Sportfish

Fishing was slower overall today - by Los Roques’ high standards anyway. We still had bonefish for most of the party with a few barracuda, jacks, a blue runner and some other bits and pieces thrown in for good measure. The main problem, certainly from a bonefish perspective, was the lack of sunshine. Walking a flat when it’s overcast means you really have to rely on the bonefish breaking or disturbing the surface in some way to reveal their whereabouts. When the sun does peak through it’s as if the lights have suddenly been switched on and the fish are much easier to spot. The sun also has a big effect on the temperature of the shallow water on the flats, it warms quickly and the bones respond positively to this.

Fishing off the beach has become very popular with the team as a finale to the day. We have found that by far the most effective pattern is a large gummy minnow. The best place to cast it is next to one of the many diving pelicans that hunt along the beachfront. As the pelican surfaces and tries to separate the water from the many small fish in its beak, bonefish charge in and help themselves to the stunned fry. If you cast a gummy close to the commotion and let it sink through the water you will be rewarded with some arm wrenching takes. These are all good sized fish and every one fights like fury. I had one today that ran the flyline and a good length of backing out five times. I also have a deep line burn on my finger from a bone that took off like a greyhound.