DIY bonefishing usually means reaching the flats on foot or with a short paddle, where fish often see more pressure. That calls for flies that land softly, move naturally in the water, and sometimes are tied sparsely to keep them subtle. We’ve got the patterns you need to make your next DIY bonefishing mission a success.

IMPORTANT NOTE: YOU CAN EMAIL A PICTURE OF YOUR CURRENT FLY BOX TO ORDERS@YELLOWDOGFLYFISHING.COM. OUR TEAM WILL REVIEW YOUR FLIES AND HELP YOU FILL IN ANY GAPS FOR YOUR TRIP!

Assortments with a fly box are paired with the following boxes:

12 Flies - Sure Lock Ridge Foam
24 & 36 Flies - Waterproof Jig Fly Box

When traveling to new waters and destinations, having the right fly patterns (as well as the correct number of flies) is hugely important. Few lodges and destinations have flies and equipment available for sale, which is why it is always important to arrive with a solid selection of flies and terminal tackle. Yellow Dog creates destination-specific fly assortments using relevant, up-to-date information that includes:

The most effective and proven patterns for a specific fishery established over time
Recent fishing reports from lodges, fishing managers, and Yellow Dog clients
Direct, on-going, and updated feedback from multiple guides
Yellow Dog program director’s personal on-water experience

When it comes to fly assortments, remember that fly selection can be a “complex” process depending on your guide. A fly pattern that one guide swears by and loves may be outright dismissed by another guide – even if the guides are working the same waters or guiding for the same lodge or outfitter!

If you arrive at your destination with a selection of flies that has been assembled by the Yellow Dog team and a guide tells you, “Nothing you have will work," know that is simply not true. Always remember that pattern "favorites" vary among guides, and these favorites change on a regular basis. (Ask a guide what his go-to pattern is, and it's likely to be whatever pattern fished well the day before!) The tricky thing about fly assortments for a specific destination is that different guides have different opinions and perspectives on what works. Also, if you end up fishing with different guides over the course of your trip, a diverse fly selection means that different guides will likely find something they want to fish. A wide range of fly patterns means a better chance of getting on the same page with your guide and – more importantly – the fish.

Environmental influences are another aspect to consider if your guide is not finding what they are looking for in your fly box. It is hard to predict if the river will be rising with off-colored water, or if you will be dealing with temperature swings or turbid waters created by strong ocean currents on the flats. That’s why it’s always important to have a complete, diverse assortment to cover your bases. Conditions can certainly change on a daily basis, and you want to be ready for whatever conditions are presented with a strong selection.

We have confidence in our fly assortments because we know the patterns that have proven themselves for each specific fishery. Your confidence in a fly selection is also crucial, as it allows you to focus more on the mechanics of your cast and the actual presentation. Always listen to your guide, but be confident in your set-up, your selection, and what you're fishing. And remember that while you likely won't fish every pattern you buy, the flies purchased should last for multiple trips if they are cared for and protected.

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