and Guinness show up occasionally.

    99% wading

    6 guest rooms

    Max 8 anglers

    Williamson family

    Grey’s Point Inn packages (2026–2027)

    Contact us for seasonal discounts, special offers or promotional pricing

    Grey’s Point Inn Packages2 per boat | 2 per room2 per boat | 1 per room1 per boat | 2 per room1 per boat | 1 per room
    7 Nights/6 Days Fishing$4,855$5,835.00$7,015.00$7,995
    4 Nights/3 Days Fishing$2,640$3,220.00$3,720.00$4,300
    3 Nights/2 Days Fishing$1,935$2,370.00$2,655.00$3,090

    These are the 2026–2027 package rates.

    Our Services are FREE

    From the archive: wading Acklins in 2013

    John Frazier wrote about a Grey’s Point trip for the November/December 2013 issue of Fly Fishing in Salt Waters — still the best picture of stalking bones on foot here.

    Included in package

    • Round-trip transportation from Acklins Airport to the lodge
    • Double or single occupancy rooms as described
    • All meals, soft drinks, and bottled water
    • A boat and guide daily

    Not included

    • Air travel to Acklins
    • Beer, wine, and liquor
    • Tackle, lures, flies, and personal items
    • Boat handler (optional — runs the skiff to the far end of a flat so you skip the long walk back)
    • Gratuities and Bahamas VAT

    The lodge now accepts credit cards; confirm current payment options when you book. Cash and traveler’s checks still work on island.

    Flies and tackle

    Acklins bones are not overly bashful in skinny water, and they are not picky eaters. Presentation matters more than pattern. Bring a good supply of Bunny Bones or other unweighted or very lightly weighted flies. Weed guards help on turtle grass. See the Bahamas What to Bring list. Bring your own flies and tackle — neither is available at Grey’s Point Inn.

    Getting to Grey’s Point Inn

    Bahamasair currently flies Nassau–Spring Point, Acklins, on Wednesday and Saturday. A Friday overnight in Nassau is still the usual way to make the Saturday morning flight. Newton or Garon Williamson meet guests at the airport for the transfer. Typical Saturday arrival is before noon, with the afternoon to rig, rest, or fish on your own.

    Grey’s Point Inn questions

    How much of the fishing is wading?

    About 99%. This is a foot-stalking lodge. If you want to stand on a poling platform all week, pick a different Acklins or Andros program.

    How do I get to Acklins?

    Bahamasair to Spring Point on Wednesday and Saturday. Many guests spend Friday night in Nassau for the Saturday flight. The lodge handles the island transfer.

    How many anglers?

    Six rooms; usually a maximum of eight anglers unless you bring an intact larger group.

    What else besides bonefish?

    Permit, sharks, and barracuda show on the same flats. Tarpon live on Acklins but are the uncommon shot. Dedicated permit or tarpon days can cost extra — ask when you book.

    Where on Acklins is the lodge?

    Pinefield Settlement, looking over Relief Bay. Spring Point is the airport. Flats start in front of the rooms; Lovely Bay is a short boat ride.

    Bonefish, Permit & Tarpon

    in beautiful ACKLINS, BAHAMAS

    Bonefish

    (Albula vulpes)

    Acklins is a skinny-water bonefish island. At Grey’s Point you hunt them on foot as singles, pairs, small groups, and schools — average fish 3–5 pounds, plenty of 6–8s, and a lodge record of 16. Permit, sharks, and barracuda share the same flats.

    Relief Bay, Lovely Bay, Acklins Island

    3–8 lb typical · shots at doubles

    99% wading · schools and singles

    Best flies: Bunny Bones, Gotcha, Crazy Charlie, Clouser

    Bonefish with a fly in the clear shallow flats at Grey’s Point Inn, Acklins Island, Bahamas
    Sunset over Relief Bay from the porch at Grey’s Point Inn, Acklins Island, Bahamas

    It’s time to begin planning your trip.

    Save time with Angler Adventures. We’ve been doing this for 43 years.

    Book now, get a quote, or find out more about wading for bonefish at Grey’s Point Inn.

