Key West Flats Fishing Charters

Key West Flats Fishing Charters

Best Flats Fishing Charters in Key West

Key West: 51 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(82 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $550
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(106 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(26 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $699
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(238 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(138 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(58 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500

Flats Fishing in Key West

You might hear Key West flats fishing being referred to as ‘saltwater hunting'. In practice, it’s not too far off. Patience, stealth, and fast reflexes are the name of the game here. And what a game it is, with some of the world’s most prestigious inshore sport fish calling the local waters home all year round.

What to expect

The flats are very shallow expanses in the ocean where the water is less than three feet deep. A protective haven for shallow water species, they offer grassy bottoms full of shrimp, crabs, and baitfish. Key West is surrounded by these areas, almost all of which are protected in National Marine Sanctuary Zones. It’s no surprise, then, that both the quality and quantity of fish are enough to attract anglers from far and wide.

Most of the time, you will be fishing aboard a specially-designed flats boat. These are propelled across the ‘skinny’ waters with a push pole, covering the water silently in pursuit of your wary targets. Usually, these boats can take two anglers, who will stand at the bow of the boat and sight fish, searching for their target and casting their bait or lure towards it.

Then—bam—the fish is hooked. Action explodes as the fish swims as fast as it can away from the boat. Yes, it sounds difficult. But Key West flats fishing charters are experts at showing newbies the ropes. Even beginners can experience the thrill of flats fishing in the Lower Keys.

Top Species

Flats fishing in Key West is all about the Florida Grand Slam—catching Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit, all in the same day. These challenging fish are enough to make even the most experienced angler rue the fish that got away. And they're addictive. We'd even go so far as to promise you that once you have felt the leap of a Silver King or the pull of a Bonefish, you won’t look back. Key West flats fishing guides practice catch and release on all these species to preserve the fishery, so don't expect to come home with dinner on most of these trips.

But it’s not all about the Big Three. The local flats and backcountry waters are also home to several species of Shark (Bull, Blacktip, Lemon, and Nurse to name a few), as well as the toothy Barracuda. These fish might be underrated as sport fish, but battling them in a couple of feet of water is an adrenaline rush you won't forget.

If the fishing wasn't enough, take a look at the other wildlife. Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, stingrays, and starfish also share these waters. So whether you’re a pro looking for the ultimate shallow water experience or a beginner hoping to enjoy the peace and quiet of the open waterways, Key West flats fishing has something for you.

Key West
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Flats Fishing in Key West

Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Key West Charter Fishing
Key West Charter Fishing
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
LOL....I guess it was good. Everyone was catching fish...which puts it in at least the "Good" realm!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
LOL....I guess it was good. Everyone was catching fish...which puts it in at least the "Good" realm!
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing
The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.
Second Nature Charters
Second Nature Charters
Fishing for some of the other species that we would have liked to catch like Mahi, Sailfish, and Marlin would probably be better in other months. If you are looking to fish for specific species and have the flexibility to schedule your trip and any month, I would recommend just talking with Captain Maryann. She sincerely wants her clients to have great experience, is very easy to talk to and seems very kind and honest!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing for some of the other species that we would have liked to catch like Mahi, Sailfish, and Marlin would probably be better in other months. If you are looking to fish for specific species and have the flexibility to schedule your trip and any month, I would recommend just talking with Captain Maryann. She sincerely wants her clients to have great experience, is very easy to talk to and seems very kind and honest!
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
We weee here for a quick weekend with friends, so not really the better time of year for tarpon. Would probably try later in June or July if tarpon are what youโ€™re looking for.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
We weee here for a quick weekend with friends, so not really the better time of year for tarpon. Would probably try later in June or July if tarpon are what youโ€™re looking for.
Reel Easy Charters
Reel Easy Charters
Absolutely. Wonderful trip with amazing crew. Canโ€™t say thanks enoughโ€ฆ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely. Wonderful trip with amazing crew. Canโ€™t say thanks enoughโ€ฆ
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Find a captain that matches your personality. Donโ€™t go chasing the big catch. Just enjoy the trip.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Find a captain that matches your personality. Donโ€™t go chasing the big catch. Just enjoy the trip.
Jolly Roger II
Jolly Roger II
Book a full day trip. Give the captain ample time to take you to mutuple spots and show you various fishing techniques for the various species available in this area. You won't be disappointed. Lastly be sure to have one of the local restaurants cook part of your catch. There is nothing better than freshly caught fish and these restaurants do a wonderful job preparing it.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a full day trip. Give the captain ample time to take you to mutuple spots and show you various fishing techniques for the various species available in this area. You won't be disappointed. Lastly be sure to have one of the local restaurants cook part of your catch. There is nothing better than freshly caught fish and these restaurants do a wonderful job preparing it.
Easy Does It
Easy Does It
Fishing in early March meant a beautiful sunny day with temps around 80 degrees. However, the seas were rougher than we expected, and a couple in our group got seasick.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing in early March meant a beautiful sunny day with temps around 80 degrees. However, the seas were rougher than we expected, and a couple in our group got seasick.
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
This is great trip - especially for first timers. Saw a lot of experienced fishermen back for another great trip. Captain and crew are very helpful to make sure even non-fisherman caught fish and had a good time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is great trip - especially for first timers. Saw a lot of experienced fishermen back for another great trip. Captain and crew are very helpful to make sure even non-fisherman caught fish and had a good time.
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing
Do the 6hr rather than just a 4hr this gives you time to make moves if youโ€™re not catching
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Do the 6hr rather than just a 4hr this gives you time to make moves if youโ€™re not catching
Reel Easy Charters
Reel Easy Charters
Not sure what to recommend since this was my first time. Maybe motion sickness medicine.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not sure what to recommend since this was my first time. Maybe motion sickness medicine.
Capt. Conch Charters - Stella Blue
Capt. Conch Charters - Stella Blue
Donโ€™t go if youโ€™re above average afraid of getting sea sick. If you get sick, the whole boat kind of suffers.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t go if youโ€™re above average afraid of getting sea sick. If you get sick, the whole boat kind of suffers.
Gulfstream IV Party Fishing Boat
Gulfstream IV Party Fishing Boat
We were in Key West for the last week in February. We had super sunny days all under 80 degrees and about 30-40 percent humidity. We had light jackets and went barefoot on the boat. The captain provided all equipment and was busy baiting our lines and going back and forth to the live-well constantly. Best experience ever.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We were in Key West for the last week in February. We had super sunny days all under 80 degrees and about 30-40 percent humidity. We had light jackets and went barefoot on the boat. The captain provided all equipment and was busy baiting our lines and going back and forth to the live-well constantly. Best experience ever.
Good Times Key West โ€“ 19'
Good Times Key West โ€“ 19'
It can get really windy and a bit chilly this time of year. If the forecast is windy and under 70 degrees, highly recommend dressing in layers and prepare for a bit of a rougher ride on the water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It can get really windy and a bit chilly this time of year. If the forecast is windy and under 70 degrees, highly recommend dressing in layers and prepare for a bit of a rougher ride on the water.
Easy Does It
Easy Does It
Have fun whilst enjoying the splendid scenery! Captain Scott was very professional and an experienced captain. Once we got to our spot he put us on some beautiful fish. We even got to have some fun catching the apex predators of the limitless gulf. 4 hours felt like 30 minutes the amount of fun we had! Thank you Captain Scott for making it a great experience for a first time fisher!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Have fun whilst enjoying the splendid scenery! Captain Scott was very professional and an experienced captain. Once we got to our spot he put us on some beautiful fish. We even got to have some fun catching the apex predators of the limitless gulf. 4 hours felt like 30 minutes the amount of fun we had! Thank you Captain Scott for making it a great experience for a first time fisher!
Too Lethal Charters
Too Lethal Charters
Weather changes are not controlled be any person so check weather before you go out. Mother nature plays a big part in how well your day goes.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Weather changes are not controlled be any person so check weather before you go out. Mother nature plays a big part in how well your day goes.
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Book Corsair 2. These guys have the local knowledge needed to succeed out here.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book Corsair 2. These guys have the local knowledge needed to succeed out here.
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Go with Captain Cory & Crew on the Cora Beth. They will explain everything there is to know about boat safety & reef fishing. They will also help everyone on the boat with setting up lines and making sure everyone is catching fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go with Captain Cory & Crew on the Cora Beth. They will explain everything there is to know about boat safety & reef fishing. They will also help everyone on the boat with setting up lines and making sure everyone is catching fish!
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing

Top Targeted Flats Fishing Species in Key West