Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about fishing the Florida Keys, booking a guide, visiting our fly shop, or taking a casting lesson? You're in the right place. Browse by category below or scroll through the full list. Can't find what you're looking for? Call us at 305-292-6306 or email [email protected] — we're happy to help.
SEASONS & TIMING
What is the best time of year to visit Key West for fly fishing?
The Florida Keys offer year-round fishing, but spring — roughly February through June — is the pinnacle season, offering opportunities for permit, bonefish, and large tarpon. Summer and fall provide excellent fishing for bonefish and permit. Even winter produces good fishing for bonefish, permit, and barracuda, though occasional cold snaps can slow things down temporarily.
When is tarpon season in Key West and the Lower Keys?
While resident tarpon live in the Lower Keys year-round and can be targeted any month, the peak migratory season runs from April through June. This is when large numbers of tarpon move through the area.
When is the best time to fish for bonefish in the Florida Keys?
Bonefish are a year-round target in the Lower Keys. Occasional cold snaps in winter or high water temperatures in summer can push them into deeper water temporarily, but they're reliably present and fishable for most of the year.
When is the best time to fish for permit in Key West?
Permit are an excellent — if elusive — target for most of the year. They move offshore to spawn in late spring (roughly March through June), which can make them harder to find on the flats during that window. Outside of spawning season, permit are regularly encountered on the flats of the Lower Keys.
Can you fly fish the Florida Keys year-round?
Yes — there is always something worth fishing for in the Keys. The species mix shifts with the seasons, but a skilled guide will find you fish at any time of year. Winter can bring slower days during cold fronts, but even then, the fishing is rarely dead.
SPECIES & FISHING
What fish can I target on a guided trip in Key West?
The primary flats species are tarpon, bonefish, permit, and barracuda. Depending on the season and conditions, guides may also target jacks, sharks, and other species on the flats.
What is the Florida Keys Flats Grand Slam?
The Flats Grand Slam is one of saltwater fly fishing's most coveted achievements — catching a tarpon, a bonefish, and a permit all in the same day. The Lower Keys flats are one of the few places on earth where all three species are reliably present, making Key West a bucket-list destination for serious fly fishers. It is extremely difficult to accomplish and requires an exceptional day of fishing.
What makes the Florida Keys flats technically challenging?
The Keys flats are widely regarded as one of the most demanding saltwater fly fishing environments in the world. The water is clear, which means fish are very aware of their surroundings. Target fish are often traveling, presenting a narrow window for an accurate cast. Add persistent wind, complex tides, and the pressure of sight fishing, and you have a fishery that humbles even experienced anglers — and rewards those who put in the work.
What is sight fishing?
Sight fishing means casting to fish you can actually see — spotting a bonefish tailing in the shallows, a permit tipping up to feed, or a laid-up tarpon — rather than casting blindly and hoping. It is the defining style of flats fishing and requires polarized sunglasses, sharp eyes, and quick accurate casting. It's also what makes flats fishing so addictive: the hunt is as exciting as the catch.
GUIDED TRIPS
How do I book a guided fishing trip through The Angling Company?
Head to our AnyCreek booking page to submit an inquiry. Let us know your experience level, target species, and preferred dates — we'll match you with the right guide. You won't be charged a deposit unless we find you a guide.
How far in advance should I book a guided trip?
For spring season (February through June), we recommend booking as early as possible — ideally six months out. The best guides fill up quickly during tarpon season. That said, last-minute availability does come up, especially if you're flexible on dates. For summer and fall trips, a few weeks notice is almost always sufficient.
Do I need fishing experience to book a guided trip?
No experience is required — our guides work with complete beginners as well as seasoned anglers. When you submit your booking inquiry, include your experience level so we can match you with a guide who is best suited to your needs.
Do I need my own fly fishing gear to book a guided trip?
No — your guide will have everything you need on the boat, including rods, reels, flies, and tackle. If you have your own gear and prefer to use it, you're welcome to bring it. Once we connect you with your guide, just let them know if you have your own gear or need them to bring it.
How much does a guided fishing trip in Key West cost?
Our guided trips start at $650 for one to two anglers. Trips are available in half-day (4 hours), three-quarter day (6 hours), and full-day (8 hours) formats.
What is included in a guided trip?
- Gear and tackle (rods, reels, flies) — or use your own
- Florida fishing license (your guide's license covers you on their boat)
- Water
- Expert local knowledge from a personally vetted, experienced captain
You should bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, UPF clothing, a neck gaiter, a hat, and any food or drinks beyond water.
How are your guides selected?
Every guide in our network is personally vetted by The Angling Company — we recommend only captains we know and trust. Our guides set the standard in professionalism, local knowledge, and skill.
What happens if the weather is bad on my trip day?
As long as conditions are safe and your guide believes there is still a reasonable chance to find fish, you will go out — even if the day is not perfect. Weather cancellations are at the guide's discretion. If a trip is cancelled due to unsafe conditions, you will receive a full refund for your trip and deposit.
