Float through a fisherman’s dream land – crystal clear waters stretching wilderness miles around, ultra-shallow flats dropping off into tide channels and passes, patch corals, white sand bars, and mangrove islands. Just you and the guide - the ride is nearly silent: the tap of water on the boat, birds, and an occasional slap from a jumping fish the only sounds as your guide poles the skiff along the edge of the flat. The guide points off to the right of the bow, where a lump of limestone sits in 3 feet of water on the edge of the drop into the channel. You flip the bright green surgical tube lure a few yards past the lump, let the lure drift a bit farther with the tide, then reel a fast retrieve. As the lure squirms past the structure, a yard-long silver-blue lightning bolt streaks in, slams it, and blasts into a run that strips the reel down in seconds. You rear back and the light rod bends double with a Barracuda on.
This is Flats Fishing in the Key West Backcountry, thousands of square miles of unspoiled shallow water flats, reefs, sand banks, islets, and mangroves lying mostly along the Gulf side of the southern Keys and stretching west to the Marquesas Keys. A trip out to the Flats is more than fishing – it is a safari into one of America’s most amazing natural wonders. A marine ecosystem formed around the remnants and rubble of the ancient coral formations that preceded the living Great Florida Reef that lies 6 miles offshore to the south of Key West today. On the Flats, large expanses of clear shallow water cover a fairly uniform and level bottom comprised of coral, limestone, sand, or turtle grass meadows, and broken by channels and passes that connect the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean.
The entire Key West Flats are within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, 2900 square nautical miles of protected natural marine environment. Needless to say, these waters teem with fish, birds, and marine life. The Marine Sanctuary, along with the catch-and-release ethic practiced by most Flats fishermen has ensured that excellent fishing remains available today. Barracuda, Bonefish, Permit, Sea Trout, Sharks, Snapper, Tarpon, and many other sport fish hunt the Flats for baitfish, crustaceans, and shrimp. In this marine wilderness, the scenery is as spectacular as the fishing. Dolphins, manatee, turtles, and bird life compete with the wide-arching sky and incredible sunrise and sunset views. The waters are often as calm as lake water, and Flats fishing is characterized by peace and relaxation broken only by the adrenaline rush of fighting a six-foot shark on a saltwater spinning rod.
The water is often perfectly clear, and pursuing game fish here at times combines the best of fishing and hunting in an exhilarating pursuit known as Sight Fishing. This sport requires silence, stealth, patience, and sharp eyes as the fisherman works to locate a fish, slip up on it, and make an accurate bait presentation before the target spooks and flashes away. To facilitate this specialized fishing style, Key West Flats Fishing is often done from light, flat-bottomed, shallow-draft skiffs outfitted with raised spotting towers and carrying no more than two fishermen. The guide stands on the tower, poling the craft silently through water that may be less than 2 feet deep while scanning ahead for signs of feeding or moving fish.
The most commonly used gear is light tackle, either spinning or fly-fishing rigs. Experienced fly fishermen come to the Flats to put their skills to the ultimate test by taking high-jumping Tarpon or hard-running Bonefish on a salt water fly. Trophy hunters go for the Flats Grand Slam – Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish all in one day. Thrill seekers tangle with Blacktip, Bull, and Lemon Sharks. Beginning anglers come for the fast action provided by the wide variety of fish species and nearly limitless fishing possibilities that the Key West Flats are known for.
The ultimate fishing trip is right here at your fingertips because Travel Marketing, Key West’s number 1 online concierge service, now has the honor of being an authorized reseller of the legendary FishKeyWest.com™ Private Flats Fishing Charters. This means we can offer full access to Key West Flats Fishing trips led by the expert captains and guides of Fish Key West. Whether you want to fish alone, with a significant other, or with a child, Key West Flats Fishing is a great choice, and a Private Flats Fishing Charter allows you to work with your guide to design the perfect day of fishing. These fishing adventures into the amazing marine wilderness of the Key West Flats fill up quickly, so book your Key West Flats Fishing experience now.
Are gratuities (tip) included in the price?
No. On most Cool Key West tours and activities with guides, mates, captains, and assistance, tips are not included. Our general recommendation is 18-20% when you enjoy a quality service experience.
Are my credit card details safe?
Your information is safe with Cool Key West. We take data protection very seriously and have a 100% secure checkout for all transactions.
1) We use SSL to encrypt all data on the website and use a tokenized processing system from Stripe.
2) Stripe has been audited by a PCI-certified auditor and is certified to PCI Service Provider Level 1.
3) Our servers are monitored 24/7 for malicious activity and unauthorized access attempts.
Can I book an activity and leave it open dated?
The majority of travel services provided by Cool Key West must have a pre-booked date designated in order for the activity to cater for passengers. Exceptions to this are attraction passes, hop on/hop off buses and trolley tours.
Can I book this activity when I get there?
Cool Key West activities can only be booked online. It is recommended you pre-book your travel service to avoid disappointment as many of our tours and products are popular and can be sold out early. Therefore, visitors are encouraged to pre-book to ensure a satisfying, worry-free vacation.
Do I need to buy a fishing license?
No you do not. We have the required Florida Wildlife Commission charter licenses that cover all anglers fishing on our boats.
Do you provide a shuttle to the Key West Flats Fishing Charter?
Currently, Cool Key West does not provide transportation to the Key West Flats Fishing Charter.
How long are your charters?
1/2 Day Trips = 4 Hours
3/4 Day Trips = 6 Hours
Full Day Trips = 8 Hours
I am unable to locate the check-in. What should I do?
If you arrive for your activity start point and you are unable to locate the check-in location, we first recommend calling the local contact phone number found on your confirmation email. If you are unable to reach the local contact, we will be more than happy to help you out.
Is bait provided?
Yes. Whatever the fishing calls for: live bait, frozen bait, cut bait, or chum, our Charter Captains will have plentiful supplies on hand. The same thing goes for artificial bait such as lures, flies, or plugs.
What can I do with the fish after I catch it?
A majority of the local restaurants will cook your fish for you. Prices vary. Ask your crew what they recommend. You can also ship your frozen fish to any US address. Supplies are available at all major grocery stores and shipping through FedEx, UPS or USPS.
What do I need to show at check-in?
Cool Key West activities accept both printed and electronic vouchers (e-vouchers). You can either print the voucher and present a paper copy on the day of travel. Or, if you travel with a mobile device, simply show your Photo ID and present your voucher on your Smartphone or tablet on the day of travel.
What is the weather cancellation policy?
If the Key West Flats Fishing Charter must be canceled due to bad weather, and you cannot go on another day, you will be issued a full refund by Cool Key West.
What kind of clothing should I bring?
For protection from the hot sun, it is always best to cover yourself as much as possible. Caps or sun hats, bandanas, sunglasses, and of course sunscreen are all necessities. In the winter, it can be quite cool and breezy offshore, so a lightweight jacket may be useful. For winter season early morning trips, a pair of light gloves can also add comfort. Bring a small day pack or duffel bag for your extra clothing, cameras, binoculars, and other necessities.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Any footwear with closed-toes and non-marking soles will be fine.
When do I need to arrive for check-in?
Unless otherwise noted, please arrive for check-in 30 minutes before your Key West Flats Fishing Charter begins. The exact start time may be based on your chosen options and will be noted on the confirmation you receive after booking.
Where can I park my car?
Detailed parking instructions for Key West Flats Fishing Charter will be included in your confirmation email.
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Key West Flats Fishing Charter will be included in your final confirmation email from Cool Key West. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes it way to you!
Will I get seasick on Key West Flats Fishing Charter?
If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
