When you schedule a fishing charter to fish for bonefish, you'll be experiencing a fishing outing that is truly unique. While there are many different ways to fish for this silver-colored fish, a common way is to stand on the bow of a small, shallow boat, while your fishing guide controls the vessel. This position is ideal because bonefish often live in shallow, clear water; your upright position can allow you to see directly down into the water, thus improving your chance of having success. Fishing in this upright position can initially be challenging because of the balance requirements; you can thrive, however, by keeping these strategies in mind.
Pick The Right Footwear
Wearing the right footwear can help give you traction when you're standing on the bow of the fishing boat. The surface on which you'll be standing will typically be covered with a sandpaper-like coating that will help you avoid slipping, but only if you wear shoes with grippy soles. It's also ideal if the shoes have durable sides that can prevent you from rolling an ankle when you shift your weight to either side. Some frequent bonefish anglers actually prefer standing in their bare feet, but this can be an acquired skill to develop.
Be In Constant Communication With The Guide
Safety is paramount for your fishing charter guide, so he or she won't abruptly accelerate, decelerate, or turn the vessel without first letting you know. That said, it's important to be in constant communication and listen to the guide's advice. If he or she suspects that you'd have better success moving elsewhere along the coast, for example, this message will be relayed to you and it's up to you to react accordingly — by steadying yourself, crouching down, or climbing off the bow. If you intend to stay upright on the bow, make sure that the guide knows this intention.
Climb Down When You're Fighting
When it's clear that you've hooked a bonefish, you should always consider climbing off the bow so that you have more stability. When you climb down into the main part of the boat, you'll have the sides to prevent you from slipping into the water, which has the possibility of occurring if the bonefish is large and is fighting exceptionally hard. It's easy, even when you're holding your fishing rod, to climb down off the bow for more stability, and this is something that your guide will likely advocate, too.
For more information, contact companies like Bone Fish Master.
Share
