Florida Keys Flats Fishing Charters in Marathon, Florida
Call or Text: (786) 508-2483
The Florida Keys is home to hundreds of miles of pristine, shallow-water flats teeming with marine life. These calm, crystal-clear estuaries and seagrass beds form the foundation of the entire ocean food chain. Here, you’ll find everything from plankton and turtle grass to shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans — the perfect buffet for larger predatory gamefish. At Angling Adventures in Marathon, Captain Rich Smith puts you on these rich flats where you’ll find some of the most sought-after inshore species in the world. Spotting these fish in mere inches of water and sight casting to them is a thrilling and highly rewarding challenge — the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Flats Fishing Charter Options & Pricing
Half-Day Charter (4 Hours)
Great introduction to flats fishing. Perfect for targeting specific species or learning sight-casting techniques. Ideal for anglers with limited time.
3/4-Day Charter (6 Hours) ⭐ Most Popular
Our recommended option for serious flats fishing. Enough time to work multiple flats, target different species, and maximize your shots at trophy fish. Perfect balance of travel time and fishing action.
Full-Day Charter (8 Hours)
Maximum time on the water for the ultimate flats fishing adventure. Explore oceanside flats for bonefish and permit, then move into the backcountry for tarpon, snook, and redfish, all in a single trip.
Boats Available:
- Technical Flats Skiff – Ideal for 1-2 anglers, ultra-lightweight, built to quietly navigate shallow water
- Bay Boat – Comfortably accommodates 1-4 anglers, perfect for mixing flats fishing with light offshore or backcountry trips
For pricing and availability, visit our Booking & Reservation Page →
The Marathon Flats Fishing Season: When to Book
Year-Round Opportunities
Flats fishing in the Florida Keys is excellent year-round. Different species are available throughout the seasons, providing consistent action in crystal-clear shallow waters.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring and summer bring peak Tarpon activity. Fall and winter offer excellent Bonefish and Permit opportunities. Snook and Redfish are available throughout the year in backcountry areas.
Why Captain Rich Smith is Your Best Bet for Flats Fishing
Unmatched Local Knowledge
After 25+ years fishing Marathon’s waters daily, Captain Rich knows exactly where fish are holding based on tide, season, wind, and conditions. The Middle Florida Keys — especially the waters around Marathon — offer a unique blend of habitats. You can fish classic oceanside flats for bonefish and permit, then move into the backcountry for tarpon, snook, and redfish, all in a single trip.
Stealth and Precision
Fishing on the flats is all about stealth. The water is often less than three feet deep, so spooking fish is easy. Our technical flats skiff allows us to pole silently within casting range, giving you the best shot at a successful hookup.
Expert Teaching Approach
Whether you’re an experienced sight fisherman or a beginner looking to learn, we tailor each trip to your goals, skill level, and seasonal opportunities. We teach you proper sight-casting techniques, reading the water, and fighting fish in shallow environments.
What Makes Florida Keys Flats Fishing Special
Because of the rich habitat, the flats attract some of the most sought-after inshore species in the world:
Bonefish
Known as the “Grey Ghost,” these lightning-fast fish are a prized catch for any flats angler. Spotting them in crystal-clear water and making accurate casts tests your skills.
Permit
Powerful, unpredictable, and often considered the most difficult flats fish to land. These elusive fish are the ultimate challenge for experienced anglers.
Tarpon
The legendary “Silver King,” capable of explosive jumps and blistering runs. Sight-casting to Tarpon on the flats is an unforgettable experience.
Snook & Redfish
Ambush predators that thrive along mangrove edges and shallow channels. Perfect targets in backcountry flats and creek mouths.
Spotted Sea Trout & Snapper
Great for light tackle fun and delicious table fare. These species provide consistent action on the flats.
Barracuda & Sharks
Hard-hitting predators that will test your drag. Visual fishing for these aggressive species adds excitement to any flats trip.
Logistics: Boats, Location, and What to Expect
Our Flats Fishing Fleet
Technical Flats Skiff (1-2 Anglers)
Ideal for serious flats fishing. Ultra-lightweight and built to quietly navigate shallow water. We pole silently within casting range of fish. Perfect for sight-casting and fly fishing in less than three feet of water.
Bay Boat (1-4 Anglers)
Comfortably accommodates small groups. Perfect for mixing flats fishing with light offshore or backcountry trips. Great option for families or anglers wanting versatility.