    Destination Inquiry

    Click here to read John Fraizer’s article about his trip to Grey’s Point, “Thinking Outside the Boat” from the November / December 2013 issue of Fly Fishing in Salt Waters.

    Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn on Acklins Island is one of our favorite wading destinations for bonefish. Run by the Williamson family, Grey’s Point Inn guests enjoy warm “Out Island” hospitality in a laid back lodge atmosphere with comfortable accommodations, good food and some of the best bonefish flats for wading in the Bahamas.

    Acklins Island typifies the remote, out-island Bahamas experience at its very best. There are only 2 flights a week. Telephone and internet service can be sporadic. However, traffic jams are never a problem and the people of Acklins are among the friendliest you’ll ever meet!

    The flats fished by Grey’s Point Inn are spectacularly beautiful and relatively shallow, especially in the appropriately named Lovely Bay and equally stunning Relief Bay.

    Acklins bonefish feed in extremely shallow water, especially at low tide, so the fishing at Grey’s Point Inn is 99% wading. Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn, therefore, is the ideal lodge for the angler interested in the excitement of stalking bonefish on foot. Tailing fish can usually be found throughout the day. Nothing captures the essence or excitement of bonefishing like stalking, casting to and hooking a 6 pound bone is 4 inches of water!

    Because of Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn’s close proximity to the open ocean, guests will occasionally encounter larger bonefish. The average bone is in the 3-5 pound range. Fish in the 6 – 8 pound class are fairly common and at times you can have shots at huge, double-digit bones fresh from deeper water. The club record is a whopping 16 pounds.

    The bonefish will often form vast schools at high tide and then gradually spread out over the shallow flats, cuts and channels as the water drops. This makes for extremely diverse, exciting fishing, and offers a great variety of wading experiences, from working drop offs to tip-toeing after tailing bones. Anglers might also have shots at big permit at Grey’s Point, and of course sharks and big cudas can be plentiful. Tarpon sightings, while rare, are always a possibility on Acklins.

    Grey’s Point Inn has three full-time bonefishing guides and several part time guides, all with years of guiding experience on Acklins Island. Having grown up in these waters, these Acklins native guides are extremely knowledgeable, hard working and will bend over backwards to put you on good fishing.

    Grey’s Point offers surprisingly comfortable accommodations given its remote location. There are 6 guest rooms and a main lodge, all overlooking the flats of Relief Bay. The rooms are attractively furnished and decorated and feature 2 large double beds, air-conditioning, satellite television, a refrigerator, small desk (prefect for fly tying), private bath, and even WiFi (intermittent, but there!). The main lodge contains the kitchen, dining room, common area, and a game area, which includes a full-sized pool table. There’s also a separate small lounge adjacent to the guest rooms with comfy chairs and a big screen TV. With the exception of intact larger groups, Grey’s Point takes a maximum of 8 anglers ensuring that each guest will receive the personal service and quality fishing experience that Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn is known for.

    The food is served Bahamian style and features fresh local ingredients, such as broiled or steamed lobster, fried grouper, roasted chicken or cracked conch. The lodge owners and staff are friendly, hard working, courteous people who are punctual and a pleasure to be around.

    Grey’s Point does not sell beer or other alcoholic beverages. Typical of the Out Islands, the selection of spirits and wines on Acklins is extremely limited. We recommend purchasing your liquor and wine needs at the Duty Free Shop on arrival in Nassau, and purchasing your beer needs upon arrival on Acklins. A representative of the lodge will meet you at the airport to transport you to the lodge. They will stop at a grocery store that sells beer, on the way. Beer may be kept cold in the mini fridge in your room. The well known Bahamian Kalik and Sands beers are always available on Acklins and occasionally Heineken and Guinness as well.

    Grey’s Point owns a collection of modern, shallow draft flats boats. Boat rides to bonefishing flats are minimal, typically 5-15 minutes. The boat launch in Lovely Bay is about 25 minutes from the lodge. The lodge overlooks Relief Bay so guests fishing there depart from the boat basin a short walk down the hill. From there, you can be fishing within 2 minutes. Additionally Grey’s Point has a canoe and two kayaks for guests who would like to fish on their own the afternoon of arrival. There is also a wadeable flat in front of the lodge for hard core anglers who just can’t get enough!

