Bonefish - catch and release only
Identification - Bonefish appear blue-greenish above, with bright silver armor plates (Bonefish have plates rather than scales) on the sides and belly. Dark streaks run in between the rows of plates, predominantly on the dorsal side of the body. The dorsal and caudal fins have dusky margins. Bonefish have deeply forked tails. Bonefish have no spines. One of the most distinctive characteristics of the bonefish is the sucker type mouth and cone shaped head and snout.
Bonefish are one of Florida's premier gamefish and are known as "grey ghosts of the flats" because they are stealthy, fast-swimming fish that are exciting and challenging to catch. South Florida is one of the few places in the United States where anglers have the unique opportunity to fish for bonefish and the shallow saltwater flats of the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay are considered a world-class destination for catching large, trophy-sized bonefish.
Bonefish mature at three to four years of age (17-18 inches total length), may live longer than 23 years, and grow to be three feet long and 15 pounds. Bonefish can be caught year-round in the Keys, but peak bonefish season is generally March through October. Not much is known about the biology of bonefish, but spawning occurs from November through May, probably in deep water or offshore.
Feeding Habits - Bone fish can often be seen with their tails sticking out of the water while feeding as they swim head down stirring up the bottom looking for prey. The Bonefish feeds on crabs, shrimp, clams, shellfish, sea worms, sea urchins, and small fish.
Bonefish are one of Florida's premier gamefish and are known as "grey ghosts of the flats" because they are stealthy, fast-swimming fish that are exciting and challenging to catch. South Florida is one of the few places in the United States where anglers have the unique opportunity to fish for bonefish and the shallow saltwater flats of the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay are considered a world-class destination for catching large, trophy-sized bonefish.
Bonefish mature at three to four years of age (17-18 inches total length), may live longer than 23 years, and grow to be three feet long and 15 pounds. Bonefish can be caught year-round in the Keys, but peak bonefish season is generally March through October. Not much is known about the biology of bonefish, but spawning occurs from November through May, probably in deep water or offshore.
Feeding Habits - Bone fish can often be seen with their tails sticking out of the water while feeding as they swim head down stirring up the bottom looking for prey. The Bonefish feeds on crabs, shrimp, clams, shellfish, sea worms, sea urchins, and small fish.
