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Bonefish: Known for very fast and very long first runs,
this is probably the species most synonymous with flats fishing. There is a reason why
they are called "gray ghost of the flats" and are a real light tackle challenge.
Here in the Keys, bonefish generally average in the 6 to 8 pound range with fish of 10 to
12 or larger not uncommon. They are usually fished in water less than two feet deep, and
sometimes are seen so shallow that their tails and dorsal fins show as they root out food
from the bottom. This is called "tailing" and is the most demanding of angler
skills. Bonefish prefer water temperatures over 72 degrees, but can sometimes be found in
slightly cooler conditions. They are here year round and can be caught whenever conditions
are favorable. The best months are probably March through November.
Permit: The permit is a very strong and hard fighting fish,
averaging 8 to 16 pounds. Fish in the 20 to 35 pound range are common with fish to near 50
pounds showing fairly often. They seem to tolerate slightly cooler and slightly warmer
conditions than the bones, and are also here all year with February thru November probably
being most productive. Permit are usually found in waters less than 3 to 4 feet deep and
will also float in channels or off flat edges in calm situations. They can often be the
most challenging species to approach and hook with a subsequent battle that can last an
hour or more. The permit fishing in the Lower Keys and Key West is arguably the best in
the world, especially for really large fish.
Tarpon: These incredible fish offer the ultimate in a
shallow water big game fish. During the spring migrations, fish can average from 80 to
over 150 pounds. They can be found rolling and feeding in deep backcountry finger
channels, in shallow grassy basins or along the edges of bars and flats in 4 to 6 feet of
water. Known for explosive strikes and unbelievable jumps, these "silver kings"
are the favorite of many anglers. Tarpon tend to prefer water temps in the mid 70's for
the channels and usually need 78-79 degrees for the flats. The big fish are here in good
to excellent numbers from March through July and small tarpon 8-20 pounds are here
year-round, disappearing during cold fronts in winter.
Barracuda: Perhaps the most overlooked and underrated
gamefish on the flats! These incredibly fast and aggressive fish swarm onto the flats in
winter with the first few cold fronts and subsequent water temperature drop. They are
usually hungry and willing and average 12 to 20 pounds. Cudas will give you everything you
could want from a gamefish. They jump well, strike very hard, have huge teeth, and are far
and away the fastest inshore fish. They are fished usually in depths of 2 to 5 feet and
are most prevalent late January through mid April.
Sharks, Snappers & Jacks: These species are available
all year, conditions permitting. The sharks are usually lemons, bulls, black-tip and
spinners, and all are found on the flats. They can all be very aggressive to well
presented baits, lures and flies, and are really strong fighters. Mutton snappers are most
available in spring and fall and are often found tailing or following big sting rays in
the shallows. These hard battling fish can be extremely wary and are a real challenge. The
jacks are back in good numbers since the Florida Net-Ban has finally allowed populations
to rebuild. These powerful fish will at times strike anything that moves and are tenacious
fighters.
PERMIT