Big Pine Key Fishing
Explore the amazing fishery that is the Lower Florida Keys in our brief guide to Big Pine Key fishing.
Big Pine Key Fishing – Spin or Fly!
Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, fishing the backcountry and flats of the LOWER FLORIDA KEYS is always a treat. Both FLY FISHING and SPIN FISHING are equally enjoyed. Most trips “out back” involve the use of both tactics to optimize the experience.
BIG PINE KEY is located just west of Seven Mile Bridge, an iconic landmark along the Florida Keys. Just far enough to escape the South Florida day trippers, you’re truly stepping back in time and entering what most consider to be the “Real Keys” experience. Time moves slower here and that is the way we like it!
That said, the fishing—as well as the flora and fauna— reflect the effects of less traffic. Less pressure, more habitat, more life!
Big Pine Key Fishing Species
There are plenty of species to target in our area to make a full 8-hours on the water seem like 5-minutes!
Among the top three are Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit—as well as the honorable mentions—Redfish, Snook, Barracuda, Jack Crevalle, Speckled Sea Trout, Yellow Jack, Pompano, Sheep Head, Sharks, Grouper, and Snapper.
Though we set out to catch, the real reward is kicking back and taking in the beauty of the area.
Allowing a seasoned Florida waterman and all-encompassing devoted outdoorsman to show you around—is the only way!
Big Pine Key Fishing Seasons
Along with everything, different times of the year boast better opportunities to accomplish goals for targeted species. The most sought-after times for booking are generally between March and June. This generally has to do with warming atmospheric trends (air temp., water temp., etc.). As the water temps climb and the threat of cold fronts dissipate, the fishing gets red hot!
Tarpon travel long distances to meet right in the heart of the Lower Keys both on the Oceanside and Gulf edges. This phenomenon generally starts to take place March/April timeframe and goes through June/July and generally peaks in May, around our version of a jubilee known as “Worm Hatch“. That said, there is a chance things can start sooner and go later, it all depends on weather volatility. There are also a great number of resident Tarpon that stick around the Lower Keys all year to play the game.
Permit are around most of the year and generally depart the flats for a spawn sometime between late March and start to return early May. They will make themselves more available to “eat a fly” in March and May, both in front of and on the back side of the spawn. The late summer and early fall time-frame is a great time to book a trip down to pursue Permit, as well.
Bonefish can be found most everywhere once the weather has become a stable, warmer environment. Generally peaking in the summer months, we are targeting bonefish throughout the year.
During the winter months and around times most impacted by cold fronts, if there is a “good weather window” and the flats have a chance to warm up, we can see ferocious Bones looking to let their inhibitions down and get the drag screaming on fly or spin.
In short, we can have a great day of fishing regardless of the time of the year. The goal is to have fun, stay positive and enjoy the opportunity the see the flats from a Local’s point of view!
Getting Here and Staying Here
Key West airport is by far the best option for travel!
Though flying into Miami and renting a vehicle isn’t a horrible second. The drive along the Keys is highly recommended if you haven’t already done so.
For those who have, you’d most likely prefer option number one! You will find renting a vehicle over a ride-share option to best benefit your travel in the keys.
Accommodations
Accommodations in the Big Pine area are slim (which in turn keeps the volume off the water), however, there are many options between Duck Key and Key West for anglers to stay.
About a 45 minute commute sans traffic, which generally holds true to form at the early hours of the day. Parmers Resort and Little Palm Island are the closest. Vacation Rentals require 30+ day commitments in the Lower Keys area and are generally not the best route for shorter stays.
Dining in the area is sparse between Marathon and Key West but boasts some good options. To name a few…The Square Grouper, Kikis Sandbar, Boondocks, Broil Steak House. However, if you’re staying in the Marathon or Key West area, there is a plethora of options to choose from. If you’re opting to cook and prepare your own food, Parmers Resort has accommodations to facilitate.
Some of the best place to stay include:
Closing Remarks
There are quite a few guides to choose from in the Lower Keys that will provide you with an “experience of a lifetime”. Those of us that live here work together, hang out and often even fish together to explore, and consistently learn, more about our ecosystem.
