Bonefish |
Bonefish
- Grey ghost, silver streak and phantom of the flats are
some of the descriptive names used to describe the Bonefish.
They can be found wandering the coastal and tidal shallows of
the Florida Keys in search of shrimp, crabs, mussels and other
crustaceans. A shy seemingly intelligent fish, the bonefish is
very spooky, and any unusual noise or disturbance will send it
rocketing off the flats. The Bonefish has reached cult status among
fly fisherman, and is known for its blistering runs once
hooked. We will pole the flats sight fishing for Bones. Anglers
must be able to make a quick accurate cast of sixty or seventy
feet. An 8wt or 9wt fly rod with a heavy single action reel
that can hold 200 yards of backing should be adequate. |
Permit |
Permit
- Permit can be found on the flats of the Lower Keys year
round. Regarded as the most difficult flats fish to catch on
fly, this reputation is well earned. The schizophrenic permit
feeds around the edges of flats. Nuzzling the sand and turtle
grass for crustaceans and shrimp. This shy and nervous loner
is extremely wary and difficult to approach, often spooking
from the fly. Regarded by anglers as more discriminating than
bonefish and a much tougher fight, they make numerous long
runs and fight to the end. A 9ft, 10wt fly rod is the norm and
reels should be capable of holding 300 yards of backing. Many
new crab patterns have increased the catch rate. |
Tarpon |
Tarpon
-Tarpon can be found in the Lower Keys year round, but
large schools of migratory Tarpon invade the flats in March,
April, May and June. The Silver King will average 70-100lbs
with some approaching 200lbs. This prehistoric relic has
become one of saltwater fishing's most sought after prizes.
Not many fish can match the Tarpon's tackle - busting power,
known for it's aerial acrobatics and reel-scorching runs. Only
a small percentage of hooked fish are boated. We will sight fish
for Tarpon as I pole the skiff looking for fish wandering the
edge of the flats or laid up in the basins. Tackle should
match the size of the fish, generally a 9ft, 11wt or 12wt rod
with a high quality reel holding 300 yards of backing should
be adequate. Tarpon take a variety of flies very well. They
should be tied on high-quality hooks and be super sharp. |
Barracuda
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Barracuda
-Often underrated as a flats game fish, the Great
Barracuda can provide some exciting action on fly or light
spin tackle. The "Cuda" is a vicious predator that
feeds with indiscriminate aggression when young, but becomes
more selective after reaching maturity. Large numbers of
10 to 20 lb Cudas can be found on the flats and channel edges
during the winter months. A big "Cuda" on the line
will burn out a hundred yards of line, jump, run again, jump
some more before wearing out. 8 or 9wt fly rods with reels
capable of holding 200 yards of backing are suitable.
Sometimes finicky on fly, a red hot retrieve with a tube lure
or surface plug, on light spin tackle will draw many vicious
strikes. |
Bonnethead
Shark |
Bonnethead
Shark - The Bonnethead shark is a frequent visitor on the
shallow saltwater flats to forage for crabs and shrimp. He can
be easily fooled with fly or bait and provides some exciting
action. Many other sharks including (Lemons, Blacktips, Bull
and Hammerheads) may be encountered on the flats and channels.
These sharks can be targeted with fly or medium spin tackle.
10 to 12wt fly rods or 20 to 30lb spin gear should get the job
done. |
Jack Crevalle
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Jack
Crevalle -The Jack Crevalle is one of the great, light
tackle, saltwater game fish and is respected for its tenacious
fighting abilities. Jacks can be found herding and
chasing bait in the channels, or may be found following a
Stingray on the flats. When found they are one of the surest
bets for the fly or light tackle anglers. Jacks are aggressive
feeders and when in the mood will hit almost anything. Most
Jacks range in size from a couple pounds to around twenty
pounds and tackle should be appropriately matched. |
| Species
drawings compliments of the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission website at http://marinefisheries.org |
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reserve your guided fishing trip, email or call
Captain Jimi today!
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Flats
Charters in Key West
Full Day Trip
8 Hours
$600.00
3/4
Day Trip
6 Hours
$500.00 Half
Day Trip
4 Hours
$400.00
All
Tackle and Licenses provided
1-2 Anglers per boat |
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