Stackpole Books, 2004
192 pp.; hardcover; $49.95
Far and away, Fly-Fishing for Bonefish is the finest single-species book that has come across my desk to date. Fernandez takes his decades of experience chasing this popular game fish, combines it with scientific information and puts it together in a well-thought-out manner with a good design. Rather than just giving an overview of his gear, the author moves the discussion of tackle to the next level by explaining what is available, how the various components are constructed and how they function, and what qualities are needed for the various situations anglers might encounter. Likewise, his sections on strategy and technique are well-crafted and give the reader confidence about this pursuit.
To write the sections on bonefish biology and habitat, Fernandez smartly enlisted the expertise of biologist and fly-fisherman Dr. Aaron Adams of Mote Marine Laboratory. The overall writing style is light and easy to read, and the selection and layout of illustrations and photographs are excellent. Whether you are a veteran bonefisherman or planning your first trip, you will learn a great deal about the “ghosts of the flats.”