    Bonefish around Acklins are not overly bashful despite the extremely shallow water in which they generally feed, nor are they picky eaters. Pattern selection is much less important than presentation on these flats. We do, however, recommend bringing a good supply of Bunny Bones or other unweighted or very lightly weighted flies for the skinny water around Grey’s Point. Weed guards are helpful for flats with turtle grass. See Angler Adventures BAHAMAS WHAT TO BRING LIST for details. Bring your own flies and tackle. Neither is available at Grey’s Point Inn.

    As most of the bonefishing is wade fishing, guests have the option of hiring a “boat handler”. The boat handler will run the boat around to meet you and your guide at the other end of the flat, saving a long walk back!

    Typically a Friday overnight in Nassau is required to take the Saturday morning Bahamas Air flight to Spring Point Acklins. Guests are met by Newton or Garon Williamson for the transfer to the lodge. Guests typically arrive at the lodge before noon on Saturday and have the afternoon to assemble gear, relax or do some fishing on your own.

    Our Services are Free!
    Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing

    Grey’s Point Inn Packages2 per boat | 2 per room2 per boat | 1 per room1 per boat | 2 per room1 per boat | 1 per room
    7 Nights/6 Days Fishing$4,855$5,835.00$7,015.00$7,995
    4 Nights/3 Days Fishing$2,640$3,220.00$3,720.00$4,300
    3 Nights/2 Days Fishing$1,935$2,370.00$2,655.00$3,090

    Included: Transportation from Acklins Airport to the lodge, roundtrip; double or single occupancy rooms, as described; all meals, soft drinks and bottled water, a boat and guide daily.

    Not included: Air travel to Acklins; beer, wine and liquor; tackle, lures, flies, personal items, “boat handler”, gratuities, Bahamas Value Added Tax (VAT). These charges can be paid at the lodge in traveler’s checks or cash. Grey’s Point Inn does not accept credit cards.

  • Grand Bahama Bonefishing

    Grand Bahama Bonefishing

    Grand Bahama Bonefishing is a new name with old faces in the bonefishing world. The Pinder brothers are seasoned guides with many years of experience and value your friendship and promise to give you an exceptional day on the water.

    The North Shore of Grand Bahama Island is one the Bahamas top fisheries for big bonefish. Fish generally average 5 – 7 pounds and double digit fish are taken frequently. The area is also unique in that it is one of the few places in the Bahamas where tarpon are available (especially during the spring months).

    bonefish, barracuda, shark, tarpon, permit and more bonefish

    Diverse fishing adventures in tropical Bahamas

    Fishing from skiffs as well as flats/wade fishing

    Stunning wildlife and many terrains to explore

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Grand Bahama Island bonefishing!

    Destination Inquiry

    or

     

    Bonefish and Permit from Grand Bahama

    Since opening in the Spring of ’99, Grand Bahama Bonefishing’s anglers have landed tarpon, permit and a ton of bonefish, many over 10 pounds. The largest bone to date is a monster taken February 26th, 2000, which taped out at 34 1/2 inches with an 18 inch girth, and tipped the scales at a whopping 16 1/4 pounds!

    The Pinder Brothers, David Jr., Jeffrey and Joseph are among the most experienced and talented bonefish guides in the Bahamas, having literally grown up in the guiding business at the famed Deep Water Cay Club on the island’s East End. David Pinder Jr. has won the All-Bahamian Bonefishing Tournament of Grand Bahama Island. On a single day, David landed 23 bones!

    Accommodations for Grand Bahama Bonefishing is located at the beautiful Breakers Cay / Lighthouse Point at the Our Lucayan Resort, located a short 10-minute ride from the airport and dock. Breakfasts are buffet style in the Willy Broadleaf’s Restaurant, located away from the original Lucayan Reef Village which is now the Sheraton.

