Inshore Sportfish

Tarpon

(Megalops atlanticus)

Tarpon are an inshore fly or light tackle angler’s dream. We catch these fish in the Florida Keys and Everglades year round though March through June is best. Tarpon range in size from just a few pounds up to 200 pounds and can have lifespans of 50 years. Fly fishing for these prehistoric fish offers challenges, excitement, and by far the best fight of any inshore species. There is a reason they call the tarpon the Silver King. Once hooked tarpon become instantly aerobatic. They pull line off the reel so quickly it’s not uncommon to hook a tarpon in front of the boat and see it jumping 200 yards away in another direction. It’s truly amazing to see 150lb fish swimming in a few feet of water, only a fly cast away. Once at the boat these fish are absolutely beautiful, shinning in their silver armor.

PErmit

(Trachinotus Falcatus)

Sight fishing for permit can keep flats anglers up at night. These fish are difficult to see, have amazing eyesight, two sets of nostrils, and can be very finicky for no apparent reason. They are difficult to catch, they require good casts in not so good conditions. Fishing for permit on the fly requires patience, and a good attitude. Once hooked permit tear line off a reel, making multiple long distance runs burning out drags and anglers. This is why I love permit. My preferred method of fishing permit is with a fly rod, though sometimes live bait can be used to help entice them. Permit fishing on the flats is great most of the year, they swim offshore in April to spawn and can be more difficult to come by that time of the year.

Bonefish

Albula vulpes

The Gray Ghost. Bonefish can be fished year round. These mighty little fish can swim up to 40mph! Bonefish are best fished on flats, sight fishing. Here in the Keys we have plenty of flats where we find bonefish. Though difficult to see, once your eyes are trained they become much easier to notice. These fish primarily swim in schools with the occasional large single or double cruising the flats. We fish shrimp fly patterns and sometimes live bait if the weather calls for it. Hooking a bonefish can be described as fast and exciting. They are especially fun on light tackle.