I am going bonefishing this year for the first time in a number of years, 10 in fact. The last time I was out, I did not use a 'bonefish' line, I used either a SA Mastery or a Orvis SSS. I was happy with both of these lines. I fished the Bahamas; Andros, Eleuthera, and Exuma around mid-late March, during quite warm weather (25-30 C), and did quite well fishing, both with a guide and on my own. Now that I am planning a trip, I am told I MUST have a 'bonefish' line or else I will find my other lines will turn to spaghetti.
My question is this: What has happened in the last 10 years to make these other lines so obsolete. Are 'bonefish' lines a real advantage or just hype. Like I said, the last time I went I did not have one of these lines, I am not sure they even existed, and I had no problems and did not notice any problems with casting. Maybe ignorance is bliss. Anyone have a thought on this.
The SA Mastery saltwater floating lines at 9 wt and under have the identical taper to the SA "Bonefish" line...The Bonefish line is formulated for "warm" weather...In March they will both cast the same!
That said I started using tropic lines last year and will never go back. IMHO they are superior for wading esp. if it's windy. Some of the new lines have a very small diameter which helps them cut the wind.
I fished the Wulff the whole time in Exuma two years back was wonderful, I fished the Rio last year in Acklins and the SA this year there. Mostly because these were three different wt rods.
I found the wulff to have the best turnover and casting feel (not surprisingly), the Rio to have the most punch and shooting ability, and the SA to have a nice blend of the two but all with virtues and things to tune to make them work best.
For instance, I might overline the Wulff in wind, mark the head to running line change on the Rio for a visual queue, and cut the level tip off the SA for better turnover.
All excellent bonefish lines though.
I wouldn't be able to comment on plain vs. bonefish lines since I've always used bonefish lines down there.
I've been using a Cortland 444 ever since it came out, and it's been fine.
It's almost amusing to see to what degree vactioning bonefishers obsess over their gear. A tenth of that time invested in casting practice wold be incomparably more useful.
That said, I like to underline my bonefish rods (7 and 9 wt T&T Horizons, 8 wt TFO TiCr) by one weight in most conditions. I carry the entire head out past the rod tip and can lift it out and get it out without a backcast. If I do decide to backcast, both rods feel better with the whole head out if they're underlined.
When I'm boating, the belly lenth islimited by not snagging the pole, so I actually carry less line out past the rod tip, and underlining doesn't matter so much.
I think the days of 40' casts to bonefish are over in most places I fish.
Bonefishing can be a minimalist kind of thing but the minimal stuff you bring has to be damn good.
My daily routine is to walk right into the shower with all my quick drying clothing on, soak it all down well, then take it off while showering, soap up, then step on it like grapes in Italy, wring it out and hang it in the tropical air to dry by morning.
This includes the shirt, pants, undershirt, even the underpants are capilene or silkweight performance synthetic of another brand (not all are the same). Not a stitch of cotton in the whole kit.
Then slip into some comfortable camp clothes for tequila time.
By this method the comfort on the flats is peak, and the need to bring extra clothing is very low. I bring a spare of each in case of coral tears etc. Frankly the clothes to get to Logan Airport and back home from the parking lot are the real burden. Next year I am leaving clothes in the vehicle and dashing to and fro. I might even wear my marlwalkers en route. :hihi:
I am going bonefishing this year for the first time in a number of years, 10 in fact. The last time I was out, I did not use a 'bonefish' line, I used either a SA Mastery or a Orvis SSS. I was happy with both of these lines. I fished the Bahamas; Andros, Eleuthera, and Exuma around mid-late March, during quite warm weather (25-30 C), and did quite well fishing, both with a guide and on my own. Now that I am planning a trip, I am told I MUST have a 'bonefish' line or else I will find my other lines will turn to spaghetti.
My question is this: What has happened in the last 10 years to make these other lines so obsolete. Are 'bonefish' lines a real advantage or just hype. Like I said, the last time I went I did not have one of these lines, I am not sure they even existed, and I had no problems and did not notice any problems with casting. Maybe ignorance is bliss. Anyone have a thought on this.
Been chasing bonefish here in the caribbean with a 10wt 444 Tropic Line Ghost Tip (we are in a very windy area). Works fine and even for Baby Tarpons. Not the best but does the Job OK.
Juro, the whole shower thing is a great idea to rinse everything off--but you actually bring underwear? Get the built in mesh briefs--much more comfortable.
I use these same lightweight pants under waders in summer (stripers), and also as casual pants so I'm not sure I could get the same versatility from built-in liners.
But since I find it necessary to buy stuff before every big trip (whether I need to or not) I will definitely pick up a pair with fast drying builtins for my next trip!
Another note - the long sleeve white capilene silk weight shirt was phenomenal on the flats. Mine is not a turtleneck but with this material they could really make an unbelievable shirt for high sun with a few tweaks. Since I wear the patagucci double haul pack I didn't need the shirt pockets or the flats style shirt for that matter.
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