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Bonefish Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Bonefish Fishing Charters

Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Islamorada

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Epic Islamorada Inshore

100% (7)
25 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Key Largo

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Key Largo Adventure

100% (12)
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Tavernier

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Tavernier

Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

100% (7)
18 ft 1 - 3 People $
Fishing in Punta Cana

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Punta Cana

Punta Cana Flats On The Fly

50% (4)
22 ft 1 - 3 People $
Fishing in Islamorada

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Islamorada Angling Excursion

100% (5)
22 ft 1 - 5 People $$
Fishing in Summerland Key

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Summerland Key

Summerland Key Flats Action

100% (6)
17 ft 1 - 3 People $$

Most Popular Types of Bonefish Trips

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Bonefish Fishing Charters

Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
trip description for Islamorada Flats and Backcountry in Islamorada

Get out there and join Captain GW on this picture-perfect fishing charter in Islamorada, FL! He's a long-time guide with a star-studded record of putting clients on new personal bests. Whether you're an old-timer or a first-timer, you'll have a blast out there while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Florida Keys. On this charter, you'll chase Keys classics on the fly or spin, including Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Snook, and Redfish! These species are challenging to catch, but they're world-famous for a reason, and you'll have the fight of your life when one's on the line. You'll be on the water on a 17' Hells Bay Marquesa skiff that's ideal for flats fishing in the shallows. Sightcast right to tailing Permit from the casting deck up front, or cast off the side for passing Tarpon. Whatever you choose to target, you'll have Captain GW's expertise and guidance to back you up. Get out there and have a blast! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Islamorada Flats And Backcountry

100% (5)
17 ft 1 - 2 People $$
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
trip description for Flats fishing in Islamorada

Head out with Captain Nick for an inshore fishing adventure hammering the backcountry bays and flats around upper Florida Keys. Nick will show you the best areas to stalk up all bone fish, permit, and tarpon He will provide all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait for your trip, so all you need to bring is your snacks and drinks, and Captain Nick will take care of the rest! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Flats Fishing

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 3 People $$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Backcountry Classic - 28’ Blue Wave in Key West

Welcome to Captain Alex's Charter where he offers Flats, Backcountry, inshore and Reef Fishing in Key West, Florida. Spin Fishing is offered for all ages and skill levels. The boat provides enough room for up to four fishermen. His goal is to make fishing easy and fun by modifying custom charters just for you and your party guests. Family trips, father-son outings, or single-person charters are all provided. Click to the left and right on the carousel above for photos of the Alex's sweet 28’ Blue Wave and the beautiful fish his previous clients have caught. With Captain Alex, you'll target tarpon, bonefish, permit, and barracuda on the flats. As well as snapper, mackerel, jacks inshore and in the backcountry. Also he offers fish mounts by Gray Taxidermy to immortalize your catch for a lifetime! Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Backcountry Classic - 28’ Blue Wave

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Inshore Trip - 18’ Xplor Flats Boat in Key West

Spend a day on the water and have a great time chasing Grouper, Snapper, Permit, Shark, and more. You'll depart at 8:00 a.m. and will have all the fishing gear ready when you arrive. All you'll need to bring are some snacks, drinks, and/or lunch for your adventure, and Captain Chandler will take care of the rest. Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Inshore Trip - 18’ Xplor Flats Boat

100% (1)
18 ft 1 - 3 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
trip description for Back Country Bonanza in Islamorada

