Florida Keys Fishing Guides

Florida Keys Flats Fishing

The Florida Keys are legendary for saltwater flats fishing. From Key Largo in the Upper Keys through Islamorada, Marathon, and down to Key West, anglers fish pristine flats, backcountry mangrove islands, and Everglades National Park waters for the "Big Three" and more.

The Water

Upper Keys (Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada):

• Florida Bay backcountry
• Oceanside flats
• Close access to Everglades National Park
• Legendary locations: Nine Mile, the Pocket

Middle Keys (Marathon, Seven Mile Bridge):

• Expansive flats
• Mix of bay and oceanside fishing

Lower Keys (Big Pine, Sugarloaf, Key West):

• Backcountry channels
• Marquesas Keys
• Challenging, dynamic fishery

Everglades National Park:

• Thousands of acres of flats, channels, mangrove keys
• Snook and redfish headquarters
• Tree-lined ponds connected by narrow creeks

The Fishing

Sight fishing from flats skiffs with expert guides. Anglers pole or drift shallow water (often less than 2-3 feet) watching for tailing fish, cruising shadows, and nervous water. Fly fishing or light tackle. Guides provide instruction for beginners and expert positioning for advanced anglers.

Target Species

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)

The "Silver King"—one of the greatest game fish in the world.

• Size: Record sizes 150+ pounds, average varies by season and location
• Season: Available nearly year-round, peak March–July
• Behavior: Cruise flats in shallow water, explosive jumps when hooked, gill-rattling acrobatics
• Techniques: Fly fishing or live bait, sight casting in 3 feet of water
• Experience: "A fly fisherman's dream"—watching tarpon take your fly then explode like a silver rocket

Permit (Trachinotus falcatus)

The "holy grail" of saltwater flats fishing.

• Size: Average 10-25 pounds, fish to 50 pounds
• Season: Most productive March–September, present year-round
• Behavior: Tail in very shallow water feeding on crabs, cut back and forth in current, dive in rocks
• Challenge: Skittish, require precise casts and delicate presentations
• Techniques: Crab flies for fly anglers, sight casting
• Notes: Fight like a "freight train" or "back-alley cat," fight all the way to release

Bonefish (Albula vulpes)

The "Grey Ghost of the Flats"—pound-for-pound strongest fighting fish in the Keys.

• Size: Average 6-8 pounds, fish to 14 pounds
• Season: Year-round
• Behavior: Feed in water less than 2 feet deep, tails wave in air while foraging ("tailing"), disappear in blink of an eye
• Speed: 100 yards of line vanishes in seconds when hooked
• Techniques: Sight fishing, stalking tailing bonefish
• Challenge: Very spooky, especially when feeding on shallow flats
• Notes: Great for beginners learning flats fishing

Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)

Hard-fighting game fish of the backcountry.

• Size: Average 5-10 pounds, fish to 25 pounds
• Habitat: Deep within mangrove roots and underwater structures
• Behavior: Ambush bait fish, streak back to mangrove shelter when hooked
• Location: Everglades backcountry, mangrove islands, shallow flats and potholes
• Season: Year-round

Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus)

• Size: Average 4-8 pounds, fish to 15 pounds
• Behavior: Roam flats, tail in water so shallow half their body is exposed
• Notes: Great target for beginner fly fishermen, allow more than one cast at close range, easier than bonefish
• Season: Year-round

Bonus Species

Sharks (bull, lemon, bonnet head), barracuda, Spanish mackerel, seatrout, ladyfish, jacks, snapper

Where to Fish

The Florida Keys stretch over 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West. Your guide will recommend the best location based on season, conditions, and target species.

Upper Keys:

• Key Largo
• Tavernier
• Islamorada ("Sport Fishing Capital of the World")
• Access to Florida Bay and Everglades

Middle Keys:

• Marathon
• Seven Mile Bridge area

Lower Keys:

• Big Pine Key
• Sugarloaf Key
• Key West
• Marquesas Keys

Lodging

Front Range Anglers provides lodging recommendations based on where you plan to fish. Options range from resorts to vacation rentals throughout the Keys.

Getting There

Airports:

• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• Key West International Airport (EYW)

Most anglers fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and drive the Overseas Highway to their fishing location (1.5-4 hours depending on destination). Key West airport works for Lower Keys fishing.

Trip Length

Half-day and full-day charters available. Most anglers book 2-4 days of guided fishing to experience different locations and conditions.

