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Albula fishing
Albulidae, Albulidae, Albuliformes are the names of a monotypic family of fish, consisting of 13 species. Albulas are widely represented in the subtropical and tropical seas of the World Ocean. One of the most popular fishing objects in the coastal, shallow water zone. In most tourist regions involved in the development of amateur fishing in tropical seas, they offer tours to catch this fish. The English name is bonefish from bone – bones. Due to the fact that the fish is very bony. Albul is rarely used for food. All fish of this species are distinguished by a squared, sloping body covered with silvery scales. The teeth on the palate and jaws are small, the mouth is semi-lower. The lifestyle is bottom, the fish is cautious. The favorite habitat of albul is considered to be the so-called. “Poseidon meadows”, shallow water areas covered with sparse aquatic vegetation, the main food objects are worms, mollusks, small crabs. The presence of fish on the shallows is often determined by the sharp, dorsal fins sticking out above the water or the tips of the forked tails. The maximum size of the fish can reach a weight of more than 8 kg and a length of 90 cm, but the usual ones are 1-4 kg.
Fishing methods
Bonfish fishing is surrounded by an eagle of mystery. Anglers often refer to the albula as a “shadow” or “grey ghost”. The most popular tackles are light spinning and fly fishing. In addition, Albula is perfectly caught on natural baits, and this method of fishing is very effective. But still, fishing with artificial lures, especially fly fishing, can be considered the most interesting and exciting. Albuls are a very worthy opponent, offering strong resistance when playing.
Catching fish on a spinning rod
When choosing gear for catching a classic spinning “cast”, it is advisable to proceed from the principle “bait size + trophy size”. The main methods of catching albula are fishing from punts and wading on shallows and spills during high tides. Albulas stay in the lower layers of the water, in search of bottom dwellers. They use classic baits: spinners, wobblers and silicone imitations. Reels should be with a good supply of fishing line or cord. In addition to a trouble-free braking system, the coil must be protected from salt water. In many types of sea fishing equipment, very fast wiring is required, which means a high gear ratio of the winding mechanism. According to the principle of operation, coils can be both multiplier and inertial-free. Accordingly, the rods are selected depending on the reel system. The choice of rods is very diverse, at the moment, manufacturers offer a large number of specialized “blanks” for various fishing conditions and types of bait. It is worth adding that for coastal fishing of medium-sized albuls, it is possible to use rods of light tests. When fishing with spinning marine fish, fishing technique is very important. To select the correct wiring, it is necessary to consult experienced anglers or guides.
Fly fishing
Along with tarpon, bonfish is the most popular object of fishing in the coastal zone of tropical seas. In most cases, going fishing, where the main object of fishing is albula, you can get by with light gear for sea fishing. Experienced anglers can use rods and Grade 5 marine one-handers. As a rule, class 9-10 single-handed fly fishing gear is considered to be “universal” marine fly fishing. Bulk reels must be suitable for the class of the rod, with the expectation that at least 200 m of strong backing must be placed on the spool. Do not forget that the tackle will be exposed to salt water. Especially, this requirement applies to coils and cords. When choosing a coil, you should pay special attention to the design of the brake system. The friction clutch must be not only as reliable as possible, but also protected from salt water ingress into the mechanism. During fly fishing for marine fish, including albul, a certain lure control technique is required. The fish is very cautious and rarely lets the fisherman on short distances. When fishing, you need the ability to make long casts. Despite the fact that most fishing takes place at the shallowest depths, many experienced anglers advise using fast-sinking undergrowth or lead shipments. Especially at the initial stage of fishing, it is worth taking the advice of experienced guides.
Baits
As already noted, it is easiest to catch an albula using natural baits and throwing tackle in places of accumulation or movement of fish. To do this, you can use various medium-sized crabs and other crustaceans, in addition, various sea worms and mollusk meat are perfect for baits. Spinning players can use the whole arsenal of small baits: from wobblers to silicone imitations of crabs and more. Fly fishermen, most often, use medium-sized streamers and various imitations of crabs and shrimps.
Places of fishing and habitat
Albulas are distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the oceans. As already mentioned, the main habitats are shallow waters and floodplains in the intertidal zone. This allows you to carry out comfortable fishing not only from light vessels, but also wading.
Spawning
Features of reproduction of albuls are poorly studied. Spawning takes place in the same places where fish live – on shallows and in estuaries. It should be noted that in fish there are prelarval and larval stages of development of leptocephalus, with subsequent metamorphoses in the development of adult fish. In this, their reproduction and growth are similar to tarpons and eels.