It’s every angler’s dream to catch bonefish on the flats by themselves.
That may not be completely true, but if it sounds right to you, maybe you should pick up a copy of Rod Hamilton’s new book, “Do It Yourself Bonefishing.” It’s certainly a step in the right direction.
Rod, with the help of my good friend Kirk Deeter, has put together one of the most concise and easy to use volumes on the topic of flats fishing. This book covers it all and explains in clear terms how you can become a serious threat on the flats, without a guid or the expense of a lodge trip.
I’ll pause at this point to make my feelings clear. As I have said many times, if you are learning to bonefish there is no replacing the important role of a good guide who is willing to teach. There is also no better way to learn than the immersion you get from the lodge experience. That said, when you are ready to make the leap to bonefishing on your own, this book is a must.
The first half of the book covers the hows and whys of DIY bonefishing, including the equipment and skills you will need. Topics like how to spot bonefish, understanding tides and retrieving the fly are covered in great detail.
The second half of the book is a terrific resource for where to go and where to fish. It covers productive flats as well as local history, where to stay and where to eat in hot bonefishing destinations from the Bahamas and US to Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos. The information is detailed and accurate.
I took this book along on my last trip to the Bahamas and used it as a guide to some spots I already know. I was pleased to find it helpful as well as entertaining. Knowing what a great job Rod has done with the destinations that I know, I would trust his book as a resource when traveling to fishing destinations I’ve never visited.
If you are planning a DIY bonefishing trip, I’d highly recommend you pick up a copy. It will give you the information you need to fish with confidence.
Louie……I completely agree with all your comments on ” Do it Yourself Bonefishing” and have the pages worn out from reading and re-reading. Even though I’ve been chasing bones for forty some years both guided and DIY and fished a number of places Rod goes over in this book, the detailed info is invaluable. I only wish I had this book 20 years ago and I would have a lot more bones under my belt. Rod cut’s the learning curve at a number of locations by years, telling all the necessary information to prepare a trip by yourself and most importantly catch fish. I have already planned a trip to a destination new to me, but with the use of Rod’s book have found a place to stay, booked a guide for a few days he recommended , and studied the flats and lagoons he goes over in the book. For anyone that enjoys spotting a fish, making a decent cast, and getting a bonefish or permit to eat, this is a must have book. Thanks Rod for taking the time to research all these great bonefishing destinations and hope there is another book in the works……Rick Heim
Cool!
Know any books that outline DIY alaska trips for salmon/rainbows in streams? I am looking at a 6 week motorcycle trip to alaska next summer and I am looking for information on planning a dirt bag fishing trip under the midnight sun.
Dan….I can give you a good itinerary if you want to email me with your phone number…..I’m headed up there myself in about 4 weeks hopefully for some big Bows. Rick Heim
I am looking for a good book that educates on spots to DIY in Belize. It seems to be skipped over in this publication.
Leo…..I would Google Ambergris Cay and see what that brings up. I’ve been there a couple of times and there are some areas to DIY. You may also find a book dedicated just to that Island. Many of the places off of the Belize mainland are pretty much dedicated to Permit and although I’ve caught some bones there they are definitely not places I would target Bones. There’s a nice lodge on Ambergris Cay ,El Pescadore, and their website may have additional information you’re looking for….Good Luck….Rick Heim
I just picked up a copy. I’ve never fished in saltwater before but I might have a few chance to over the next few weeks while I’m on a family vacation to Indonesia and after reading this book I feel like a might stand a chance even without a guide.
Good find, Louis. Thanks…
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