4-Hour Sand Bar Fly Fishing - Cudjoe Key
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
4hour sandbar fishing trip targeting tarpon and bonefishRemote island location provides peaceful Florida Keys experienceCaptain supplies rods and assists guests up to 4 people
Looking for a peaceful escape where the flats stretch endlessly and the fish are as wild as they come? This 4-hour sand bar fly fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Cudjoe Key's pristine backcountry waters. Captain brings you and up to three other anglers to remote islands and sand bars that most folks never see – places where the water's gin-clear and the fishing is pure magic. You'll be casting for some of Florida's most prized species while soaking up the kind of quiet that only comes from being miles away from civilization. The captain keeps a couple of backup rods on board and he's always ready to help you land that fish of a lifetime, whether you're a seasoned fly angler or just getting your feet wet.
This isn't your typical marina-to-marina charter – we're talking about real backcountry fishing where the sand bars shimmer like glass and the only sounds you'll hear are the splash of your fly hitting the water and maybe a pelican diving nearby. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, navigating shallow channels and hidden cuts to get you to spots where the fish haven't seen a fly all week. You'll be sight fishing in water so clear you can count the scales on a bonefish from 50 feet away. The sand bars we fish change with the tides, creating perfect ambush points where hungry tarpon and bonefish cruise looking for their next meal. Don't worry about bringing a cooler full of snacks – this trip focuses purely on the fishing, keeping things simple so you can concentrate on what really matters: that perfect cast and the electric moment when a fish takes your fly.
Sight fishing with a fly rod is as pure as angling gets, and these Cudjoe Key flats are absolutely perfect for it. You'll be standing on the bow or wading knee-deep sand, watching for subtle movements in the water – a shadow gliding over white sand, a nervous wake, or the telltale push of water that means game fish are nearby. The captain acts as your eyes and guide, calling out fish positions and helping you get the right presentation. We're talking about precise 40 to 60-foot casts here, dropping your fly just ahead of cruising fish without spooking them. The technique is all about patience and accuracy – no blind casting or hoping for the best. When you see a 100-pound tarpon rolling just 30 yards away, your heart starts pounding and every cast becomes crucial. The clear water means fish can see everything, so your approach, fly selection, and presentation need to be spot-on. Captain keeps those extra rods ready because sometimes you need to switch flies fast or hand off to someone else when the action heats up.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of these flats, and Cudjoe Key sits right in the middle of some of the best tarpon water in the world. These silver giants can reach 200 pounds and 8 feet long, though most of the fish you'll encounter run between 80 and 150 pounds. Peak tarpon season runs from April through July, when massive schools migrate through the Keys, but you can find resident fish year-round in the deeper channels and basins. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their acrobatic fights. Hook one of these beasts and you're in for 6 to 8 explosive jumps, long screaming runs that'll test your backing, and a battle that can last an hour or more. The sight of a 6-foot tarpon launching itself completely out of the water just 20 feet from your boat is something that'll stick with you forever. They're incredibly smart fish with excellent eyesight, so your fly presentation needs to be perfect – too close and they spook, too far and they won't see it.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats, and catching one on a fly rod is considered the graduate degree of sight fishing. These silvery speedsters typically run 3 to 8 pounds in these waters, though double-digit bones cruise the deeper edges of the sand bars. What makes bonefish so challenging and addictive is their incredible wariness – they can spot an angler from 100 yards away and disappear in a puff of mud faster than you can blink. The best bonefish action happens during moving tides when they push up onto the flats to feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. You'll often see their tails waving above the surface as they root around in the sand, hence the term "tailing fish." Once hooked, bonefish make blistering runs that can peel off 150 yards of line in seconds. They're available year-round in the Keys, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when water temperatures are perfect and the fish are actively feeding. Landing your first bonefish on a fly rod is a rite of passage that proves you've mastered the art of flats fishing.
Four hours on these pristine Cudjoe Key flats gives you the perfect taste of world-class fly fishing without eating up your whole day. You'll experience the pure rush of sight casting to trophy fish in some of the most beautiful water Florida has to offer, guided by a captain who knows exactly where to find them. Whether you're looking to cross tarpon off your bucket list or master the art of bonefish hunting, this charter delivers the goods. The small group size – just four anglers max – means everyone gets plenty of shots and personalized instruction. Book your sand bar fly fishing adventure today and discover why anglers travel from around the globe to cast flies in these legendary waters. The fish are waiting, the flats are calling, and your next fishing story starts with one phone call to Held Fast Charters.
Your sand bar fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for the shallow flats around Cudjoe Key. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need to target tarpon and bonefish in the backcountry waters. The wireless trolling motor lets your captain position you silently over prime fishing spots without spooking wary fish, while the GPS keeps you on productive flats even when they all look the same. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure that hold your target species. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast without tangling lines. Your captain provides rods and tackle, plus hands-on guidance whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a fly rod for the first time. This setup gets you to remote sand bars where you can wade the shallows and sight-fish in crystal clear water, far from the crowds and close to some of the best fishing the Florida Keys has to offer.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the ghosts of the flats - silver, spooky, and smart as they come. Most run 3-6 pounds around here, perfect size for light tackle fun. You'll find them cruising the shallow grass flats and sand bars, especially on low tide when they're "tailing" - digging in the bottom with their tails sticking up like flags. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and worms in water sometimes only inches deep. What makes them special is the challenge - they've got eagle eyes and will bolt at the first sign of trouble. But hook one and they'll peel off 100 yards before you know it. We practice catch-and-release since they're too bony to eat anyway. Key tip: cast well ahead of moving fish and let your bait settle - they spook easily but the fight's worth the patience.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are what fishing dreams are made of. Most tarpon around Cudjoe Key run 80-100 pounds and 4-6 feet, but we see bigger ones that'll test your gear and your arms. They love the deeper channels and grass flats, especially during incoming tides when baitfish get pushed around. Spring through summer is prime time - that's when they're moving through on their migration routes. What makes tarpon special? Pure athleticism. When one hits your line, expect multiple jumps and drag-screaming runs that can last 20 minutes. They're catch-and-release fish since the meat's too bony to mess with. Pro tip: keep your rod tip low when they jump - gives them less leverage to throw the hook. The flats around here hold some beautiful fish, and watching one roll on the surface never gets old.
Cudjoe Key