posted by admin on Feb 28
Key West Florida Flats Fishing
Surrounding Key West and the Florida Keys are large areas of shallow water known as the Flats. Key West Florida Flats Fishing is practiced in and all around these areas
There can be acres and acres of water that is less then 3 feet deep and it is home to variety of fish and wildlife.
To fish these areas often a special boat is used, known as a flats fishing boat. It’s basically similar to a a freshwater bass fishing boat, except it has a stand in the back for the Captain to pole the boat.
Some of the more sought after game fish on the flats are very spooky and pushing the boat via pole is the stealthiest way to move the boat in the shallows while Key West flats fishing.
The major difference between flats fishing and most regular fishing is that in the shallows you can see the fish and you actually cast at them, sort of more like hunting. Then wait for a bite. This can make it more exciting but also more frustrating. Wind can be a major handicap, interfering with casting and causing more ripples and waves obscuring the fish.
The most sought after fish, and also the most challenging fish on the flats are bonefish, permit and tarpon. All three can be spooky and finicky when it come to taking a bait. Some charter boats specialize in Key West Florida tarpon fishing trips.
The less challenging fish that can be targeted on the flats would be barracuda , sharks and jacks. All of which can put up a break fight on light tackle.
So even when the conditions are less then perfect there is usually something to target on the flats of Key West.
