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Hook Up or Go Home: Don’t Use the Wrong Bait

The top natural and artificial baits for stalking bonefish on the flats.

May 26, 2025

Bonefish aren’t just fast—they’re smart, spooky, and brutally hard to hook. Whether you’re stalking the flats in the Keys or scouting warm shallows in the Bahamas, you need bait that looks real, moves right, and doesn’t tip them off. We’ve rounded up the best live, cut, and artificial baits that actually fool bonefish, plus when and where to use each one. If you’re serious about landing this silver ghost, start here.

Can You Eat Bonefish?

If you're looking for a challenging sport fish that is difficult to catch, the bonefish is an ideal choice. Anglers find bonefish extremely fun to catch, but typically, they throw them back into the water rather than eat them. So, can you eat bonefish? The answer is that the meat on a bonefish is edible if you want the hassle of getting the bones out..

Feature

Spook Less. Catch More. These Bonefish Baits Work

The bonefish is a long, slender fish that’s native primarily to coasts, river mouths, and deeper waters. Bonefish continue to grow as long as they’re alive, so they can get to impressive weights. Their size can make fishing for them a challenge, even if it is just catch-and-release.

The Big Catch

Here they are—your catches, your stories, your proud moments on the water.
Submitted by you, shared by us. From record-setting lunkers to the ones that got away (but you got the photo!), every fish tells a tale. Big or small, it’s not just about the catch—it’s about the memory, the company, and the thrill of the fight. Thanks for letting us be part of your fishing story.

Wyndham, Colorado, and a rainbow that speaks for itself 🎣

Ruben with a wild stunner worth catching twice 🎣

Fishmasters

Great day on the water—just don’t ask about results.

Fishmasters

Sunhat on, smile wide, and one lucky bass in hand!

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About Us

At Fishmasters, we live for the tug on the line, the splash of the catch, and the stories told around the campfire. Whether you're casting off a backcountry dock, chasing trophies offshore, or just getting your feet wet, we're your go-to source for fishing tips, gear guides, and destination deep-dives. We blend real-world know-how with a passion for the great outdoors—because fishing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. Let’s make every cast count.