After 45 years of some pretty serious flats fishing fun, I have slowly evolved into a much simpler kind of tropical angler, specifically when it comes to bonefish.
Back in the day, I bummed around Belize, Venezuela, and the Bahamas, and because of a profound lack of money, I did mostly DIY, on foot or occasionally in a rental skiff of some sort. Before Google Earth and other time-saving technologies, it was all trial and error. We called it, “Some days chicken, and some days rice.”
In the learning curve of where to go and when, there was also a keen interest in acquiring appropriate fly rods, reels, lines, flies, and anything else a flats fisherman could use. There came a lust for tarpon, then the seduction of permit (if that isn’t a love-hate relationship, I don’t know what is), and bonefish became less intriguing, as skiff guides were after the bigger, tougher fish.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve done a 180 in priorities. Sure, nothing beats the anticipation, the cast, the take, and the jumps of big tarpon. But I’ve had some great fishing, landing tarpon over 180 pounds. Now, I like small tarpon and lots of action on an 8-weight.
Permit? Well, if I see a tail, it’s game on. But my days of fishing all day or all week, with dozens of shots and few eats, are over. Plus, sharing a boat means only a half day of fishing.
So where does that leave me?
My evolution as a flats angler has come full circle. I really enjoy wading for bonefish in places with big bonefish, hard bottoms, low angling pressure, and funky accommodations, be it an “off the beaten path” lodge or hotel. Throw in conch salad or ceviche every night, cold local beers, and grouper and snapper for dinner, and I’m in my happy place.
I like a week that is at least 75% wading, often alone, or a fair distance from a guide or buddies. Nothing personal! I like spotting my own fish and not being told when to strip, stop, or set.
I carry my Epic 790Ti or 890Ti fly rod and Epic Backcountry reels, a puck of a dozen flies, a spool of tippet, hemostats, and nippers, and that’s it. I do have my iPhone for photos, and sometimes an underwater housing for the phone.
If a boat is part of the equation, I have my lunch and drinks in it. So, no sling, fanny pack, chest pack, etc. Simple and light, as life should be.
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Words and images by Brian O'Keefe
Brian O'Keefe is a fly fishing photographer, writer, and lifelong angler whose work has appeared widely in the fishing world for decades. He is known for his deep field experience, global travel, and ability to capture authentic moments from the water with a simple, organic style. Visit Brian here.
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