What are good patterns for Albies, Bonitos, and small Reef Donkeys?
Clousers, clousers, clousers. Crease flies, deceivers, gummi minnows, chrystal copperheads, albiclousers, surf candy, most productive for me on albies and bonito has been tutti frutti’s tied sparsely.
Thanks TL. I think I have a little of all of the above.
I know the whole tuna family have sharp little teeth… when y’all target these guys do you need a wire leader? I have never chased any of those before but I was wondering about the leaders. Thanks!
“Well sounds like a textbook release. I’m sure he will live to fight another day.” – Misplaced Prioity
I just use hard mono or flourocarbon. No bite tippet required.
White and small in some type of bait fish pattern!
Hot colors also work well like Chartresue and White, Chartreuse & Pink and Electric Chicken. Pink and White, Tan & White as well as Gray & White or Olive and White also work well when their on bait fish. If they are on Bay Anchovies the small Browns and White or Orange & White with some copper, gold or rootbeer flash in the back will get you bit, if they’re on glass minnows or manhaden the white, chartreuse and white, as well as the gray and white or olive and white seem to work a little better. You can also use most of these same patterns to wack the Spanish when thier inshroe throughout the warmer months. Just think small and try to match the hatch, that is the bait fish! I tie most of my Bo Bo flies in a Clouser or Small Deceiver type profile without the hackle wings. Both imitate a wide variety of minnows that most saltwater species like to chew on! If I need some weight I go with the Clousers, if they fish are higher in the water colum I go with the Deceiver type patterns including Surf Candies.