 |
|
|
Visit
Our On-Line Shop Capt. Joe Dilschneider Summerland Key, FL (406) 581-5150 joe@bonefishcity.com
|
Flats Fishing Overview: The Fish, The Boat, Tactics, & Tackle THE FISH - We target a wide range of fish in the Lower Keys, but our interest tends predominately toward Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit. However on the tough days, I am a big believer in doing whatever it takes to get some action and put a bend in the rod. The fish species commonly found and targeted in the Keys include:
Tarpon - 10 to 200 lbs.
THE BOAT - I currently run
a 16ft. 2002 Maverick Mirage HPX with a 90hp Yamaha outboard. It is a center
console, shallow draft boat with both a poling platform and a casting platform
on the bow.
TACTICS - I prefer fly fishing over any other tactic. Catching flats fish on a fly is one of the greatest challenges and greatest thrills in fishing. Hooking Tarpon, Permit, or Bonefish usually requires long, delicate, and accurate presentations. Then once hooked, these fish display incredible strength and stamina. In general, I think an angler should be able to do the following to have a reasonable chance at success:
Occasionally though, fly fishing just isn't a practical method on the flats. This could either be because the angler simply doesn't have the skills necessary to cast to a fish, or because the weather/water conditions aren't suitable for fly fishing. In either case, I am willing to do what it takes to catch a fish and will resort to the use of spinning gear with artificial lures or live bait if necessary. TACKLE - I can provide all of the fly and spin tackle necessary for anything we may encounter on the flats. All of my gear is top quality. If you want to bring your own gear, here's what I suggest: Rods - Fast fly rods with good casting and lifting
power in weights 8 to 12 are most common. Reels - You will need reels with at least 300 yds. of backing and a very good drag system. Lines - For the most part floating lines are best for Bonefish, Permit, and many Tarpon situations. Occasionally, we will fish intermediate or fast sinking lines for large Tarpon depending on the circumstance.
|
