fly function vs matching the hatch

[greg k]

Hello Dick,
Loved your book by the way, excellent work, thank you. I am a veteran tarpon flyfisherman (keys) but have never targeted bones before. My family will be in Eleuthera for two weeks in the beginning of August. I figure first light and last light I will just strap on about 5 L of H2O and go at em :rolleyes:
Anyway, my question is what is in your opinion more important, fly function, and what I mean by that is properly weighted fly (or no weight in real skinny)that gets to the right depth quickly vs exact imitation of local edibles?
I guess you can tell I'm biased for fewer patterns vs elaborate stuff. Mainly becuase I think fish savvy is far more effective tool then fly selection, and also becuase I'm not that talented a tier.
Thank you for your time

[Marshrunner]

Greg,

As I think you suspect, function is absolutely primary. If the fly is not designed to funtion properly (land unobtrusively, sink at the right rate for the target--faster for cruisers, slower for tailers, avoid snagging bottom, articulate when stripped or at a stop, etc.) the prey form and color won't matter much because it will likely never even get in front of the fish or get its attention-- or it will spook him away.

Also your choice of Eleuthera is good for a first trip. Lots of fish and not too many anglers. August will be a bit warm but your plan of early and late day stalking is dead on. And don't worry about your tying skills--bf flies are easy ties: Mini-puffs, small Clousers, Charlies and Gotchas will get you started plus you'll find plenty of suggestions from other Bahamas flats anglers on this forum. Good luck.

Dick