Bonefish in Florida

Meet the species

Bonefish
Image credit: © diane rome peebles

Scientific name

Albula vulpes

Overview

Inshore fish inhabiting shallow waters often less than one foot deep, usually over lush seagrass flats, but occasionally over white sand

Typical size

Up to 18 pounds; rarely more than 10 pounds

Typical weight (lb)

18.0

At a glance

Peak months
June
Regions
Southeast, southwest, keys
Water
Saltwater
Bait
Live shrimp or jigs tipped with fresh shrimp are the best baits for conventional fishermen.

Florida fishing record

Weight
16 lb 3 oz
Location
Islamorada
Date
Mar 19, 2007
Angler
Robert schroeder
Type
Florida state record

Open record source

Record catch notes

16.19 lb; by robert schroeder; on 03/19/2007; at islamorada

When to fish

Peak months

June

Good months

March–july, september–november

Season notes

Best-time months from FWC Where-to-Fish: peak from seasonal WTF bullets (n sea 3, n yr 0, thresh> 2). Peak jun good mar, apr, may, jun, jul, sep, oct & nov.

More season details

Where to fish

Florida regions

Southeast, southwest & keys

Water

Saltwater

Habitat

Inshore fish inhabiting shallow waters often less than one foot deep, usually over lush seagrass flats, but occasionally over white sand

More locations and access

How to catch

Live shrimp or jigs tipped with fresh shrimp are the best baits for conventional fishermen. Fly fishermen patiently pole through shallow flats stalking these elusive fish. Bonefish are very seldom eaten and should be carefully released.

Bait

Live shrimp or jigs tipped with fresh shrimp are the best baits for conventional fishermen.

Lures

Live shrimp or jigs tipped with fresh shrimp are the best baits for conventional fishermen. Fly fishermen patiently pole through shallow flats stalking these elusive fish.

Videos

Sources

Fishing videos from local voices

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.