I implore everyone to seek a local, year-round resident of the Lower Keys to hire as your ambassador. We are the backbone, the working class and what makes the Keys so special. We are the stewards of our lands, waters and tribe!
Fish Species Targeted
Flats fishing in the Florida Keys offers a stellar variety of exciting, powerful sportfishing targets. Learn more about some of the fish species we target for anglers at
Tarpon
The Silver King
The Tarpon is one of the most sought-after fish in the fabulous Florida Keys. This powerful species offers the fight of a lifetime for any passionate angler!
Bonefish
Grey Ghosts
Commonly referred to as “ghosts”, the bonefish is one of the most elusive species on the flats in the Florida Keys. Knowing where and how to spot these secretive flats inhabitants makes the catch all the more worthwhile!
Permit
The Professor
Permit are a game fish that are found both inshore and offshore, commonly feasting on crab, shrimp, and other small fish.
Snook
Linesiders
The Snook is an exciting back-country species. Let us show you the satisfaction of landing this Racing Mullet.
Redfish
The Powerhouse
As elusive as they are powerful, the Redfish is a joy to track and catch on the flats of the Florida Keys.
We proudly feature:
What our anglers are saying!
Aubrey Kuczerepa2025-07-29We had the best trip with Captain Justin! He had us on fish all morning. We can’t wait for our next trip back!
Casey Crogan2025-07-26Captn Justin Bachert, Dreamweaver: Had the absolute pleasure of fishing with Capt Justin a few days ago. Learned more in 4 hours fishing with him than several previous guided trips combined. Not to mention his immaculate skiff and top notch gear. It was a magical day. Catching fish was a bonus. Justin is such a great hang, we could have floated around all morning but instead I scratched off catching a tarpon on a fly from my bucket list. I should probably keep it my little secret but you need to go fishing with this guy.
joe todd2025-07-13Capt. Justin is a true pleasure to fish with. I’ve been fortunate to fish with many captains from all over and I would rate him at the very top. Not only is he very knowledgeable, but his positive and genuine personality makes for a very enjoyable day on the water. My wife and I recently enjoyed a day on the flats with him and will certainly go with him again when our schedules allow! Highly recommend!
Martin Cole2025-06-26I have fished with many guides around the country. Justin is at the top of the most pleasant and accommodating guys I’ve fished with. His knowledge of the area and fish were top notch. We fished a full day and he never let up putting us on the tarpon. We had a great day chasing these phenomenal acrobats. Thxs Again Justin!
M Rogers2025-06-22Amazing fishing in the keys! My husband and I went out with Justin and had the best time. Justin was just the nicest, super helpful if you’re new but great if you have experience as well. Just great service all around. A great memory of the keys will be back for more fishing soon!
Brett Taylor2025-06-15Great Fathers Day fishing trip with Captain Justin! He put us on some amazing Bonefish action! Thanks again for the trip, we had a blast!
Adam Francis2025-05-21We went out with Justin in February 2024 and again May 2025. He's a super experienced guide and a true lover of the outdoors. I'm a fly fishing novice, and he had me hooking tarpon and bonefish in no time. Looking forward to the next chance to get out with Justin!
Blake Horsburgh2025-04-14Captain Justin is a solid and humble dude! He was super attentive and present every moment of my half-day fishing excursion in Big Pine Key. He guided me to land my first Tarpon AND Bonefish on the fly! Look no further - he is the guide you want.
Sean Harrington2025-04-08Justin is so awesome. Had the time of my life. Great guy even better fisherman
Dennis Stricker2025-03-11Great experience from booking the trips to time on the water. My wife and I spent a half day and I caught my 1st ever tarpon. Justin's coaching is affirmative and professional with the utmost respect for the fish's health and the environment it thrives in. I fished with Justin the following day and caught my 1st ever bonefish. Couldn't have done it without Justin's coaching. Highly recommend going out with him.
Ready for some fun on the Flats?
Trust Hot Water Fishing for all of your Lower-Keys Back-Country Fishing Adventures!