Florida Keys Backcountry Fishing

Florida Keys backcountry fishing offers shallow water (skinny water) enthusiasts an opportunity to catch the worlds premier saltwater gamefish.

You will be able to sight fish for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, shark, redfish and more.

The Florida Keys consist of approximately 1700 individual islands located in the southeast corner of the continental United States.

The backcountry fishing starts in the Florida Bay which is a part of "Everglades National Park".

Flamingo is a small village located at the southwest end of the park. It's the access point for fishing the northwest end of the Florida Bay.

Florida Keys Backcountry Fishing - Fly Reel

The closest drive in access to Flamingo is from the Homestead-Florida City area, aptly named the "Gateway to the Keys". Due east of "Everglades National Park, is Biscayne National Park.

BNP is the hub for fishing Elliot Key and the surrounding islands. You will find excellent "flats fishing" in Biscayne Bay.

Heading south, you reach the heart of the Keys. From Key Largo to Key West, excellent flats and backcountry fishing abound.

At MM 80 lies Islamorada, nicknamed the "Fishing Capital of the World".

The Florida Bay borders the Florida Keys on the west and the north all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. On the ocean side of the "Keys" you will find the flats fishing second to none.

Hiring a Guide

If you are new to the "Keys", it's to your benefit to hire a guide. These guys and gals are professionals and know their business. They know when and where to find the fish. Most importantly, they go out of their way to make sure your experience is a safe, pleasant and memorable one!

Going it Alone

If you are a skilled boatman and can read the water, getting around the backcountry becomes simply a matter of navigation and finding the fish. If you are novice to boating, don't take the chance. The Florida Bay is extemely shallow, and changes with the rising an fallings tides. Lack of experience and boating skills lead to disaster. Tearing up your personal equipment is the cheap part. Tearing up the fragile marine environment leads to some hefty fines!