Florida Keys Flats Fishing: Marathon, Florida

Flats Fishing Boat

Poling a flats fishing boat

Florida Keys Flats Fishing Charters – Marathon, FL

Meta Title: Florida Keys Flats Fishing Charters – Bonefish, Permit & Tarpon in Marathon, FL

Meta Description: Experience world-class Florida Keys flats fishing in Marathon. Target bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and more in crystal-clear waters with expert local guides. Book your charter today!

Focus Keyword Phrase: Florida Keys Flats Fishing


Discover the Magic of Florida Keys Flats Fishing

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.

Because of this rich habitat, the flats attract some of the most sought-after inshore species in the world, including bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, redfish, trout, snapper, barracuda, and sharks. 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.


Target Species

-Bonefish – Known as the “Grey Ghost,” these lightning-fast fish are a prized catch for any flats angler.

-Permit – Powerful, unpredictable, and often considered the most difficult flats fish to land.

-Tarpon – The legendary “Silver King,” capable of explosive jumps and blistering runs.

-Snook & Redfish – Ambush predators that thrive along mangrove edges and shallow channels.

-Spotted Sea Trout & Snapper – Great for light tackle fun and delicious table fare.

-Barracuda & Sharks – Hard-hitting predators that will test your drag.


Flats Fishing Tackle & Techniques

We primarily use light tackle spinning rods spooled with 10–20 lb braided line for precise casting and long-distance accuracy. For fly fishing enthusiasts, we recommend 8–12 wt fly rods with floating or intermediate lines, depending on the target species and conditions.

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.


The Boats

-Technical Flats Skiff – Ideal for 1–2 anglers, ultra-lightweight, and built to quietly navigate shallow water.

-Bay Boat – Comfortably accommodates 1–4 anglers, perfect for mixing flats fishing with light offshore or backcountry trips.


Why Flats Fishing in Marathon is Special

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. This versatility makes Marathon one of the best flats fishing destinations in the world.


Charter Trip Options

We offer 4, 6, and 8-hour Florida Keys flats fishing charters departing from Marathon, FL. 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.


Book Your Florida Keys Flats Fishing Adventure Today!

Step onto our boat and into some of the most exciting inshore fishing on the planet. Contact us to reserve your trip and let’s go find your dream fish!