If you love the great outdoors, and you are seeking an exhilarating experience that is genuine to the Bahamas, bonefishing in Exuma is highly recommended.
Bonefishing is an alluring sport, largely because bonefish are some of the most elusive fish in the sea. While there are many who take a do-it-yourself approach to bonefishing in the Exumas, it’s safe to say the majority of these stories end with frustration. This is the very reason that chartering a bonefish excursion is the way to go.
There are many different excursion options in the Exumas, which allow you to choose the trip based on your experience and desired length of trip.
A good place to start is with the concierge desk at Grand Isle Resort & Spa. The friendly staff will be up to date with the latest trips and costs. And if they do not have all the answers, they can make a call and arrange your trip.
Stevie, a Bahamian from Exuma who has led bonefishing tours for some 20 years, is an excellent choice. The Cays Bahamas is another reputable tour guide, which tends to offer more comprehensive tours.
WHAT IS BONEFISHING AND WHY DO PEOPLE LIKE IT?
Native to the Carribbean, bonefish typically weigh up to 19 pounds (8.6 kg) and measure up to 35 inches long. They are not usually caught for eating, and reside in inshore tropical waters, moving to shallow mudflats when the tide goes in. The sport of bonefishing is largely done in waters ranging from eight inches in depth to several feet.
The sandy flats of the Exumas are incredibly attractive to this fish, making the flats a prime location for the sport.
THERE ARE GREAT BONEFISHING EXUMA OPTIONS
Some of the most successful bonefishing is done on flats surrounding Great Exuma. Not only will you have a better chance of hooking a bonefish with one of the chartered excursions, but you will need a guide to properly navigate the mangrove creeks and get to the best flats.
There are many well-renowned guides that will make all your bonefishing dreams come true, but do not assume that guides will provide equipment. It is always a good idea to ask.
Take a look at the checklist below to get a better idea of what equipment you may need before your excursion.
– Fly Rods – 7 and 8 weight rods for most uses
– Fly Reels – At least 200 yards of backing on your fly reel is necessary
– Flies – Sizes 4 and 6 are primarily used for bonefishing
– Leaders and Tippets
– Extra Fly Line
– Booties – Used for fishing in the sand flats
– Hat – Bring a brimmed hat or cap to keep the glare of the sun off your face
HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT PRIOR TO A BONEFISHING EXCURSION
While prices will vary, most of the guides charge a few hundred dollars or so for a full day. That price includes all of your transportation, instruction and sometimes the equipment. Expect to pay a deposit when you book the excursion.
Most of the guides have their own boats – usually Boston Whalers – and they understand that this may be your first time bonefishing. Be upfront about your experience so that your guide can better assist you and make for a pleasant, safe experience. If the tides are high, you can expect to fish from the boat along the creeks and mangrove shorelines. Guided bonefish trips will start around 8:00am and end at roughly 4:30pm, giving you plenty of time out on the flats.
Most bonefishing excursions are administered through the Exuma Bonefish Guides Association out of George Town, Great Exuma. The association has put together a group of the finest local guides to provide novice and expert bonefish anglers alike with a memorable experience on the sandy flats of the Exumas.
Check out ExumaBonefish.com for more information on the specific guides, locations and additional details for your bonefishing adventure.
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