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Bonefish

Albula vulpes

Bonefish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Bonefish (Albula vulpes) are prized flatfish known for their speed and agility on shallow tropical flats. Anglers seek them for the exhilarating fight and the challenge of sight‑fishing in clear, shallow water. Though edible, they are not a major table fish, making them a popular sport target.

Fight
Taste
Reports of ciguatera
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Albulidae

Max Size

104 cm

Max Weight

10 kg

Habitat

marine, brackish

Depth Range

0-84m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Spring (March‑May) and Fall (September‑November)

Best Time

Early morning and late afternoon (dawn and dusk)

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Bonefish

  • Scout flats during low tide to locate feeding bonefish and note water depth and current
  • Use light, natural‑color lures and keep a slow, steady retrieve to mimic shrimp or small fish
  • Approach on a low‑profile board or wade silently; cast just beyond the fish’s line of sight and retrieve quickly to trigger a strike
  • If using live bait, hook small shrimp or sand fleas near the head and let the fish take it with a gentle drag

Top Fishing Locations for Bonefish

Andros Island Flats

Bahamas
beginner84% Very Common

World‑renowned bonefish flats with crystal‑clear shallow water, abundant baitfish and easy access via local guides.

Best: December‑May

Great Abaco

Bahamas
intermediate78% Very Common

Expansive mangrove-lined flats famous for large, strong bonefish; many resorts offer guided flats fishing.

Best: January‑April

Turneffe Atoll

Belize
intermediate71% Very Common

Remote atoll with pristine flats and abundant bonefish; ideal for fly‑fishing enthusiasts seeking trophy size.

Best: February‑June

Key West Flats

United States
beginner66% Common

Convenient Caribbean‑type flats just north of Key West; easy day trips with high bonefish densities.

Best: March‑July

Rarotonga Lagoon

Cook Islands
expert58% Common

Remote Pacific flats with legendary bonefish; requires charter boat but yields consistent catches.

Best: May‑October

Aitutaki Lagoon

Cook Islands
expert62% Common

Secluded lagoon flats known for large bonefish and excellent fly‑fishing conditions during the dry season.

Best: June‑September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Bonefish

Recommended Equipment

Rod10‑12 ft light spinning or fly rod, fast action
Line8‑12 lb test monofilament or 8‑10 lb test fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSoft plastic shrimp, small jigs, or topwater poppers
TechniqueSight fishing on flats, casting small lures with a slow retrieve, or slow drag on live bait

Best bait: Live shrimp, small crabs, or sand fleas