Hey Diana,

Can't help you on the fly fishing technique, but from what we've heard, the bonefish are spooky... so keep that in mind.

If you are going to try flurocarbon line, take extra special care when you tie your knots and make sure you wet them every time.

Two years ago, there was a dive shop just as you came into the Tulum pueblo, it was on the right hand side of the road, at the main intersection of the north-south highway (from Cancun) and the road that runs east to the Tulum beach and west to Coba. It was a blue building. Stop in there, they might be able to help you on technique, and can probably tell you where to get bait. I wouldn't count on getting any tackle down there, though... bring everything you think you might need.

Good luck, let us know how you do.

Oh, and don't send your kid on a snipe hunt, there are for-real jaguars in the jungle there.

-N.

Fly techniques (and these will work for jigs as well.

Slowly and quietly wade along, watching for fish. Watch for their fins and tails breaking the water. Also watch for clouds of mud where a school is stirring up the bottom.

When you think you know where the fish is, try to anticipate where he is going, and put the lure there. Let it sink, and when the fish gets a little closer, give the fly a short strip or two, then let it sink again. The bone will do one of three things: 1) race to the fly and eat it (yay!) 2) ignore it, or 3) head for the hills.

If he eats the fly, set the hook by giving another short strip of the fly, and then, party down.

If he spooks, well, look for another fish.

If he ignores it, try again, and if you get two more ignores, change color, size or retrieve.

Just think like your fly is a little shrimp that first flees for his life and then hides in the bottom.

Be prepared to spook most of the first fish you see. Try to cast sidearm to keep the fish from seeing you cast.

You'll sometimes need to lead the fish by 12-15 feet to avoid spooking them. Other times you can practically hit them on the head.

Oh, and if you hook one, keep your hand away from the reel handle while he's running, or you'll be sorry!

Good luck.