bonefish
Species Facts

Science Name: Albula vulpes
Other Names: bone, macabi, silver ghost, white fox
Ideal Temp: 70 to 85
World Record: 19 lbs. South Africa
Environment: inshore
Techniques: light tackle, fly fishing, casting
Range: Florida, Bahamas
Description

Silvery color with bluish or greenish back; slender, round body; snout long, conical, aiming downward and overhanging lower jaw; dark streaks between scales on upper half of body and faint crossbands extending down to lateral line; extremities of dorsal and caudal fins shaded with black.

The bonefish inhabits warm coastal waters of the Atlantic from Biscayne Bay, Florida, through the Florida Keys as well as the Bahamas and Bermuda. It is most common around southern Florida, and is rarely seen north of Florida. It is most commonly found in the flats of saltwater bays.

Bonefish move onto the shallow sand and mud flats to feed on animals that live on the bottom. They use their conical snouts to root around the bottom to dislodge worms, mollusks, shrimps, and crabs. At times the fish may be seen literally standing on their heads with their tails sticking out of the water. This action is called tailing.

Tips for Fishing

Use a smaller sized hook and cut bait for faster results. Preferrably cigar minnows or shrimp tails.