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Target Species & Seasons

A Day in the Backcountry

Every trip with Capt. Chase is a mix of adventure, relaxation, and pure fishing fun. Whether you’re poling across glassy flats at sunrise or slipping through quiet mangrove creeks, the Florida Keys backcountry delivers nonstop opportunities for light tackle and fly anglers alike. Capt. Chase customizes every charter to your experience level, goals, and the season because no two days on the water are ever the same.

Fly fishing to bonefish on shallow flats in the Florida Keys

Bonefish

Sight cast shallow flats using fly or light tackle. Bonefish are active year-round, with spring through fall offering the best tailing action. Perfect for anglers looking for a challenging and exciting fight.

Caught redfish (red drum) on light tackle in Islamorada

Redfish

Roam the flats, shallow backcountry waters, and mangrove edges. Best fished on fly or light tackle from fall through spring, redfish provide exciting, hard-fighting opportunities.

Caught permit on light tackle in Islamorada

Permit

Target permit on shallow flats or around sandy rubble and wreck edges. Fly fishing or light tackle is ideal, with the best months from March through October. Permit are a challenging and rewarding species to pursue.

Client holding a snook caught on a backcountry fishing trip in Islamorada with The Chase Fishing Charters

Snook

Found along mangrove shorelines, creeks, and backcountry channels. Fish with light tackle or fly gear year-round. Snook offer aggressive strikes and are a favorite for anglers chasing action in tight water.

Caught tarpon on fly gear in Florida Keys backcountry

Tarpon

Cruise the channels, bridge edges, and flat edges to find silver kings. Fly or light tackle works best, with peak season from March through July. Tarpon provide an unforgettable battle for anglers of all skill levels.

Capt. Chase Masters holding a tripletail caught in the Florida Keys on light tackle

And More!

In addition to the primary target species, anglers can expect opportunities for snapper, speckled trout, grouper, and other seasonal favorites. These fish are commonly found around patch reefs, grass flats, channels, and mangrove shorelines, providing consistent action throughout the year. Fished on light tackle or bait, they’re a great way to stay on the bite and round out a productive day on the water.

Gear & Tackle

When you fish with Capt. Chase, you’re fishing with the best. Every setup on board is hand-picked for performance, precision, and reliability. Having the right gear makes all the difference when that big fish eats.

For light tackle trips, Capt. Chase outfits anglers with custom-built rods by Capt. Randy Towe, a legendary Florida Keys craftsman whose rods are designed to handle everything from bonefish to tarpon. They’re paired with smooth, durable Florida Fishing Products reels, built right here in the Sunshine State for saltwater conditions.

For fly anglers, Capt. Chase turns to G. Loomis rods matched with Nautilus reels — a setup known for balance, finesse, and stopping power when it counts. Whether you’re making a delicate presentation to a bonefish tailing in inches of water or battling a big silver king, the gear is dialed in and ready to perform.

All rods, reels, tackle, bait, and flies are provided, but you’re always welcome to bring your own favorite setup. Just show up ready to fish and Capt. Chase will handle the rest.

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