Backcountry fishing: flats, mangroves & the Everglades
What backcountry fishing is, the fish you’ll catch and where to book a guided backcountry trip.
Backcountry fishing takes you into the wild, shallow water behind the coast: mangrove islands, flats and creeks full of birds, sharks and game fish. Once you’ve tried it, it’s a breathtaking view and an experience you won’t forget. Florida is our top backcountry destination, in the Keys and the Everglades.
Fish you can catch in the backcountry
Bonefish, permit and tarpon, plus redfish, snook, trout, sharks and snapper. Swipe to see them.
Bonefish
Gray ghostFast runs on the shallow flats. Catch and release in Florida.
Tarpon
Silver kingBig, jumping fish in the channels and basins. Catch and release.
Mangrove snapper
Gray snapperAround mangroves, channels and structure. Good eating.
What is backcountry fishing?
Backcountry fishing is fishing remote, shallow water away from towns and the open ocean: mangrove estuaries, flats, creeks, brackish rivers and bays. In saltwater it usually means Florida Bay, the Florida Keys backcountry and the Everglades, fished from a shallow-draft boat with light tackle or a fly rod for bonefish, permit, tarpon, redfish and snook.
Backcountry vs flats vs inshore fishing
| Backcountry | Flats | Inshore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Remote mangrove and flats water | Clear, shallow flats where you see the fish | Bays, lagoons, inlets and docks near town |
| Fish | Bonefish, permit, tarpon, redfish, snook | Bonefish, permit, tarpon, redfish | Redfish, seatrout, snook, flounder |
| Best for | Wildlife and wild water | Sight fishing and fly anglers | Families and first-timers |
Backcountry fishing charters
Our backcountry trips run in the Florida Keys and the Everglades. Marathon books online; the others are booked by phone.
Middle KeysMarathon backcountryFrom $575 · see dates →
Upper KeysIslamorada backcountryCall to book →
Upper KeysKey Largo backcountryCall to book →Lower KeysKey West backcountryCall to book →
All KeysFlorida Keys backcountryFrom $575 · see dates →
Everglades National ParkFlamingo (Everglades)Call to book →How backcountry fishing works
Your guide runs a shallow-draft boat into the flats and mangroves, then poles or drifts quietly while you cast to fish you can often see.
Light tackle and fly
Light spinning tackle and the fly rod are the most popular ways to fish the backcountry. Bonefish and permit are among the hardest fish to catch on the planet, so an experienced guide makes the difference.
Wading, kayak or boat
Backcountry fishing can be done by wading, kayak, canoe or flats boat. Our guided trips use flats boats so you can cover more water safely.
Your guide
Our guides are professional, experienced and Coast Guard licensed, picked for their fishing success, safety and the condition of their boats and gear. License, tackle and bait are included; bring your own lure or rod if you like.
What to bring
Polarized sunglasses, a hat, a light long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen, non-scuff shoes, water, snacks and a camera.
Best backcountry fishing destinations
Florida
Florida Bay, the Florida Keys backcountry and the Everglades are the best-known saltwater backcountry in the U.S.
Florida Keys backcountry
Everglades
See Florida backcountry fishing
Planning a backcountry trip somewhere else? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, and we’ll tell you what we can book.
Recent guest reviews
5.07 reviewsReviews from our Florida fishing trips.
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
A most delightful town
The town of New Smyrna is worth seeing and visiting. We enjoyed walking along the waterfront. You can drive your car to the beach. Ate dinner near the water at one of the Town Tavern which featured a live band. My friend and I went fishing, what fun, highly recommend it!
Lisa Wilson · January 2021
Obstacles conquered!
Started out with a full moon the night before and wind blowing 3 times what was forecast but Captain Brad had a plan. We got out and in no time had fish on! I had no expectations for what we might catch which turned out great 8 different species and two nice redfish! I had a great time!
Doug M. · March 2019 · TripAdvisor
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Four hour trip with Captain Brad
We had a great time with Captain Brad. He had us on the fish right away in the morning and always kept us moving looking for more. He was very knowledgeable.
Eli L · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
How to book a backcountry fishing trip
Book Marathon online, or call us and we’ll match you with a backcountry guide.
Backcountry trips in the Florida Keys and the Everglades
Saltwater license covered by the captain. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the guide cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Backcountry fishing questions
What is backcountry fishing?
Backcountry fishing is fishing remote, shallow water away from towns and open ocean: mangrove estuaries, flats, creeks, brackish rivers and bays. In saltwater it usually means places like Florida Bay, the Florida Keys backcountry and the Everglades, fished from a shallow-draft boat with light tackle or a fly rod.
What is backcountry fly fishing?
It means fly fishing in remote water. In Florida that is sight fishing the backcountry flats for bonefish, permit, tarpon, redfish and snook; in the mountains of the West it means hiking to remote trout streams. We book saltwater backcountry and fly trips in the Florida Keys.
What fish can you catch backcountry fishing?
In Florida’s backcountry: bonefish, permit, tarpon, redfish, snook, spotted seatrout, sharks and mangrove snapper.
Where is the best backcountry fishing in the U.S.?
The Florida Keys and the Everglades are the best-known saltwater backcountry in the country, with Florida Bay behind Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo and the lower Keys near Key West.
How much does a backcountry fishing charter cost?
Our Marathon backcountry charters start at $575 for 4 hours and $650 for 6 hours, with license, rods, reels, tackle and bait included. Islamorada, Key Largo, Key West and Flamingo trips are booked by phone.
What do I need for backcountry fishing?
On a charter the guide brings the boat, rods, tackle and bait, and in Florida the saltwater license. Bring polarized sunglasses, a hat, a light long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen, water, snacks and a camera.
How do I book a backcountry fishing trip?
Book Marathon online on our Florida backcountry page, or call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.