Florida Keys Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Fourhour afternoon flats fishing charter in Florida KeysTarget permit, bonefish, pompano, snapper using provided gearCaptain Diego guides up to four guests
When it comes to world-class flats fishing, the Florida Keys are hands down one of the most sought-after destinations on the planet. Captain Diego's afternoon charters put you right in the heart of the action, where crystal-clear shallows hold some of the most challenging and rewarding fish you'll ever cast to. This 4-hour PM trip is perfect for anglers who want to experience the magic of sight fishing without committing to a full day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler or someone looking to step up their game, these flats will test your skills and leave you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Captain Diego knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you on the most productive flats based on tide, wind, and seasonal patterns. The afternoon timing is no accident – the lighting conditions are often perfect for spotting fish, and the fish tend to be more active as the day cools down. You'll be sight casting to individual fish or small schools, which means every shot counts and every hookup feels earned. The boat carries both spinning and fly gear, so whether you prefer the versatility of conventional tackle or want to test yourself with a fly rod, you're covered. Captain Diego will coach you through the presentations and help you read the water, pointing out subtle signs that separate successful flats anglers from those who go home empty-handed. The shallow water means you're often casting to fish in just a few feet of water, making every encounter visual and heart-pounding.
Flats fishing is all about stealth and precision, and Captain Diego's approach reflects decades of experience in these waters. The boat will be poled or positioned quietly to avoid spooking fish, and you'll need to be ready to cast quickly when opportunities present themselves. For spinning gear, expect light tackle setups with 10-15 lb test and leaders that won't spook wary fish in clear water. Fly fishing setups typically run 8-10 weight rods with floating lines and long, light tippets. Bait selection varies based on target species and conditions – live shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish are staples, while fly anglers will rely on shrimp patterns, crabs, and streamers that mimic local forage. The key to success is making accurate casts to specific fish rather than blind casting, so be prepared for some coaching on presentation and timing. Wind can be a factor, but Captain Diego knows how to use it to your advantage and will position the boat to give you the best possible shots.
Bonefish are the bread and butter of Keys flats fishing, and for good reason. These silver ghosts cruise the shallows in small groups or as singles, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and worms in the turtle grass and sand. They typically run 3-8 pounds in these waters, though larger fish are always possible. What makes bones so special is their incredible wariness and blazing speed – they can go from feeding calmly to disappearing in a cloud of mud faster than you can blink. The best fishing happens during moving tides when they're actively feeding, and the sight of their tails breaking the surface as they root around in shallow water never gets old. Once hooked, bonefish make blistering runs that will test your drag and your nerves.
Permit represent the holy grail of flats fishing, and the Keys offer some of the best permit fishing in the world. These disc-shaped fighters are notoriously picky eaters, often following a bait or fly for long distances before either eating or spooking. They love crab patterns and live crabs, and they're most often found around deeper edges of flats, channel mouths, and areas with good current flow. Permit can range from small "baby" fish around 10-15 pounds up to true giants over 30 pounds. Their broad sides and powerful build make them incredibly strong fighters, and their reputation for being difficult to hook makes every permit encounter special. The Keys' year-round population means you always have a shot at one of these bucket-list fish.
Bluefish bring a different energy to flats fishing – they're aggressive predators that often travel in schools and will attack baitfish with abandon. In the Keys, you'll find them ranging from smaller "snappers" around 1-2 pounds up to larger fish pushing 10 pounds or more. They're excellent on light tackle and will hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm. Bluefish are particularly fun for anglers new to saltwater fishing because they're less finicky than bones or permit, but they still provide great fights and are excellent table fare when handled properly. Look for them around bait schools, current edges, and deeper pockets within the flats system.
Captain Diego's afternoon charters consistently rank as a customer favorite because they deliver exactly what serious anglers want – access to top-rated flats fishing with an experienced guide who knows how to put you on fish. The 4-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different areas and target multiple species without the fatigue that can set in during longer trips. With both spinning and fly gear included, plus bottled water to keep you hydrated, you can focus entirely on fishing. The intimate 4-person capacity ensures personalized attention and plenty of casting opportunities for everyone aboard. These afternoon trips book up quickly, especially during peak season, so don't wait to secure your spot on what could be the best fishing trip of your Keys vacation.
Ready to chase some serious gamefish in the shallow waters of the Keys? This 2019 Crevalle bay boat is built for the flats – 24 feet of fishing machine powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 45 knots when needed. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking spooky permit and bonefish in skinny water, while the fishfinder helps locate schools when you're targeting snapper and pompano in deeper channels. Captain Diego stocks the icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. With GPS navigation, live bait wells, and room for up to 4 anglers, this bay boat handles everything from sight casting to spinning gear perfectly. Whether you're working the grass flats for tailing fish or drifting the channels, this Crevalle gives you the platform and tools to make the most of your Keys fishing adventure.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldogs of our local waters - aggressive, hard-fighting fish that'll attack just about anything you throw at them. These blue-green beauties typically run 3-15 pounds around here, with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through leaders like butter. You'll find schools working baitfish in channels, around structure, and along drop-offs from 10-50 feet deep. They're seasonal visitors, showing up best during cooler months when bait concentrates. What makes them popular? Pure aggression - when blues are feeding, it's non-stop action with strong fights and screaming drags. Smaller ones are great eating; bigger fish can be a bit strong. Watch your fingers - those teeth are serious business. Local trick: when you find feeding birds diving on bait, there's usually a school of blues underneath doing the damage. Wire leaders are a must.
Albula VulpesThe "gray ghost" of the flats, bonefish are what legends are made of here in the Keys. These silvery torpedoes average 6-8 pounds but can hit 16, and they're famous for those blistering 100-yard runs that'll clean your reel in seconds. You'll find them cruising or "tailing" on shallow grass flats in just inches of water, especially around incoming tides. Peak season runs spring through fall, but we catch them year-round. What makes them special? That incredible speed, their spooky nature, and the pure sight-fishing challenge. They're catch-and-release fish - too bony to eat but too fun to quit chasing. Pro tip: when you spot a tailing bone, cast well ahead and let your bait settle before they reach it. Spook one and the whole school vanishes like smoke.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - hands down the toughest fish to fool in shallow water. These silver dinner plates average around 20-30 pounds with that distinctive tall, flat profile and those golf ball-sized eyes that see everything. You'll spot them cruising grass flats, wrecks, and channel edges in 2-10 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially April to October when they're spawning. What draws anglers? The challenge - permit are notorious bait refusers with incredible eyesight and spooky attitudes. When you do hook one, they fight like bulldogs with serious pulling power. Most are released, but they're excellent table fare. My advice: live blue crabs are your best bet, and patience is everything. Present your bait naturally and be ready to wait - sometimes for hours.
Marathon