Florida Keys flats fishing is like no other experience in the world! Here, you can cast right to the fish and watch them smash your lure in gin-clear water. This style of sight fishing combines some of the best of fishing and hunting into one epic saltwater adventure! Your main quarries here are Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon, but there will also be opportunities for Barracuda, Redfish, Jacks, and even small Sharks.
Lower Keys fly-fishing affords
... Read More world-class fishing just minutes from the dock. Captain Dale runs his charter out of Cudjoe Key at Mile Marker 21, but he charters Lower Keys fishing trips from Key West and the Marquesas to Big Pine Key and Marathon.
Newcomers, experienced anglers, and all skill levels in between are welcome. Captain Dale have fished the Lower Keys for many years, so he's got the experience and patience to make your trip a success. Although he specialize in fly fishing, he is more than adept at spin fishing with light tackle and has all the necessary gear. As he navigates the shallow flats, you'll witness an abundance of wildlife below and above the water's surface.
**What to Bring**
Polarized glasses — We'll be sight fishing and so polarized glasses are a must.
Sunscreen — There is no shade on the boat so you'll need sunscreen and protective clothing to protect you from the South Florida sun.
Food and Drink — I provide a cooler full of ice and water, but you need to bring whatever else you'd like to eat and drink for the day.
Rain gear — I try to keep us out of the chop and rain, but sometimes its unavoidable, so rain gear is a good idea.
Camera — Most of the fishing we will do is catch and release, so you'll want to capture your memories on camera.
You may bring your own gear if you'd like, though Captain Dale will supply top of the line rods, reels, line and flies as well. Sometimes there's nothing like the feel of a familiar rod or the thrill of catching a fish on grampa's classic. Just make sure your gear is up for the task. A good rule of thumb, is to make sure your gear is ready to go before we leave the dock. Sometimes the best fishing is just as the sun rises and you don't want to miss an opportunity due to poor preparation.
About Your Guide
Independent Guide
Captain Dale grew up in Virginia where he fished for bass, brim, and crappie in local farm ponds, starting from about as far back as he can remember.
After college, he moved west to Colorado and Montana. It was there that he learned the fine art of fly fishing. When he compare fly fishing to spin fishing, he's always reminded of the scene in Star Wars when Obi Wan Kenobi gives Luke his father’s light saber and says, "This is the weapon of a Jedi
... Read More Knignt. An elegant weapon for a more civilized age". The nuances of casting a fly rod, combined with the entomology of matching the hatch sucked him in to the sport. Looking to expand on his fly fishing experiences is what brought him to the Keys.
With the help of the guide and friend that he had fished with for several years, he bought his own skiff and started the arduous process of learning the water and tides and seasons of the Lower Florida Keys. After having worked for other charter companies to become a more well-rounded guide and angler and to learn as much as possible, he decided to start my own charter business. He has taken anglers of all experience levels and introduced them to this fishery and style of fishing that he love so much. Captain Dale hope you'll give him the opportunity to share this magical place with you and put you on fish that will give you a great Lower Keys flats fishing experience.
Captain Dale has a passion for flats fishing and can talk about it for hours on end. For that matter, he can talk about just about any kind of fishing for hours on end. Whatever flats fishing species is your draw — tarpon, permit, or bonefish, shark, or barracuda — Captain Dale loves to share his experiences and stories with you and hear your stories. Captain Dale has lived in and fished the Lower Florida Keys flats for many years and have fished in a number of other Caribbean locations; none compare to the Lower Florida Keys.
If you're new to flats fishing, Captain Dale can be a wealth of information and he'd love to pass it along to you. If you're new to saltwater fly fishing, even better. He can show you the ropes of how to handle these brutes of the flats, from fly fishing tackle to knots to flies. Captain Dale learned what gear and knots to tie over the years to make your flats fishing experience, whether fly or spin, a success. Even if you need help with planning your perfect Keys fishing vacation, feel free to contact me regarding lodging, local entertainment, museums, points of interest, or a good roadside flat to fish. Captain Dale will do all he can to welcome you into this unique area that He fell in love with years ago, and to point you in the right direction.
Start Location
Shallow Water Charters, Drost Drive, Cudjoe Key, FL, USA
(this guide can be flexible with their start location)
| Bodies of water fished: Florida Keys, Big Pine Key, Cudjoe Key, Duck Key, Summerland Key, Key West
About Your Boat
Boat Type
Skiff
Boat Manufacturer
Maverick Mirage HPX
Boat Length
17
Engine Manufacturer
Yamaha
Total Horsepower
70
Number of Engines
1
Additional Amenities
All Coast Guard required equipment and GPS, ample rod storage below deck, plenty of dry storage space for your electronics, cooler full of ice for your food and beverage
Amenities and Information
Water Type
Inshore, Flats
Skill Levels
Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate
Tackle
All rods, reels, and tackle are included.
Beer
Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.
Location
This trip has multiple pickup locations.
Weather
You will get a refund if the trip is canceled due to weather.
Fish Cleaning
No cleaning service provided.
Boat Restroom
No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.
Live Bait
No live bait provided.
Species
Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon
Techniques
Fly Fishing
Packing / Extras
Everything you'll need for your trip
Polarized glasses — We'll be sight fishing and so polarized glasses are a must. Sunscreen — There is no shade on the boat so you'll need sunscreen and protective clothing to protect you from the South Florida sun. Food and Drink — I provide a cooler full of ice and water, but you need to bring whatever else you'd like to eat and drink for the day. Rain gear — I try to keep us out of the chop and rain, but sometimes its unavoidable, so rain gear is a good idea. Camera — Most of the fishing we will do is catch and release, so you'll want to capture your memories on camera. Everything to fish provided.
Where to Buy a Fishing License
No license needed for this trip.
Things to Keep in Mind
Payment & Tipping
We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).
Cancellation/Refund Policy
The deposit for this trip is non-refundable (but if the weather is too bad to go out, you will still receive a credit back to your account).
Pricing Matrix
8 Hours
6 Hours
4 Hours
2 People
$880.00
$770.00
$660.00
1 Person
$880.00
$770.00
$660.00
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Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local captains that know where to put you on fish.
First Time Booking with Us?
Captain Experiences is the home of over 1500 Damn Good fishing and hunting guides. Our mission is to unlock the outdoors for everyone, and we want to help you get out there through our no-hassle online booking experience and our team of outdoors experts.
We vet our guides to make sure they are the best of the best. We want guides who not only put you on 'em, but show you a great time, keep you safe, and give you a memorable experience with your group.
Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!
In the case of inclement weather, our guides will make the call and we'll work with you to reschedule your trip or issue a credit for the full deposit of the trip to be used on any of our trips across the country. Your safety is our top concern.
Each trip’s price is set by the guide and factors in all of their costs. A big determinant of cost is often the type of boat and associated fuel costs, but other guide costs include leases, marina / slip fees, bait costs, and the cost to provide and maintain all of the gear you’ll need on your trip.
Once you book the trip, we will connect you directly with the guide to go over any additional details. In the meantime, our team is always available to answer your questions via email, text, chat, or call!
