Back Bone charters
HomeTrips & RatesGalleryReviewsReportsTarget SpeciesMeet the Guide

Learn More

My Trips

Top-Rated South Florida Flats Fishing Charter

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Florida
  • Updated Date: December 10, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a half-day fishing adventure in the shallow waters off Miami and Key Largo. Over 4 hours, you'll explore the flats of South Florida with an experienced captain, targeting popular inshore species like redfish, snook, bonefish, permit, tarpon, and spotted seatrout. This trip is perfect for anglers who want to learn new techniques or enjoy steady fishing time without committing to a full day on the water. With room for up to 4 guests, your captain will keep you on the fish while ensuring a comfortable ride close to shore. All gear is provided, and the crew handles the rigging so you can focus on catching fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to flats fishing, this trip offers a great opportunity to experience the diverse marine life of South Florida's coastal waters. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so be sure to check the Trips & Rates page for details before booking your spot with Back Bone Charters.
Top-Rated South Florida Flats Fishing Charter

Flats Fishing Action

Miami's Half-Day Flats Fishing Adventure

Ready to hit the flats without burning a whole day? Our Miami/Key Largo Half Day Fishing trip is your ticket to South Florida's shallow-water action. In just four hours, you'll be sight-casting to some of the most sought-after inshore species around. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to sharpen your skills or a newbie wanting to learn the ropes, this trip's got you covered. We keep things close to shore, so you spend more time fishing and less time running. Plus, with all the gear provided and your captain handling the rigging, you can focus on what matters - putting fish in the boat.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off, you're in for a treat. The flats around Miami and Key Largo are legendary for good reason. Crystal clear waters, lush seagrass beds, and mangrove-lined shores create the perfect habitat for gamefish. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so they'll put you on the fish fast. We're talking Redfish tailing in skinny water, Snook ambushing bait along mangrove edges, and if we're lucky, maybe even a Bonefish or Permit cruising by. The beauty of a half-day trip is that we can adjust on the fly. If one spot isn't producing, we'll run and gun until we find the bite. And with room for up to four anglers, it's perfect for a small group or family outing.

Flats Fishing 101

If you've never fished the flats before, you're in for a treat. This isn't your average chuck-and-chance-it fishing. We're talking sight fishing - spotting fish and making precise casts to fool them. Your captain will be up on the poling platform, quietly pushing the boat across the shallows while scanning for fish. When they spot one, it's game on. They'll call out the distance and direction, and it's up to you to make the cast. Don't worry if you're new to this - your captain will coach you through it. We use light tackle spinning gear or fly rods, depending on your preference. The key is stealth and accuracy. A well-placed cast can mean the difference between a hookup and spooking the fish. It's challenging, but man, when it all comes together, there's nothing like watching a big Redfish or Snook crush your lure in crystal clear water.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Permit: These silver-dollar shaped fish are the holy grail of flats fishing. They're spooky, smart, and have incredible eyesight. Permit feed primarily on crabs, so we'll often use small crab imitations to entice them. They're known for their blistering runs and stubborn fights. Catching a Permit is a true badge of honor in the flats fishing world.

Ladyfish: Don't let their size fool you - these little rockets punch well above their weight class. Ladyfish are known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. They're often called the "poor man's tarpon" because of their jumping ability. Ladyfish are great fun on light tackle and are usually abundant year-round. They're perfect for anglers looking to bend a rod and enjoy some fast action.

Crevalle Jack: These bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats. Crevalle Jacks are aggressive predators that hunt in schools, often creating surface commotion as they chase bait. When hooked, they pull like a freight train. Jacks are a blast on topwater lures, and their powerful runs will test your drag system and your stamina. They're most common in the warmer months but can be caught year-round.

Bonefish: Known as the "grey ghosts" of the flats, Bonefish are prized for their incredible speed and stamina. These silvery torpedoes can reach speeds of 40 mph when hooked, often taking you well into your backing. Bonefish are most active in the warmer months and prefer shallow flats with sandy or muddy bottoms. Sight fishing for bones is a true test of an angler's skill and patience.

Snook: These ambush predators are a favorite among Florida anglers. Snook love to hang around structure like mangrove roots and dock pilings. They're known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. Snook fishing is best in the warmer months, with peak activity around spawning times in late spring and early summer. Their firm, white flesh makes them a prized food fish as well, but always check local regulations for harvest rules.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let's be real - flats fishing in South Florida is addictive. There's something about stalking fish in gin-clear water that gets under your skin. Our half-day trips are perfect for those who want a taste of the action without committing to a full day. Maybe you've got family obligations, or you're squeezing in some fishing on a business trip. Whatever the reason, these four-hour trips pack a punch. You'll get a solid shot at multiple species, learn new techniques, and still have time for other activities. Plus, with our experienced captains handling all the details, you can just show up and fish. No need to worry about licenses, bait, or where to go - we've got you covered.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to get out on the flats? Our Miami/Key Largo Half Day Fishing trips are booking up fast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to scratch that fishing itch or a newbie wanting to try something new, this trip's got you covered. Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack). Don't forget, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before booking. Give us a shout to check availability and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing South Florida has to offer. See you on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Bonefish

Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats - sleek, silver, and lightning-fast. They usually run 4-6 pounds but can hit 10-plus. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats as the tide rises, hunting for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we catch them year-round. Sight-fishing for bones is addictive - spotting them, making the perfect cast, and then holding on as they rip off 100 yards of line. They're spooky, so a stealthy approach is crucial. I always tell folks to look for nervous water or subtle movements. Small shrimp patterns or crab flies work best. When you hook one, let it make that first run, then be ready to clear your line fast. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a bonefish screaming across the flats.