     

    The Westin at Breakers Cay / Lighthouse Point is a smaller area with its own restaurants, swimming pool, private beach, casino and fitness center. The hotel is also located within walking distance of the Marina and many of the finer restaurants. Golf is available at the world class Lucayan Country Club, which was voted #1 in the Bahamas in 1999. The amenities, services and activities offered at the Our Lucayan Resort have made GBB a wonderful destination for couples or groups with non-fisherpersons.

    One of the Pinders will be in touch with you either the afternoon or night of your arrival. Transportation to the dock is via GBB’s own van. One of the Pinders (usually Edwin) will be transporting fishermen to and from the dock. The fishing van will pick you up in the morning around 8:00 am in front of the hotel. If you should miss the van or wish to get a later start, there are cabs available at the hotel. The address for the fishing launch is 26 Wellington Street, Queens Cove. The fishing day is over at 4:15 pm and you should be back at Lighthouse Point by 5:00 pm. Jeffrey Pinder’s wife, Edith, will continue to provide quality picnic lunches.

    Grand Bahama Bonefishing 2025 -2026  Rates

     Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing

    Length of StayDouble AccomodationSingle Accomodation

    (Rates are per person, in US$, and subject to change)

    Book at Grand Bahama Bonefishing today!

    Tap a button below to start the conversation.

    PACKAGE RATES INCLUDE: Air-conditioned superior room with King or 2 double beds; Satellite TV; direct dial phone; Tropical pool; 2 composition tennis courts; Breakfast for fishermen; Buffet breakfast; Daily deluxe picnic lunch including non-alcoholic beverages; 16′ Dolphin flats boats with Yamaha 90-hp engines; professional guide; bait if required; Transportation to and from launch; 4% hotel guest tax, 4% resort tax; Bahamas Value Added Tax.

    NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE RATES: tips for fishing guide: Minimum of $50.00 per boat per day; dinners at hotel or a 5 minute walk to many fine restaurants, alcoholic beverages, equipment rentals (see below).

    Spin Rod and Reel

    $15.00 Per Day

    Fly Rod and Reel

    $20.00 Per Day

    L-R: Grand Bahama bonefish flats; Our Lucaya pool; Grand Bahama Pinder Brothers

    Grand Bahama Bonefishing guide Jeffrey Pinder with a big Bahamas bonefish
    L-R: Grand Bahama Bonefishing anglers double up; Nice Grand Bahama Bonefish; Grand Bahama Bonefish accommodations at the Our Lucaya
  • Healing Waters Lodge

    Healing Waters Lodge

    Updated on

    Healing Waters Lodge in Ruby Valley

    Nestled in the heart of Montana’s picturesque Ruby Valley, Healing Waters Lodge offers an unparalleled fly-fishing experience combined with exceptional accommodations and gourmet dining. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and quick access to world-class rivers, this lodge is the perfect destination for anglers seeking adventure and relaxation.

    Healing Waters Lodge sits on 20 acres with stunning views and a large trout pond. Guests can enjoy both float-fishing trips on larger rivers and wade fishing on spring creeks and meadow streams winding through private ranches in the Rocky Mountains.

    Brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, grayling, moutain whitefish

    World-Class Fly Fishing – Access to legendary Montana rivers, private waters, and spring creeks.

    Expert Guides – Professional local guides ensure a top-tier fishing experience for all skill levels.

    Luxury Lodge Accommodations – Comfortable rooms, gourmet dining, and stunning mountain views.

    Exclusive Smith River Expedition – Limited five-day float trip through a breathtaking canyon.

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Montana fly fishing trips and packages!

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    Fly Fishing Experience

    Healing Waters Lodge provides an exceptional fly-fishing experience suitable for all skill levels. The lodge’s experienced guides offer deep knowledge of local waters, ensuring guests maximize their time on the water.

    One of the premier offerings is the Smith River Expedition—a five-day, 60-mile float trip through a pristine canyon, offering anglers a chance to catch large rainbow and brown trout. This exclusive journey runs from early May through early July with limited availability.

