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Flats Fishing In The Florida Keys

Flats fishing can be an exciting andwill move in to feed whereas when the tide
rewarding experience for fishermen of alldrops gamefish will wait for crabs and
ages, whether just beginning or accomplishedbaitfish  to  flee  the  flat.
angler. Flats are long, level, shallow water
areas next to deeper water. They are found inFlats are usually fished with fly gear or
bays estuaries and marshes. They are alsolight spinning gear. Light tackle is the
found atop reefs and atolls, and alongrule. Fly rods should be 8 or 9 weight. If
shorelines.you are using a spinning outfit, load it with
no stronger than 12 pound test. Live bait
The bottom of a flat may be made up of grass,such as mullet, pigfish, pinfish and shrimp
sand, rock, mud, gravel, or a combination ofworks well. If you are using artificial
these. Flats with grass or other aquaticlures, any size with attractor colors may be
vegetation offer cover and food for a varietyused from May through June. If you are flats
of fish as well as shrimp and crabs. The mostfishing during July through August, natural
sought after fish when flats fishing includecolored  lures  work  best.
redfish, tarpon, seatrout, bonefish, permit
and snook. Other popular catches are stripedOther equipment to include on your fishing
bass, bluefish, barracuda, shark, cobia andtrip is proper footwear, sunscreen,
mutton  snapper.sunglasses, a raincoat and plenty of water to
drink. Hydration is important since most
When choosing the best areas for flatsflats fishing takes place in sunny climates
fishing, look for flats that are 8 feet deepsuch as the Florida Keys and the Caribbean,
or less. More productive flats usuallyas well as lakes and rivers across the United
contain stumps, brush piles, grass beds orStates  and  other  countries.
other types of cover. Flats that contain
shallow ditches or humps are especiallyThe most important equipment required is
attractive to bass. Also look for baitfish,usually a small skiff with no more than two
crabs  and  other  "fish  foods".fishermen aboard. This lets the guide pole
across shallow waters with ease, to reach the
Observe tides carefully when locating goodbest flats. Also remember to wear light
flats to fish. Some will be totally drycolored clothing to reflect the sun's heat,
during low tide. As the tide rises, game fishand be less visible to the fish.



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