Flats fishing can be an exciting and rewarding experience for fishermen of all ages, whether just beginning or accomplished angler. Flats are long, level, shallow water areas next to deeper water. They are found in bays estuaries and marshes. They are also found atop reefs and atolls, and along shorelines.
The bottom of a flat may be made up of grass, sand, rock, mud, gravel, or a combination of these. Flats with grass or other aquatic vegetation offer cover and food for a variety of fish as well as shrimp and crabs. The most sought after fish when flats fishing include redfish, tarpon, seatrout, bonefish, permit and snook. Other popular catches are striped bass, bluefish, barracuda, shark, cobia and mutton snapper.
When choosing the best areas for flats fishing, look for flats that are 8 feet deep or less. More productive flats usually contain stumps, brush piles, grass beds or other types of cover. Flats that contain shallow ditches or humps are especially attractive to bass. Also look for baitfish, crabs and other "fish foods".
Observe tides carefully when locating good flats to fish. Some will be totally dry during low tide. As the tide rises, game fish will move in to feed whereas when the tide drops gamefish will wait for crabs and baitfish to flee the flat.
Flats are usually fished with fly gear or light spinning gear. Light tackle is the rule. Fly rods should be 8 or 9 weight. If you are using a spinning outfit, load it with no stronger than 12 pound test. Live bait such as mullet, pigfish, pinfish and shrimp works well. If you are using artificial lures, any size with attractor colors may be used from May through June. If you are flats fishing during July through August, natural colored lures work best.
Other equipment to include on your fishing trip is proper footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a raincoat and plenty of water to drink. Hydration is important since most flats fishing takes place in sunny climates such as the Florida Keys and the Caribbean, as well as lakes and rivers across the United States and other countries.
The most important equipment required is usually a small skiff with no more than two fishermen aboard. This lets the guide pole across shallow waters with ease, to reach the best flats. Also remember to wear light colored clothing to reflect the sun's heat, and be less visible to the fish.
At the southern most part of the United States, located between the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Bay are the Florida Keys. Not only is this one of the most amazing places to vacation, with breathtaking scenery, sandy beaches, and crystal clear water; but there is an abundance of fish that inhabit the warm waters of the Florida Keys. Here, the enormous variety of fish species ranges from Kingfish to Permit. You can go off shore fishing for the big game such as Tuna and Marlin, but the Keys are also ideal for flat fishing on the Florida Bay for Bonefish or Tarpon. Each of the Keys is acknowledged for a special type of fish. Although the species of fish available may vary in different seasons, there is always something to catch year-round in the Keys.
Islamorada is one of the Upper Keys, and known as the sport fishing capital of the world. There have been more record-breaking fish caught here than anywhere in the world. Unlike anywhere else on the Atlantic Coast, the waters of the Gulf Stream are only a few miles offshore. These waters carry hundreds of different species of fish, as well as all warm water game fish that swims in the Northern hemisphere.
Fly fishing is becoming increasingly popular in Islamorada, catching many different types of fish. Some of the most popular fish caught on fly are Spotted Trout, Blue Marlin, Tarpon, and Bonefish.
You may choose to go offshore fishing in the breathtaking blue-green waters of Islamorada. Here you will find fish such as Sailfish, Dolphin, Marlin, Kingfish, Yellowtail, Wahoo, and Mutton Snapper.
If you fish in the beautiful backcountry bays, you will likely find Redfish, Snook, Sea Trout, Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, as well as many other fish. The waters here are calmer and shallower than that of the ocean. This allows for the use of flats and poling your boat.
Although you are likely to find most species of fish year round, there are certain seasons when specific fish are most abundant in the area.
Spring Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Snapper, Tarpon, Yellowtail, Wahoo
Summer Tarpon, Dolphin, Yellowtail, Blue Marlin
Fall Wahoo, Kingfish, Grouper, Bonefish, Snook
There are many fishing tournaments throughout the year in Islamorada. Some of these tournaments include; Captains take “the Cup", Islamorada Swordfish Tournament, Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge, George Bush Cheeca Lodge Bonefish Tournament, and Hog’s Breath King Mackerel Tournament.
There are hundreds of fishing charters, boat rentals, and guides located at the many marinas, to familiarize you with the best areas to fish. The different fishing charters include backcountry flats fishing, light tackle fishing, party boats, and offshore fishing. Because of the importance of local knowledge, it is best to choose fishing charter captains from locals who are familiar to fishing in the area.
Both Wayne Gilbert & Kristy Bateman are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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