Fly Fishing Flats Adventure
Private Trip
Target tarpon, snook, redfish, trout, and jack crevalle on flatsAll fly fishing gear provided or bring personal equipmentSmall group experience with maximum two guests per trip
Picture this: you're standing on the bow of our skiff, fly rod in hand, scanning the crystal-clear shallows for the telltale sign of a redfish tailing in ankle-deep water. The sun's just right, the wind's cooperating, and you're about to experience some of the most rewarding sight fishing you'll find anywhere. Our top-rated fly fishing charters put you right where the action is – hunting some of the most sought-after inshore species on light tackle in their natural habitat.
This isn't your typical deep-sea fishing trip. We're talking about stalking fish in skinny water where every cast counts and stealth is everything. You'll spend your day poling through flats, grass beds, and mangrove edges where snook, redfish, tarpon, trout, and jack crevalle cruise looking for their next meal. The whole experience revolves around sight fishing – spotting your target before you cast. It's like hunting with a fly rod, and honestly, that's what makes it so addictive. We keep our charters small at just two anglers max, so you get personalized attention and plenty of shots at fish. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler or picking up your first 8-weight, we'll make sure you're set up for success. Don't have your own gear? No worries – we've got quality rods, reels, and flies that'll get the job done.
Fly fishing the flats is all about presentation and reading the water. We'll be using 8 to 10-weight rods paired with floating lines and 20-pound fluorocarbon leaders – the perfect setup for these conditions. The key is keeping your fly line off the water as much as possible since these fish are incredibly spooky in shallow water. We'll teach you the double haul if you don't know it already, because being able to shoot line quickly makes all the difference when a tarpon rolls up 60 feet away. Our flies range from small shrimp patterns and crab flies for redfish to larger streamers that'll get a snook's attention. The boat positioning is crucial too – we use a push pole to move silently through the shallows, keeping the engine off so we don't spook everything in a half-mile radius. Most of your fishing will be done from the casting platform on the bow while your guide poles and spots fish from the stern.
Every species we target brings something different to the table, and that's what keeps this fishing so exciting. Tarpon are the undisputed kings of the flats – these silver bullets can push 100 pounds and will test every inch of your backing when they go airborne. Peak tarpon season runs from late spring through early fall, and there's nothing quite like watching a 6-foot fish cartwheeling out of the water on the end of your fly line. Snook are the ambush predators of the mangroves, lurking in the shadows waiting to crush a well-placed streamer. They're incredibly structure-oriented, so accurate casting is a must. Redfish might be the most fun pound-for-pound – they're aggressive, relatively easy to spot when they're tailing, and they'll make screaming runs across the flats that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Spotted sea trout are your bread-and-butter fish, especially when the other species are being finicky. They school up over grass flats and are usually willing to eat a small clouser or shrimp fly. Jack crevalle are the bulldogs of the bunch – not the prettiest fish, but they'll bend your rod in half and fight like they're twice their size. They often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop.
Tarpon are what dreams are made of for fly anglers. These prehistoric-looking fish migrate through our waters in massive schools during their spawning runs, and individual fish can live over 50 years and reach 200 pounds. The best tarpon fishing typically happens from May through August when the water temperatures climb into the 80s. What makes them so special isn't just their size – it's their aerial acrobatics. A hooked tarpon will jump repeatedly, shaking its massive head and gill plates to throw your fly. Landing one on fly tackle is considered a major accomplishment, and many anglers travel from around the world just for a shot at these silver kings.
Snook are Florida's signature inshore species, and for good reason. These golden-sided predators are incredibly structure-oriented, hanging around docks, mangrove roots, and bridge pilings where they can ambush prey. They're most active during warmer months and around the new and full moon phases when they move into shallow water to feed. Snook have a distinct black lateral line and can reach 30+ pounds in our waters. They're notorious for their violent strikes and their ability to cut you off in the structure, which makes every hookup an adrenaline rush.
Redfish might be the perfect fly rod fish – they're visual feeders that cruise shallow flats looking for crabs and shrimp, they eat flies readily, and they fight with surprising power for their size. These copper-colored bruisers are easily identified by the black spots near their tails, and fish in the 20 to 30-pound range are common. The sight fishing for reds is world-class here, especially when they're "tailing" – feeding head-down with their tails breaking the surface. Spring and fall offer the best redfish action when they're most active in the shallows.
Spotted sea trout are your reliable producers when you need to get the skunk off. These beautiful fish school up over grass flats and are usually willing to eat a well-presented fly. They're most active during moving water and low-light periods, making early morning and late afternoon prime
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what fly fishing dreams are made of. Most fish we see run 80-150 pounds, though giants over 200 show up regularly. They cruise shallow flats, bridges with good current, and deeper channels during migrations. Peak season runs May through September when they're moving through in numbers. What hooks people on tarpon is the jump - these fish can leap 10 feet out of the water and will test your drag like nothing else. They're catch and release only, which keeps the fishery strong. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. This gives slack and prevents the line from snapping on impact.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators that love structure - mangroves, docks, and creek mouths are prime spots. They typically run 18-28 inches, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color that makes them easy to spot in shallow water. These fish are temperature sensitive, so warmer months from spring through fall offer the best action. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and powerful runs when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. Here's a key tip: when casting to structure, get your fly as close as possible to the cover. Snook rarely chase baits far from their hiding spots, so accurate casting is everything.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy bottom dwellers that average 12-16 inches around structure like jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom. They're not typically an inshore fly target since they prefer deeper water with hard bottom, but when found in shallow structure, they hit flies aggressively. Best fishing happens spring through fall when they move into shallower areas to feed. What guests like about sea bass is their willingness to bite and excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's restaurant quality. They school up and eat almost anything. Here's the trick: if you find one sea bass, work the area thoroughly. They travel in groups, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect sight fishing target on shallow flats and grass beds, usually in 1-4 feet of water. Most fish range 20-32 inches with that classic copper color and black spot near the tail. They're year-round residents that love oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and sandy potholes. What makes reds so popular is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight once hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating if you keep a slot fish. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. My advice: look for tailing fish with their backs out of the water while feeding. Approach quietly and lead them by a few feet with your cast.
Caranx HipposJack crevalle are the bulldozers of the flats - powerful fish that average 3-8 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Look for them busting bait on the surface, often with birds diving overhead. They roam shallow flats, deeper channels, and anywhere there's moving water with baitfish. Jacks are around year-round but really fire up in warmer months when bait is thick. What makes them fun is their raw power and aggressive strikes - they'll chase down a fly with serious attitude. Here's what works: cast past the school and strip fast. These fish love the chase, so don't be subtle. The faster you strip, the more likely they'll commit to the bite.
Clearwater