Key West Fishing - Flats & Fly Fishing

Shallow water flats and fly fishing for tarpon, bonefish and permit

Key West is well known for it's fishing opportunities. Saltwater fly fishing has become so popular in the last decade and for obvious reasons - - the pursuit of fish with a fly is really something addictive. Once you land your first fish on fly here in the Keys, you've done something great and the memory of that fish will last a lifetime.

Key West Fishing Report

Updated fishing reports for the flats

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February 2, 2010

The Keys have had a bout of cold weather at the beginning of January that sent our fishing into hibernation. It was unfortunate circumstances but the latter half of the month proved to be terrific for barracuda, permit and shark fishing.

We spent a lot of the month just fishing for what was available and in January it can be plentiful. Our days on the water proved to be good for huge barracuda, jacks, bluefish and mackerel. There was even a 21- pound permit on fly caught by my good friend Lance Gleason of Missoula, Montana. You can check out his videos on YouTube by searching for 406Productions.

As for February, we've got a fresh start to a new month of fishing and as the days get warmer and the humidity starts to rise, it's just a matter of time before the first string of tarpon come across the flats.

February and March will be the best months for stalking permit on the flats. Some of our largest permit are here at this time and they are willing to eat.

So we keep our fingers crossed for no more cold fronts (or just the minimum) and get ready to welcome spring.

You can reach Captain Justin Rea at 305-744-0903 or email justin@flyfishingthekeys.com

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Tarpon Fishing

Fighting the 'Silver King' in shallow water

Key West tarpon fishing Fly anglers flock to the Keys each year for a shot at hooking (and maybe landing) a tarpon on a fly rod. The tarpon, referred to as the Silver King, provides gill-rattling jumps and long reel screaming runs. Feeding a tarpon a fly is not only exhilirating for the angler, but equally as exciting for the guide to see. Tarpon do have a season in Key West. Generally the migration is from April through June. Don't rule out any other month of the year though, tarpon can be found here year-round and depending on the weather can be actively fished for on the flats from February through November.

Key West Tarpon Fishing 2010

There are still some great times for tarpon fishing available in July, August and September. Inquire about booking a charter for Tarpon Season in Key West.

Flats & Fly Fishing in the Lower Keys

Shallow flats surround the Florida Keys and give fish like tarpon, bonefish and permit a healthy environment to feed with each rise and fall of the tide. Fishing for these prized species along with large barracuda, jacks, sharks, cobia, and mutton snapper present so many opportunities all within the serenity of a shallow pristine flat. We fish for these species by sight casting with live bait, plug or artificial lure and also with a fly.

Key West Permit Fishing

The ultimate in saltwater fly fishing

Key West flats fishing for permit Permit are one of the most elusive gamefish on the flats. Their body shaped like a dinner plate gives them ultimate fighting power with the leverage of their body against the pull of a fishing line. Permit are found in larger numbers in the Lower Keys, Key West and Marquesas area. They can often be found tailing in shallow water on a calm day but this can also be the most difficult time to fish for them. Many guides prefer a little wind to help them get the boat closer to the fish without spooking him.

Bonefishing in the Florida Keys

The grey ghost of the flats

Bonefish are also found in the Key West area. Unlike our counterparts in Belize or the Bahamas, our fish tend to be larger. The average bonefish here in the Keys is 4-6 pounds with larger fish over ten pounds available.

Barracuda Fishing

Toothy creatures of the flats

Barracuda are a well known both on the flats and offshore for being "toothy' creatures. The barracuda will strike very aggressively and make mad runs sometimes jumping completely out of the water.

Shark Fishing

Many species roam the flats

Sharks are spectacular on the flats. There is nothing like seeing a bull shark pushing water on a flat while half his body is out of the water! There are many species of sharks that populate the flats around Key West.

Jack Crevalle

Hard fighting jacks on fly

Jacks are fun and hard fighting fish. When they are schooled up, they can be easier to catch on fly. A plug or jig works well too. They range from a few pounds up to 15 pounds and can be found in deeper channels between flats or following a sting ray.

Sugarloaf Key

Lower Keys backcountry flats

Sugarloaf Marina is one of our launching points. Tarpon, bonefish and permit are all accessible from Sugarloaf Key by flats skiff. This area has intricate mangrove islands and vast sand flats.

Key West

Harbor flats and Lakes Passage

Key West Harbor has many adjoining flats and channels that are home to tarpon. The Lakes Passage offers shallow water grass flats that are perfect for permit fishing.

Marquesas Keys

Florida Keys atoll

Twenty two miles from Key West are the Marquesas Keys. This atoll is teeming with fish. This sanctuary is host to many flats and hold all types of shallow water species.

Fly Tying Bench

Flies for tarpon, bonefish & permit

View the gallery of saltwater flies tied step-by-step for many of the saltwater flats fish including tarpon, bonefish, permit, cobia and sharks.

View saltwater fly pattern gallery

Fishing Report

What's biting this week...

Read up on what's biting on the flats and offshore in this report.

Rates & Reservations

Book your fishing charter today!

Inquire about fishing with a professional Key West fishing guide.