What we fish for in Key West
Tarpon
The spring migration brings big fish through Key West, with resident fish around the rest of the year.
Permit
The hardest fish on the flats to fool. Warm, settled days from late winter into spring, and again in fall.
Bonefish
Fast and spooky on the shallow Gulf-side flats most of the year when the water is warm.
About the Captain
Fly fishing the flats of the Florida Keys has been Captain Shane Wood's passion for over 20 years.
Shane knows the ins and outs of these waters as well as any guide in the area. Whether you're a seasoned fly fishing veteran looking for the trophy fish of a lifetime or a vacationer simply looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the water, Shane is your guide.
Shane guides his trips from a 17 foot HPX-V - Maverick. Perfect for getting into the shallowest of waters to target elusive gamefish like Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish.
Rates & Info
Guided trips with Capt. Shane Wood
Departing out of City Marina in the heart of Key West, we will head north into the flats of the Gulf of Mexico. Depending upon the season, we will be sight casting for tarpon, bonefish, permit and a variety of other game species. Choice of tackle is up to the angler. Fly fishing the flats is an incredible experience but using a spinning rod is great fun as well! Ice water is provided. Feel free to bring any other food and beverages you desire.
- Half Day
- $600
- Full Day
- $900
Rates are per boat, up to two anglers. Half days leave the dock at 7 AM. Call to talk through dates and tides.
Trip details
Show up with sunglasses. Everything else is on the boat.
Included
- Rods, reels and tackle, fly and spin
- Flies and lures; live bait on hand when the day calls for it
- Your fishing license is covered
- Ice water in the cooler
Bring
- Sunglasses, polarized if you have them
- Sunblock (non-spray)
- Any food and drinks you like. Beer and wine are fine; no hard liquor or glass
The boat
- 17′ Maverick HPX flats skiff
- Two anglers, or three with a small child
- Kids are welcome aboard; ask about child life vests
- Departs City Marina, Key West
Policies
- All fish are released
- Free cancellation up to 3 days before the trip
- 30% deposit to hold the date, balance due on the day
- Weather calls are made the evening before
Reviews
5.0 from every angler who has rated a trip
“Our conditions were less than ideal with sustaining winds in the 20’s, but he navigated the water extraordinarily and found calm water and fish! Would recommend to anyone looking to fly fish or spin fish.”
“Captain Shane was very patient with 2 rookie fisherpersons. Had a great time and he got us on fish quick. Great day!! Can’t wait to fish with him again.”
“We found lots of tarpon & had a great day on the water. I highly recommend.”
“Very knowledgeable about the area and when and what to fish for. He’s got a knack for tarpon and I had some great catches.”
“Great memories for my son and I. He is super knowledgeable and a great guide to spend your day on the water with.”
“We had a great time with Captain Shane. He put us on the fish, caught a few good tarpon and a few other fish. I would definitely recommend.”
Questions
Before you book
How much does a flats fishing trip with Capt. Shane Wood cost?
A half day (4 hours) is $600 and a full day (8 hours) is $900. Rates are per boat for up to two anglers, and your fishing license is covered.
Where do trips leave from?
Trips depart City Marina at Garrison Bight, 1801 N. Roosevelt Blvd, in the heart of Key West. From there we run north to the flats on the Gulf of Mexico side. Half days leave the dock at 7 AM.
What fish can we catch on the Key West flats?
Tarpon, permit and bonefish are the main targets, sight cast in shallow water. Depending on the season there are also barracuda, jack crevalle and other game fish. All fish are released.
When is the best time to fish for tarpon, permit and bonefish?
The spring migration brings big tarpon through Key West, with resident fish around the rest of the year. Permit are best on warm, settled days from late winter into spring, and again in fall. Bonefish are on the shallow Gulf-side flats most of the year when the water is warm.
Do I need fly fishing experience?
No. Choice of tackle is up to the angler: fly or spinning gear. Shane guides seasoned fly anglers chasing a fish of a lifetime and first-timers who just want a relaxing day on the water.
What is included, and what should I bring?
Rods, reels, tackle, flies and lures are on the boat, with live bait when the day calls for it, plus ice water in the cooler. Bring polarized sunglasses, non-spray sunblock and any food and drinks you like. Beer and wine are fine; no hard liquor or glass.
How many people fit on the boat? Can kids come?
The 17′ Maverick HPX flats skiff takes two anglers, or three with a small child. Kids are welcome aboard; ask about child life vests.
How do booking and cancellation work?
A 30% deposit holds the date, with the balance due on the day. Cancellation is free up to 3 days before the trip. Call or text 305-394-1873, or send a request through the form on this page.
From the skiff
Full gallery
Request sent
Thanks, . Shane will get back to you within a day to confirm dates and tides.
Need an answer sooner? Call or text 305-394-1873.