Experience an unforgettable backcountry fishing trip with Captain Eric in the fishing paradise of Islamorada, FL. Our trips cater to all skill levels, perfect for families seeking a memorable experience. Depart from the renowned World Wide Sportsman (Bass Pro Shops) Bay Side Marina, where your fishing adventure begins in style. Parking is available on the World Wide Sportsman property, just ask the Dock Master for your Captain, and you'll be on your way to an incredible day on the water. With Captain Eric as your guide, leave your worries behind. Fishing licenses and equipment will be provided, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful day of backcountry fishing. Departure is at 7 AM, so please arrive 15 minutes beforehand ready for an exciting journey. Choose from flexible trip options of 4, 6, or 8 hours, tailoring the experience to your preferences and availability. Explore the stunning backcountry waters, renowned for their diverse fish species and natural beauty. Enjoy free cancellations up to 14 days before the trip, ensuring flexibility in case of unforeseen circumstances. In the event of unfavorable weather conditions, the charter captain may reschedule the trip to a later time, prioritizing your safety and comfort. Book your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with thrilling catches, picturesque scenery, and cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Join Captain Eric for an unforgettable backcountry fishing trip in Islamorada, FL. Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Back Country Bonanza

100% (2)
17 ft 1 - 2 People $$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Silver Kings and More in Key West

Key West provides the unique ability to target the tarpon migration in Key West Harbor. This trip is offered from (roughly as the migration does fluctuate) March 1- July 31. This trip is centered around fishing-specific times and tides in Key West Harbor and other areas surrounding Key West. If chasing the Silver King is what you're after book know to get out there with the best!! During this trip, there are many other fish that you can catch in the harbor as well. Some of them are; cobia, permit, bonefish, mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, red grouper, black grouper, gag grouper, sharks, barracudas, jacks and many other species. Captain Spencer's 25' Pathfinder is the perfect boat to fight from when doing battle with these overgrown prehistoric minnows. The vessel also has a full tower which optimizes your fishing opportunities to spot and sightfish the Tarpon as they roll, not to mention score bait easier. She can accommodate 6 guests, however, Captain Spencer prefers to fish with 4 or less. Captain Spencer can also make accommodations to pick you up from many places around Key West. If you are staying somewhere with water access let us know and Captain Spencer will try to accommodate picking you up from your location. Read More

Flats, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Silver Kings And More

100% (2)
25 ft 1 - 4 People $
See All Bonefish Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a bonefish fishing charter

What are the best bonefish fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 58 bonefish trips, and the most popular trips are Epic Islamorada Inshore guided by Ron, Key Largo Adventure guided by Andrew, and Tavernier Backcountry Fishing guided by Ben.

Our guides are rated a 4.82 out of 5 based on 2577 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly bonefish guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonefish guides.

What types of bonefish fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for bonefish as well as inshore fishing, flats fishing, and nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and fly fishing but artificial lure fishing and sight casting are popular as well.

How much do bonefish fishing charters cost?

for bonefish prices can range anywhere from about $550 to $1,100, but the average price for a half day trip for bonefish is $667. The average price for a full day trip for bonefish is $1,093.

What month is best for bonefish fishing?

The most popular season for bonefish fishing is spring, and most anglers book their trips 23 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for bonefish and what are the bag limits for bonefish?

See here for more information on bonefish fishing licenses, bonefish bag limits, and fishing season regulations for bonefish. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right bonefish rules and regulations.

What is a Bonefish?

Bonefish (Albula vulpes), sometimes called just “bones” or “gray ghosts,” are an elusive fish that are highly regarded by anglers in their difficulty to catch. They have silver sides with slightly darker to olive green backs, stripes down their side, and have a very streamlined body.

This body shape helps them to reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, helping them to evade predators and to run out your line in a matter of seconds. They also have lung-like air bladders, which help them to tolerate shallower water with less oxygen, and are very sensitive to noise.

How big do Bonefish get?

Bonefish vary in size depending on what area they are in. In Florida and the Bahamas, they will typically grow to four to six pounds. In the West Indies, they are known to get up to twice that size. There are rumors that waters near South Africa and Hawaii grow to over 20 pounds.

Regardless of where you find them, bonefish reach sexual maturity between three and four years, but can live up to 19 years.

What's the biggest Bonefish ever caught?

Despite the rumors of 20 pound gray ghosts being caught, the IGFA lists the all-tackle world record at 16 pounds. It was caught off a rod and reel by Jerry Lavenstein out of Bimini, Bahamas on February 25th, 1971.

