Florida Flats Fishing Charters

Florida Flats Fishing Charters

Top Florida Flats Fishing Destinations

Best Flats Fishing Charters 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
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,685 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Flats Fishing in Florida

I recommend at least a 6 hour offshore trip to ensure you will catch a fish. Since thereโ€™s no way of predicting when the fish will bite, a 6 hour trip will give you enough time to try different spots.
Excellent
4.3 / 5
I recommend at least a 6 hour offshore trip to ensure you will catch a fish. Since thereโ€™s no way of predicting when the fish will bite, a 6 hour trip will give you enough time to try different spots.
For What It's Worth Charters
For What It's Worth Charters
Great idea to book with an experienced Captain that knows where the fish are located.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Great idea to book with an experienced Captain that knows where the fish are located.
Reel Fishing Charters
Reel Fishing Charters
The winter months are better bass fishing in FL if you are looking for heavy fish. Make sure you consider the heat when booking longer trips.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The winter months are better bass fishing in FL if you are looking for heavy fish. Make sure you consider the heat when booking longer trips.
AJโ€™s Bass Guides
AJโ€™s Bass Guides
Book ahead of time and with options as weather is a bit unpredictable in the spring, but Temps great this time of year.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book ahead of time and with options as weather is a bit unpredictable in the spring, but Temps great this time of year.
My Chance Charters
My Chance Charters
It wasnโ€™t the captains fault but we had 5 bites but only one fish to the boat
Excellent
4.3 / 5
It wasnโ€™t the captains fault but we had 5 bites but only one fish to the boat
Reel E Sea Charters
Reel E Sea Charters
Highly recommended. Experienced fisherman and navigatorโ€ฆโ€ฆ boating through the rough 3-4 swells and knows how to spot fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Highly recommended. Experienced fisherman and navigatorโ€ฆโ€ฆ boating through the rough 3-4 swells and knows how to spot fish.
Salty Morada Charters
Salty Morada Charters
Check your seasons and contact Bobby if you are after a certain species of fish so that he can best guide you for the appropriate times and conditions.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Check your seasons and contact Bobby if you are after a certain species of fish so that he can best guide you for the appropriate times and conditions.
Native Fishing Charters
Native Fishing Charters
Make sure to bring some snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sunshades and water on your trip.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure to bring some snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sunshades and water on your trip.
MM Charters
MM Charters
To remember that it's called fishing and not catching so go with an open mind and just enjoy the experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
To remember that it's called fishing and not catching so go with an open mind and just enjoy the experience.
MM Charters
MM Charters
Listen to Captain Si, he can show you how to properly catch fish. Itโ€™s definitely different than bass fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Listen to Captain Si, he can show you how to properly catch fish. Itโ€™s definitely different than bass fishing.
Nelson Guide Company
Nelson Guide Company
Be prepared for hot sun and windy conditions. Captain Cory will find the fish and tell you how to catch them!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for hot sun and windy conditions. Captain Cory will find the fish and tell you how to catch them!
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing
Can be hot make sure to bring hats, sunglasses and plenty of drinks on ice.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Can be hot make sure to bring hats, sunglasses and plenty of drinks on ice.
Full Boat Charters โ€“ Kids Fishing, est. 2005
Full Boat Charters โ€“ Kids Fishing, est. 2005
2 years in a row going out the same week in May starting from the first Saturday to the second Saturday of May proven two years in a row very productive in catching fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
2 years in a row going out the same week in May starting from the first Saturday to the second Saturday of May proven two years in a row very productive in catching fish
Maritime Operations LLC
Maritime Operations LLC
Be prepared for a workout if you fish artificial lures all morning or all day!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for a workout if you fish artificial lures all morning or all day!
Shallowtails Adventures
Shallowtails Adventures
I've been fishing for many years. I have encountered all types of captains and can sense when a captain is devoted to his craft. Capt Jeff worked hard for us, baited our hooks, moved to different locations in search of fish, and had patience with the inexperienced anglers in our party-encouraging them to get the hang of it. Nice guy too. Everyone caught fish. My next charter is going to be with him. I am telling all my friends about Leisure Life Charters
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I've been fishing for many years. I have encountered all types of captains and can sense when a captain is devoted to his craft. Capt Jeff worked hard for us, baited our hooks, moved to different locations in search of fish, and had patience with the inexperienced anglers in our party-encouraging them to get the hang of it. Nice guy too. Everyone caught fish. My next charter is going to be with him. I am telling all my friends about Leisure Life Charters
Leisure Life Charters
Leisure Life Charters
I was unable to catch anything by myself fishing the bridges other than snapper.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I was unable to catch anything by myself fishing the bridges other than snapper.
Flatzlife Charters 2
Flatzlife Charters 2
We had a great experience fishing here. We were on fish all day with Captain Bill from Itโ€™s a Good Day Charters.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We had a great experience fishing here. We were on fish all day with Captain Bill from Itโ€™s a Good Day Charters.
It's A Good Day Charters
It's A Good Day Charters
Bring something for sea sickness. We used scopolamine patch. Bring slicker suit.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring something for sea sickness. We used scopolamine patch. Bring slicker suit.
Underwater Cowboy
Underwater Cowboy
I was told years ago by several Marine Patrol Agents in Key West who would you fish with in Key West and both said Captain Brad with the Southpaw. My family and friends went out with Captain Brad about 14 years ago the first time and were very happy with our fishing trip. Captain Brad is a very Professional and experienced fisherman.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I was told years ago by several Marine Patrol Agents in Key West who would you fish with in Key West and both said Captain Brad with the Southpaw. My family and friends went out with Captain Brad about 14 years ago the first time and were very happy with our fishing trip. Captain Brad is a very Professional and experienced fisherman.
Southpaw Fishing Charters
Southpaw Fishing Charters
I would definitely recommend this for anyone thatโ€™s fishing for the first time!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would definitely recommend this for anyone thatโ€™s fishing for the first time!
Hott Pursuit Fishing Charters
Hott Pursuit Fishing Charters

Top Targeted Flats Fishing Species in Florida