FLATS FISHING IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

Guided Sight Fishing in the Lower Keys with Capt. Jesse Register

Flats fishing is the heart of the Florida Keys fishery — long, shallow oceanside flats and backcountry bays where every encounter is visual. Whether you’re targeting tarpon, bonefish, or permit, these waters offer some of the best sight fishing opportunities in the world.

On a flats fishing trip, we quietly pole across shallow water searching for shadows, tails, wakes, or nervous water. Every fish is spotted before the cast. Every shot is earned. And when it all comes together, the eat is something you never forget.

What Makes Flats Fishing Unique

Flats fishing is a technical, visual style of fishing where:

• You see the fish before you cast
• You read body language and approach angles
• You adjust for wind, sun angle, and boat position
• You make quick, accurate shots between 20–70 feet
• The entire experience happens in shallow, crystal-clear water
  
  

This type of fishing rewards patience, focus, and precision. Whether you’re a dedicated fly angler or casting light tackle, the thrill of watching a fish turn and eat in skinny water is unmatched.

Target Species on the Flats

Depending on the day, season, and conditions, flats anglers can target:

• Tarpon during the spring migration
• Bonefish on grass and sand flats year-round
• Permit tailing or cruising shallow edges
• Barracuda in clear-water shallows
• Sharks pushing across flats on warm days
  
  

The Lower Keys are one of the few places where you can realistically target all three “Grand Slam” species on the same day.

Where We Fish

We primarily fish the Lower Keys, where the flats are quieter and less pressured than the Upper Keys. Depending on tides, we may fish:

• Oceanside flats with bright sand
• Backcountry turtle grass flats
• Bahia Honda and surrounding basins
• Lower Keys edges and banks
• Shallow island flats near Big Pine Key
  
  

These areas offer consistent visibility, healthy habitat, and miles of productive water.

What to Expect

A flats trip typically involves:

• Poling long stretches of shallow water
• Looking for tails, wakes, or cruising fish
• Making technical presentations in varying conditions
• Learning how fish behave in different light and tide stages
• Quiet, focused moments punctuated by adrenaline
  
  

This is a style of fishing where one perfect shot can change the entire day.

Who Flats Fishing Is For

Flats fishing is ideal for:

• Fly anglers who love sight fishing
• Light-tackle anglers wanting visual shots
• Experienced anglers seeking a challenge
• Anglers who enjoy the problem-solving side of fishing
  
  

Beginners are always welcome — flats fishing is one of the best ways to learn how to see fish, make quick presentations, and handle wind.

Gear & Tackle

We provide high quality gear tailored for flats fishing:

• G Loomis rods
• Hatch and Tibor reels
• Hand-tied leaders
• Custom flies and crustacean patterns
• Top-tier spin setups
  
  

Bring your own gear if you prefer — I’ll help rig and tune it for the day.

Ready to Fish the Flats?

If you’re ready to experience the best sight fishing in Florida, let’s get your dates on the books.

Call/Text: (407) 448-2017
Email: Capt.JesseRegister@live.com