March bonefish are not usually a thing for me here in Key West. I mean, they are around but not super consistent like they have been these last few weeks. Usually the weather keeps water temps cooler on the flats keeping these little speedsters in the deep. We we are seeing here in Key West is a great population of bonefish making bonefishing in Key West more popular.
Flats Fishing For Bonefish
In particular I had a charter a few days ago that was very interested in permit fishing on the flats. After all it is March and everyone knows I love permit fishing in March here in Key West. To start off my angler wanted to take a look at some tarpon fishing spots. After we jumped a few tarpon early we moved on to the shallows for an incoming tide session at some of my favorite spots for permit. These spots also hold some good bonefish as well. We had a shot at a tailing permit (the only one we saw) and being a full moon the tide was getting pretty high and our chances of seeing another flats permit were getting thinner.
We rolled around to some spots that would traditionally offer us some additional shots. Lately I have been seeing some bonefish so just to be prepared I got a rod ready for them as well and loaded it with a shrimp.
On the hunt we went for the rest of our charter time on a very long flat. Sadly we did not see a single permit. However, the bonefish shots were frequent yet challenging in the deeper water at the top of the tide. Most of the fish we saw were working together in packs of 3-6. The water quality was not the best with a day or two before higher winds banging things up a bit making the water a bit murky. Because these bonefish were feeding they made it easier to spot them. As they were foraging for critters on the flats the bones were making small muds in groups. Dialing it down to the freshest muds made it easier to target our casts and we were able to hook up our first bonefish.
Moving on down the flats we encountered more bonefish feeding until the tide stopped. Generally the bonefish will stop feeding as much and start to roam when the current stops. This made our shots harder to get in front of the fish. Once the outgoing tide started the water go clearer the bonefish went back to feeding and we compounded with a couple more fish. I was super concerned about our ability to release the bonefish at this point due to the incredible number of sharks on the flats. Lemon and bull sharks were frequent and itchy on the outgoing tide. There were looking for snacks and I certainly did not want to help them by delivering them Uber Eats with bonefish. We managed to keep our released fish safe..
Key West Bonefishing
We have always had bonefish here in Key West. Some years better than others. We had many of them leave or die during the cold weather of 2010. It was devastating. Since then the bonefish population here around Key West has come back with a vengeance making us the best place to go bonefishing in the continental US. Lately it is not uncommon to have a dozen shot and catch a bonefish up to 8 lbs. I have seen larger and they are super smart keeping up the reputation of the Grey Ghost.
Bonefishing Charters
I fish the flats for bonefish using my Yellowfin 24 Carbon Elite bay boat or my Flats fishing skiff. They are tide sensitive as I mentioned above so I cater to that in my bookings. I offer 4,6 or 8 hour trips. Anglers can incorporate other species as well using fly or spin fishing tackle. Spin fishing is WAY easier. I you are a fly fisherman make sure you have a fast double haul and able to make presentation quickly.
Call Direct 305-292-7212
Text Me 305-304-0497
Email Me Steven@fishingkeywest.com
