| Flats fishing can be an exciting and | | | | will move in to feed whereas when the tide |
| rewarding experience for fishermen of all | | | | drops gamefish will wait for crabs and |
| ages, whether just beginning or accomplished | | | | baitfish to flee the flat. |
| angler. Flats are long, level, shallow water | | | | |
| areas next to deeper water. They are found in | | | | Flats are usually fished with fly gear or |
| bays estuaries and marshes. They are also | | | | light spinning gear. Light tackle is the |
| found atop reefs and atolls, and along | | | | rule. 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 of | | | | works well. If you are using artificial |
| these. Flats with grass or other aquatic | | | | lures, any size with attractor colors may be |
| vegetation offer cover and food for a variety | | | | used from May through June. If you are flats |
| of fish as well as shrimp and crabs. The most | | | | fishing during July through August, natural |
| sought after fish when flats fishing include | | | | colored lures work best. |
| redfish, tarpon, seatrout, bonefish, permit | | | | |
| and snook. Other popular catches are striped | | | | Other equipment to include on your fishing |
| bass, bluefish, barracuda, shark, cobia and | | | | trip 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 flats | | | | flats fishing takes place in sunny climates |
| fishing, look for flats that are 8 feet deep | | | | such as the Florida Keys and the Caribbean, |
| or less. More productive flats usually | | | | as well as lakes and rivers across the United |
| contain stumps, brush piles, grass beds or | | | | States and other countries. |
| other types of cover. Flats that contain | | | | |
| shallow ditches or humps are especially | | | | The 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 good | | | | best flats. Also remember to wear light |
| flats to fish. Some will be totally dry | | | | colored clothing to reflect the sun's heat, |
| during low tide. As the tide rises, game fish | | | | and be less visible to the fish. |