Backcountry & Flats Fishing

Some of the best angling in the world can be found in the clear backcountry waters off Key West. The Florida Keys offers a huge, pristine expanse of flats sandbars and grass banks which are prime feeding grounds for schools of redfish, bonefish, permit, tarpon, ‘cuda, and shark. Fly fishing in our beautiful environment have made this the fastest growing segment of saltwater angling. Merging both hunting and fishing, a day on the flats with Seabreeze Charters is a must for any fishing enthusiast.

Light Tackle Fishing

Key West and the Florida Keys offer fabulous light tackle fishing. Almost any species from tarpon to sailfish can be pursued by our 2004 Sea Chaser. Private charter trips can be customized to meet any angler's wishes and skill level. From a relaxed trip with the family to an expedition for a record-breaking sailfish, a light tackle charter is sure to suit your needs.

Additional information about a few of the many fish we catch:

Redfish:

These bronze colored fish can be found in the backcountry flats. Often feeding all day long, redfish can be very unpredictable and wily which makes them one of our favorites to sight fish in the Florida Keys backcountry. Redfish usually average between 4-7 pounds are commonly found over 10 pounds – if you’re really luck, you might even catch one around 20 pounds.

Although called Redfish, these fish are actually named Red drum. They can be distinguished by their unique silvery coloration tinged with a coppery reddish-brown and a large black spot at the base of the tail. Redfish feed by digging around the bottom with their noses and can be approached similar to bonefish — polling the backcountry flats and sight casting.

Permit:

Permit are one of the most popular flats fishing target species of the Keys. Although they are larger than bonefish, they are just as fast and wily. A certain amount of stealth is necessary to approach these fish. When you finally hook one, you’re in for a great ballet! Permit are determined fighters, usually putting up a long and powerful struggle with numerous strong runs.

Permit are best “hunted” in 2-4 feet water. Poling around is usually the best way to spot these fish which are found on the deeper edges of channels and flats and (at certain times of the year) they inhabit rock piles and wrecks.

Barracuda

Take one look at a great barracuda's toothy grin and you'll understand why it has earned the nickname "Tiger of the Sea." Then, hook into one that weighs 30-40 pounds you’ll see that it fights like a Tiger, too. Barracuda are shaped like a natural torpedo — long, cylindrical and silver. With fast runs and jumps that completely clear the water, bringing in a Barracuda is challenge worthy of even the most experienced angler.

Tarpon

The prized and elusive “Silver King” is found in Florida Keys waters all year long but the main migration shows up around the bridges in late February. As the water temperature warms up through May and June, Tarpon start to filter onto the flats where they provide outstanding targets for live bait or a well-presented fly. Tarpon generally average between 65-90 pounds and can be found up 200 pounds — are you ready to try and bring in this magnificent fish?