Bonefish in Antigua

**Adam F** · 07-04-2006, 14:42

Hi,

Planning our holiday this year to the Caribbean, and Antigua is looking like the best bet at the moment for several non fishing related reasons.

A big pull for me through is that I can get some decent bonefishing in while their. I know the other islands are famous for it, but cant find much on Antigua even on Google - any ideas, tips, pointers or advice?

Thanks

Adam

**PanamaJack** · 07-04-2006, 15:31

Hi Adam
Whilst I've fished for Bones from several parts of the Caribbean - Los Roques (Venezuela), Belize and the Bahamas - I've never visited Antigua. Could I suggest you try posting to the Caribbean forum on http://www.reel-time.com.

Whilst it's essentially for fly fishermen the Flats they're targeting will be able to be similarly fished with micro jigs or bait. You'll find them extremely knowledgeable and very constructive. And some, as well as fishing with guides will probably also have self-guided.

Also - you'll need to register - and once they realise you're from this side of the 'Pond' they'll fall over themselves to help.

Probably, from the end of this month, you'll find, other than first light and towards the end of the day, that the shallow - sight fishing - Flats will 'heat up' too quickly to hold fish during the day. But there'll always be opportunities with 'mudding' fish in 4 to 5' of water. Things normally start to 'cool down' again towards the end of October, but remember - if you're unlucky - you're still in the tail end of the hurricane season.
Dave

**Adam F** · 08-04-2006, 09:14

Thanks Jack - I will pop over their and have a look.

We are looking to go late Oct, early Nov - so fingers crossed - no big winds!

Adam

**Cascars** · 08-04-2006, 17:31

I went to Antigua 8 years ago and although I am sure the fishing there would be great, I could not find anywhere to hire a boat or buy any gear. Maybe things have changed a bit now but it will probably take a bit of research to find what you want.

**rock hopper** · 14-04-2006, 11:49

going to turks and cacios 2morro and will be fly fishing. what flies will the bonefiash take?

rh

**PanamaJack** · 14-04-2006, 12:37

Hi Rock Hopper
You'll need weighted (bead/dumbell chain eyes) flies to fish on or near the bottom - you're 'puffing' sand to attract attention. Things like Crazy Charlies and Gotchas simulate shrimps and will work any where. You find as well, in tying books, a host of other variants of those basic patterns. Crab patterns work as well. Colours are naturally things that effectively blend in with the background of the Flat itself.

And Clouser Minnows are also a great imitative fly simulating small fish.

Wishing you every success! And please report back on how your trip goes.
Dave

**rock hopper** · 14-04-2006, 17:08

cheers mate!

qwish me luk

rh

**cod king** · 15-04-2006, 19:44

Hi im goin aswel and i was wondering if spinning for the bonefish is just as good as fly fishing for them.

**PanamaJack** · 15-04-2006, 20:31

Hi Cod King
I guess all styles of fishing for Bones can be equally rewarding and exciting, especially if you're sight fishing for them in very shallow water. I'm more than comfortable with both, but often a live shrimp is going to be taken more voraciously - as well as being visual there's the scent trail it's giving off.

For preference though I prefer the fly, just like fooling something on an artificial. And even though you're not casting vast distances, often just 30', if the fly line lands a tad too heavily they're off like a 'scalded cat'! Although that said I once caught one in the Bahamas in ankle deep water just 18' from me - the length of a fly rod and 9' leader. That was exciting! Both its back and tail were out of the water as it drove forward, on a rising tide, to nail the fly.
Dave