Hooks for bonefish flies

[Something Fishy]

The last couple of times I've been bonefishing, the guide told me to clip my flies back close to the bend in the hook. They said that long tails caused short strikes. Any reason not to use hooks with longer shanks instead?

[rlbgfish173]

The questions are, How long were the tails? where were you?


I would not use long shank hooks for most Bonefish flies because if you would get into a large fish and hook into bone the longer shank can bend easier.

Here is what a large Joulters Bone did to a Tiemco 811S, the longer shank just gives more leverage depending how the fish is hooked.
http://http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i266/kickstart58/IMGP0144.jpg

[rlbgfish173]

Trying again

[sa1280]

The 800s is the short shank, heavier version of the 811, never bent one open on anything back home (Stripers, blues, bonito). Havent hooked a bone on that particular hook yet, but I cant see a bonefish being stronger than a bluefish. The bonefish I've caught so far down here have been on the 811's.

[rlbgfish173]

Yep, I started to use the 800S after that picture was taken.

I think you might change your mind about the Blues vs Bones if you are lucky enough to get into some big fish. I've caught alot of Blues and they are one tough SOB but I don't believe they have the staying power of a Bone. As always it depends how and where they are hooked.

Stripers are not even in this tractor pull class and I wish Bonito would become a flats fish, can you imagine the size of reels we would need. :)

[bonefishwhisper]

I actually seen a guy get short striked 3 times last week...the problem with that is the FLY not the hook...what do you expect when a fly dangles past the hook? I personally have never had it happen to me because it is impossible with the correct fly...even in nature a bonefish doesnt eat like that or short strike anything but they take it whole and crush

[sa1280]

Stripers are not even in this tractor pull class and I wish Bonito would become a flats fish, can you imagine the size of reels we would need. :)[/QUOTE]

I assume you are talking about "florida bonito" aka false albacore.... go up to new england where I'm from there are a few places where i have seen them in water as shallow as 18". Not often, but I have hooked them on one occasion in about 2 -3 ft of water. They rip! Its funny down here though, from all indications I hear, its rare to catch an albie from shore, whereas up north its commonplace. There is a huge difference in the amount of fish you get when you hook an albie from shore vs a boat! I'll miss that!

[rlbgfish173]

Stripers are not even in this tractor pull class and I wish Bonito would become a flats fish, can you imagine the size of reels we would need. :)

I assume you are talking about "florida bonito" aka false albacore.... go up to new england where I'm from there are a few places where i have seen them in water as shallow as 18". Not often, but I have hooked them on one occasion in about 2 -3 ft of water. They rip! Its funny down here though, from all indications I hear, its rare to catch an albie from shore, whereas up north its commonplace. There is a huge difference in the amount of fish you get when you hook an albie from shore vs a boat! I'll miss that![/QUOTE]

When I lived up North I spent 2-3 weeks a year on the Vineyard but only once saw them in close to the beach. That would not really not be the Flats I was talking about, I was dreaming of them in Bonefish Flats. :)

[sa1280]

Oh dont get me wrong, I'm with you!

[Something Fishy]

rlbgfish173, sa1280, bonefishwhisper:

Thanks for your insights. All seem to be in agreement that longer shanks are out for bonefish. I'll do my tying for an early December trip on standard-length hooks.
'been using Daiichi X452's. Any opinion other than that they are expensive (which I already know)?