By Captain John Smouse

New Pathfinder 22FT

Purchased in November 2017 is the Pathfinder 22ft TRS. This boat is going to allow us to comfortably take 1-4 anglers in great comfort. The Pathfinder handles the chop we have here in the winter beautifully and has plenty of seating and one of the most important features……SHADE. The style of fishing isn’t going to change. We are still targeting all the same species that live in the BackCountry water of Key West.

We are also running trips on the Maverick MasterAngler 17, like we have always done, so now Anglers get their choice of boat. Below are some pics of both boat and some of the fish we have been catching this November.

Give Capt John a call @ 305.587.7669

By Captain John Smouse

Spring is Near

The Fishing and the Weather have been great. We are all waiting on the Annual Migration of Tarpon to begin. Won’t be long now, Tarpon show up with the warm waters of Spring and Summer. In my opinion, they are the most sought after fish in the Florida Keys.
We have been having some fun hunting down Permit with all this warm weather. If you put your time in and fish hard sometimes you get rewarded. Above is a picture of the largest Permit ever to come aboard the ShadowCaster. Our 30lb bogagrip scale bottomed out!!!!
Still a few open dates in March and April, but not many, so act fast. If I can’t get you out with me, just call or drop me an email and I can get you hooked up with some of the other great guides we have here in Key West
305.587.7669

305.587.7669

By Captain John Smouse

Happy New Year

2017 is starting off great. Key West has been really busy and the weather this winter has been nothing short of fantastic. Above are some fish we have been catching since the first of the year. This time of year can be different from day to day. Resident Tarpon have been rolling around ready to take a bait on the nicer mornings. Big Jacks are roaming the backcoutry channels and there aren’t many fish in the shallows that can pull as hard as the Jack Crevalle.
Barracudas (the prime target throughout the winter months) and Sharks round out the usual suspects.
Drop Capt John an email, text of call and we can get you out there!!!!!
305.587.7669

By Captain John Smouse

Jack’s Shark

Without a doubt one of the best parts about my job is watching kids catch a fish of a lifetime. Seeing the joy and enthusiasm on a young childs face when they finally see the fish they have dreamt about catching is what fishing is all about. Here is a pic of Jack and his full size BlackTip Shark. He fought this fish to the boat without any assistance and he was sure glad he did. He also caught Jacks, Trout, LadyFish and an assortment of others.
Barracudas are loving the cooler waters of the shallows. They will be a prime target for the next couple months. Schools of these big jacks are prowling the flats and are ready to eat anything in their path.
Give Capt John a call 305.587.7669 or drop me an email to get out on the water.

By Captain John Smouse

All The Winter Species are Showing Up

Winter Time fishing in Key West has Started. We are seeing some great action in the backcountry, getting multi-species trips quite often. This is the time of year you can catch a different type of fish each cast. You just never know what it might be.
Sharks, Trout, SkipJacks, Bluefish, Pompano, Jack Crevalle, Etc are all on the menu.
Lets not forget about the Big Barracudas that frequent the flats in the winter. I am really looking forward to catching these speed demons this year, they can provide some of the best light tackle action of any fish around.
So Give Capt John a shout at
305.587.7669 or Drop me an email to take advantage of some great winter time fishing under Blue Bird Skies

By Captain John Smouse

October 2016

We got really lucky earlier this month when Hurricane Matthew came towards Florida. Key West was spared completely, above is a picture of a bonefish we caught on the day Matthew was pounding other parts of Florida. Not very often Key West is the Safest place in Florida to be during a Hurricane. Also Pictured is The Royal Bahamian Navy Ships that were seeking shelter in the Key West Harbor.

Fishing has been loads of fun so far this month. October can be somewhat of a transition time on the flats. There are still a few stray Tarpon around on some of the calmer mornings. Last week we caught a few “resident” tarpon. As the water temps cool these fish will start to get lock jaw. But the other winter species will fire up. The basin fishing (trout, jacks, pompano, ladyfish, sharks, etc) has been showing signs of life and this should just get better and better as the temps drop. Barracuda fishing on the flats will also heat up as we approach the winter months.

So, you just never know what you might encounter in the back country this time of year. Give me a shout to get out there under these blue bird skies and take advantage of what Key West Fishing has the offer.

By Captain John Smouse

Summer 2016

Here are just a few pictures of some of the fishing aboard the ShadowCaster this past Spring. Thanks again to all the anglers that fished with me this past season!!!!
Key West is warming up, School is back is session and the tourist crowds have thinned out. Fishing is still great here in the Summer, so come on down and take advantage of the “slow” season. Fewer boats on the water means more fish for us!!!!!
I, Capt John, am the Owner and Operator of the ShadowCaster, so you fish with me, no hired captains here.
305.587.7669