Florida Flats Fishing Charters
Florida Flats Fishing Charters
Top Florida Flats Fishing Destinations
Top Florida Flats Fishing Destinations
Best Flats Fishing Charters in Florida
Best Flats Fishing Charters in Florida
Flats Fishing in Florida
Flats Fishing in Florida
Some come to the Sunshine State for a vacation, some to see Harry Potter World, and some to catch their next trophy fish. That’s why, to passionate inshore anglers, Florida flats fishing needs no introduction.
With a wide array of sport fish, hundreds of miles of plentiful waters, and stunning scenery, Florida’s flats are the place in the country (and beyond) to land an Inshore Grand Slam.
What to Expect
One of the many reasons why flats fishing is so popular is because it’s available all year. Of course, there are peak seasons that vary for different species, but whenever you prowl these shallow waters (the depth varies from 2–7 feet), you’ll find something at the end of your line.
The flats are heaven on earth for all levels of anglers. Head out with the kids, spend your day chasing Redfish and Trout, and have a blast with the family. Seasoned fly fishermen come here for the challenge of catching spooky fish in crystal-clear, skinny waters. Want to hook the biggest Tarpon of your life? Yup, you’ve guessed it, they’re on the flats.
The Florida Keys are famous for superb flats fishing and they hide some of the most exciting inshore action you can find. Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon (also known as the “King of the flats”) are the most prized catches here, due to their speed, incredible fighting abilities, and the fact they’re anything but easy prey.
But this is just the high royalty of the flats. Other superstars include Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and Snook, which are very popular both in South Florida and around the Panhandle. In the north of the state, the abundant saltwater is also the playground of Barracuda, Cobia, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, and more.
How to Catch ‘Em
Light tackle is usually the name of the game, both because it’s fun and challenging, and you can use regular spinning gear or fly fishing equipment, depending on what you prefer.
During the summer and early fall months, you can go sight fishing for tailing fish. This is the time when the water surface is so calm that you can see the fins of the fish protruding out. Stealth is the key because the fish can easily spot you in the clear water and run away before you even see them.
Going after Tarpon on the fly is the ultimate fishing experience on the flats, and it will test your skills, patience, and strength. Just imagine having a 100 lb Tarpon and maneuvering around his aerial displays and headshakes – if that sounds exciting, it’s because it is!
What Trip to Choose
One thing is certain in Florida – there’s no lack of fishing charters to choose from. Whatever your fishing appetite, you’ll find a guide that will be able to accommodate you. Many captains specialize in flats fishing, and you can easily find anything from fun, family-oriented trips to fly fishing expeditions reserved for pros.
In general, shorter excursions are a great idea if you’re hitting the water with your little ones – 4–6 hours is more than enough time to catch some fish, learn a couple of tricks, and have fun. If there’s a particular species you’d like to target or hone your fishing skills, book a full day trip and fish on.
What to Bring
Another perk of flats fishing in Florida is that charters usually include all the gear, bait, and licenses you need. All you have to think about is sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect you from the sun, as well as a supply of your favorite drinks and snacks. come aboard and your flats fishing adventure can begin!
Florida
4.6
/
5
Based on 27,713 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Flats Fishing in Florida
What anglers said about Flats Fishing in Florida
Bring some gloves. After reeling any so many fish, your hands may start to blister. But you wonโt mind it because of the adrenaline.
5.0
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5
Bring some gloves. After reeling any so many fish, your hands may start to blister. But you wonโt mind it because of the adrenaline.
Ryan G.
The Woodlands, TX
Pay a little money for a charter because the water is shallow andยทlots of sandbars.
5.0
/
5
Pay a little money for a charter because the water is shallow andยทlots of sandbars.
Tony N.
Riverview, Florida
Go out to federal waters if you want to get bigger fish this time of year. Still fun to fish in state waters though, and you might get lucky!
5.0
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5
Go out to federal waters if you want to get bigger fish this time of year. Still fun to fish in state waters though, and you might get lucky!
Joelle M.
Crawfordville, Florida
Its a fun experience for all ages, besides thw fishing just the scenery and boat experience is awesome.
5.0
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5
Its a fun experience for all ages, besides thw fishing just the scenery and boat experience is awesome.
Jesse G.
Nashville, GA
Get some sleep before you go. You will need your strength! Them big fish will wear you out!