When to Fish

The Florida Keys offer year-round fishing, but species have peak seasons:

Tarpon:

• Peak: March–July
• Available: Nearly year-round
• Notes: Summer months are prime tarpon season

Permit:

• Peak: March–September
• Available: Year-round
• Notes: Tolerate warmer water than bonefish

Bonefish:

• Peak: Year-round
• Notes: Consistent fishery

Snook & Redfish:

• Peak: Year-round in Everglades/backcountry
• Largest fish: Late spring through fall

Booking Ahead

Plan ahead to secure preferred guide dates, especially during peak tarpon season (March–July). Our guides book months in advance.

What to Expect

Full Day (8 hours): Depart early morning, fish through afternoon with lunch break

Half Day (4 hours): Morning or afternoon session

Group Size: Typically 1-2 anglers per boat

Skill Level: Guides work with all levels from first-time fly fishers to experts

Guide Rates

Rates vary by guide, location, and trip length. Contact Front Range Anglers for current pricing and availability.

Typical Structure:

• Half-day charters (4 hours)
• Full-day charters (8 hours)
• Multi-day packages available

What's Typically Included:

• Professional guide
• Flats skiff
• Fuel
• Fishing equipment (rods, reels, tackle)
• Flies and lures
• Instruction and coaching
• Cooler with ice and water

Not Typically Included:

• Florida fishing license
• Lodging
• Meals
• Gratuities (15-20% customary)
• Transportation to/from dock

Booking Process

Contact Front Range Anglers Adventure Travel team. We'll discuss your experience level, target species, preferred dates, and match you with the right guide.

Cancellation

Guide-specific policies apply. Weather cancellations typically result in rescheduling.

Connect with Our Florida Keys Experts

Ready to plan your Florida Keys flats fishing adventure? Our team has fished The Keys for 10+ years and works directly with our guide partners.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager

Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide, Sage Elite Pro, and has fished extensively in the Florida Keys. He can match you with the right guide and provide insights on tackle, techniques, and trip planning.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator

John handles logistics and coordination, ensuring you're connected with the right guide and lodging for your Keys adventure.

What We Can Help With:

• Matching you with the right guide for your skill level
• Upper vs. Middle vs. Lower Keys location selection
• Seasonal timing and species availability
• Tackle recommendations and gear lists
• Fly selection for tarpon, permit, bonefish
• Lodging recommendations by fishing area
• Travel logistics and planning
• Multi-day trip coordination

Contact Us:

Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see saltwater gear, test cast rods, and talk about your Florida Keys fishing plans.

What to Bring to the Florida Keys

Fishing Gear

Most guides provide all equipment, but you're welcome to bring your own.

If Bringing Your Own Fly Gear:

Rods & Reels:

• 8-9 weight rod for bonefish, permit, small tarpon
• 10-12 weight rod for large tarpon
• Large arbor saltwater reels with strong drag
• Backing (200-300 yards)
• Weight-forward floating line (tropical)
• Intermediate sinking line

Flies:

Tarpon:

• Tarpon toads, cockroaches, Black Death (sizes 2/0-4/0)
• Deceivers, EP baitfish

Permit:

• Crab patterns (Merkin, Avalon, Flexo Crab)
• Mantis shrimp

Bonefish:

• Gotchas, Crazy Charlies (sizes 4-8)
• Shrimp patterns

Leaders & Tippet:

• Tarpon: 60-80 lb
• Permit: 12-20 lb
• Bonefish: 10-15 lb

Clothing for Florida Climate

Sun Protection (Essential):

• Long-sleeve UPF fishing shirts
• Lightweight pants or quick-dry shorts
• Wide-brim hat or buff
• Neck gaiter
• Flats boots or wading shoes

Layers:

• Light rain jacket (afternoon showers common)
• Fleece for early mornings (winter)

Essential Accessories:

• Polarized sunglasses (multiple pairs—essential for sight fishing)
• Sunglasses retainer/strap
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef safe)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insulated water bottle

Personal Items

Documents:

• Florida fishing license (purchase online before trip)
• Valid ID
• Cash for tips and lunch

Other Essentials:

• Personal medications
• Basic first aid
• Toiletries
• Waterproof phone case/dry bag

Gear Consultation

Front Range Anglers can outfit you with everything you need for Florida Keys flats fishing. Visit our Boulder shop or contact our team for personalized recommendations.