Florida Keys Fly and Light Tackle Fishing Guide
Status: enriched
Captain Geoff Colmes has been guiding fly anglers and light-tackle anglers across the Florida Keys and Everglades for three decades, building a reputation for technical sight-casting and deep knowledge of tarpon, permit, and bonefish behavior. His year rotates with the seasons—spring tarpon migrations on the flats, summer permit hunts on wrecks and in deeper water, and year-round snook and redfish in the backcountry and Everglades. Beyond South Florida, he guides seasonal trips to Alaska's Sitka waters and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, expanding his expertise across multiple saltwater fisheries. His approach emphasizes patience, technique, and reading conditions—he adapts to weather, tides, and fish behavior rather than forcing predetermined patterns.
Details
- Species: Redfish, Snook, Tripletail, Tarpon, Barracuda, Crevalle Jack, Spotted Seatrout, Australian Bass, Ladyfish, Spanish Mackerel, Bonefish, Permit
- Tags: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, First-Time Anglers, Poling Skiff / Flats Boat, Fly Fishing, Wade Fishing, Year-Round, Sight Fishing, Full Day, Wade Trip, Charter, Instructional, Catch & Release, Gear Provided, Lunch Included, Flies / Lures Provided, Saltwater
- Credentials: uscg_license — USCG
Waters Serviced (5)
| Destination | Type |
|---|---|
| Islamorada | city |
| Florida Keys | region_colloquial |
| Everglades National Park | national_park |
| Florida Bay | bay |
| Miami | city |
FAQ — Florida Keys Fly and Light Tackle Fishing Guide
Raw guide data (JSON)
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"answer": "Polarized sunglasses, sun protection such as a cap, SP clothing and sunscreen (no spray products please!), fly, spin or plug casting rods and reels if you choose to use your own, lunch or snacks, a camera, and a rain jacket (insulated rain jacket and layers in the Winter). You'll also need an Everglades National Park Pass according to how many days we'll be fishing.",
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"answer": "Full Days are 7-8 hours, 3/4 Days are 5-6 hours, and Half Days are 4 hours.",
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"question": "What kind of fly fishing gear do you use/recommend for tarpon?",
"answer": "10-weight fly rods with floating, clear floating, or additional 'clear sink tip' line. 11-weight rods with a floating or sink tip are the best all-around tool for big tarpon. 12-weight is optional, but great on windy days—especially with an intermediate line to cut through the chop.",
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"question": "What leader do you use for tarpon?",
"answer": "I use a variation of the big game leader, from 9 to 14 feet. Not going IGFA-legal? Extend the bite tippet up to 36 inches to reduce visible knots and allow for quick re-tying. 50-60 lb fluorocarbon for the 5-7' butt, 25 lb for the 18\" class tippet, and 30-60 lb for the 30-36\" bite. All fluoro.",
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"question": "What flies do you recommend for tarpon?",
"answer": "I use a variety of splayed, married, worm, baitfish, and toad patterns with different weights and colors. Have both light and dark flies in 1/0 to 3/0 sizes. Ask me what's working before you tie a dozen that won't get a sniff.",
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"question": "What fly fishing gear do you use/recommend for bonefish?",
"answer": "An 8 to 9-weight fly rod paired with a floating or clear floating line is ideal. A high-quality fly reel with a smooth, reliable drag system is essential.",
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"question": "What leader do you use for bonefish?",
"answer": "Tapered fluorocarbon leaders between 9 and 14 feet, with a tippet from 12 to 15-pound test, provide the right balance of stealth and strength.",
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"question": "What spinning gear do you use/recommend for bonefish?",
"answer": "A 7-foot moderate to fast-action spinning rod paired with a high-quality spinning reel with a smooth, dependable drag system. Spool it with 10-pound monofilament or braid in #2 or #4 diameter (12-15 lb. test) for optimal performance.",
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"question": "What fly rod weight is recommended for permit?",
"answer": "9 to 10-weight fly rods paired with a floating or clear floating fly line is the standard setup. While a 9-weight is the most common choice, a 10-weight rod can be useful on particularly windy days or when casting larger, weighted flies with greater accuracy.",
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"question": "What leader do you use for permit?",
"answer": "I use 9 to 12-foot tapered leaders with fluorocarbon tippets ranging from 12 to 20-pound test for optimal stealth and abrasion resistance.",
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"question": "What flies do you recommend for permit?",
"answer": "A well-stocked fly box for permit should include a variety of crab patterns, such as Merkins, Toads, Velcro Crabs, and custom crab variations. Additionally, shrimp and baitfish patterns like Clouser Minnows can be effective. Fly sizes typically range from #1 to #2 and #1/0.",
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"question": "What spinning gear do you use/recommend for permit?",
