Ian Davis - Skinny Water Bonefish Combo

Description

What size rod and reel combination do you prefer in this situation?
When fishing in the Bahamas for bonefish, I typically have a seven or eight weight for skinny water, light flies or calm conditions. Then I run a nine weight when targeting larger bones in deeper water, since my fly will be big and heavy. I also use this rod on windy days. When a permit shows itself in the Bahamas, the traditional method was to throw whatever rod and fly you have in your hand when bonefishing.  My go to rod series is the Thomas and Thomas Sextant because the action suits my casting and presentation style. I would rather be patient and make a shorter more accurate cast than a hero super long cast. The reason being that by the time the fly hits the water and sinks on a super long cast, it is often likely that target fish has moved into a different path and now I might have to strip line back in to recast. This process creates vibration and noise which is never good with hyper aware flats species. I want to make one shot. The T&T Sextant allows me to shoot into the wind but also feather a shorter cast in with finesse due to the powerful lower part of the rod and the moderately fast tip section. The rod has feel which I love. Also an eight weight feels like an eight weight and not a six weight dressed up to be an eight. I feel like rods are getting lighter and lighter to sell more rods. 

When targeting Bahamas bonefish, what are the most important attributes you're looking for in a rod? 
I prefer a crisp action, but not too fast. Most saltwater flats species are hooked with-in 50 feet, so a wicked fast rod does not load well with in that distance and the feel or touch is not as pleasing. I want a rod that has some mojo and feel when presenting a fly at 45 feet. This requires a smoother, moderate action towards the upper third of the rod. Now, if it is honking windy, a faster action is helpful. 

What about the reel? (drag system, weight, durability, balance, capacity, etc.)
For saltwater flats reels, an enclosed disk drag is mandatory. The saltwater is highly corrosive, the environment (bouncing around the in boats) is harsh, and the fish fight hard so do not skimp financially on a saltwater reel! Mid-level fly rods nowadays cast good enough with an adjusted stroke, but reasonability priced salty reels can fail in the field, which is no bueno. The Hatch Iconic reels are durable and dependable. I even fished a 9+ on an 11 weight for GTs in the Seychelles the past two years and it dominated. Most would fish the 11+ but I wanted a lighter reel to carry around for two weeks and also wanted to test the new Iconic drag system two years ago. It is flawless. I also like how simple the exterior parts of the reel are. Anytime I can have less moving parts or screws to loosen the better.

How does your fly line's taper pair with this rod, and how does it influence your cast? (i.e. delicate presentations, turning over heavy flies, carrying heavy lines, etc.)
The fly line can change the dynamic of a fly rod's action dramatically. A line with a more aggressive weight forward taper (overloaded by half or a full weight) will flex your rod more, power through the wind and enable you to feel the action more when false casting, which is wonderful for beginner casters and on windy days. BUT...the line and fly land harder, which can spook fish - remember that sound and vibrations travel ten times faster and louder underwater then above water. So, on calmer, quiet days aim high with your final presentation cast when overloading (or with any line) so the line and fly land softer on the water. The loop should roll out at least four feet above the water.  I recommend testing different fly lines to see what best suits your needs. There are many brands, different tapers and coatings. Personal preference should be paramount. Once you find a line that suits your casting style stick with it. I have fished the Rio, Airflo and SA lines over the years and like them all. Recently I have been fishing the SA Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam for bones.