There was a 16 pound, 3 ounce bonefish caught, weighed, and released by Bob Schroeder out of the Florida Keys on March 19th, 2007, however it was never certified by the IGFA, leaving Jerry Lavenstein’s monster in the lead.

Where is the best place to catch Bonefish?

Bonefish live in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. Some of the best places to catch them are the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and near Belize, though they can be found up and down both coasts of the United States, as well as Mexico, Central and South America, South Africa, and Hawaii.

When it is low tide, bonefish will head to deeper waters, up to around 300 feet. When the tide comes back in, they will follow it to search shallow waters for food, swimming in mudflats as little as four inches deep.

When should I catch Bonefish?

Bonefish can be fished for all year, however larger fish typically move to deeper waters the during hotter months. This makes the peak season ranging from March to May, and then October when they return.

As mentioned before, they move inshore during high tide to hunt and feed. This is the perfect time to target them, so be sure to check out your local reports of high and low tide.

How do you catch Bonefish?

Bonefishing, or fishing for bonefish, can be done by fly fishing or with light tackle, by either drift or still fishing. No matter what method you use, be sure to be very wary of the fish, as they are easily startled, especially when schooling. Casting from six to ten feet away will lessen your chances of spooking them.

Chumming the water with shrimp, crab, or cut conch to distract them is also another great option. From there you can use natural bait such as live shrimp or small crabs, brought rapidly across the surface, or artificial baits such as flatheaded skimmer jigs, plugs, or flies, used to create sand puffs in the water.

Sight-casting for schools, or stalking individual bones cruising or tailing will lead you in the right direction. Tailing is a term used for the action of a bonefish digging in the ocean bottom of shallow water to look for food. They use their tails for leverage to dig, by slapping the water for balance.

Once they are found, and you have your prepared bait and possibly chum, you should aim that bait a few feet away from the fish, and give it a delicate and precise cast. The more confident you are in your aim, and your ability to lay it down gracefully, the closer you can aim to the fish.

Are Bonefish good to eat?

Bonefish, like their name suggests, are fully of many, many tiny and large bones making them nearly impossible to clean. Also, bonefish over six inches long are poisonous to humans when consumed, as they contain high levels of clupeotoxin. For both these reasons, bonefish are better off being caught and released.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great fishing trip with Josh . We got lots of fish - Redfish, Shark, and Jack Crevalle. Josh was a joy to be with and he taught us a few technics. Jack & Tami Green Rockwall, TX

    Jack G. with Joshua B. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Tough day lots if wind. Still found fish, had a blast Chandler is an excellent guide coming back for more Tarpon

    Paul G. with Chandler W. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great work Captain Phil. Had a good time on the boat and caught fish all through the 8 hour day. Even when the bite slowed down captain phil ran all over to get back on the bite. We had our trout limit within the first hour of the fishing. He showed me allot of tips for casting under mangroves. Looking forward to another trip soon.

    Shaun T. with Mike P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    My husband and son had nothing but great things to say about their trip! “Best trip ever” per my son. They were able to catch a 40+ lb grouper! They loved every minute and said Spencer was super knowledgeable! Worth every penny for the experience!

    Michelle P. with Spencer C. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Damn great time on the water with Ben. He was willing to quickly adjust to last minute changes (remember, when you are replying to messages from Captain Experiences they might not get to the guide you are using through them). Ben got us into multiple species of fish using various methods of angling. When our time was up, we had a few "keepers" that Ben filleted up for us. It was a perfect day on the water. Thanks for the great time Ben and, more importantly, thank you for your service to our country! DO NOT HESITATE to book a trip with Ben.

    Lapene M. with Ben T. of Tavernier, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent service! Will definitely use again. Very knowledgeable about the area and put us in the fish. Loved every minute of it and highly recommended to anyone who wants to go fishing!

