Florida Keys Flats Fishing

We'll Hook you up with the best Florida Keys Flats Fishing Guides in Marathon, Islamorada, Key West, Key Largo and the Lower Florida Keys!

A ripple is a wave on the glass calm waters of a Florida Keys flat. Ahead at one o'clock a sickle-shaped fin cuts the horizon's reflection in half, swimming steadily to your right and out towards the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. The guide poles the skiff hard and fast into the light breeze as you move to head the fish off before it can vanish from sight.

At the edge of the flat the fish slows to eat. You know this is your chance. You flip the rod back and then forward and release the line as the tip extends in the direction of the nervous water. The small crab dances through the air and lands just beyond the timid but strong species.

You hold the rod high as you skip the crustacean towards the fish's intended path. You let it drop, slowly.

In the moment you realize that this is what you came here for- the anxiousness you feel can't help but remind you.

Suddenly the fish turns and darts back across the flat, leaving a wake like a miniature submarine. The line screams as he rips yard after yard of monofilament line from the spool.

You set the hook and the rod bends in response. The battle with your first Florida Keys permit is underway!

HOW IT'S DONE: Most flats fishing involves "stalking" fish in the shallow waters using light spinning tackle or fly fishing gear. Flats guides will "pole" you around on a poling platform as you search for and sight cast to "tailing" or swimming fish. This is one of the most popular and exhilarating types of sport fishing- and only in the Florida Keys will you find such a diversity of flats fishing species.

WHERE YOU'LL FISH: Inshore, in the shallow waters that border the Florida Keys.

WHAT YOU'LL CATCH: Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Redfish, Barracuda, Jacks, Sharks, and more (see our Florida Keys Species Guide and Calendar for what you can expect to catch).

THE BOAT(S): Flats skiffs are designed for skinny water fishing and generally much smaller than the boats used for offshore, or reef/wreck fishing. Most flats skiffs come equipped with a poling platform, where a guide will stand while he searches for fish and "poles" you across the shallows with a long push pole.

NUMBER OF ANGLERS: Most flats skiffs will accommodate 1 to 2 anglers.

PRICE: Flats fishing trips can cost anywhere from $400-$700 depending on the length of trip and total numb