About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide John Smouse

John Smouse

Outfitter
Talkative
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Comfortable
Quality
Laid-back
ShadowCaster is a locally rooted guiding company specializing in shallow-water fishing throughout the Backcountry and flats of Key West. For more than two decades, our captains have committed themselves to studying the tides, wind patterns, seasonal migrations, and unique environments that make this fishery one of the most dynamic in the world.

We offer hands-on, light-tackle trips designed for anglers of all experience levels. Every outing is shaped by the conditions of the day and supported by a deep understanding of how fish move through these waters.

Captain Travis is a South Florida native with a sharp instinct for fish and a serious work ethic. He’s been on the water since childhood and is currently studying marine engineering—bringing both brain and brawn to the boat. Travis is all about maximizing your time and dialing in every detail to get you hooked up.

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide John Smouse

John Smouse

Outfitter
ShadowCaster is a locally rooted guiding company specializing in shallow-water fishing throughout the Backcountry and flats of Key West. For more than two decades, our captains have committed themselves to studying the tides, wind patterns, seasonal migrations, and unique environments that make this fishery one of the most dynamic in the world.

We offer hands-on, light-tackle trips designed for anglers of all experience levels. Every outing is shaped by the conditions of the day and supported by a deep understanding of how fish move through these waters.

Captain Travis is a South Florida native with a sharp instinct for fish and a serious work ethic. He’s been on the water since childhood and is currently studying marine engineering—bringing both brain and brawn to the boat. Travis is all about maximizing your time and dialing in every detail to get you hooked up.
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Key West Backcountry Fishing

NEW 1 - 8 People 4 - 8 Hours From $750
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
4-8 Hours Fishing Trip

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

ShadowCaster is a locally rooted service specializing in shallow-water fishing throughout the Backcountry and flats of Key West. For more than two decades, our captains have committed themselves to studying the tides, wind patterns, seasonal migrations, and unique environments that make this fishery one of the most dynamic in the world.

We offer hands-on, light-tackle trips designed for anglers of all experience levels. Every outing is shaped by the conditions of the day and supported...

About Your Trip

ShadowCaster is a locally rooted service specializing in shallow-water fishing throughout the Backcountry and flats of Key West. For more than two decades, our captains have committed themselves to studying the tides, wind patterns, seasonal migrations, and unique environments that make this fishery one of the most dynamic in the world.

We offer hands-on, light-tackle trips designed for anglers of all experience levels. Every outing is shaped by the conditions of the day and supported
by a deep understanding of how fish move through these waters.

This isn’t just fishing—it’s a front-row seat to wild, unspoiled Florida Keys beauty. The area you’ll explore includes the Great White Heron and Key West National Wildlife Refuges, where the waters still look like they did hundreds of years ago.

Your main targets? The legendary "Big Three" of flats fishing:

🎯 Tarpon – explosive power and acrobatics

🎯 Permit – elusive, strong, and built for the chase

🎯 Bonefish – fast, ghost-like fighters that demand finesse

You’ll also encounter sharks, barracuda, snapper, and jacks along the way—there’s always something ready to put your skills to the test.

Captain John and his crew specialize in both light tackle and fly fishing, and they’re pros at customizing the trip to match your experience level. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just looking for fun in the sun, the team delivers expert instruction, local insight, and good vibes all day long.

You’ll fish aboard a sleek 22’ Pathfinder—a top-tier flats boat built for comfort, stealth, and performance. Outfitted with:

- T-Top sunshade for relief from the heat
- MinnKota trolling motor for quiet, shallow-water approaches
- Garmin electronics, Power Pole anchor, and a Fusion Bluetooth stereo
- 65qt cooler to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh

All rods, reels, bait, tackle, and licenses are included, and your catch will be cleaned at the end of the trip. Just bring sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, and a sense of adventure.

From glassy sandbars to mangrove-lined creeks, every cast out here is a shot at something unforgettable. Book now and experience Key West flats fishing with one of the best teams in the Keys!
Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Key West Backcountry Fishing
Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
Pathfinder
Boat Length
22'
Boat Restroom
No

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
Pathfinder
Boat Length
22'
Boat Restroom
No
Additional Amenities
T-Top, Sunshade, Fusion Bluetooth Stereo, MinnKota Trolling Motor, Garmin Electronics, Power Pole, 65qt cooler
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

SHADOW CASTER CHARTERS Photo Gallery

Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 26th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 17th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 17th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 17th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 26th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 26th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 26th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 26th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 26th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 17th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 26th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 17th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 17th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 26th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 17th, 2025
Key West, Florida
Key West Backcountry Fishing
December 17th, 2025
Key West, Florida
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