Young Angler Takes Big Bonefish in the Florida Keys

Father's Day is coming soon, so I will be writing stories
dedicated to Dads fishing with their kids.


This is a story my oldest sister Lindsey wrote.
It was published in a newspaper called "Fishing the Florida Keys" about 10 years ago..
She is still a great writer and loves being on the water.

Dad and daughter have memorable experience.

The horizon was barely visible in th early hours of the springtime morning.
With only a few wispy clouds in the sky, and not more than a breath of seawind.
The day seemed perfect for bonefishing. I was looking forward
to the fishing trip my dad and I had planned.

We launched the boat in the early moring hours near Duck Key,
and ran the oceanside
for several miles before he pointed out our destination. Framed by a rippling
channel, the flat had a distinctly calmer appearance.
He slowed down as we glided gently toward it,
the hunter stalking it's prey.

Small fins alerted us to the bonefish's presence on the first series of flats.
Since my fly casting was a bit rusty, I quietly rigged a spinning rod and waited.

Using his pushpole, dad guided the boat through the shallow water.
He motioned for me to cast the shrimp just short of the closest
fin when we were within 25 yards.
It landed closer than I had anticipated, and the fish exploded,
leaving the flat a blur.
Unfortunately when he spooked, the rest of the bonefish followed.
We polled across a channel to the next flat.

Ten minustes later, determined not to startle the next fish,
I cast the bait about 5 feet short of a bonefish, which was 30 to 40 feet away.

I was unsure whether to re-cast or leave the bait where it was.
Dad whispered to leave it. I waited.
Sure enough, I felt the grab and struck. The hook was set, The water exploded
and the fat reel sang!
It ran about 100 yards before I was able to get control. With a pull-up
and wind down motion, I reeled in the 9-pound bonefish. Dad helped
me take out the hook, and release the fish. Now that was fun.

We moved on to another flat, but the bonefish were not alone.
Several lemon sharks cruised the same area.
Dad found a lone bonefish near the edge of the flat
and made a cast. Obviously hungry, it spun on his bait, dad struck but missed it.
The fish didn't spook. It spun in a circle, still looking for the bait,
so dad cast again. It took the bait and ran.
What an energetic fish. Took a while to land this one.

We quickly released it once it was up to the boat. Nice, fat 10-lb bonefish.
He was eager to swim away. We were happy to let him go on his way.

The sun rose over head, heating the shallows and driving the bonefish into deeper channels.
As we broke for lunch, my dad and I discussed the day's events.
I noticed how hot and humidit had become.

More clouds had formed over the water, and the salty breeze was on our backs as we rode
toward home.

What an awesome day.

Fishing in the Florida Keys is an experience to be treasured.



Keep it reel.

Luke Spear