    Other renowned waters available for guided trips:

    • Beaverhead River – Large brown trout and technical fishing.
    • Big Hole River – Diverse fishing opportunities and stunning landscapes.
    • Jefferson River – A quieter river with quality trout fishing.
    • Madison River – Consistent fishing with prolific hatches.

    Private water access is also available for a more secluded and personalized fishing experience.

    Accommodations

    The lodge offers clean, spacious, and private rooms, each uniquely decorated. Each room features:

    • Two queen-sized beds
    • Private bathrooms with walk-in showers
    • Porches or decks with scenic views
    • Wi-Fi & cellphone coverage
    • Large outdoor hot tub & exercise room

    The main lodge includes a comfortable lounge, pool table, Direct TV, and a well-stocked kitchen.

    Healing Waters Lodge 2025 Rates & Packages

    Fishing Package Rates

    Length of StayDouble OccupancySingle Occupancy
    3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing$3,300$3,900
    4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing$4,400$5,200
    5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing$5,250$6,250
    6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing$6,050$7,250
    7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing$6,800$8,200
    Non-fishing Guests$550/night

    Rates are in US$ and subject to change

    Book Your Montana Fly-Fishing Adventure

    Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

    Contact us for current availability and pricing, seasonal discounts, special offers

    Included in Rate

    Lodging; all meals; guided fishing; beer & wine; loaner fly-fishing gear; terminal tackle (flies, leaders, indicators); lodge staff tips.

    Not Included in Rate

    Fishing licenses; private water fishing fees ($150 per angler/day); airfare; airport shuttles; guide gratuities.

    Booking at Healing Waters Lodge is easy

    Embark on an unforgettable fishing adventure at Healing Waters Lodge, where pristine rivers, top-tier guides, and comfortable accommodations await. Contact us today to reserve your spot!

  • Seychelles Best Flats Fishing – Farquhar Atoll

    The Seychelles became a bucket list destination because it’s a beautiful, remote destination with fantastic wading for bonefish on hard sand & coral flats and a variety of other species both on and off the flats that added depth to the fishery.  Recently, a new fishing operation has opened on Farquhar Atoll, which has taken those credentials to the next level.  

    Beautiful and remote? Farquhar is called the “Jewel of the Seychelles” and considered to be the most beautiful island in the archipelago and also the southern most atoll (2 hour flight from Mahe).  The staff and guests are the only people on the atoll, living in the islands only accommodations.  Check.

    Fantastic Bonefishing? The fishing is 100% wading.  The average schooling bonefish is 4 – 6 pounds and there will be quite a few bonefish in the 6 – 8 pound range.  Most anglers end up leaving the schools to find fish in single and doubles for a bit more of a challenge.  Check.

    Variety of Species?  In addition to Bonefish, there are the normal fish you’d expect to see on a flat in the Seychelles: Shark, Barracuda, Snapper, Triggerfish, Trevally (including Giant Trevally), Milkfish, Napoleon Wrasse and Indo-Pacific Permit.  The guides on Farquhar have also figured out how to catch Humphead Parrotfish, which were previously though to be uncatchable on the fly and become experts at targeting GT’s (Giant Trevally).  You can also fish deeper water for Sailfish, several Grouper species, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Job fish, and more.  A client of our landed 18 different species on the fly…all with a floating line!    Check.

    This is truly one of the special fishing destinations in world, and the reservations book shows it – the first availability is for late-October 2013.  If you’re interested in fishing Farquhar, we suggest getting started now.  Like Farquhar, but more interested in Bonefishing?  Check out Farquhar’s sister operation St. Brandon’s Atoll, which has better bonefishing with less variety

    Farquhar Bonefish
    Bonefish!

  • Religious Experience vs Purpose in Life

    Religious Experience vs Purpose in Life

    by Chip Bates

    In his fascinating article in the November/December issue of Fly Fishing in Salt Waters entitled, “Thinking Outside the Boat”, Editor John Frazier refers to his wading experiences at Grey’s Point Bonefish Bonefish Inn, Acklins Island, Bahamas, as a “religious experience”.

