Booking Rates & Trip Information
Learn more about the Hot Water Fishing experience and how Captain Justin can get you on the water!
Back country charter fishing rates and Deposit Policy
As with any outings, there are preset rates and predetermined amounts of time for any Hot Water Fishing trip.
1/2 Day (4 Hours) - $600.00
3/4 Day (6 Hours) - $700.00
Full Day (8 Hours) - $800.00
Tarpon (Evening - 3.5 Hours) - $500.00
Gas & Bait Included!
Fishing License Included!
Departure & Return times are not static and will usually be determined the night before. Tides & weather play a very large role in the success & comfort of your Hot Water Fishing trip.
Because of the inherently small-size of a poling skiff, there is a strict 2-angler max occupancy.
* Disclaimer: If for one reason or another Captain Justin is unavailable, he will personally recommend a fellow, experienced guide that is fit to perform and fulfill any charter request.
Years on the Water
Happy Anglers
Targeted Species
Cups of Coffee
Deposits & Deposit Policy
- Reservations and Deposits: $250 for 1/2, 3/4, Full or 25% for custom trips (Everglades Outings) Deposits are required to lock in each booking.
- Deposits will be applied to each daily balance and final payment for your trip is due upon completion of each day of fishing.
- Rollover of deposits will be allowed inside each calendar year based on availability and if possible.Cancellations inside 15 days of reservations are not subject to a refund or reservation modification.
- Upon sending your deposit, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these terms and conditions and agree to be bound by them.
- No refunds will be made for any unused portion of a trip, including late arrival or early departure. Guide fees, or other associated costs are not refundable if unused. Hot Water Fishing LLC. reserves the right to modify an itinerary due to circumstances beyond reasonable control. In the unlikely event that Hot Water Fishing LLC. must cancel a reservation, all payments received will be credited to a future date within 12 months of the original date based on availability, which constitutes a full settlement.
- Start-times commence at the time your guide discussed with you he night/day before the booking. Tardiness to the boat, the day of your trip, does not move the end-time back. End-times are based off of 1/2 day (4hr), 3/4 day (6hr), or full-day (8hr) schedule.
Tipping Policy
- Rates do not Include: Tips (15,18,20% recommended), food/drink, credit card fees, other accommodations outside what is offered by Hot Water Fishing LLC
What to Expect on your Trip
1/2 Day Charters
Best suited for Summer/Evening trips. In the heat of Summer, early morning or late afternoon trips are more comfortable, for the fish as well as anglers!
3/4 Day Charters
When a “1/2 Day” just isn’t long enough! Perfect for hunting around the flats with a little more leisure.
Full Day
Recommended for “Tarpon Season”, (March – June). Full day trips are designed to maximize the fishing experience in the Florida Keys.
Tarpon Trips
Swinging big flies and swim baits around the large channels & bridges along the Florida Keys offers a high hook-up ratio to anglers of all levels. Availability is generally limited while these trips are an option.
Custom Trips
Looking to stalk a specific species across the Flats & Back-country of the Florida Keys or in Everglades National Park? Hot Water Fishing is thrilled to be your guide for any custom excursion.
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 Captain Justin Bachert of Hot Water Fishing for all of your Lower-Keys Back-Country Fishing Adventures!