FLORIDA KEYS FISH REPORT: FLATS FISHING IS HOT AND REWARDING

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a woman holding a fish in the water
Bonefish have been the hungriest fish around.

Flats fishing in August is hot but can be extremely rewarding. Starting early or fishing in the evening is your best chance to fool these fish. 

Bonefish have been the hungriest fish around.  Caught and released by either fly or spin under tailing conditions is the golden ticket.   

Tarpon of all sizes have been biting. This time of year can be a great time to catch your first tarpon on fly, with juveniles happily eating oceanside or back in the Everglades National Park. 

If the famed permit is on your bucket list, now is the time to come. Backcountry and oceanside fish are cruising the flats, roaring wakes and jet black tails shaking vibrantly above the water’s surface. Lower pressure and less boat traffic in late August have helped the permit bite. 

Some of these late summer days, it feels like it’s only you and the fish out there.  

a man holding a fish on a boat
Tarpon of all sizes are biting, as one young angler shows his catch. CONTRIBUTED

FISH TIP: Fish early or in the evening for your best shot at a bonefish.

CONDITIONS REPORT: 

Wind out of the east, ranging 5-10 knots. Seas 1.2-1.7 feet. Chance of rain 35%.

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