What is Key West Flats Fishing?

FISHING THE FLATS
Bonefish, permit and tarpon, are abundant in the Florida Keys. Sight casting for the permit and bonefish on the flats is like no other fishing experience. Your guide captains a small skiff that holds 1-2 anglers. This skiff will run in shallow water and when you are at your destination for fishing, the guide will stop the boat and trim the motor up and begin to pole across these shallow water flats. He stands higher above you on a platform above the motor where he can guide the angler and see the fish from a further distance.

Your guide will use a clock system to get you acquainted with where he is seeing fish. Twelve o'clock is directly off the front of the boat, while 10 o'clock would be to your left, and two o'clock would be to your right. He will then guide you by telling you in boat lengths how far the oncoming fish is from the boat. Sometimes you will see the fish easily and sometimes you will wonder how your guide can see what he does see. Guides have an amazing ability to sight fish. He will instruct you to cast and how to retrieve your plug, bait or fly according to how the fish reacts.

• What is Flats Fishing?

• Fly fishing on the flats - equipment and flies

• Light tackle spin fishing on the flats

• Fish of the flats in the Florida Keys and Key West

• Fishing calendar for Key West and the Lower Keys

• Key West fishing report