Key Largo Flats Fishing with Captain Joshua
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Captain Joshua guides flats fishing in Key Largo watersTarget redfish, tarpon, bluefish, and jack crevalle speciesMaximum two guests per sustainable fishing adventure
Key Largo's backcountry flats are where serious anglers come to test their skills, and Captain Joshua knows these waters like the back of his hand. This isn't your typical party boat fishing trip – we're talking about stalking trophy fish in gin-clear shallows where every cast counts. With room for just two anglers, you'll get the personal attention and prime positioning that makes all the difference between stories and empty coolers. Captain Joshua's been working these flats for years, and his sustainable approach means the fishing stays hot while protecting the resource for future generations.
Your day starts early when the light is just right and the fish are still feeding. Captain Joshua runs a shallow-draft flats boat that can slip into skinny water where the big fish hide. You'll be sight fishing most of the day, which means spotting your target before you cast – it's visual, technical, and absolutely addictive once you get the hang of it. The crystal-clear waters around Key Largo give you an underwater window that's hard to find anywhere else in Florida. Don't worry if you're new to flats fishing; Captain Joshua has guided everyone from weekend warriors to tournament pros, and he knows how to put you on fish regardless of your experience level. The boat stays comfortable with plenty of shade when you need it, but be ready to stand and cast when that perfect opportunity presents itself.
Flats fishing is all about stealth, accuracy, and reading the water. Captain Joshua provides all the tackle you'll need, including light spinning gear and fly rods if that's your preference. We're talking about 8-weight fly rods and spinning tackle in the 3000-4000 series range – perfect for the mix of species you'll encounter. The technique varies by target: tarpon require strong hooksets and even stronger nerves, while bonefish demand perfect presentations to spooky fish in ankle-deep water. Redfish are aggressive predators that'll crush topwater plugs, and when the conditions are right, watching a 30-inch red blow up on a surface lure is pure magic. Captain Joshua reads the tides, wind, and seasonal patterns to position you where the fish are feeding, not just where they live. Polarized sunglasses are essential – you can't catch what you can't see, and good glass makes all the difference when you're sight casting.
Tarpon are the silver kings of Key Largo's flats, and these prehistoric giants can stretch over six feet and weigh more than 150 pounds. They're most active during the warmer months from April through September, when they roll and feed in the shallows. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their aerial displays. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps and runs that'll test every knot and connection on your tackle. The adrenaline rush of watching a hundred-pound fish go airborne just yards from the boat never gets old.
Redfish are the bread and butter of flats fishing, and Key Largo's reds are fat, healthy, and aggressive. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and fight way above their weight class. Spring and fall are prime time, but you can find feeding reds year-round if you know where to look. They're ambush predators that love structure – think mangrove edges, oyster bars, and shallow grass flats. Captain Joshua knows exactly where they stage up, and reds are forgiving enough for beginners while still challenging experienced anglers.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats – silver, spooky, and incredibly challenging to catch. These fish rarely exceed five pounds, but they're pure speed when hooked, peeling off line in runs that seem impossible for their size. Bones feed by tailing and mudding in super shallow water, often with their tails breaking the surface. The key is spotting them before they spot you, then making a perfect cast to a fish that might bolt at the slightest disturbance. Landing your first bonefish is a rite of passage for serious flats anglers.
Gag Grouper hang around the deeper edges and structure, providing a nice change of pace from the shallow water action. These bottom dwellers average 15-25 pounds and are pure muscle when hooked. They're ambush predators that relate to hard bottom, ledges, and coral heads. What's exciting about gags is their initial run – they'll head straight for the nearest hole or structure, testing your drag and your ability to turn a strong fish in open water.
Bluefish are the wild cards of Key Largo fishing, showing up in schools when the baitfish are thick. They're aggressive feeders with razor-sharp teeth, and when you find a feeding school, the action can be non-stop. Blues average 3-8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They're perfect for beginners because they're not picky about presentations, but they'll also provide plenty of excitement for experienced anglers when they're feeding aggressively.
Captain Joshua's Key Largo flats trips deliver the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year. With his local knowledge, sustainable practices, and commitment to putting clients on fish, you're getting a world-class fishing experience in some of Florida's most productive waters. The intimate setting with just two anglers means you'll get the attention and coaching that makes good trips into great memories. Whether you're chasing your first tarpon or looking to add a Key Largo bonefish to your list, these flats hold the fish and Captain Joshua knows how to find them. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Ready to explore Key Largo's legendary flats? Captain Joshua's 2015 Maverick HPXS is purpose-built for shallow water fishing adventures. This 17-foot center console cuts through the crystal waters with its reliable 70HP Yamaha, reaching speeds up to 36 knots to get you to the hotspots fast. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're stalking redfish and tarpon in skinny water, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best action. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising tarpon or hunting redfish tailing in the shallows, this boat gets you into those hard-to-reach spots where the big fish live. Perfect for two anglers looking to experience world-class flats fishing with a captain who knows these waters inside and out.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our waters during winter months, usually in schools that create quite a commotion. They typically run 2-10 pounds here, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them chasing baitfish in open water, around structure, or even right up in the shallows when they're feeding. These fish are pure aggression - they'll hit almost anything and fight hard for their size. The smaller ones make decent table fare if you bleed them right away, but the bigger ones can be strong-tasting. When you find feeding birds diving, there's probably bluefish underneath. Use wire leaders and handle them carefully - those teeth will slice right through your hand.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the ghosts of the flats - silvery, torpedo-shaped fish that blend perfectly with the grass bottom. Most run 3-6 pounds and 16-25 inches, but their speed makes them feel twice that size. These fish hunt the shallow flats during incoming tides, sometimes in water so thin you can barely float your skiff. They're year-round residents, but spring through fall offers the best conditions. What makes them special is the challenge - they spook easily, require perfect casts, and when hooked, they'll scream line off your reel for 100+ yards. We release them all since they're too bony to eat. Watch for their tails breaking the surface when they're feeding - that's your shot.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid bottom fish that love structure - wrecks, ledges, and rocky areas in 30-100 feet of water. They average 20-30 inches around here, but we've pulled some real tanks over 40 inches. These guys change from female to male as they mature, which is pretty wild. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they move shallower to feed. What makes them popular is the strong fight and excellent eating - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll try to drag you straight into the rocks once hooked, so you need to muscle them up fast. My advice: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and don't give them an inch once you set the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for our shallow water fishing here in Key Largo. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-30 inches and 8-15 pounds in our waters. They love cruising the grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially on moving tides. Guests love them because they fight hard, make great table fare with that sweet, firm meat, and you can sight-fish for them in crystal clear water. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish, and cast your shrimp or soft plastic ahead of their path - never right on top of them.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of these waters - massive fish that can reach 6-8 feet and jump 10 feet out of the water when hooked. Most of what we catch run 80-100 pounds, though they can get much bigger. These prehistoric fish love the deeper channels and grass flats around the Keys, especially during their migration from spring through summer. The fight is what brings people back - once hooked, they'll take off on runs over 100 yards and put on an aerial show you won't forget. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating and can live 50+ years. My tip: keep your rod tip down during those jumps to avoid them throwing the hook.
Key Largo, FL, United States