Florida Keys & Islamorada Guided Fly Fishing Trips

The fabulous Florida Keys are legendary for salt water fly fishing! Our flats hold tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, redfish and many other species….Names of places like Nine Mile, the Pocket, Seven Mile, Loggerhead and on past Key West to the Marquesas trigger images of some of the most wonderful shallow water gamefish in the world.

Our close proximity to the Everglades National Park waters of Florida Bay provides thousands of acres of flats, channels, mangrove keys and island habitat. This area is home not only to great gamefish, but a myriad of birdlife where Audubon once studied and painted.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the flats or seeking your first Keys angling experience let Florida Keys Outfitters coordinate your next fishing expedition.

All the guides we arrange for your fishing are independent businessmen owning their own boats and tackle and they have their own regular clientele as well. We know the Keys intimately and take a lot of pride in working with the most professional fishing guides in the Keys so your valuable time on the water is as productive and enjoyable as possible.

• Full day $900.00
• Half day $700.00

Guide fees include water, fuel, ice, tackle and expertise. Other beverages, lunches and tips are not included.

Florida Keys and Islamorada Fly Fishing Guides

Experience world-class fly fishing in the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys with the expert guides at Florida Keys Outfitters (FKO). For decades, we have been the premier outfitter for anglers seeking unforgettable fly fishing adventures in Islamorada, Marathon, and beyond. Known for our rich fly fishing history, FKO offers guided fly fishing trips that cater to anglers of all skill levels, from seasoned anglers to serious beginners looking to tackle saltwater fly fishing for the first time. Our guides target the most sought-after species in the Florida Keys, including tarpon, permit, and bonefish. Whether you're chasing the "Silver King" or casting for bonefish on shallow flats, our team of guides is here to provide you with a great experience. At FKO, we pride ourselves on knowing these waters better than anyone. From the best flats and backcountry waters to the local conditions that determine where fish are active, our guides will tailor your trip to ensure it’s both productive and memorable.

Why Choose Florida Keys Outfitters for Your Fly Fishing Adventure?

When you book a guided fly fishing trip with Florida Keys Outfitters, you're not just signing up for a day on the water; you’re gaining access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced fly fishing guides in the Florida Keys. Our guides have spent years, in some cases decades, mastering the skillset of saltwater fly fishing and understanding the unique dynamics of the Keys’ ecosystems.

• Expertise and Local Knowledge: What sets FKO apart is our team's expertise. Not to sound arrogant, but many of us have deep ties to the region and are well-known innovators in the world of saltwater fly fishing. Whether it’s reading the tides, identifying key feeding grounds, or knowing which flies to present based on the day's conditions, our guides are well-equipped to help anglers of all experience levels succeed.
• Tailored to All Skill Levels: Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to refine your technique and take it to the next level, or a beginner just starting out in the world of saltwater fly fishing, FKO has you covered. Our guides are patient, knowledgeable, and passionate about teaching. For serious beginners, we offer hands-on instruction in casting techniques, fly selection, and how to effectively fish the flats of the Florida Keys at our Florida Keys Fly Fishing School.
• Access to Prime Fishing Locations: Fishing in the Florida Keys is unlike anywhere else in the world. With miles of pristine flats, backcountry waters, and productive channels, the region offers prime opportunities for fly fishing. When you book a trip with FKO, you’re not just getting access to our guides—you’re gaining access to some of the most productive and hard-to-reach fishing spots in the Keys.

What to Expect on a Guided Fly Fishing Trip with FKO

When you book a guided fly fishing trip with us at Florida Keys Outfitters, you’re signing up for a customized experience tailored to your goals and skill level. Whether you're targeting tarpon, permit, or bonefish, our guides will ensure you get the most out of your time on the water.

Target Species: Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish

The Florida Keys are home to some of the most sought-after gamefish in the world. When you fish with FKO, you’ll have the chance to target three of the most exciting species in saltwater fly fishing:

• Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," tarpon are one of the most thrilling fish to catch on a fly rod. These powerful fish can weigh over 100 pounds and are famous for their aerial acrobatics once hooked. Our guides specialize in helping anglers chase tarpon in the shallow flats and backcountry waters of the Florida Keys, particularly during the spring and summer months when tarpon fishing is at its peak.
• Permit: Catching a permit on the fly is considered the most challenging achievement in saltwater fly fishing. These skittish fish require precise casts and delicate presentations. We pride ourselves on knowing the best flats and techniques to give you a shot at landing one of these elusive fish.
• Bonefish: Often called the “Grey Ghost” for their ability to seemingly disappear in the flats, bonefish are known for their speed and elusive nature. When you fish with us, our guides will help you sightfish for bonefish in the clear, shallow waters of Islamorada, Marathon, Key West, and the Lower Keys.

