Keys Flats & Backcountry Fishing

100% (1) Key West, FL 1 - 2 People 4 - 8 Hours From $550 Trip #10571
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

Step into the heart of the Florida Keys with Captain Karl for a private backcountry and flats fishing adventure. Whether you’re sight fishing the shallow Atlantic flats or exploring the calm, protected waters of the Gulf-side backcountry, this trip showcases some of the most exciting light-tackle fishing anywhere in the world.

On the flats, you’ll stalk shallow waters just 1–4 feet deep as Captain Karl poles the skiff into position. It’s a stealthy, thrilling way...

About Your Trip

Step into the heart of the Florida Keys with Captain Karl for a private backcountry and flats fishing adventure. Whether you’re sight fishing the shallow Atlantic flats or exploring the calm, protected waters of the Gulf-side backcountry, this trip showcases some of the most exciting light-tackle fishing anywhere in the world.

On the flats, you’ll stalk shallow waters just 1–4 feet deep as Captain Karl poles the skiff into position. It’s a stealthy, thrilling way to chase iconic species like Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish, with Barracuda, Jacks, Ladyfish, Sharks, and Cobia also in the mix. In the backcountry, you’ll fish around uninhabited mangrove islands in calmer water, an ideal option for those prone to seasickness or when the offshore weather kicks up.

You’ll fish from a 16’ Dolphin Super Skiff, a proven shallow-water machine designed for both comfort and performance. Powered by a Mercury outboard and paired with Simrad electronics, it’s the perfect setup to float skinny and handle chop. With room for up to two anglers, the boat is purpose-built for a hands-on, personalized experience.

Trips run 4, 6, or 8 hours depending on how deep you want to dive into the action. Rods, reels, tackle, and local expertise are all included—you just need to bring your essentials like sun protection, snacks, and drinks.

Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list fish or just want to experience the beauty of the Keys’ backcountry, Captain Karl will put you in the best spots for a safe, exciting, and unforgettable day on the water.
Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

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.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

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

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

4 hours 6 hours 8 hours
1 Person
$550.00
$750.00
$950.00
2 People
$550.00
$750.00
$950.00
Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.
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About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Karl

Karl T.

Independent Guide
Laid-back
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Comfortable
Quality
Talkative
Some people are born into fishing—Captain Karl was simply born for it. Without anyone showing him the ropes, he asked for a net and bucket at just three years old, and it was game on from there. While other kids were watching cartoons, Karl was glued to Saturday morning fishing shows. One episode featuring the Florida Keys lit a fire that never burned out—and chasing fish in those turquoise waters became his dream.

Karl’s first...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Karl

Karl T.

Independent Guide
Some people are born into fishing—Captain Karl was simply born for it. Without anyone showing him the ropes, he asked for a net and bucket at just three years old, and it was game on from there. While other kids were watching cartoons, Karl was glued to Saturday morning fishing shows. One episode featuring the Florida Keys lit a fire that never burned out—and chasing fish in those turquoise waters became his dream.

Karl’s first taste of Keys fishing came as a teenager at Sea Base, a Boy Scouts camp in the islands. Not long after, a college acceptance letter from Florida gave him the perfect excuse to move south. Between classes, he was busy chasing every species he’d grown up watching on TV, and before long, he found just as much joy in sharing those experiences as he did catching the fish himself.

After college, Karl earned his captain’s license and went to work for Sea Base, before joining one of the top backcountry and flats operations in the Lower Keys. With hundreds of trips under his belt—and often logging more days on the water than anyone else in the area—he sharpened his skills and built a reputation for delivering unforgettable days on the water.

Now running his own charter, Captain Karl is all about putting anglers in the right place, at the right time, for the experience of a lifetime. Whether it’s your first time casting on the flats or you're hunting that next trophy, Karl’s got the knowledge, passion, and local insight to make it happen.
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Start Location & Lodging Options

Key West, Florida

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Keys Flats & Backcountry Fishing
Boat Type
Skiff
Boat Manufacturer
Dolphin
Boat Length
16'
Boat Restroom
No

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Skiff
Boat Manufacturer
Dolphin
Boat Length
16'
Boat Restroom
No
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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

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.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

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

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • 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)

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

Everything is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.
You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.
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%).
Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.
In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.
We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.
Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code 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 event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.
Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.
After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.
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