Off the beaten path and far from the excitement of Duval Street is an area to the north of Key West known as Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Locals know it as the Back Country and if you go visit today, you'll find it just as it has been for hundreds of years. Here, you can cut through the living mangrove islands in a flats boat through narrow channels. While the water is only inches deep over the white sand, it is teeming with some incredible wildlife of the area. In Key West, fishing is a sportsman's dream and a great way to spend an afternoon or more days than you can count.
Key West Fishing In The Flats
Key West flats fishing has been compared to a safari. The flats are shallow ocean waters, less than 3 feet deep with a defined drop off point into deeper waters. In the shallow waters, you'll actually pursue your fish, watching it glide through crystal clear waters. Experienced anglers will tell you that this is the best flats fishing in the United States. Some fishermen choose spinning gear while others opt for fly fishing in the Back Country of Key West. Fishing here is a unique experience for the novice fisherman and a challenge for the more experienced angler as well.
When the fish are running, you can spend the entire day catching and releasing exotic and elusive species of fish.
Fish You May Catch In Key West
If you come to Key West fishing, you want to know what you can expect to reel in. In the flats, you'll find bonefish, tarpon, and permit. You may see ladyfish, jack crevalle, or red fish. Predator fish like shark and barracuda are also known to frequent this area.
Abundant waters make Key West fishing a favorite for anglers from around the world -- but don't take our word for it, come see for yourself.
How To Have The Ultimate Key West Fishing Experience
Key West fishing guides are happy to help you experience flats fishing as it should be. These men and women have been exploring Key West fishing waters for years and know just where and how to find that "great catch."
To fish the flats, you'll take a flat skiff designed to navigate shallow areas. While the boats have motors to get you to your destination, your guide will use a "push pole" to move the boat quietly through the flats. Because you'll look for the fish before you try to catch them, flats fishing is also called "sight fishing."
Check out our Key West Fishing tours for an extensive listing of guides. Key West fishing like this is a personal experience -- each trip accommodates only a small group, allowing you to determine the details of your day in the flats.
Couple your Key West fishing with diving in Key West or Key West snorkeling and you've got the perfect island getaway. Want to stick with fishing? You may also enjoy fishing in the Bahamas. Tours are also available there. Or for another uniquely tropical experience, try a swim with dolphins in Cabo San Lucas.
