? Best months for Bonefish in Turks & Caicos

[E. Roberts]

I'm new to this forum. I have an opportunity to go to Turks and Caicos in 2005. What are the best months for bonefish on the fly in the T & C islands - especially South Caicos?

Thanks!

[IFTIA]

I'm headed there for the first time mid-January. In researching fishing opportunities i've found little but the vague "it's the best." Very little specific info out there. I'll file a report upon return.

[Guy]

The best bonefishing usually translates to the best weather. While I have not actually fished there, I do know that the T&C's are part of the same group of islands as the Bahamas, albeit in a bit more southerly location than most of the popular Bahamian Islands. The same cold fronts and wind that plague the Southern Bahamas will still hit the T&C's though the effects may not be quite as pronounced or as long a duration. This means you may get an extra day or two of fishing at the beginning and end of a cold front compared to a place like Long Island or the Exumas. Even if the temperatures stay up, the wind still loves the water and it can can still blow for weeks at a time in the T&C's as well. All that said, chances for having decent bonefishing weather (fewer days of wind and cloud) in the T&C's is likely the similar to the Southern Bahamas: Sept - November (if you can avoid a tropical storm) and April to May / June. February and March can be windy but the fishing will still hold up if the cold fronts are not severe. December is typically a good month for big bones but the days are short and you could likely run into the first major cold front of the winter which can send most bones off the flats cuz they haven't gotten used to winter weather patterns yet. January is a crap shoot anywhere in the Bahamas and T&C's, but if this is the only month you can travel, the T&C's offer the best chance for fishable weather.

[IFTIA]

Thanks, Guy. I'm headed there on a cruising 56' catamaran and don't have a solid idea as to itinerary so whether I find flats or not is a crapshoot. I'm also packing trolling gear as we'll be island hopping. Second trip (we can always plan) is usually more successful.
After my previous reply I did a search for T & C and found a couple more useful threads. Thanks to all.

[thoray]

i went there in may 2004.lots of bones,i took a guide for a 10 hour trip cost $800. but i did catch my first bonefish,so money didnt matter.
you will need a guide with a boat to cover the flats,i never saw another boat let alone another fisherman.

[Jacquestrappe]

Just got back from a week in Provo. This was my second trip down to the T&C islands around this time.

There are two guides out of Provo to consider for light tackle bonefishing.

Silver Deep: Probably the most expensive guide operation I've seen to date. While I have not gone out with this outfit, several of my family members have and said they put you on fish.....but is just so expensive its hard to swallow.

Bonefish Unlimited: This outfit is run by a guy named Barr Gardner. We used Barr this year with limited success. A couple bones to speak of but, in my experience with Guides, Barr was extremely lazy. He didn't pole the boat once...nor did he get up on the poling platform to survey. He had a rod in his hands the entire time we walked the flats and cast and caught fish whenever he could. (A HUGE NO-NO in my book)

While it is hard to swallow, it may be worth the extra 100 bucks to go with an outfit that is a bit more professional and willing to work for the clients (Silver Deep). Just my two cents.

There are also opportunities to fish on your own off Provo if you are willing to work a bit. Kayaks can be rented from Leeward Marina and you can access flats along Pine Cay, Iguana Island etc. In addition, you can also make your way to an inner lagoon called Flamingo Lake. While a bit mucky, it is possible to fish for bones depending on the light and clarity of the water. There is actually a flyfishing lodge right above that lake (I forget the name).

Anyway, hope you enjoy your trip. Good luck.

RC

[bostonbruins477]

You wouldnt happen to be applying to the School for Field Studies in South Caicos for the fall of 2005 would you? If you are give me a reply, and maybe ill meet you there?!