Beautiful clear flats are studded with abundant mangrove shorelines. That's the Florida Keys, some of the finest Backcountry fishing in the world! That is the back-drop these hard fighting game fish occupy, Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Redfish, and Snook. Capt. Duane specializes in fishing for them all, whether you prefer Light Tackle or the Fly.  

Tarpon Temptation...

Superb Fly Fishing! The Ultimate fish on fly or light tackle is the Tarpon, known as the Silver King. March through September, sight fishing for Tarpon in the Keys rivals that of any other place in the world. You will never forget the experience of casting to a school of 50-150 pound Tarpon, and the heart stopping thrill when he takes your line! Occasionally fish top the 200 lb. mark, and Capt. Duane has the expertise and equipment to hook you up. Although tarpon are available March through September, the summer months are prime Tarpon fishing.

Bonefish Bonanza

Known for very fast and very long first runs, this is probably the best-known species in Florida Keys 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 are here year round and can be caught whenever conditions are favorable. Are you up for the challenge?

Permit Perfection...

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 warmer conditions than bonefish, and are most productive from March thru September.

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 will leave you with a lasting memory.

Redfish Rodeo...

The most distinguishing feature about the redfish is the deep bronze color and the black dot on the tail. Reds can be caught throughout most of the year, with the largest fish appearing in the late spring and staying through fall. Redfish reach maturity in their third year of life, by this time they should be about 27" or longer. This is the point in their life when the larger fish will move offshore into the deeper waters to become breeders.

Before this occurs they will stay in the shallow grass flats, mangrove banks and oyster bars, looking for an easy meal. Being primarily a crustacean eater you can imagine the smorgasbord of fare that is available to them.

These are the fish that we cater to. Searching the bars and banks for a likely ambush spot where they are sure to be. But the all time dead give-away is on the low tides when the fish are forced out onto the flats.