Fly Fishing Charters in Marathon, Florida

Call or Text: (786) 508-2483

Marathon Fly Fishing

If you’re an adventurous fly fisherman, the Florida Keys should be at the top of your desired destinations. Here in South Florida, we have a huge variety of species that can be caught in a single day while fly fishing. At Angling Adventures in Marathon, Captain Rich Smith puts you on the flats where you can target Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Snook, and Redfish in some of the most beautiful waters in the entire United States. Whether you’re chasing a Grand Slam or mastering your first saltwater cast, fly fishing in the Florida Keys delivers an unforgettable experience.

Fly Fishing Charter Options & Pricing

Florida Keys Fly Fishing

Half-Day Charter (4 Hours)
Perfect for targeting specific species or learning fly fishing techniques. Ideal for beginners wanting to experience saltwater fly fishing or anglers with limited time.

3/4-Day Charter (6 Hours) ⭐ Most Popular
Our recommended option for serious fly fishing. Enough time to work multiple flats, target different species, and maximize your shots at the fish you’re after. The best choice for Grand Slam opportunities.

Full-Day Charter (8 Hours)
Maximum time on the water for the ultimate fly fishing adventure. Perfect for experienced anglers chasing multiple species or those wanting to explore different environments from backcountry mangroves to open flats.

Capacity: 18′ Flats Skiff holds 1-2 anglers for optimal fly fishing conditions.

For pricing and availability, visit our Booking & Reservation Page →

The Marathon Fly Fishing Season: When to Book

Fly Fishing Miami

Peak Season (March through October)
Warm water brings peak activity for all major species. This is prime time for Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish on the flats. The Grand Slam window opens wide during these months.

Year-Round Opportunities
Fly fishing in the Florida Keys is a year-round adventure. Every month of the year, multiple species can be caught. During cooler months, we target Snook and Redfish in the backcountry, along with resident juvenile Tarpon in the mangroves.

Why Captain Rich Smith is Your Best Bet for Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing In Miami

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. We target proven hotspots: pristine flats for bonefish and permit, backcountry mangroves for tarpon and snook, and channels where multiple species converge.

Hands-On Teaching Approach
Fly fishing requires skill, and we teach you the techniques that work. You’ll learn to spot fish in crystal-clear water, make accurate casts in wind, proper strip sets for saltwater species, and fighting strategies for powerful fish. Whether you’re a seasoned fly angler or trying saltwater for the first time, we adjust tactics based on your skill level.

Professional Equipment & Gear
We believe in using only the finest equipment during our fishing charters. This is why we use Van Staal C-VEX Fly Reels in combination with X-Rodz Custom Made Fly Rods. Van Staal is the leader in saltwater fishing reels. Their motto “No Limitations” is a fact. After nearly 10 years of using Van Staal reels, we can honestly say we’ve never lost a fish because of the reel.

Each of our fly rods are custom made by Jim Mercier, owner of X-Rodz in Kirkland, Washington. His line of rods are custom tooled for specific applications. For example, if the wind is very calm and we are fishing for tailing bonefish, we use an ultra slow action 7-weight rod so the fly line will hit the water softly. Or if we are fishing in higher winds, we will use a much faster action rod so you can get the fly where it needs to be to catch the fish.

What Makes Florida Keys Fly Fishing Special

Fly Fishing In Miami

Here in the Florida Keys, we target some of the most sought-after saltwater species on the fly:

Tarpon
Juvenile Tarpon (5-30 lbs) cruise around mangrove shoreline edges, often rolling to the surface for air. Giant migratory Tarpon (80-150+ lbs) require 12-weight rods and test even experienced anglers.

Bonefish
Fast, spooky, and incredibly challenging. These fish require stealth, accurate casting, and quick reflexes.

Permit
Considered by many to be the hardest fish to catch on fly. Permit are notoriously picky and require perfect presentations.

Snook
Powerful fish that ambush prey around mangrove edges and structure. They deliver explosive strikes and hard runs.

