Keys Flats & Backcountry Trip

100% (2) Islamorada, FL 1 - 3 People 4 - 8 Hours From $600 Trip #9449
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
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 aboard Captain Mike’s 18' Dolphin Backcountry skiff and get ready for a day of unforgettable fishing in the heart of the Florida Keys. Offering both full and half-day charters, Captain Mike brings nearly fifty years of experience and a deep-rooted connection to these waters as a fourth-generation Islamorada native. With a 150 HP Yamaha SHO powering his custom-built vessel, you’ll glide effortlessly across the flats, weave through mangrove mazes, and explore the hidden gems...

About Your Trip

Step aboard Captain Mike’s 18' Dolphin Backcountry skiff and get ready for a day of unforgettable fishing in the heart of the Florida Keys. Offering both full and half-day charters, Captain Mike brings nearly fifty years of experience and a deep-rooted connection to these waters as a fourth-generation Islamorada native. With a 150 HP Yamaha SHO powering his custom-built vessel, you’ll glide effortlessly across the flats, weave through mangrove mazes, and explore the hidden gems of Everglades National Park in search of some of the most exciting game fish the region has to offer.

When you fish with Captain Mike, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re stepping into a legacy. Raised on these waters and mentored by the seasoned captains who came before him, Captain Mike has spent a lifetime mastering the backcountry. From stalking tailing Redfish in gin-clear shallows to battling Tarpon in the winding creeks of the ‘Glades, every outing is an expertly guided exploration of the most productive and picturesque fishing grounds around.

Depending on the day and the conditions, you might find yourself poling across the flats in pursuit of Snook and Speckled Trout, bouncing jigs over wrecks for Mangrove Snapper and Black Drum, or heading deeper into the Everglades to tangle with Goliath Grouper and other heavyweight species. These trips also double as a front-row seat to the incredible wildlife that thrives here—keep your eyes peeled for manatees, dolphins, turtles, crocodiles, and a variety of exotic birds that call these waters home.

Whether you're an experienced angler chasing a bucket-list catch or a family looking for a fun and scenic day on the water, Captain Mike will tailor the trip to fit your goals and skill level. All bait, tackle, rods, and licenses are provided, and Captain Mike is happy to clean any keepers you reel in. Just bring your favorite snacks and drinks, dress for the weather, and get ready for a true Keys fishing experience with one of Islamorada’s most knowledgeable and passionate guides.
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 8 hours
1 Person
$600.00
$900.00
2 People
$600.00
$900.00
3 People
$700.00
$1,000.00
Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.
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Contact Us

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Mike

Mike B.

Independent Guide
US Veteran Veteran
Talkative
Laid-back
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Comfortable
Quantity
I am a 3rd generation keys native as I was born here in the Florida Keys. I have lived here in the Florida keys for 61 years. I have extensive knowledge of the surrounding 3 bodies of water the shallow water flats, the Gulf and the Everglades National park also known as the Backcountry. My family is from here and have been since the late 1800's to early 1900's. My charters are comprised of live...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Mike

Mike B.

Independent Guide
I am a 3rd generation keys native as I was born here in the Florida Keys. I have lived here in the Florida keys for 61 years. I have extensive knowledge of the surrounding 3 bodies of water the shallow water flats, the Gulf and the Everglades National park also known as the Backcountry. My family is from here and have been since the late 1800's to early 1900's. My charters are comprised of live bait / light tackle only. I do not do fly fishing. The fish that I target are seasonal as different species bite at different times of the year and in different areas. We can target different species sometimes in a day depending on how much time we have to work with wind and other factors that will be discussed before our trip. We can target Snook, Redfish, Trout, Tarpon, Goliath Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, Tripletail, Jack Crevelle, mangrove Snapper and many other species.
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
1000 pound Sawfish, customer caught it . Not me !
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Seafood

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
1000 pound Sawfish, customer caught it . Not me !
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Seafood
What’s your favorite band?
Don’t have one as I listen to everything
What’s your favorite movie?
Don’t have one as I have many
What’s your favorite sports team?
Miami Hurricanes
What’s your drink of choice?
Water , when off a beer or two
What was your last halloween costume?
Fisherman 😆
What do you want for Christmas this year?
Money
How did you get started guiding?
Got out of the Army and knew the water . Started 27 years ago.
What makes you different from other guides?
I’m from here , was born here in the Florida Keys and have fished here for over 50 years!
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Start Location & Lodging Options

Islamorada, Florida
Areas Fished

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Keys Flats & Backcountry Trip
Boat Type
Skiff
Boat Manufacturer
Dolphin Backcounty
Year Built
2022
Boat Length
18'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Skiff
Boat Manufacturer
Dolphin Backcounty
Year Built
2022
Boat Length
18'
Boat Restroom
No
Engine Manufacturer
Yamaha
Total Horsepower
150
Number of Engines
1
Additional Amenities
Casting and poling platforms
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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

All gear 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.

Reviews

5.0
based on 2 reviews

Matthew

Verified Review

August 15

From the moment we stepped on the boat, it felt like we’d known Capt. Mike forever. He delivered exactly what he promised — a true backwater experience.

First cast of the day? A Goliath Grouper. Moments later, a solid Snook. We had multiple hookups after that, though a few were lost in the structure (totally on us). When the tide shifted, Capt. Mike made quick adjustments and put us right back on the fish. He even...

Matthew

Verified Review

August 15

From the moment we stepped on the boat, it felt like we’d known Capt. Mike forever. He delivered exactly what he promised — a true backwater experience.

First cast of the day? A Goliath Grouper. Moments later, a solid Snook. We had multiple hookups after that, though a few were lost in the structure (totally on us). When the tide shifted, Capt. Mike made quick adjustments and put us right back on the fish. He even gave us the choice to chase trout and reds, but we wanted Snook and Grouper — and he delivered!

Per my wife’s request, he took us to see crocodiles and manatees, which absolutely made her day. On the way back, we spent time with a playful pod of bottlenose dolphins — an unforgettable bonus.

If you love the idea of feeding tarpon at Robbie’s, just book a trip with Capt. Mike — you can have that same thrilling experience right at the end of your day on the water.

A fantastic half-day, lifetime memories with my wife, and the pleasure of fishing with a genuinely great guy. We will absolutely book with Capt. Mike again. Highly recommended!
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Beau

Verified Review

July 5

We had a great time fishing! Mike was a great guide, we would definitely recommend.

Beau

Verified Review

July 5

We had a great time fishing! Mike was a great guide, we would definitely recommend.
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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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