"answer": "7-foot or longer fast-action spinning rods paired with a high-quality spinning reel with a strong, smooth drag system is ideal. Use #4 diameter braid (15 lb. test) for casting distance and sensitivity, with a 16 to 20 lb. test fluorocarbon leader for stealth and abrasion resistance.",
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"question": "What fly rod weight is recommended for snook?",
"answer": "An 8 to 9-weight rod paired with a floating or clear floating line works well. In some cases, a clear sink-tip or clear floating line can be a better choice for wary fish, offering a more stealthy presentation.",
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"question": "What leader do you use for snook?",
"answer": "I use a variation of the IGFA big game leader with a 25 lb class tippet, typically tying leaders between 8 to 10 feet in length. Increasing the bite tippet length to 30 inches helps reduce visibility between knots and extends the life of your leader. Butt Section: 5' to 6' of tapered 50 lb to 40 lb fluorocarbon. Class Tippet: 18\" of 20 to 25 lb fluorocarbon. Bite Tippet: 30\" of 30 lb to 40 lb fluorocarbon.",
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"question": "What flies do you recommend for snook?",
"answer": "Recommended patterns include Deceiver-style streamers, baitfish patterns, Toads and poppers. Flies should be tied on 1/0 to 2/0 hooks, and in areas with thick cover—such as mangroves or deadfall—weed guards can be a game-changer. If you're bringing your flies, feel free to call or email for recommendations on colors and hook sizes.",
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"question": "What spinning gear do you use/recommend for snook?",
"answer": "A fast-action spinning or plug setup spooled with #4 diameter braided line (15 lb test) is ideal. Effective lures include Zara Spooks, Jumping Minnows, Propeller plugs (e.g., Tiny Torpedo), and soft plastics such as jerk baits, swimbaits, paddle tails, tubes, jigs, and worms. Braided line (#4 diameter, 15 lb test) paired with a 30-inch fluorocarbon leader (30 lb to 40 lb test) is a highly effective setup for snook on spin or plug gear.",
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"question": "What fly fishing gear do you use/recommend for redfish?",
"answer": "An 8 to 9-weight fly outfit paired with floating or clear floating fly lines is ideal.",
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"question": "What leader do you use for redfish?",
"answer": "A 9 to 11-foot tapered leader ending in 15-pound test fluorocarbon is a solid choice for redfish. However, because snook and small tarpon often share the same habitat, it's wise to use a leader system that includes a bite tippet for added abrasion resistance.",
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"question": "What flies do you recommend for redfish?",
"answer": "Since redfish are commonly found in shallow and sometimes weedy environments, weedless fly patterns can be essential. Redfish will take a wide range of flies, including small bonefish-style crab patterns, streamers, poppers, Toads, and Spoon Flies.",
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"question": "What spinning gear do you use/recommend for redfish?",
"answer": "A six to seven-foot fast-action rod paired with a quality reel is the go-to setup. Spool it with 10-pound test monofilament or #2 to #4 diameter braid (12 to 15-pound test) for optimal performance. Effective artificials include topwater plugs, jerkbaits, paddle tails, bass-style tubes, spoons and jigs.",
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"question": "What species do you commonly target?",
"answer": "Tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, redfish, and largemouth and peacock bass. Other species like jack crevalle, barracuda, Spanish mackerel, seatrout, ladyfish, tripletail, snapper, sheepshead, grouper, black drum, and cobia are also common.",
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"question": "When is the best time to target tarpon?",
"answer": "While tarpon can be pursued year-round, the spring migration from March to June is considered the peak season. Fall and early spring are also productive.",
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"question": "When is the best time to target bonefish?",
"answer": "Bonefish live throughout the Florida Keys year-round, but fishing can be weather-dependent in the fall and winter. Fall and early spring are generally best for larger bonefish, and late spring through the summer months are great for numbers of smaller school fish.",
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"question": "When is the best time to target permit?",
"answer": "Permit are here year-round, but spring and fall are prime time, especially after a warming trend following a cold front. Windy days are your friend.",
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"question": "When is the best time to target snook?",
"answer": "The best time to fish for snook in this part of Florida is from early fall to late spring, with my favorite time being between October and March.",
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"question": "Do I need a fishing license?",
"answer": "You will need an Everglades National Park Pass according to how many days we'll be fishing.",
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"question": "Where do you launch from for Florida Keys trips?",
"answer": "The Lorelei in Islamorada. Trips are based out of the Upper Keys.",
