Florida Keys Tarpon, Flats, and Backcountry Fishing Charters

Capt. Buddy LaPointe fishes the inshore and backcountry waters of the middle Keys (Marathon, Islamorada, and Everglades National Park). This not only allows a tremendous variety of fish and techniques to choose from, but also ensures a comfortable ride to the fishing grounds. Below, Capt. Buddy describes the types of fishing he does.

TARPON FISHING....Big-Game, Light Tackle

These game fish average about 70 pounds but often exceed 100.  Using live bait (mullet, pinfish, or crabs) and 20 pound spinning tackle, we drift or anchor in the numerous inshore channels and basins throughout the middle Keys.  Although we catch tarpon year 'round (except during winter cold fronts), prime tarpon season runs from late March through about mid June.  A tarpon will dazzle you with spectacular leaps, strong runs, and incredible endurance!  Not only is tarpon fishing our most popular trip, but it is my specialty as well.

FLATS FISHING....Shallow Water Sight Casting

As the boat is silently poled across the pristine shallows (ranging from 1 to 5 feet), bonefish, permit, and tarpon are our primary targets.  An angler's ability to accurately cast to, hook, and properly fight a fish (that can strip a reel of all line in less than a minute) will be put to the supreme test.   The majority of our fly fishing takes place up on the flats, though many of my anglers prefer to use light spinning tackle instead.  Flats fishing is the ultimate angling challenge.
                                                              

BACKCOUNTRY FISHING....Getting Away From It All

We venture north from the Keys, deep into the wilderness of Everglades National Park.  This is a far-removed world of uninhabited mangrove islands, hidden backwater creeks, and remote sandy beaches.  These trips are highlighted by beautiful scenery, plentiful bird life, and for the most part superb fishing for snook, redfish, sea trout, tarpon (ranging from juveniles to giants), pompano, black drum, ladyfish, sheepshead, and shark.  It's a true "get away from it all" fishing adventure.
                                                                

FLORIDA BAY....Family Fun Fishing!

We fish a multitude of ledges and wrecks within the confines of Florida Bay.  Typically, this is fast-action, light tackle fishing for a wide variety of species including snapper, grouper, spanish mackerel, and barracuda.   The waters of Florida Bay are fairly sheltered, and can be fished even in a stiff breeze.  This is the perfect choice for introducing youngsters to fishing; it is our "bent rods and smiling faces trip."