Key West Flats Fishing

Book Key West Flats Fishing

   Sitting perfectly between the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the deep blue Atlantic, Key West attracts a wide variety of fish and an even wider variety of fishermen. Yes, Key West flats fishing is truly world class. Many visitors enjoy Key West flats fishing via boat, shore fishing or kayak fishing, the choice is yours.

Call Key West Charter Boat or fill out a quote form and we’ll set you up with some of the most experienced flats fishing guides in the Florida Keys. Because whether you’re a seasoned avid angler in search of a Grand Slam—tarpon, permit, and bonefish on the same day—or a first-timer just looking for a fight, Key West flats fishing guides have the local knowledge to put you on fish fast.

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Key West Flats Fishing Guides

   So if you hire a guide (fishing with a captain is highly recommended) listen to him. His experience is invaluable. The bonefish in these waters is an uncooperative breed of their own. A permit can be even harder to find and harder yet to land. If that big, flat body suddenly turns sideways on a dead run, even the strongest leader could snap if your drag is set too tight.

Key West tarpon, on the other hand, provides the most spectacular display of aerial gymnastics. That is if you know how to set the hook. Guides recommend a minimum of six hard yanks on the rod to penetrate a tarpon’s boney mouth. Using live crab or other local bait during spawning season increases your odds of success.

Take advantage of their Key West flats fishing experience and local knowledge and you could go home with Grand Slam bragging rights. Ignore them and let’s just say you won’t be the first angler who could leave here with a “one that got away” story. Fishing the flats of Key West is as challenging as it is exciting and provides lasting memories for all anglers.

Fishing of Wide Variety

   Key West flats fishing is just the beginning. Try your hand at reef fishing and you’ll expand your quarry to mangrove snapper, amberjack, barracuda, cobia, Mahi, shark and a dozen other species. Shallow water fishing in the lower Florida Keys offers some of the best angling in the world. So if you have a passion for fishing, give us a call or fill out the quote form to get started. Bring a friend or book a private charter. We can put you on a flats boat for two anglers, a bay boat for six, or dream catcher charters for up to 10. The fishing is always great in Key West Florida and ensures a great day fishing for all.

Flats Fishing Target Species

   Flats fishing in the Florida Keys are home to several species of interesting fish. The primary species sought are Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit. These challenging species are native to the Florida Keys, and if you’re in the right place at the right time, you might just hook one. The warm crystal clear waters of the Florida Keys and Key West are the perfect environment that no angler should miss. It’s also a great place to test spinning gear or fly tackle.

Catching a tarpon aka the Silver King to some is a right of passage in south Florida. The tarpon is known for its bright shiny scales and large size. A tarpon can grow as long as 8 feet and as heavy as 300 lbs, this as you could guess makes it a formidable competitor. Known for their hectic fights and aerial displays, some would say catching a tarpon is the greatest achievement as an angler. Key West and the Florida Keys have tarpon all year around but they are especially numerous during the spring and winter months when they migrate.

Perhaps one of the most sought after fish is the bonefish. On average weighing from 3 to 10 lbs, bonefish are considered a target fish for those fishing the flats. They are considered a prize fish due to their elusive nature; it takes a talented fly fisherman or angler to lure them in. The bonefish has beautiful shiny silver skin and is quick and agile. Be prepared to pull out all your tricks if you plan on bagging one of these trophy fish.

Speaking of elusive fish enter the Permit fish (Trachinotus falcatus). Known for their flat laterally shaped bodies, distinctive dorsal tail, and sharp eyesight, the permit is a true gem of the flats fishing world. Their eyesight being so sharp is part of what makes them a prize fish in the sense that it is hard to sway them into biting an artificial lure. A permit can grow up to 4 feet long and over 50 lbs in weight making them a challenging contender. If Permit is your goal, be prepared for a battle unlike any other.

Best Seasons For Flats Fishing in Key West

   As seasons come and go, so do different species of fish in the Florida Keys. Depending on what your specific interests are, you can determine when you book your flats fishing charter in Key West. Knowing the fishery patterns helps you plan the best great experience.

Spring time, March to May, the top species is Tarpon. Tarpon aka the Silver King are having their yearly migration during this time and are plentiful in the region making them a top target for flats fishing anglers. If your goal is to land one of these giants you will find your best odds will be in the Spring time.

Summer time, June to August, are great for bonefish and permit. The warm clear waters make the fish hyperactive during this time. Summer months typically see lower winds creating calm waters which is optimal for sight casting.

Fall time, September to November, Permit are at their height for volume and activity on the Flats of the Florida Keys. Cooler temperatures and fewer people in the area can often make this time of year a favorite for flats fishing anglers.

Winter time, December to February, is when you will find a species shift towards barracuda, jacks, and sharks in the flats of Key West and the Florida Keys. Classically colder and windier days can make fishing more of a challenge for anglers during this time of the year.