'The hissing of the line as it peels off the reel sets my heart feverishly pumping. This was the monster bonefish I had dreamt about hooking all night. This elusive, powerful gladiator was tearing away at lightning speed in a vain attempt to avoid capture. Now I clamp down on the line and slowly and surely began to reel in my tenacious trophy. This was what I had lived my life for, to be pulling in a mighty bonefish on the flats of Andros island in The Bahamas. It was all worth it; if this was the total sum of my life on earth I was satisfied'.
Bonefishing is a major sport in The Bahamas. Tourists come to book a guide who carry them on trips to capture this elusive, silver fish. The bonefish is almost invisible in shallow waters and feeds on clams, crabs and shrimp. They normally inhabit shallow water areas called ‘flats’. Bonefishes are lightning fast fish who may sometimes gather in large schools to feed.
Fishermen move cautiously when they are bonefishing so as not to spook these cautious fish. The equipment they use is called a rod and tackle. They attach a lure or bait to the hook and make a well-placed cast near to these fish. Many anglers also use fly fishing equipment and techniques. Once hooked a bonefish will give you a run for your money. It will take off at an incredible speed and if you ‘play’ the fish right you can end up with it beside you in the boat. Sport fishermen normally catch and release their prize.
There are many bonefishing lodges scattered throughout The Bahamas. These are located on islands like Abaco, Exuma,
Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Long Island, Crooked Island and Acklins. Tourists can stay at these lodges and book bonefishing trips daily with certified guides who host the trips. One internationally famous Grand Bahama bone fishing guide was known as ‘Bonefish Folley’. A well known local song was created to sing his renown and praises. His sons now operate the business out of West End on Grand Bahama.