Making the decision on what fishing line to use for bonefish can be difficult. There are a few things to consider when making your choice. This article will outline the important factors to think about when selecting fishing line for bonefish, and provide some recommendations on what lines might work best. So, whether you’re a novice or experienced angler, read on to learn more about how to choose the right fishing line for bonefish!
Choose Right Fishing Line For Bonefish
Choosing a fishing line for Bonefish can be a difficult decision. It is one of the most fly-fishing-specific species in the world, requiring both extremely long casts and extremely fine tippets. In this article we will go into some specifics on what to look for when selecting your next set of lines.
There are a few things you should take into consideration when choosing a line for Bonefish, and they are as follows:
1. Length
Most people will want to have a shorter head line that can be used in clear water around flats, then a longer belly/ shooting taper to extend further down the flat and reach fish at range. Many anglers will split the difference and buy a line that is 9 or 10 feet long, as it covers almost all situations they may experience.
2. Weight
Bonefish can be seen from 0 to over 15lbs, so you’ll want a line in the proper class for your gear that fits what you need. You should never use a small line on a big fish, or a big line on a small fish. You will quickly find yourself with little to no control over the situation and probably even snap your tippet in the process. I would recommend most anglers using rods from 9-11wt break off most of their lines and invest in one that is 8-12wt instead.
3. Sink Rate
Bonefish are notorious for not wanting to get wet, or even stick their noses in the water if they can help it. This is why the anglers who chase them use lines that sink quickly which allows you to cover more water with less effort on your part. For this reason most people choose Bonefishing lines that sink around 1.5-2ft per second, if they are using the more popular 8 or 9wt rods. This will get you into range at a pretty decent pace and allow you to cover water better than using one that sinks only .5 ft/sec.
4. Length Of Head
Most fisherman use a shorter head to allow for better casting and accuracy. A shorter head also helps you reach out and touch fish that may be a little more spooky since it is closer to the angler. I would recommend using one that is around 3-5 feet in length if you’re going to choose this style of fishing line.
5. Material
Monofilament lines are still the most popular choice among anglers, but you can also find braided lines that work incredibly well too. Mono is pretty much the standard though; it’s inexpensive and covers almost all weather conditions. The only thing to watch out for if you choose mono is memory (Bass Pro Shop calls it “packing” where the line will bend into a shape that is similar to your fishing rod), it can be very frustrating when you are trying to cast and the line just won’t cooperate.
Best Fishing Line For Bonefish
Whether you’re new to bonefishing or already an expert angler, these 5 best fishing line for bonefish are what you need for your next fishing trip.
#5 Maxima Chameleon 12-Pound Fluorocarbon Leader
Maxima has been in the game for over 20 years and they still make great fishing lines. Maxima Chameleon 12-Pound Fluorocarbon Leader is a high-performance fishing line with low visibility for anglers who prefer a stealthy approach to Bonefish.
One of the biggest advantages of this fluorocarbon leader material is its ability to withstand abrasion from coral reefs and other rocks, so it’s a great option if you plan on fishing from the shore.
The line comes in various strengths, but 12-pound is perfect for Bonefish and other species of fish that inhabit reefs in North America. Fluorocarbon leader material has a very high density which makes it really hard to see underwater so it’s a good idea to use a leader.
What we liked:
– Low visibility makes it hard to spot
– The versatile line for different types of fish
– Will not abrade the coating on reels
What we didn’t like:
– This is relatively expensive compared to other options.
=> Maxima Chameleon is a great option if you plan on fishing from the shore, and it will hold up well against abrasion from coral reefs and other rocks.
#4 Spiderwire Stealth Braid Moss Green Fishing Line
Spinning reels are the preferred way of fishing for Bonefish, but they can be more challenging to handle. If you use spinning reels on your boat or shore, then you need a strong line that won’t snap under pressure with Spiderwire Stealth Braid Moss Green Fishing Line.
Spinning reels are preferred by anglers because of their ability to cast long distances, and that wouldn’t be possible without a strong fishing line.
One big advantage of this fishing line is it’s thin diameter which helps in achieving maximum casting distance. The line also has a bit more stretch than other fishing lines on the market, so that gives anglers a little more leeway when they hook into a big Bonefish.
What we liked:
– Fishing line is thin and can cast long distances
– Very good for spinning reels on boat or shore
What we didn’t like:
– It’s soft coating makes it delicate
=> This is one of those fishing lines that will give you more reach when you cast. It’s thin diameter helps in achieving maximum casting distance, and the line also has a bit more stretch than other fishing lines on the market.
#3 Suffix 832 Advanced Superline
This is definitely one of the best fishing lines out there, especially when it comes to bonefishing. It might seem pricey but once you use it, you will understand that money was well spent on this item. This line is extremely strong and thanks to its multi-filament braided construction, you will experience zero stretches.
The line is low visible which makes it perfect if you plan to use it in clear waters. It also has great abrasion resistance and its color stays unchanged for a very long period of time. You can get this one in different sizes ranging from 8lb all the way up to 80lb so you can choose a suitable one for your needs.
#2 PowerPro Super 8 Slick Braided Line
This fishing line is extremely strong and it will last you a long time before you need to think about changing it again. It has low visibility so if this is something that you care about when looking for bonefish lines, then this one might be worth checking out. Even though this is not a monofilament fishing line, it has no memory to speak off which makes it cast nicely. It comes in multiple colors so you can choose accordingly.
#1 Stren Fluorocast Fishing Line
Stren is definitely one of the most reliable producers when it comes to all types of fishing lines and they didn’t let us down at Go Fishing with this product. This is their fluorocast fishing line and it’s a great option if you want to save some money without compromising on quality. It has low visibility, is soft and thin so allows anglers to feel more bites and reduce drag during the fight. Great value for the money, suitable for many types of fishing under various conditions.
Conclusion
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right fishing line for bonefish. In this blog post, we’ve covered some aspects that you should keep in mind before making your purchase decision. Choosing the best type of fishing line is an important part of catching fish and being successful on your next bonefishing trip. We hope our article has helped you make a more informed choice about what type of line would be best suited for your needs!