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"question": "What is your policy on catch and release?",
"answer": "I practice an 'all-release' policy, ensuring the sustainability of these waters for future generations.",
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"question": "Do you provide gear or can I bring my own?",
"answer": "You're welcome to bring your own fly, spin or plug casting rods and reels if you choose.",
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"question": "What boat do you use?",
"answer": "I use a Hells Bay Boatworks Whipray skiff, powered by a Mercury Outboards R-60. For remote trips, I also use a Wenonah 'Backwater' canoe.",
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"answer": "I am an experienced and patient instructor and provide expert fly-casting lessons for anglers looking to refine their skills.",
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"distanceMeters": null
},
{
"slug": "florida-bay",
"name": "Florida Bay",
"type": "bay",
"primary": false,
"confirmed": true,
"relationship": "nearby",
"distanceMeters": null
},
{
"slug": "miami-fl",
"name": "Miami",
"type": "city",
"primary": false,
"confirmed": true,
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"distanceMeters": null
}
],
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{
"slug": "redfish",
"commonName": "Redfish",
"category": "saltwater",
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1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Redfish are a consistent target in the Everglades, Florida Bay, and Whitewater Bay, with large schools often gathering in estuarine creeks and bays, especially during spawning season.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "snook",
"commonName": "Snook",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": [
10,
11,
12,
1,
2,
3,
4
],
"seasonalityNotes": "Snook are best targeted from early fall to late spring in the Everglades, particularly when South Florida's weather starts to cool down, usually between October and March.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "tripletail",
"commonName": "Tripletail",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Tripletail are a frequent target for anglers year-round in South Florida, often found near floating debris or drifting in weed lines.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "tarpon",
"commonName": "Tarpon",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": [
3,
4,
5,
6
],
"seasonalityNotes": "While tarpon can be pursued year-round, the spring migration from March to June is considered the peak season, with large schools moving through the Keys. Fall and early spring are also productive, offering opportunities with fewer boats.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "barracuda",
"commonName": "Barracuda",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Barracuda are a challenging species, particularly larger ones that frequent the flats during cool snaps. They are available year-round.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "crevalle-jack",
"commonName": "Crevalle Jack",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "These fish are known for their strength and speed, making them a favorite among light tackle anglers. They are available year-round.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "spotted-seatrout",
"commonName": "Spotted Seatrout",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Seatrout are often found in the same shallow waters as redfish, snook, and tarpon and are ideal for younger anglers. They are available year-round.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "australian-bass",
"commonName": "Australian Bass",
"category": "freshwater",
"availableMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Largemouth and peacock bass are prized gamefish in South Florida, sharing habitat with saltwater species, making each trip unpredictable and exciting. They are available year-round.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "ladyfish",
"commonName": "Ladyfish",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Ladyfish are often found in the same shallow waters as redfish, snook, and tarpon and are ideal for younger anglers. They are available year-round.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "spanish-mackerel",
"commonName": "Spanish Mackerel",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": [
11,
12,
1,
2,
3
],
"peakMonths": [
11,
12,
1,
2,
3
],
"seasonalityNotes": "During the winter months, Spanish mackerel are abundant in the western portions of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "bonefish",
"commonName": "Bonefish",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": [
11,
12,
1,
2,
3,
4,
5
],
"seasonalityNotes": "Bonefish are found year-round in the Florida Keys, with fall and early spring generally best for larger fish, and late spring through summer offering numbers of smaller school fish. Fishing can be weather-dependent in fall and winter.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "permit",
"commonName": "Permit",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12
],
"peakMonths": [
3,
4,
5,
10,
11,
12
],
"seasonalityNotes": "Permit are present year-round, but spring and fall are prime times, especially after a warming trend following a cold front. Windy days can be beneficial as permit let their guard down.",
"notes": null
}
],
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"avgRating": null,
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