Premium 6 Hour Fly Fishing Adventures on Florida's Coast
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Sixhour fly fishing adventure for up to two anglersTarget challenging species across Gulf beaches and back estuariesExpert guided flats fishing along Florida's Forgotten Coast
Looking for a real fly fishing challenge on Florida's Forgotten Coast? This 6-hour charter takes you and one other angler deep into Apalachicola's most productive waters, where technical casting meets some of the Gulf's most finicky species. We're not just hitting the usual redfish spots – we're covering everything from open Gulf beaches to skinny back-country flats, chasing fish that'll test your skills and reward your patience.
Six hours gives us the luxury of really exploring this fishery. We'll start the day reading conditions – wind, tide, water clarity – then adjust our game plan accordingly. Some days that means working the surf for pompano when the Gulf's clean, other days we'll pole the back estuaries targeting tailing reds and big trout. The Apalachicola system is massive, with countless creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats that most anglers never see. We fish from a shallow-draft skiff that can slip into water barely knee-deep, putting you within casting range of fish that rarely see flies. Expect to move around – this isn't an anchor-and-wait trip. We're constantly hunting, looking for nervous water, diving birds, or that telltale wake that signals feeding fish.
This is sight fishing at its finest, so bring your polarized glasses and be ready to make quick, accurate casts. We'll be throwing everything from small shrimp patterns on 8-weight rods in the shallows to heavier streamers on 9 or 10-weights when we're working structure or deeper water. The technique changes with the target – delicate presentations for spooky trout on glass-calm flats, aggressive strips for aggressive reds, and precise placement for tripletail hanging around floating debris. I'll have backup rods rigged and ready since we're often switching between species throughout the day. The poling platform gives me a clear view of fish movements, so I'll be calling shots and helping you read the water. Wind is always a factor here, so we'll work on your double-haul if needed – these fish won't wait for perfect conditions.
Florida Pompano are the technical stars of this fishery. These silver bullets cruise the surf and near-shore flats, feeding on sand fleas and small crabs. They're incredibly spooky and have mouths like steel traps – you'll need pinpoint accuracy with small flies and a delicate touch on the strip. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from 2 to 6 pounds. What makes them special is their combination of speed and fight – they'll make blistering runs that'll test your drag system.
Black Drum here are absolute tanks, especially the big breeding females that show up in spring. We're talking fish that can push 40 pounds, with broad shoulders and enough power to straighten hooks. They cruise the flats with their heads down, vacuuming up crabs and worms. The trick is getting your fly right in front of their nose – they won't move far to eat. When you hook one, get ready for a bulldogging fight that's all about endurance.
Sea Trout in this system are some of the prettiest fish you'll catch. The big "gator" trout – anything over 20 inches – are sight-fishing gold. They'll suspend over grass beds or patrol drop-offs, picking off shrimp and small baitfish. Early morning and evening are prime time, when they'll come up shallow to feed. A 4-pound trout on fly tackle will give you multiple jumps and a fantastic surface show.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Apalachicola fly fishing, and for good reason. These copper-sided bruisers are perfect fly rod targets – they eat aggressively, fight hard, and show up in fishable numbers year-round. We'll find them tailing in skinny water, cruising grass flats, or ganged up around oyster bars. The slot-sized fish are perfect on 8-weight gear, while the big bulls – some pushing 30 pounds – will demand heavier tackle and strong backing.
Tripletail are the wild cards that make every trip interesting. These weird, prehistoric-looking fish float around debris, crab trap markers, or channel signs, looking like floating leaves until they attack your fly. They're ambush predators with enormous appetites and quirky personalities. Some days they'll eat anything you throw, other days they'll follow your fly for 20 feet before turning away. When they do eat, the fight is spectacular – all jumps and head-shaking fury.
This top-rated 6-hour charter gives you the time and water coverage to experience Apalachicola's world-class fly fishing at its best. Whether you're chasing your first redfish on fly or looking to add pompano to your species list, we'll put you on fish that'll challenge your skills and reward your persistence. The Forgotten Coast earned its name because it's still largely undiscovered – which means cleaner water, less pressure, and better fishing for those willing to make the trip. Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Let's get you out there.
The Hells Bay Marathon Skiff cuts through Apalachicola's shallow waters like it was built for this coast—because it was. This legendary flats boat gets you into skinny water where the fish live, from Gulf beaches to back-country creeks most boats can't touch. The wireless trolling motor keeps things dead quiet when you're stalking tailing reds, while the fish finder helps locate structure holding trout and flounder. Cold drinks stay cold in the icebox during those long summer sessions, and the GPS keeps us on productive water across this maze of oyster bars and grass flats. VHF radio ensures we stay connected to weather updates and other captains sharing intel. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space on the front deck while we work the tide changes and moving water that make the Forgotten Coast a fly fishing paradise.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some bulls pushing 50-plus. These dark, powerful fish love oyster beds and muddy flats in our back bays where they crush shellfish with those massive jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. What draws people to target them? Pure brute strength and that deep, steady fight that'll test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare too. My tip: get your fly down to the bottom fast with heavily weighted patterns like Merkin crabs. They're feeding down there, and patience pays off when you feel that heavy thump on your line.
Trachinotus CarolinusThese silvery fighters are some of the most prized fish along our coast, and for good reason. Pompano typically run 1-3 pounds with that classic compressed, tall profile and bright yellow fins. You'll find them cruising the sandy beaches and shallow flats where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and mollusks. Summer through fall gives you the best shots before they move deeper in winter. What makes them special? They're absolute bulldogs on light tackle, plus they're hands-down one of the best eating fish in the Gulf with that buttery, sweet meat. Here's the key - use small hooks since their mouths are tiny, and don't be afraid to work bright orange or yellow jigs near the bottom where they're rooting around for food.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target on our shallow flats, typically running 20-30 inches and weighing 5-15 pounds. Look for that copper-colored back and distinctive black spot near the tail as they cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in just 1-4 feet of water. They're here year-round but really light up during fall when they school heavily. What makes them special? These fish fight like freight trains, making long runs and never giving up easy. Plus, the smaller "slot" fish are fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. The key to success: approach quietly and cast well ahead of cruising fish. Spook one and you'll spook the whole school. A well-placed crab or shrimp fly landing 6 feet in front usually seals the deal.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are the bread and butter of our grass flats, running 14-24 inches and usually weighing 1-3 pounds. These speckled beauties love shallow seagrass beds and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp and baitfish. Early morning and evening produce the best action, especially during warmer months when they're most active. What keeps anglers coming back? They're aggressive strikers with a decent fight, plus they make excellent table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. The real magic happens at night when they move shallow to feed. Pro tip: work topwater flies or poppers over the grass beds right at dawn - when you see those explosive surface strikes, you'll understand why trout fishing becomes addictive around here.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique targets - odd-looking fish that average 2-5 pounds but can reach 20-plus. They're shaped like floating leaves with those three distinct fins at the back, often found lounging near weed lines or floating debris in summer and fall. What makes them exciting? They're surprisingly acrobatic fighters for such chunky fish, and they eat like red snapper - firm, white, delicious meat. The challenge is in the approach since they spook easily. You'll spot them floating near the surface looking like debris until they move. Best technique: cast your crab or shrimp fly well past them and strip it back slowly. Let them ambush it rather than dropping it right on their head. Patience wins with these fish.
Montgomery