PURSUIT OF THE ILLUSTRIOUS BONE FISH

Pursuit of the Illustrious Bone Fish

In the world class’ bone fishing’ scheme of things fly fishing for bone fish is thought to be the challenge with the most fun.

The veteran fishermen may like their deep sea fishing in beautiful crystal clear waters but wading in the creek in pursuit of the illustrious bone fish is yet another reason why ardent fishermen come to Salt Cay.

The slender silver marine fish is found in tropical mud flats and mangrove lagoons and share their habitat with many wading birds, clams, cow fish and often the graceful turtles.


The silver bonefish that frequent shallow waters for feeding.

Bone fish are ‘amphidromous’ which actually refers to fish that regularly migrate between fresh water and the sea living in inshore tropical waters and moving onto shallow tidal flats to feed with the incoming tide before retreating back to deeper waters.

These fast and graceful creatures are often found where the mangroves abound and of course the creeks of Salt Cay are alive with mangroves that are an integral part of the sensitive creek ecosystems.

Mangroves in East Creek Salt Cay

Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in saline coastal habitats in the tropics and sub tropics. Mangroves can tolerate brackish water through pure sea water.

The unique ecosystem found in the intricate mesh of mangrove roots offers home to many organisms, oysters, shrimp and fish.

The food chain continues with wading birds and other creatures feasting on the various edibles, including the pink flamingoes which are seen from time to time hunting in the creek.

There is always the relaxing pastime of exploring the creeks in a kayak.

It is always a fun experience to gently paddle by the majestic mangroves and sit and quietly watch the varied water and bird life that grace the shores.