5.0
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5
Get some sleep before you go. You will need your strength! Them big fish will wear you out!
Elijah B.
Juliette, GA
Get with your Captain to see when he would suggest going out. Considering the tides and time of day.
5.0
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5
Get with your Captain to see when he would suggest going out. Considering the tides and time of day.
Mike H.
Sure this is a safe first trip in the keys. The four hour trip is just long enough to catch dinner and still learn bout open water fishing
5.0
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5
Sure this is a safe first trip in the keys. The four hour trip is just long enough to catch dinner and still learn bout open water fishing
Mary K. D.
Get out there! Great fishing Reef, Deep Sea and Backwater. Been a few times all good great fishing community.
4.7
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5
Get out there! Great fishing Reef, Deep Sea and Backwater. Been a few times all good great fishing community.
Piper H.
Orlando, Florida
Water water water and big hats. And marathon bait and tackle is really a good shop.
5.0
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5
Water water water and big hats. And marathon bait and tackle is really a good shop.
AMy N.
Zionville, NC
If you are coming from the North, you will be surprised by the size and quality of fish
5.0
/
5
If you are coming from the North, you will be surprised by the size and quality of fish
John G.
Easton, PA
The fish werenโt biting heavily today, but we were able to catch about 2 lbs of fish for dinner.
5.0
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5
The fish werenโt biting heavily today, but we were able to catch about 2 lbs of fish for dinner.
Marc B.
United States
Bring lots of sunscreen, sun glasses, and hats. The sun is brutal and relentless. Do the morning trip if you can and go on a week day or Sunday when there is less boating traffic and less people out fishing.
5.0
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5
Bring lots of sunscreen, sun glasses, and hats. The sun is brutal and relentless. Do the morning trip if you can and go on a week day or Sunday when there is less boating traffic and less people out fishing.
Charles M.
Eastman, Georgia
Try one of the party boats first round out. It's an inexpensive way to get a taste of the area and you have a ton of space to get out of the sun if needed.
4.7
/
5
Try one of the party boats first round out. It's an inexpensive way to get a taste of the area and you have a ton of space to get out of the sun if needed.
Mark R.
Canaseraga, NY
Take advice from a captain at all times and be patient . Enjoy the experience and if you take a few back itโs a bonus !
5.0
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5
Take advice from a captain at all times and be patient . Enjoy the experience and if you take a few back itโs a bonus !
Jeff B.
Dixiana, AL
Many options. Know the difference between state and federally permitted charters. State can only go up to nine Miles out. Federally permitted charters can go out deeper so your options increase but so generally does the cost.
5.0
/
5
Many options. Know the difference between state and federally permitted charters. State can only go up to nine Miles out. Federally permitted charters can go out deeper so your options increase but so generally does the cost.
Mark R.
Canaseraga, NY
Make sure to ask whatโs in season and you what you can take home by law..
5.0
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5
Make sure to ask whatโs in season and you what you can take home by law..
Jonathan G.
Denham Springs, Louisiana
Sunscreen, Hat, polorized sunglasses, lite colored clothes, water or Gatorade
5.0
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5
Sunscreen, Hat, polorized sunglasses, lite colored clothes, water or Gatorade
Jamie M.
Webster City, IA
Plenty of sunscreen and be prepared to hunt for fish on the move. Offshore definitely preferable to bottom fishing this time of year.
5.0
/
5
Plenty of sunscreen and be prepared to hunt for fish on the move. Offshore definitely preferable to bottom fishing this time of year.
Bocas M.
Lake Monticello, VA
Buy seas sickness patches that go behind your ear! Or take dead sickness medication beforehand!
No one got sick! It was a blast!
5.0
/
5
Buy seas sickness patches that go behind your ear! Or take dead sickness medication beforehand!
No one got sick! It was a blast!
Tad G.
Ney, OH
Amazing time of the year to go fishing here in the Florida keys, Islamorada. Very quiet on the island as not many tourists are here. Weather is beautiful with little to no wind. Seas have started to cool down and the abundance of bait and fish is outstanding.
5.0
/
5
Amazing time of the year to go fishing here in the Florida keys, Islamorada. Very quiet on the island as not many tourists are here. Weather is beautiful with little to no wind. Seas have started to cool down and the abundance of bait and fish is outstanding.
Phill B.
Key Largo, Florida