- (305) 587-7669
ShadowCaster offers guided fishing trips throughout the shallow Backcountry and flats of Key West. These areas hold a wide range of species and provide calm, protected water year-round. Below is a quick overview of trip options, followed by complete details for anglers who want to understand the fishery more deeply.
Ideal for families, beginners, or anglers looking for steady action in protected water.
More time to explore deeper into the Backcountry and fish multiple areas.
Covers the greatest distance and variety of water. Best for anglers targeting specific species or wanting maximum opportunity.
The Backcountry surrounding Key West is a large protected area made up of mangrove islands, open basins, shallow channels, and sand flats. The water is calm, clear, and rich with fish year-round.
Ultra-shallow water, often only a few feet deep. The flats offer incredible sight-fishing opportunities for barracuda, sharks, permit, and tarpon during seasonal windows. Visibility can be excellent, allowing anglers to watch fish approach before they strike.
In summer and fall, we may fish shallow wrecks in 15–40 feet of water. These areas often hold permit, snappers, barracuda, and other predators depending on conditions.
Species change with the seasons, but commonly include:
seasonal migration 
+ resident fish
explosive strikes, hard runs, aggressive fight
lemon, blacktip, bonnethead, bull, occasional hammerhead
mangrove, mutton, yellowtail, schoolmaster, lane
jack crevalle, bar jack, yellow jack, blue runner
shallow flats species, peak spring–summer
inshore staple, great for all skill levels, winter peak
 lookdowns, and other Backcountry species
Captains build each trip around whatever 
species are most active during your visit.
Live bait is a cornerstone of our approach. It allows us to target a wide variety of species across channels, mangroves, flats edges, and structure.
When conditions allow, we sight fish for barracuda, sharks, permit, and tarpon. This is a visual fishing style where you can often see the fish before it ever reaches the bait.
Artificial lures are an effective way to cover water and target aggressive fish in shallow conditions. Fast retrieves, accurate casts, and working structure or edges are often key when fishing artificials on the flats and backcountry.
Mixed species action in protected basins and channels
Tarpon migration, active predators, warming trends
Calm water and access to remote flats with few boats
Strong mixed bag action on rock piles and channels
Each trip is adjusted to match real time conditions.
You only need to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, beverages, and a camera.
Learn to cast, fight fish, and experience shallow water fishing for the first time.
Calm, protected waters and a hands on style make this trip enjoyable and accessible.
Target tarpon, permit, sharks, barracuda, and other species with season specific tactics.
Each trip is different based on tides, wind, bait, and seasonal movement no two days are the same.
Book Your Key West Backcountry & Flats Fishing Trip
