Few experiences in saltwater fly fishing compare with the excitement of targeting bonefish across sunlit tropical flats. Whether pursued on foot or from the elevated platform of a skiff, bonefish offer one of the most visual, technical and rewarding challenges in fly fishing. Both approaches provide very different experiences, each with their own advantages, and many of the finest destinations in the world allow anglers to enjoy a combination of the two.
Wading for bonefish offers one of the purest and most rewarding forms of flats fishing, placing the fisherman directly in the fish’s world. There is a special satisfaction in hunting your quarry on foot, carefully scanning the water for tails, shadows or nervous pushes before stalking into range. Without the restrictions of a skiff, you can quietly reposition yourself for the perfect casting angle in relation to the wind, sun and the fish’s direction of travel, often resulting in better presentations.
If fishing with a guide and partner, both anglers can fish simultaneously rather than taking turns on the bow, allowing far more opportunities throughout the day. Wading also tends to be stealthier; there is no accidental bang of a hatch or clatter on a boat deck to send a school racing for deeper water. Above all, it creates a far more immersive experience, feeling the tide around your legs, reading the bottom beneath your feet and becoming part of the flat rather than merely observing it from above. Prime destinations for wading include the Seychelles, Christmas Island, Turneffe Atoll in Belize, Los Roques, and sections of The Bahamas such as South Andros and Acklins, where firm sand flats lend themselves beautifully to anglers on foot.
Bonefishing is most commonly done from a skiff or panga, and for good reason. These are specially adapted boats for traversing shallow water with good stability and spaces created for both angler to fish but also a guide to work the boat and spot fish. Bonefish are incredibly nervous feeders (you would be too, if everything in the ocean wanted to eat you!), therefore being able to move stealthily with a raised vantage point to spot the fish at range is a huge advantage. This allows both the guide and angler to plan the best course to intercept the fish without spooking them and hopefully catching one or two!
Skiff fishing allows guide and angler to cover vast amounts of water effectively; this can result in more productive fishing opportunities throughout the day. You can also cover flats that would otherwise be too soft (marly) to access by wading. The boat also makes fishing much more accessible for those who are less sure-footed as the boat is doing the legwork. Many of the boats have specially installed “lean bars” on the bow, these are in place to offer additional support when balancing to make your cast. Renowned skiff destinations include Belize, Mexico around Ascension Bay, Cuba for its remote fisheries, and the famous bonefish waters of The Bahamas, where experienced guides can pole anglers into range of some truly exceptional fish.
Ultimately, neither method is better than the other — they simply offer different ways to experience the same remarkable fishery. Wading brings intimacy, stealth and the thrill of hunting at eye level, while skiff fishing offers greater coverage, improved visibility and access to more distant water. For many travelling anglers, the perfect bonefish trip is one that blends both styles, making the most of every tide, flat and opportunity.
If you would be interested in joining one of us on a hosted trip the click the following: Alphonse with Charlotte November 2026, Beh Kay in Mexico November 2026 or April 2027 with Alex or Providence in the Seychelles with Peter in March 2027.
If you would like more information on 2026 and 2027 availability on any of the bonefishing destinations mentioned here please contact Peter McLeod, Charlotte Chilcott or Alex Jardine or call us on +44 1980 847389. Alternatively click HERE if you would like us to contact you.
