A state link is a recorded source association, not a catch guarantee or confirmation that targeting is legal. Check current regulations with the responsible state agency.
Peak months
Jun
Typical depth
often <1–3 on flats; deeper edges when cool/hot ft
Biology, seasons and size reflect the canonical source record, which may contain Florida context. They are not state-specific guidance for every linked state. Missing fields remain unfilled.
Overview
Habitat summary
Inshore fish inhabiting shallow waters often less than one foot deep, usually over lush seagrass flats, but occasionally over white sand
Diet
eaten and should be carefully released.
Water type
saltwater
When to fish
Peak months
Jun
Good months
Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Sep · Oct · Nov
Seasonality
FWC Where-to-Fish best times (regional): Fall; Early summer; Spring-mid summer
Bite time of day
daytime flats sight-fishing
Best time of day
daytime flats sight-fishing; early morning and late afternoon in heat
Tide effect
flooding tides on South Florida flats often ideal
Preferred tide
flooding / incoming on S FL & Keys flats
Tide notes
FS Lacoss: incoming flood at Duck Key ideal for S FL shallow-water sportfish. Existing master/forum: flooding tides on South Florida flats. Early incoming often cited by Keys guides for fish pushing onto grass/sand.
Moon phase preference
new/full (stronger flood onto flats)
Moon notes
Bigger spring tides improve shallow access; not agency-published for bonefish specifically.
Water temp notes
No FWC numeric preferred band. Guide/SF Mag Keys coverage: active on warm flats; cool snaps push fish off shallow grass to deeper edges; summer midday heat → early/late. Secondary Stearns table ~72–84°F—left out of optimal field.
Wind preference
light for sight/fly
Wind notes
Light wind for poling and sight presentations; strong wind dirties or chops flats and reduces visibility.
Pressure notes
Not well documented specifically for bonefish in sourced materials.
Where to fish
Habitat summary
Inshore fish inhabiting shallow waters often less than one foot deep, usually over lush seagrass flats, but occasionally over white sand
FWC: shallow seagrass or white sand; keen eyesight—clear water preferred for fly/spin sight. Catch-and-release ethic emphasized (FWC: seldom eaten; carefully release).
Current flow notes
Flood moves fish onto forage flats; falling may push to channel edges.
Typical depth
often <1–3 on flats; deeper edges when cool/hot ft
How to catch
Techniques
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.
Reel type
spinning; fly
Drag gear notes
FWC: live shrimp or shrimp-tipped jigs for conventional; fly anglers pole flats. Light fluoro; smooth drag for long runs.
Bait & lures
Preferred bait
Live shrimp or jigs tipped with fresh shrimp are the best baits for conventional fishermen.
Preferred 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.
Bait live
live shrimp
Lures
shrimp jigs tipped with fresh shrimp · shrimp/crab flies
Size
Typical size
Up to 18 pounds; rarely more than 10 pounds
Records
Recorded catches retain their source scope; state and world catches are not national records.
state record evidence
Source context: Florida
Record type
florida state
Record weight lb
16.19
Record location
Islamorada
Record date
03/19/2007
Record angler
Robert Schroeder
Record catch text
16.19 lb; by Robert Schroeder; on 03/19/2007; at Islamorada
Place links are planning context, not proof of local species presence. Florida city links marked local context follow existing directory relationships, not catch reports.
Real local listings currently cover Florida only. Boat-ramp, charter and creator links below follow existing Florida species relationships. Bait-shop links are city context only, not species-targeting evidence.
Boat ramps — Florida
Selected examples from 302 source-linked directory records.
Navigation links share a recorded scientific genus or a source state and water-type grouping. This is not a claim of identical habitat or legal targeting.
LoveToFish is a national fishing guide. Fish species coverage spans all 50 states. Ramp, charter, bait shop, and creator directories currently cover Florida. Verify current local regulations with the responsible agency.