Your Guide to a Wonderful Fly Fishing Experience
The unique makeup of the Florida Keys, which are composed of corals, create a surrounding area of pristine shallow water and mangrove islands where various species of fish thrive. With the help of Florida Keys Fly Fishing, you can have a fishing experience unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
Fish Classification
Tarpon
Few fish are more acrobatic or pull as hard as a tarpon. Called as the king of the flats, tarpon are known for their endurance, strength, and stamina. In season, they average from 80-150 pounds, with some over 200. Depending on the water temperature, they can be found in backcountry channels, flats, and around most bridges all year round. Be it fly rods or conventional tackle with live bait, these bruisers will challenge your angling skills.
We also offer tarpon night trips as the night is also a great time for tarpons.
Permit
These are very strong and hard fighting fish, averaging 8-40 pounds. They tolerate both slightly cooler and warmer conditions than bonefish do. Permits appear all year round, with February to November typically being the most productive. Crabs are their favorite food, which is why fly fishermen use a variety of crab fly patterns. With conventional tackle, you cannot beat a live crab.
When permits are on the flats, they are quite possibly the ultimate fly fisherman’s challenge. In addition, permit fishing in the Lower Keys is arguably the best in the world, including the areas around Cudjoe Key, Summerland Key, Sugarloaf Key, Big Pine Key, and Key West.
Bonefish
People don’t call these fish the grey ghosts of the flats for nothing. The bonefish can appear out of nowhere, and leave just as fast, making them a serious challenge for the most seasoned angler. Their willingness to take flies makes them one of the most sought-after fish in the world.
Even while using conventional tackle with live shrimp, these fish are challenging, and require a perfect cast. You must be disciplined, alert, and scanning the water for their presence. This is sight-fishing at the highest level, but your reward will far exceed your effort.
We catch bonefish all year round, but cold fronts will chase them off the flats in the winter. Most fish average from 2-14 pounds.
Barracuda
These are the most underrated fish on the flats. When cold fronts chase other fish from the flats, the barracuda flood them. They love flies and lures, not to mention live bait, and their ferocious strike will often make your hands and knees shake. Barracudas often jump and make long runs.
In the winter, we often target them and average up to 20 fish a day in the 10-30-pound range. They are great for beginners since they are not as spooky as other fish, and they are a lot of fun no matter what your skill level is.
Contact Us
Reach out to Florida Keys Fly Fishing today if you have any questions or concerns.