Fishing the Backcountry

Backcountry fishing is one of the most exciting things about a Florida Fishing Trip for a vacationing angler. Florida fishing is some of the best in the country. Flats fishing in Southern Florida offers opportunities to reel in a variety of species, including snook, tarpon, redfish, trout, snapper and even sharks. Backcountry fishing requires a competent and experienced guide, a specialized boat, and a sense of adventure. Your backcountry fishing options include the Everglades National Park, the shallows of Florida Bay, the grass flats of Pine Island Sound, the creeks and bays of the Ten Thousand Islands as well as the backcountry surounding Charolette Harbor.

Even an experienced angler may not understand the details and intricacies of backcountry fishing. Many of these areas are ecologically sensitive, hard to access, and require a boat designed for flats fishing. Your flats fishing guide is a critical part of your fishing adventure. Many of these areas are not accessible without the right equipment, and your guide will help you not only reel in the big catch of the day, but also enjoy the sights and sounds of the Florida backcountry on your fishing expedition. Your guide has to know not only the backcountry flats like the back of his hand, but also have a good understanding of tides, fishing spots, and the impact of water temperature, wind and other factors on the local fish populations.

The boats used by our flats fishing guides are specially designed for fishing in the shallow waters of the flats. A backcountry flats skiff is 16 to 20 feet long, but works beautifully in the waters of the flats due to its shallow draft. The skiff offers great fishing features, including good storage and live wells, making it practical both in the water and for the angler on a backcountry fishing trip. You should go into your backcountry fishing trip with an open mind. Your guide will offer suggestions as to what to fish for and what techniques to use based on not only your preferences, but also on your skills. In this way, your fishing guide can help increase your chances of a great catch and a great backcountry fishing story.