Lower Keys Flats Fishing

Lower Keys fly-fishing affords 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.

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 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.