    Jonathan L. with Brandon S. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had the best experience with Andrew. He’s a born and raised in Key Largo local and he put us on a bunch of spots where fish were biting. He was so patient when we got tangled or lost our bait and was just in general super friendly and helpful. You can tell he spends his days on the water because there’s no place he’d rather be. And he also cleaned our fish with an amazing alacrity and gave us excellent recommendations on where we could have it cooked for us by highly acclaimed local chefs. It wasn’t just fishing, Andrew was the whole package.

    Erica B. with Andrew A. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We truly enjoyed our fly fishing trip with Capt GW. His boat was clean and comfortable and Capt GW was very personable and knowledgeable. We had some tougher conditions with wind that allowed him to give me so much needed help and encouragement on techniques to help my skills. But alas, no adrenaline moments of catching backwater fish, just the adrenaline of trying to make the right cast in the right spot. We saw a great deal of sea life as an addition to the friendly camaraderie, and that was a bonus.

    David H. with Gw D. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Ron is a true pro and so nice. My family had a great fishing trip. 10 out of 10🙂

    Mark L. with Ron B. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Ron was awesome! Tons of fun. Caught dozens of fish. He was super helpful. Knew the good spots. Would totally recommend for a great family or couples excursion.

    Cameron S. with Ron B. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great guide and a great man. My wife and I went out for 6 hours, caught tarpon, snook and snapper. was exactly what I was looking for.

    Tom G. with Eric R. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great guide. Had a wonderful outing. Thanks for being persistant and finding us some great places to catch fish.

    Brian K. with Nick D. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    What an awesome fishing guide! Omg. We caught so many fish. Cool boat, excellent ability to find the fish, great tips on local ways to get cooked for our dinner. Just had a ball!

    Renotta H. with Andrew A. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    John Paul knew where the fish were and what they wanted to eat. We had a good day on the water with lots of spotted trout, some trevally, and a mangrove snapper. No snook or tarpon this early in the season (late Feb).

    Bernard C. with Jon-Paul H. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Wonderful trip. Wonderful captain. First rate. Gentle but firm with a rookie- just what I wanted. Just what I needed. He would have stayed out longer but my arms, they were jello. Also, incredibly informative about the different fisheries, the environment, the current challenges facing the keys - a joy to watch cast a fly, tie knots and an all-around nice guy - thanks Capt. GW for a first-rate introduction to fly-fishing in the keys. Kind regards, Pete L. (Yarmouth, Maine).

    Peter L. with Gw D. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    This was our second time fishing with this guide and we will definitely be back. Great time out on the water with these guys.

    Tony S. with Mike P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day fishing with Captain Brandon. We caught a lot of fish, including barracuda, snapper, nurse and lemon shark. Brandon kept moving around to ensure that we stayed on the fish. We've fished with a number of guides over the years and Brandon was one of the best!

    Michael B. with Brandon S. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    First off, there was some confusion with the first Capt. we were booked with and he didn’t have us on his schedule. I called the cust service line and Adam took great care of me. He showed genuine concern and was able to get us booked with Capt. Bob. 5 stars for Adam. We enjoyed our trip with Capt. Bob. He was knowledgeable and accommodating, got us into some fish, and coached us on casting. Great guy! I would recommend Capt. Bob for anyone interested in fly fishing the flats.

    Joe M. with Bob B. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Brandon was fantastic. We went out on the coldest day of January, 2024 and we still caught fish. Brandon is extremely knowledgeable of the area and how to fish it, informative and extremely patient, especially with a beginning like me. I couldn’t have been happier the way the day turned out. I caught some beautiful Snapper for dinner and then some Barracuda and Sharks for sport. I highly recommend his services and he would be my first choice on a return trip to the Keys. Thank you, Mark Maynard

    Mark M. with Brandon S. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Ron is the best!!! We had a great morning on the water. We felt so confident in his boating and fishing knowledge. Absolutely headed back again for another day out on his boat. Just a great guy and Master Captain!!!!

    Diane D. with Ron B. of Islamorada, Florida

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