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The best way to cast to bonefish

I've been told to make only short casts. Is that true?

Q: The few times I’ve pursued bonefish in the Florida Keys, the guides have insisted that I not make a cast beyond 40 feet. Do you think this is wise?

Jim Fallon
Boston, Massachusetts

A: The guides know that a bad cast to the most wary of all bones – those in the Keys – will mean a lost opportunity, Jim. Many of their customers are not accurate beyond 40 feet on the open saltwater flats, so the guides prefer close, accurate presentations.

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Bonefish never seem to swim in a straight line more than a short distance. If the angler can cast accurately at long distances, I suggest doing so. A long cast is less likely to alert the bonefish of your presence, and if the fish changes direction, another cast can be made. On several occasions, I have made a long cast, followed by a shorter one and even a third cast, and hooked a bonefish.

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