Bonefish

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats. These powerful fish average 3-5 pounds but can top 30. Look for them in bays, along beaches, and around structures like docks or reefs. They're here year-round but really fire up in summer. Jacks hunt in schools, often pushing bait to the surface - watch for bird activity to find them. Anglers love jacks for their brutal strikes and relentless fights. They'll test your gear and your stamina. To catch them, use lures that mimic baitfish like spoons or topwater plugs. Live bait works great too. Cast beyond the school and retrieve fast - jacks love the chase. Just be ready when they hit - it's like hooking a freight train. And watch those teeth when unhooking!

Crevalle Jack

Ladyfish

Ladyfish are the perfect warm-up fish for your trip. These sleek, silvery battlers usually run 1-3 pounds but can hit 5. You'll find them in shallow bays, canals, and along beaches year-round. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything - small jigs, spoons, or live bait all work well. What makes ladyfish fun is their acrobatic fight. They'll jump and skip across the water when hooked, giving you a great show. They're not much for eating, but they make excellent cut bait for other species. If you're looking to build confidence or just have a blast catching fish after fish, ladyfish are hard to beat. My tip: use light tackle to really feel their fight, and don't be afraid to cast into schools - they're not easily spooked.

Ladyfish

Permit

Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing. These silvery, disc-shaped fish typically run 15-30 pounds but can reach 60. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or cruising near reefs. Spring through fall is prime time, with spawning peaks in April-May and August-September. Permit have incredible eyesight and spook easily, making them a real challenge. Anglers love the thrill of sight-fishing for them and their powerful runs when hooked. To up your odds, use small crabs or shrimp imitations and make long, accurate casts. A stealthy approach is key - I always tell folks to move slow and quiet on the flats. When you hook one, hang on tight and get ready for an epic fight.

Permit

Snook

Snook are the kings of our inshore waters. These hard-fighting predators average 5-15 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and in coastal rivers. They're here year-round, but spring and fall are prime as they move between spawning areas. Snook are ambush feeders, so target structure and use lures that mimic their prey - live pilchards or white bait are deadly. Anglers love snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They've got sandpaper-like lips, so watch your hands when lipping them. My top tip: fish the edges of sandbars or mangrove shorelines on an outgoing tide. The snook will set up to ambush bait getting pulled out with the current. It's an awesome sight when a big snook crashes your lure right at the surface.

Snook

About the Backbone

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 43

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Ready for some action-packed fishing without the long day commitment? This 4-hour trip takes you across South Florida's vibrant flats, where the shallow waters teem with sought-after species. You'll target Redfish, Snook, Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, or Spotted Seatrout, depending on what's biting. Your experienced captain knows just where to find the hotspots, keeping you on the fish while ensuring a smooth, near-shore ride. It's perfect for anglers looking to hone their skills or simply enjoy quality time on the water. With room for up to 4 guests, you can bring along friends or family for a shared adventure. All gear is provided, and your captain handles the rigging, so you can focus on the fun part – reeling in your catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this half-day trip offers the perfect blend of excitement and convenience in the beautiful waters off Miami and Key Largo.
Back Bone charters

Follow Us

Facebook

Navigate

Home

Trips & Rates

Gallery

Reviews

Reports

Target Species

Meet the Guide

FAQ

Contact Us

FEATURED

Full Day Fun

Flats Frenzy

Key Fishing Day

Flats Half Day

Key Eco Trip

Back Bay Bites

Fishing Tips

Things to Do

Top Florida Fishing Charters

Top Florida Fishing Charters

More about Back Bone charters

© Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.

Powered by Guidesly

Privacy Policy

Sitemap

previous-image
Snook fish caught while fishing in FL

Snook fish caught while fishing in FL

Tarpon fishing in Tavernier

Snook fish caught in FL by a person

Grey Snapper caught while fishing in FL

null

Snook fish caught while fishing in FL

null

Redfish caught on a fishing trip in Florida

null

Successful fishing trip in FL

Snook fish caught while fishing in Tavernier

Stunning landscape view of Tavernier

Snook fish caught while fishing in FL

Snook fish caught while fishing in FL

Tarpon fishing in Tavernier

Snook fish caught in FL by a person

Grey Snapper caught while fishing in FL

null

Snook fish caught while fishing in FL

null

Redfish caught on a fishing trip in Florida

null

Successful fishing trip in FL

Snook fish caught while fishing in Tavernier

Stunning landscape view of Tavernier

Snook fish caught while fishing in FL

Snook fish caught while fishing in FL

Tarpon fishing in Tavernier

Snook fish caught in FL by a person

next-image