Fishing In Key West - We Explain The Different Styles

Before we talk about the wonderful range of fishing available in Key West let's take a quick look at the three styles that are employed here:-

A flats boat leaving harbor in search of bonefish, permit or tarpon in the shallow waters around Key West

The Flats Boat
The smallest boats are commonly called "flats boats". They are used to fish the very shallow water, searching for bonefish, tarpon and permit.  

They hold a maximum of 2 anglers plus the skipper, although if you do have 2 anglers on board you'd often expect to take turns at fishing, so ideally it's one angler plus the skipper. Once the boat reaches the fishing area, the skipper will turn off the engine, climb onto that tea tray at the stern of the boat and move the boat quietly around by pushing on a long pole. He tries to creep up on the fish, so stealth is everything on a flats boat. Flats fishing isn't really for the beginner, you need to be able to cast and play a fish with some degree of skill before trying this particular style. However for the experienced angler it's great fun and the only way to catch the elusive, hard fighting bonefish. We don't fish the flats but we do know some excellent flats boat skippers and we're more than happy to pass on their details, just fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you.

A light tackle boat motoring over calm seas outside Key West Harbor

The Light Tackle Boat - That's us, the most versatile of the 3 methods. You'll read lots more about light tackle fishing throughout the web site.

The "Southbound" on its way out offshore to fish for sailfish & dolphin

The Big Boat - And then there's the big boats. Ideal for larger parties of up to 6 anglers, these boats go further offshore searching for sailfish, tuna, kingfish, wahoo, dolphin (otherwise known as dorado or mahi-mahi), grouper and the occasional marlin. The boats tend to offer a little more luxury than the light tackle variety with air conditioned cabins containing wrap around settees, shower, washing and private toilet facilities. We'd be happy to suggest a suitable big boat if that's what you're looking for, just fill in the enquiry form and we'll get back to you.