Flats Fishing

What exactly is flats fishing? When some people think of saltwater, they immediately think of, "deep sea fishing." A flat is a shallow water estuary frequently covered with grass that can even be exposed at some low tides. As the tide comes in, fish follow the water and search the shallows for food. Crabs, snails, shrimp, and minnows of all sizes frequent this dining area along with wading and diving birds. Predator fish move into the flat to seek an easy meal as well as warmth during colder periods. Redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, cobia, jack crevalle, permit, sharks, and other varieties frequent water that sometime barely covers their backs. Singles or sometime large schools of these fish can be seen "pushing water," or, "tailing," as they pursue food. This presents exciting opportunities for fisherman to "sight cast" to aggressive fish. My flats boat draws only nine inches of water and can be poled within casting distance allowing our clients a chance to drop an offering in front of feeding fish. Whether it's the solid thump of a redfish or the subtle slurp of a large trout, a hookset will put a pleasant bend in your rod as you happily holler, "fish on." The deeper edges of grass flats will house tarpon, cobia and larger fish that can be seen, or where I will direct your cast to an ambush point that may have one of these torpedoes waiting for your presentation. Mackerel, pompano, and blue fish are also found in these deeper areas. Occasionally we will leave the boat and wade to get really close to the fish.