Beer, Buddies, Bahamas, Bonefish, Part I

All avid anglers are aware of the exceptional qualities of the Bonefish, from it's sleek and elegant profile, to the heart-stopping action sight-fishing for them provides. It is hard to forget my time in the Bahamas as a guest of Bair's Lodge on South Andros enjoying these fascinating fish, as well as the exceptionally rich culture. Talking to guides I came to realize that these fish are more than just a sport, but an integral part of all things Bahamian. The Bahamian economy can thank a large portion of it's success to the ~$141,000,000 US to the anglers contribute annually by pursuing these fish (source: https://www.igfa.org/images/uploads/files/Bahamas_Flats_Economic_Impact_Report.pdf). In fact, it is said that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his iconic "I have a Dream" speach in the front of a flats boat pursuing these fish in the Bahamas.

Relatively little is still known about them, but angler's lead the charge! With groups like the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is catching, tagging and releasing these fish, among others, to better understand their habits. These magnificent fish are an important resource worth protecting.