How much should I tip my guide?
Tipping your guide is customary and appreciated. A standard tip is 15 to 20 percent of the trip cost for a good day on the water — more if your guide went above and beyond. Tips are typically given in cash at the end of the trip.
Do you offer spin or conventional fishing trips, or only fly fishing?
We book both fly fishing and spin/conventional fishing trips on the flats of the Lower Keys. Let us know your preference when you submit your booking inquiry.
CASTING LESSONS
Who teaches the fly casting lessons?
Casting lessons are taught by Nathaniel Linville — tournament-winning angler, IGFA world record holder, knot innovator, and community leader with over 25 years of saltwater fly fishing experience. Nathaniel's casting curriculum is specifically designed to address the unique challenges of saltwater fly fishing that other methods overlook or mishandle.
Are casting lessons suitable for complete beginners?
Yes — Nathaniel teaches students at all levels, from those who have never held a fly rod to experienced anglers looking to troubleshoot specific problems with their cast.
What will I learn in a casting lesson?
Lessons cover the fundamentals and beyond — loop formation, adding distance, improving accuracy, presenting a proper back cast, and the specific techniques required for saltwater fly fishing. Every student leaves with specific, actionable improvements to their cast and a practice plan to build on them.
How long is a casting lesson and what does it cost?
Lessons are one hour, offered privately for one to two students. The cost is $180 per hour.
Where do casting lessons take place?
Lessons are held at Bay View Park in Key West unless otherwise discussed.
How do I book a casting lesson?
Email [email protected] to schedule a lesson.
THE FLY SHOP
Where is The Angling Company located?
We're at 333 Simonton Street, Key West, FL 33040 — in the heart of Old Town Key West. Parking is available in the lot on the corner of Simonton and Eaton Streets, across from the church.
What are your hours?
We're open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven days a week. We are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
What do you stock in the fly shop?
- Fly rods, reels, and fly lines
- Custom and commercial flies — including custom flies by renowned tyer Dave Skok
- Fly tying materials, hooks, and tools
- Sun protection clothing, hats, neck gaiters, and accessories
- Artwork and branded Angling Company merchandise
We carry only brands we trust and use ourselves — including Sage, Scott, G. Loomis, Simms, Rio, Scientific Anglers, Free Fly, Hatch, Hardy, Waterworks-Lamson, Anetik, Mako, Maui Jim, Wapsi, Hareline, Smith Optics, and more.
Do you offer reel rigging?
Yes — we offer complimentary reel rigging for all reels, lines, and/or backing purchased in the shop.
Do you rent fishing equipment?
We currently do not rent fishing equipment, but we carry gear at a range of price points for anglers.
What is your return policy?
We offer a liberal return policy. Our commitment to our customers doesn't end at the register — if something isn't right, we'll make it right. Contact us at 305-292-6306 or [email protected].
Do you carry Charlton reels?
Yes — The Angling Company is a consignment seller of vintage Charlton reels. Charlton reels are highly sought-after American-made fly reels prized for their precision engineering and collectibility. Nathaniel's intimate knowledge of the Charlton product line makes him uniquely qualified to advise collectors and potential sellers alike. Contact us at 305-292-6306 or [email protected] for inquiries.
Do you have an online store?
Yes — our online store ships rods, reels, materials, hooks, and custom Angling Company clothing and hats throughout the United States. The online store carries a curated selection; not everything available in the shop is listed online, so call us at 305-292-6306 if you're looking for something specific. For international orders, please contact us directly.
LICENSES
Do I need a fishing license in Florida?
If you are fishing on a guided trip through The Angling Company, your guide's license covers you while you are on their boat — no personal license required. If you plan to fish on your own in Florida, you will need to purchase a Florida fishing license at myfwc.com or in person at the tax collector's office on the corner of Truman Avenue and White Street in Key West.
Do guides need to be licensed?
Yes — all guides we book are USCG licensed captains operating legally in Florida waters.
CONSERVATION
Does The Angling Company support conservation?
We believe deeply in the long-term health of the Florida Keys fishery. That means promoting responsible fish handling, IGFA-compliant angling practices, and active involvement with conservation organizations like the LKGA and BTT. Protecting this fishery today is how we ensure it exists for the next generation of anglers.
What is proper fish handling for tarpon, bonefish, and permit?
All three species should be kept in the water as much as possible and handled with wet hands. Avoid squeezing the fish or holding them vertically by the jaw for extended periods. Allow the fish to recover fully before release — in the water, facing into any current, until it swims off strongly on its own. Limit handling time for all fish to improve their chances after release. Bonefish are particularly sensitive to handling. Unless it’s your first bonefish, we recommend skipping the photos and unhooking and releasing in the water, without touching the fish, if possible. Tarpon over 40 inches MAY NOT be removed from the water.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help. Whether you want advice on gear, help planning a trip, or just want to talk fishing, reach out — we love hearing from anglers.
