I have fished for bones a few times in the Keys and Bahamas using both gear and bug rods. For gear my guides had set up light 8ft steelhead rods and 1/4 or 3/8 oz. jigs in shrimp or crab patterns. Same deal with the bug rods. Its crazy how fast they burn without the help of current! Finding bones and then stalking them is the tough part. Permit on the other hand are very hungry fish!