Logo: Fishing in the Lower Florida Keys

GAME FISH OF THE FLORIDA KEYS FLATS

Image: Big tarpon coming to the boat.....

Image: tarpon

TARPON

Image: Fly fishing for tarpon in the florida keys

The lower keys are famous for the spring tarpon migration. Beginning in early February and lasting into June, Giant Tarpon(75 to 200lbs) travel through the keys by the thousands.

During the peak of the migration it is common to see and cast to hundreds of tarpon a day on the flats. Juvenile tarpon are available year round when the conditions are right.

Image: permit

PERMIT

Image: Permit fishing in the florida keys

Permit are known as one of the most challenging fish to catch on a fly. (However they will eat a live crab with reckless abandon). The lower keys is one of the best places to make that happen.

Permit range from 10 to 40 lbs on the flats. When hooked they make long powerful runs. We use 9 to 10 wt. rods with crab patterns when fly fishing for these big fish.

Image: bonefish

BONEFISH

Image: Florida Keys Bonefish

The Florida Keys is home to some of the largest bonefish in the world. They average around 4 to 8 lbs and reach weights of around 15 lbs.

An 8 or 9 wt. fly rod with lots of backing on the reel is a good choice. A 10 lb spinning rod with a live shrimp is also very effective. These fish will sizzle a hundred yards or more of line on the first run.

Image: Redfish

REDFISH

Image: Fly fishing for redfish in the Florida Keys

Redfish can be found feeding and tailing in extreamly shallow water. They are not as spooky as bonefish and are less sensitive to colder water conditions.

The lower Keys are not known for their redfishing, but I have been seeing more and more redfish each year.

Image: Barracuda

BARRACUDA

Image: Barracuda Fishing in the Florida Keys

In the winter large barracuda from 15 to 30 lbs move onto the flats seeking warmth and prey. These fish are big, powerful and plentiful. It is great fun sight casting to 3 to 5 foot fish in several feet of water.

Flies and tube lures skittered across the surface can produce lightning fast, explosive strikes. These fish can out swim a bonefish and jump higher than a tarpon.

Image: Blacktip Shark

SHARKS

Image: Blacktip Shark fishing in the Florida Keys

Sharks are the top preditor of the flats.. They will feed on flies, plugs and bait. Blacktip lemon, bonnethead and bull sharks are all common on the flats.

These sharks range from 2 1/2 feet to 8 feet. A large shark hooked in the shallow flats will make a blistering run for deeper water. Blacktip sharks will even jump occasionally.

Captain Scott Yetter
28535 Anne Bonny Road
Little Torch Key, Fl. 33042

305-304-6132

Any Questions I can answer for you? Contact Me at catchtarpon@hotmail.com

FLATS FISHING THE FLORIDA KEYS FOR TARPON, PERMIT, BONEFISH, REDFISH, BARRACUDA AND SHARK

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