Redfish
Sight-casting to tailing redfish on shallow flats is visual fly fishing at its finest. These fish are aggressive and provide excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

The Grand Slam Opportunity
Catch Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit in a single day. This is one of fly fishing’s greatest achievements and the Florida Keys offer some of the best opportunities in the world to accomplish it.

Logistics: Boats, Location, and What to Expect

Our Fly Fishing Fleet

Best Tarpon Fishing Charter

18′ Flats Skiff
Purpose-built for fly fishing. Gets into skinny water where fish cruise the flats. Elevated casting platform for better visibility and casting angles. Designed specifically for sight-fishing with flies. Holds 1-2 anglers for optimal fishing conditions.

Gear We Use

Fly Rod Setup:

  • 5-8 weight rods for juvenile Tarpon, Snook, Redfish
  • 8-10 weight rods for Bonefish, Permit, larger fish
  • 12-weight rods for giant Tarpon
  • All rods are custom X-Rodz built for specific applications

Fly Reel Setup:

  • Van Staal C-VEX Fly Reels
  • Built for saltwater’s toughest environments
  • Proven reliable for landing big fish

Fly Selection:

  • Tarpon flies: bunny strips, toads, EP flies
  • Bonefish flies: Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, shrimp patterns
  • Permit flies: crab patterns in multiple sizes
  • Snook/Redfish flies: Clousers, poppers, shrimp patterns

What to Bring:
If you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. We provide all equipment if needed, but many experienced fly anglers prefer their own rods.

Departure Point

Angling Adventures
Island Fish Company Restaurant
Mile Marker 54, Oceanside
Marathon, FL 33050

Get Directions on Google Maps →

We also launch from various locations depending on tides, wind, and target species. Flexibility is key in fly fishing success.

Fly Fishing FAQ

Do I need fly fishing experience?
Not at all! We teach beginners the fundamentals of saltwater fly fishing. If you have freshwater fly fishing experience, we’ll help you adapt to saltwater species and conditions. Experienced saltwater fly anglers will benefit from our local knowledge and proven techniques.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses (essential for sight-fishing), hat with brim, rain jacket, camera, food and drinks. Buff or face covering for sun protection. Check our Getting Prepared page for a complete packing list.

Are fishing licenses included?
Yes. All Florida fishing licenses are covered under your charter.

Can I bring my own fly gear?
Absolutely! Many experienced fly anglers prefer their own rods and reels. We provide all equipment if needed, including rods, reels, flies, and leaders.

What’s the best time of day for fly fishing?
It depends on tides and target species. Low tides concentrate fish on deeper flats and channels. High tides push fish onto shallow flats. We customize departure times based on optimal tidal windows for the species you’re targeting.

What’s a Grand Slam?
Catching Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit in a single day. This is one of fly fishing’s greatest achievements. The Florida Keys offer some of the best opportunities in the world to accomplish it, especially during spring and summer months.

How challenging is saltwater fly fishing?
It’s more challenging than freshwater. Wind, tides, spooky fish, and powerful runs test your skills. But it’s incredibly rewarding. We teach you the techniques that work, and adjust difficulty based on your experience level.

Fly Fishing Locations We Target

Marathon Flats
Crystal-clear water with perfect sight-fishing conditions for Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon. These pristine flats offer world-class fly fishing opportunities.

Backcountry Mangroves
Protected waters perfect for Snook, Redfish, and juvenile Tarpon. The backcountry offers calmer conditions when wind makes flats fishing difficult.

Everglades National Park – Flamingo
Some of the most beautiful waters in the entire United States. A really fun thing to do is venture to Flamingo, located inside Everglades National Park just west of Miami, and target juvenile Tarpon. These fish are in large numbers cruising around mangrove shoreline edges.

Biscayne Bay
If you choose to stay close to Miami and fly fish Biscayne Bay, you can target Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon in a single day just about in the same exact spots. This is Grand Slam territory.

See the Action: Fly Fishing Video Gallery

Watch More Epic Catches →

Book Your Marathon Fly Fishing Trip Today!

Experience world-class fly fishing in the Florida Keys. Target multiple species in a single day. Learn from 25+ years of local expertise. Whether you’re chasing a Grand Slam or your first saltwater fish on fly, we put you in position for success.

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.

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