Helicopter Fishing and a trip inside the mind of a bonefish

While working on the blog for the soon to be live Best Sports Video project, I stumbled across this gem of a youtube clip. Ever wonder what the most ridiculous promotional clip for a fishing show of all time was?


That's right! Helicopter Marlin Fishing/Wrestling! Hats off to The Ultimate Fishing Show!

But seriously guys, fall is here, which means the waters of Biscayne Bay will be cooling off and the bonefish will be spending more time up on the flats than they were during the summer months. I thought this might be a good time to brush up on the ol' bonefish physiology, biology, and more importantly, psychology.

1. Bonefish Biology/Physiology
Though it is not a highly esteemed food species, the Bonefish, Albula vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758), is one of the most important game fishes in the world, and it is also occasionally used for bait. Its weight and length may reach 10 kg and 104 cm respectively, though a more representative size would be about a third of that. The bonefish has 15-19 dorsal soft rays, 7-9 anal soft rays, 12-14 branchiostegal rays, and 69-74 vertebrae. Bonefish appear blue-greenish above, with bright silver scales on the sides and below. Dark streaks run in between the rows of scales, predominantly on the dorsal side. The body is long, thin, and fusiform, with a bluntly conical snout. Pectoral and pelvic axillary scales are present, as is a single long scale on each side of the membrane between each ray of dorsal and anal fins. The bonefish has a unique adaptation for tolerating oxygen-poor water; it inhales air into a lung-like airbladder to supplement oxygen from the water. It is sometimes mistaken for the ladyfish, a similar species. Linnaeus first described the bonefish in 1758. Its scientific name can be translated as "white fox."

2. Bonefish PsychologyMany saltwater anglers get themselves worked up into a craze in pursuit of their first bonefish, let alone their first bonefish on the fly. The truth is, bonefish aren't as complicated as many anglers, pro and novice alike, tend to believe. This feisty fish, best known for its screaming runs and drag shattering short lived strength, is actually a timid creature with anything but a perspicacious sense of what's going on in the immediate environment.

Problem is, the window of opportunity for an angler to catch a shot at these pose worthy fish is rarely lengthy and often limited by the anglers skill level (that's if the planet's align properly and the weather miraculously cooperates). But this is besides the point. The topic of discussion at hand is the literal psychology of the bonefish and why he's such a shy bitch when it comes to feeding.

Let's look at it from a bird's eye view:See that wishbone in the middle of the map? This is one of my go to bonefish spots somewhere in Biscayne Bay. Here's why bonefish love this spot:

1. When the tide just begins to flood the flats, cool water stimulates all the shrimp and crabs buried in the grasses and gets them to come out of their muddy shelters and start moving around. The tide change is almost like a dinner bell for bonefish, which as you know, live predominantly in deep water and deep channels or ruts between flats. Ever seen a pod of bonefish bust up onto a flat from a channel edge only to dip back down into the deep water after a few seconds on the prowl? That's why. It's a limited window and yes, you do have to be in exactly the right spot at exactly the right time.
   
2. Bonefish love to feel protected and invisible from predators. They're all paranoid and suffer from borderline personality disorder. One minute happy, one minute scared shitless. When they're in the shallows, they feel vulnerable, which is why a hasty exit back to safe water is so important. That's why you often see old school guides staked up along channel edges or riding those edges with the current.
3. Bifurcations between flats are like highways to various feeding locations. Think about how easy it would be for a bonefish to move between the flats the wishbone separates. Talk about your choice of menu!This is an ADD dream if you're a scatter brained bonefish preoccupied with food and tidal changes!
   

Lastly, let's explore the concept of paranoia from a bonefish's perspective:

1. Everyone (90%) and their mother (100%) with a fly rod is out to catch you.
2. Everyone who catches you will pull you from the water and take a picture, during which time you will choke on air.
3. Your limited to feeding on baits which can readily be purchased from just about any south florida bait shop worth it's salty reputation.
4. You are quite photogenic!
5. Your elusive reputation has made you a target for young and hot shot anglers out to prove their merit.
   

And if that's not enough...there's always this guy to contend with:That's right! Your friendly neighborhood taxidermy man! Even though most people are starting to release their catch in favor of replica mounts, this guy makes a living off drying your carcass and stuffing you with plaster!

Fortunately for you Mr. Gray Ghost, you're faster than just about any other fish out there, and we've all seen you turn up your fin at our painstakingly crafted perfect fly patterns and delicious fresh live shrimp.If you'd like to know more about bonefish and haven't taken the time to explore some of the links in my Best Bet Links section, be sure to check out this article and visit the University of Miami Bonefish Research project. It's everything you wanted to know and more. I'm on schedule for a bonefish excursion this weekend if the winds lay down...so hopefully i'll have some decent pics for you in the near future.