Fly fishing for bonefish in skinny water is so much fun and it offers a wonderfully unique combination of hunting and fishing that is pretty tough to beat. For first timers, there are so many factors at play, which at times can seem overwhelming. Wind, clouds, different colored bottom, line management, the movement of the skiff and fish, can all complicate what the first-time bonefish angler has to contend with when targeting bonefish. But, with a little patience and persistence, the first-timer can and will have success.

Once you’ve managed to get the fly near the permit, teamwork and communication with your guide becomes critical. He will be able to see what’s going on far more clearly than you will, so follow his instructions! The eyes of a good Belizean permit guide are nothing short of remarkable. If he tells you to pick up the fly and recast it, then that’s what you do. If he says to move the fly a tiny bit to get the permits attention, then move it an inch or so and wait for his next instruction.