Flats Fishing Tackle & Techniques
Light Tackle Spinning:
- Light tackle spinning rods spooled with 10-20 lb braided line
- Precise casting and long-distance accuracy
- Perfect for targeting all flats species
Fly Fishing:
- 8-12 wt fly rods recommended
- Floating or intermediate lines depending on target species
- Ideal for experienced fly anglers and those wanting to learn
Stealth Approach:
- Water often less than three feet deep
- Silent poling to avoid spooking fish
- Sight-casting to visible fish
- Thrilling visual fishing experience
What’s Provided:
All fishing gear, tackle, lures, flies, licenses, cooler with ice
What to Bring:
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses (essential for sight-fishing), hat, camera, rain jacket, food and drinks. Check our Getting Prepared page for a complete packing list.
Departure Point
Angling Adventures
Island Fish Company Restaurant
Mile Marker 54, Oceanside
Marathon, FL 33050
Get Directions on Google Maps →
Marathon’s location in the Middle Florida Keys provides access to both oceanside flats and backcountry environments.
Flats Fishing FAQ
What species can we catch?
Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Spotted Sea Trout, Snapper, Barracuda, and Sharks. Species variety depends on season, location, and conditions.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses (absolutely essential for sight-fishing), hat, camera, rain jacket, food and drinks. Polarized glasses are critical for spotting fish in shallow water. Check our Getting Prepared page for a complete list.
Are fishing licenses included?
Yes. All Florida fishing licenses are covered under your charter.
Do I need flats fishing experience?
Not at all! We welcome anglers of all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. We teach you the techniques that work: proper sight-casting, reading the water, spotting fish, and fighting fish in shallow environments.
Is flats fishing difficult?
It’s more challenging than some other types of fishing because you’re sight-casting to visible fish in shallow water. Fish spook easily, so stealth and accuracy are critical. But that’s what makes it so rewarding! We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
What’s the best time of year for flats fishing?
Year-round fishing is excellent. Spring and summer bring peak Tarpon activity. Fall and winter offer excellent Bonefish and Permit opportunities. Snook and Redfish are available throughout the year.
Can we fish with fly rods?
Absolutely! Flats fishing is one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the world. We recommend 8-12 wt fly rods with floating or intermediate lines. We provide fly gear if needed, or you can bring your own.
Which boat should we choose?
1-2 anglers serious about flats fishing = Technical flats skiff for the ultimate shallow-water experience. 3-4 anglers or families wanting versatility = Bay boat for comfort and ability to mix flats with other fishing styles.
Why is Marathon special for flats fishing?
Marathon’s location in the Middle Florida Keys offers a unique blend of habitats. You can fish classic oceanside flats for bonefish and permit, then move into the backcountry for tarpon, snook, and redfish, all in a single trip. This versatility makes Marathon one of the best flats fishing destinations in the world.
The Flats Fishing Experience
Flats fishing offers a unique combination of skill, stealth, and visual excitement. The crystal-clear water allows you to see fish cruising in mere inches of water. Our technical flats skiff gets you close enough for accurate casts without spooking fish.
The challenge is what makes flats fishing so rewarding. Reading the water, spotting subtle movements, making precise casts, and fighting powerful fish in shallow environments tests your abilities like no other type of fishing.
Marathon’s versatile habitat means every trip is different. One moment you’re sight-casting to tailing redfish in backcountry mangroves, the next you’re presenting a fly to permit on pristine oceanside flats. This variety keeps experienced anglers coming back season after season.
See the Action: Flats Fishing Video Gallery
Book Your Florida Keys Flats Fishing Trip Today!
Step onto our boat and into some of the most exciting inshore fishing on the planet. Crystal-clear water, pristine flats, and world-class gamefish await. From sight-casting to bonefish on oceanside flats to targeting tarpon in backcountry channels, Marathon flats fishing delivers unforgettable experiences. Perfect for anglers seeking the ultimate shallow-water challenge.
Call or Text: (786) 508-2483
Email: info@captainrichsmith.com
Visit our Booking & Reservation Page for pricing and availability.
Check our Getting Prepared page for what to bring on your trip.
Related Fishing Charters
- Marathon Tarpon Fishing – Tarpon on the flats
- Marathon Fly Fishing – Fly fishing flats
- Backcountry Fishing – Protected flats
- Marathon Barracuda Fishing – Flats barracuda
- All Types of Fishing
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