Pursue a fisherman’s dream and the ultimate angling thrill on a Key West Flats Fishing charters trip. Drift across gin-clear waters surrounded by miles of wilderness on the hunt for some of nature’s most wily game fish. Track elusive Bonefish – the ghosts of the Flats. Try to outwit big, easily-spooked Permit. Or tangle with aggressive Barracuda and hungry Sharks in water so shallow that you see every bit of the action. Fish Key West Flats Fishing Charters specialize in putting clients on the hard-fighting game fish found on the Flats for legendary light-tackle fishing adventures.
Flats lie within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, 2900 square nautical miles of protected natural marine environment. This protection, along with the catch-and-release ethic practiced by most Flats fishermen, has ensured that great fishing remains available for your angling enjoyment.
Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, and many other sport fish hunt the Flats for baitfish, crustaceans, and shrimp. Because the water is often perfectly clear, pursuing game fish here combines the best of fishing and hunting. Key West Flats Fishing Charters is often done from specialized flat-bottomed, shallow-draft skiffs outfitted with raised spotting towers. 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. Often referred to 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.
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. Beginning anglers come for the fast action provided by the wide variety of fish species and nearly limitless fish-holding structures that the Key West Flats Fishing are known for.
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, making Key West Flats Fishing Charters a great choice for families, novices, or saltwater first-timers. Our Key West Flats Fishing Guides are friendly, patient, and dedicated to showing a good time to one and all, so explore the Fish Key West website and book your Key West Flats Fishing Charters experience now.
Are gratuities (tip) included in the price?
No. On most Fish 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 info’s safe with Fish 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 Fish 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?
Fish 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, Fish 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?
Fish 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 Fish 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 Fish 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.