Fishing Locations

We guide trips in some of the most pristine and productive waters of the Florida Keys, including the legendary flats of Islamorada, Marathon, Key West, and the Lower Keys. These areas are famous for their shallow waters, which provide ideal conditions for sight-fishing tarpon, permit, and bonefish. Not to mention, these areas have all produced countless IGFA records.

Our guides know these waters inside and out. Whether we’re exploring the flats of Islamorada or fishing the backcountry in the Lower Keys, you’ll be fishing in some of the best locations in the world for saltwater fly fishing.

Customizable Trip Options

We offer a variety of trip lengths to suit your schedule and preferences, including half-day, full-day, and multi-day options. Whether you want to spend a morning on the flats or dedicate several days to honing your skills, our guides will work with you to create the perfect fly fishing experience.

What Fly Fishing Gear Do You Need for Your Trip?

We understand that having the right gear is crucial for a successful fly fishing trip. Whether you’re a seasoned angler with your own equipment or a beginner in need of gear, we’ve got you covered.

• Fly Rods: For targeting tarpon, permit, and bonefish, we recommend bringing multiple rods ranging from 9-12 weight. A lighter rod (9 or 10 weight) is perfect for bonefish and permit, while a heavier rod (11 or 12 weight) is ideal for handling large tarpon. It is best to have multiple rods ready to go to accommodate changing conditions and species. We carry a wide selection of fly rods from top brands like Hardy, G Loomis, Sage, and Orvis, and if you don’t have your own gear, we’ll provide everything you need.
• Fly Reels: When fishing for large saltwater species like tarpon, permit, and bonefish, you’ll need fly reels with smooth drag systems and at least 200-300 yards of backing. Our guides are equipped with high-quality reels that can handle the long, powerful runs these fish are known for. If you're in need of high-quality reels, we have a lot of options at the shop.
• Fly Lines & Tackle: A tropical floating fly line is best for the warm waters of the Florida Keys. Having multiple lines on your various setups is crucial. This allows you to be prepared for various wind and water conditions. Most of our guides prefer to tie and use their own leaders, but if you need some we have a robust selection of hand-tied leaders at the shop.
• Flies: When it comes to flies, having a variety of patterns is key. We recommend bringing crab and shrimp patterns for permit and bonefish, along with larger flies like toads and worms for targeting tarpon. If you need to stock up on flies before your trip, our shop carries all the essential patterns, and we’re happy to help you select the best ones for the day’s conditions.
• Accessories: Aside from the gear mentioned above, there are a few crucial items you are not going to want to leave the dock without: 
  • Polarized Sunglasses - one of the most important pieces of gear for any saltwater angler. 
  • Proper Clothing - UPF clothing is a must on the flats to keep you out of the sun. 
  • Rain Gear - you never know when a pop up shower is going to show up in the Keys!
  • Sunscreen - If you do choose to expose some skin, sunscreen is highly recommended. 

Need Gear? We’ve Got You Covered!
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the gear, our guide team can set you up with top-of-the-line fly rods, reels, lines, and flies. For those looking to invest in their own gear, check out our online store, where you’ll find everything from rods and reels to flies and accessories.

Book Your Guided Fly Fishing Trip Today

We’re extremely passionate about providing unforgettable fly fishing experiences in one of the most beautiful and productive saltwater environments in the world. Whether you’re chasing tarpon in the early summer, searching for permit on the flats, or stalking bonefish in the clear, shallow waters, our team of guides is here to make your fly fishing dreams come true.

Ready to Book?
Booking a trip with FKO is easy. You can either give us a call or book online through our website. Simply click this link or one of the buttons on this page to be directed to a page where you will select your dates. Our team will work with you to customize your trip based on your experience level, the species you’d like to target, and your preferred fishing locations.

Fly Fishing School

If you’re new to saltwater fly fishing or looking to improve your skills, we also offer our renowned Florida Keys Fly Fishing School, where anglers of all experience levels can learn the techniques needed to fish the flats and backcountry waters successfully. Our school is taught by some of the most respected instructors and guides in the sport and is the perfect way to prepare for your next fishing trip.

Fly fishing in the Florida Keys is an experience unlike any other, and with the help of our expert guides, you’ll have the opportunity to target some of the most exciting gamefish in the world. From the thrill of hooking into a giant tarpon to the challenge of stalking elusive permit, FKO is your gateway to the ultimate fly fishing adventure.

With decades of experience, a fleet of seasoned guides, and access to the best fishing spots in the region, Florida Keys Outfitters is proud to offer world-class fly fishing trips tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, we’re here to make your time on the water productive, enjoyable, and unforgettable.