    I’m an extremist member of that congregation.

    I’m celebrating a half century of fly fishing this year. I’ve seen my passion for the sport get more and more focused over the years. In the 70’s, I caught my first bonefish on a fly in the Bahamas. In the 80’s, I added tarpon and permit (Belize, Mexico, Bahamas, Los Roques and Florida Keys). In the early 90’s, I chalked up my first double digit bone (Andros). In the late 90’s, I gravitated toward wading, mostly to enable my partner and me to fish at the same time, one in the boat, one on foot. That was also the decade I fished the Seychelles for the first time. Wow!

    All-day-walking miles of gorgeous flats, searching for underwater movement of any kind, keeping sharks at bay when bones were in sight, mixing it up with milkfish, trevally and permit. It was way too much fun to call exercise.

    By the year 2000, I had blinders on. I’d become a wading junkie, transfixed by catching big bonefish on foot in water so shallow, the fish couldn’t hide it’s own body parts!

    Bonefish-tailing-on-the-Flats

    Knowing where to find them, what tide, time of day, how to approach and catch these hyper sensitive, actively feeding fish, became my “purpose in life”!

    Being in the right place at the right time, then having it confirmed by the sudden appearance of an enormous tail, creates an explosion of urgency, nervousness, opportunity and energy …. An adrenalin rush beyond compare. You get pretty good at judging the size of the fish by the thickness and width of the fork in his tail. Think jaws of life, not pruning shears!

    Chip’s progression:
    Sightfishing
    Fishing for bonefish
    Fly fishing for bonefish
    Fly fishing for big bonefish
    Fly fishing for big tailing bonefish
    Fly fishing for big tailing bonefish while wading!
     

    That's a big tail!
    That’s a big tail!

    Back to Fly Fishing in Salt Waters Editor, John Frazier.  John fished 3 days at one of the premier wading destinations in the Bahamas, Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn on Acklins Island, with Angler Adventure’s fishing “pro”, Doug Schlink. Three days was hardly enough, but John adapted quickly, caught lots of fish to 6 pounds and got a shot at a 10 + pound fish in 6 inches of water! I’ll give John a few years to ratchet up “religious experience” to “purpose in life”.  For a great read, by a talented writer, fisherman and photographer, check out this link to the:

      “Ultimate Wade Fishing Special” in the November/December 2013 issue.

  • Go Small. Go Light. Go Weedless.

    Bonefish on Grass Flats

    Go Small.  Go Light.  Go Weedless.

    by Chip Bates

    You can encounter tailing fish on any fertile bottom, but weedy bottoms hold the most prey, therefore the most fish. Big fish seem more comfortable feeding in the shallows over a dark bottom.  Click here for tips on Shallow Water, Tailing Fish.

    The end of the outgoing and beginning of the incoming brings the skinniest water that’s when you’ll find fish tailing over the weeds. To catch them, you’ll need a fly that doesn’t “plop” when it hits the water: go small.

    A tailing fish is focused on a small area.  Frequently he’ll create a cloud of sand or mud where he’s feeding. You must put the fly in the area where’s he’s rooting, a matter of inches from his nose. You must throw a fly that doesn’t spook him when it lands: go light.

    Once the fly lands in front of the fish, let it sink, then give it the tiniest of strips: go weedless.

    Without a weed guard, your fly will invariably snag on grass and stripping a fly that’s hooked on a weed is like drag on a dry fly.  Click Here for Tips on Tailing Fish over Weedy Bottoms.

    There are loads of excellent flies for bonefishing in skinny water, but our number one fly is the Bunny Bone when we need to go small, light or weedless.  Having a variety of Bunny Bones in your fly box is a necessity, especially when wading for bonefish.  Tan or brown (tied with tan or pink thread) rabbit fur tail with a little gold Mylar and mono eyes are top producing colors.  It’s also a great fly in slightly deeper water with small or medium bead chain eyes, instead of mono.  Try adding crazy legs and don’t forget the weed guard!  Click here for more information on tying bonefish flies, including the Bunny Bone.

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