Capt Mike Bartlett
Text: (305) 797-2452
Email: captainmike@keywestflats.net
Phone: (305) 797-2452
Welcome to Key West, the Southernmost City in the United States. Key West and the Florida Keys offer some of the most amazing fishing and boating experiences anywhere. The shallow, crystal clear water that encompasses the flats and backcountry of the Florida Keys is home to some of the most elusive and sought after sport fish in angling: tarpon, bonefish, and permit.
Date:
Conditions: Loading weather conditions...
Species: Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Barracuda
Highlights: Happy New Year!!! Winter finally showed up in Key West to ring in 2026, we hit a night time low of 55 degrees, brrrr. Though these stronger cold fronts can be tough to deal with at the time, they are on important part of flats and backcountry fishing. The colder water this time of year is great for the big barracudas that will stack up on the flats. It's also good for some of the other 'winter fun species' like jacks, lady fish, sea trout, etc; we can play around with just to bend rods and have plenty of action. Bonefish and permit are also plentiful during the winter months and during warm periods tarpon will move into the shallows. Tarpon season is only a couple months away. Get your dates locked in the calendar is filling up fast.
I offer catch-and-release, backcountry and shallow water/flats fishing around Key West and the Lower Florida Keys, specializing in sight fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, barracuda, and few other seasonal species. Charters are tailored to the fly fishing and spin fishing angler alike.
Prices below are for the boat for up to a maximum of 2 anglers/passengers.
4 hours
$600
6 hours
$700
8 hours
$800
$200 deposit per guided day, refundable for weather cancellations if we can’t reschedule.
Accepted Methods:
Note: Venmo not accepted.
Included: Fishing license, bait, tackle, fly & spin outfits, ice, and bottled water.
Bring: Polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, rain jacket, food and beverages for yourself (Please keep quantities to a minimum as storage is limited).
I run an 18-foot Beavertail BT3 skiff designed to run and float in very shallow water. Beavertail Skiffs are a stable platform for poling and fishing the shallowest of flats and a comfortable, dry ride through some of the choppiest conditions.
Please arrive at the dock a few minutes early. Consider bringing sunscreen, hat, rain jacket and food and beverages for yourself. I have a cooler with ice and bottled waters.
I understand things happen in life and our plans change. If you must cancel your trip I ask that you contact me as soon as you can so I can rebook those days. Deposits will NOT be returned if the charter is canceled within 5 DAYS of the scheduled trip, unless I am able to rebook the days. Deposits will be returned for charters canceled outside of the 5 day window. Returned deposits will be in the amount paid at booking less all service charges.
I am located at Hurricane Hole Marina just over the Cow Key bridge on Stock Island.
Free Parking is Available.