Fishing the Islamorada Flats and Backcountry with Fly Fishing and Light Tackle Fishing Guide, Capt. Pete Rowney
Welcome to my website. My name is Capt. Pete Rowney and I am a licensed and insured guide that specializes in fly fishing and light tackle angling in the Florida Keys. I work full-time out of the World Wide Sportsman Bayside Marina in Islamorada. Being located in "The Sportfishing Capital of the World" has its' advantages, namely, endless fishing options. The nearby waters of Islamorada provide opportunities to stalk the big three: bonefish, permit and tarpon. A short boat ride into the "backcountry" and Everglades National Park provides the angler with the chance to fish for redfish, snook, tarpon, seatrout, jacks, ladyfish, snapper, Spanish mackerel and sharks all within a wilderness setting. I will also trailer my boat to other portions of the Keys or the mainland, depending upon fishing conditions.
I am a patient, friendly and courteous guide whose only concern is that your day on the water be an enjoyable one. Whether you are a parent taking their child fishing for the first time or a seasoned fly angler, I will work my hardest to ensure you remember our day on the water as fun, memorable and hopefully loaded with fish!
Fishing in Islamorada and the Florida Keys
Islamorada is located centrally in the Florida Keys, a thin chain of islands that extends off the southern tip of Florida. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Florida Bay on the other, a quick glance at a map or chart reveals that it is an area completely dominated by water. For anglers, every possible fish you could ever dream to catch in shallow water can be found here. Bonefish, permit, tarpon, redfish, snook as well as a host of others can all be found within a short boat ride from Islamorada. Less than two miles from Islamorada in Florida Bay lies the boundary to Everglades National Park. This fishing wilderness is protected from jet skis, commercial fishing and random boat traffic and within its’ range you’ll find every desired fish species as well. Islamorada also benefits from its’ location within the Keys which allows anglers to fish in all but the worst weather conditions.
Flats Fishing in Islamorada and the Florida Keys
The clear, shallow water "flats" of Islamorada and the Florida Keys could have been custom made for sight fishing. The term “flats” generally refers to the shallow areas of the oceanside and nearby waters. Bonefish, permit and tarpon are the targeted species. This style of fishing involves stalking the flats in my shallow draft boat, hunting for our quarry. Casts are made to individual fish so casting accuracy is needed, whether with bait, artificial or fly. Sight fishing can frustrate even the most seasoned angler, so for those with a "rusty" casting arm a little practice before your trip is a good idea. (For fly anglers, we can also customize your trip to include on the water fly casting instruction.) This game is all about "quality not quantity". Sight fishing is more demanding but by far the most rewarding way to fish. For the uninitiated you'll realize this when you spot a 100lb. tarpon and cast to it, only to watch him inhale your offering and then go airborne! You will never be the same! The challenge of sight fishing only makes the catch that more memorable and the satisfaction level on par with nothing else. You will never forget these fish. I guarantee it.
Backcountry Fishing in Islamorada and the Florida Keys
Less than two miles into Florida Bay from Islamorada lies the boundary to Everglades National Park. The “park” is a 1.5 million acre expanse of watery wilderness that is home to an incredible variety of marine and bird life. The term “backcountry” generally refers to any fishing done on the bayside and within the limits of Everglades National Park. This spectacular backdrop plays host to some incredible fishing as well. Bonefish, permit, tarpon, redfish, snook, sea trout, jack crevalle, ladyfish, snapper, Spanish mackerel, gag grouper, jewfish and sharks can all be found in the park. The style of fishing here varies almost as much as the fish. It can range from poling in inches of water searching for tailing redfish, to working mangrove shorelines for snook, to drifting flats for trout or working deeper channels for any number of fish. To fish in the "park" is to take a step back in time. It is a place of water, sky and mangroves. Having the opportunity to fish a wilderness area, free from any signs of civilization is truly a special experience.
Fly Fishing in Islamorada and the Florida Keys
Fly anglers of all ability levels can find something to catch in Islamorada. For more seasoned fly anglers or those looking for a challenge, the bonefish, permit and tarpon fishing is world class, with the very real possibility of casting to record sized fish. While bonefish, permit and tarpon represent the pinnacle of achievement for fly anglers, the fly fishing opportunities don‘t end here. Sea trout, jacks, ladyfish, barracuda, Spanish mackerel and sharks provide a great alternative for fly anglers that are working on their casting or are new to the sport. Success in fly fishing Islamorada and the Florida Keys for gamefish like bonefish, permit and tarpon depends on good casting. The importance of accurate casts made quickly cannot be stressed enough. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to practice so I’ll happily customize your day on the water to include some casting instruction.
Fun Fishing in Islamorada and the Florida Keys
Looking just to bend a rod? Looking for a stress free day on the water with your wife or children? If you just want to have a good time fishing while experiencing some of the natural beauty the Keys have to offer, then a "fun fishing" trip may be just for you. From seatrout to Spanish mackerel, the Keys play host to a number of fish species that will keep rods bent and faces smiling for the entire day. Most commonly caught species are seatrout, jack crevalle, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, sharks and mangrove snapper. This kind of fishing is a blast for any level of angler and also a great way to introduce a non-angler or child to fishing. For novice fly anglers, some of these species are a great introduction to the sport, providing plenty of casting opportunities and fishing action.
The clear, shallow water "flats" of Islamorada and the Florida Keys could have been custom made for sight fishing. The term “flats” generally refers to the shallow areas of the oceanside and nearby waters. Bonefish, permit and tarpon are the targeted species. This style of fishing involves stalking the flats in my shallow draft boat, hunting for our quarry. Casts are made to individual fish so casting accuracy is needed, whether with bait, artificial or fly. Sight fishing can frustrate even the most seasoned angler, so for those with a "rusty" casting arm a little practice before your trip is a good idea. (For fly anglers, we can also customize your trip to include on the water fly casting instruction.) This game is all about "quality not quantity". Sight fishing is more demanding but by far the most rewarding way to fish. For the uninitiated you'll realize this when you spot a 100lb. tarpon and cast to it, only to watch him inhale your offering and then go airborne! You will never be the same! The challenge of sight fishing only makes the catch that more memorable and the satisfaction level on par with nothing else. You will never forget these fish. I guarantee it.
Looking just to bend a rod? Looking for a stress free day on the water with your wife or children? If you just want to have a good time fishing while experiencing some of the natural beauty the Keys have to offer, then a "fun fishing" trip may be just for you. From seatrout to Spanish mackerel, the Keys play host to a number of fish species that will keep rods bent and faces smiling for the entire day. Most commonly caught species are seatrout, jack crevalle, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, sharks and mangrove snapper. This kind of fishing is a blast for any level of angler and also a great way to introduce a non-angler or child to fishing. For novice fly anglers, some of these species are a great introduction to the sport, providing plenty of casting opportunities and fishing action.