One of my favorite parts of a fly-fishing trip begins long before I arrive at the destination. There’s something special about preparing for a new fishery, studying the water, learning what works, and anticipating the experiences ahead. For me, fly tying is one of the best ways to connect with a destination before ever setting foot on the water. Every fly I tie is an opportunity to better understand the fishery, refine my approach, and prepare for what’s to come.

This October, I’ll be taking my first trip with Frontiers, traveling throughout the Bahamas to visit Delphi Club, Abaco Lodge, Bair’s Lodge, Mangrove Cay Club, Andros South, and Mars Bay Bonefish Club. In preparation, I’ve been studying these fisheries and building a fly selection tailored to the waters I’ll be fishing. One of the most valuable parts of preparing for a new destination is learning from those who know it firsthand. Thankfully, I’ve got access to plenty of experienced anglers who have spent countless days on the flats and are always willing to share their knowledge and recommendations. I encourage anyone traveling with Frontiers to take advantage of our team’s experience when selecting flies or looking for tying advice.

For this trip, I’m building much of my fly selection around the Gotcha, one of the classic Bahamian bonefish flies. My approach to fly tying is to work with proven platforms rather than simply copying individual patterns. The Gotcha is a great example: it has a proven track record but still leaves plenty of room for creativity. I’ve been experimenting with different colors, materials, weights, and profiles to create new variations while building on a reliable foundation. The result is a mix of classic patterns and personal creations that are unique to my fly box, and I’m excited to put them to the test on the Bahamian flats.

Of course, tying a fly at home and watching a bonefish eat it are two very different things! I can spend hours experimenting at the vise, but the real test comes on the water. That’s part of the excitement of preparing for a new destination: doing the research, filling a fly box with ideas, and finally seeing how everything comes together.

If you’re preparing for a trip of your own, start with a few proven patterns, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You never know when a small change might become your new favorite fly. Once I’m back from the Bahamas, I’ll share a follow-up on how everything went, which patterns produced, and whether any of my flies earned a permanent spot in my fly box.

In the meantime, check out some of my creations below!

-Stone Joseph

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