Quiet Water, Consistent Action, and Endless Variety in the Lower Keys
The Florida Keys consist of over 1700 islands, of which about 800 are named. On the North side of the Florida Keys, we have a body of water known as Florida Bay and the Gulf of America with numerous islands throughout. Florida Bay and the islands along the Gulf edge is commonly referred to as the backcountry, basically if it isn’t oceanside it’s the backcountry.
Fishing in the backcountry is diverse, from fishing the shorelines of the islands to an expansive system of flats and channel edges, you never know what you’ll find. Some of our most common species of fish that we target in the backcountry are juvenile Tarpon and Barracuda.
Our juvenile Tarpon are resident fish, meaning they stay here year round. Juvenile tarpon are great to target with lighter tackle, they usually are pretty aggressive and plentiful. One of our favorite ways to target these smaller, more manageable Tarpon, are with topwater flies and lures.
Our Barracuda fishing really heats up in the Fall and Winter months. As the deeper waters of the Ocean and Gulf cool off, big Barracuda find their way into the shallow waters of the backcountry in search of warmer water and bait to feed on. Sight fishing Barracudas on light tackle or with a fly rod has really grown in popularity in the recent years, understandably. Barracudas are aggressive, they love to chase down quickly retrieved lures or flies stripped as fast as you can. Once hooked, it is not uncommon for Barracudas to jump out of the water and they will have your drag screaming as they rip across the flat. No longer viewed as a trash fish by Florida Keys fishing guides or anglers. In fact, we have a tournament in February (Super Bowl weekend) dedicated to Barracuda fishing known as the “Cuda Bowl”.
In the backcountry of the Florida Keys, we also target a variety of other species depending on conditions and time of year, including a variety of Snapper, Sharks, Redfish, Snook, Grouper and Jacks.
Why Fish the Backcountry?
The backcountry is protected, remote, and peaceful. No beachfront crowds, no loud traffic, no boat pressure. It’s the part of the Keys most visitors never see, and it’s often where some of the best fishing happens.
Backcountry fishing is great for:
- Fly or spin anglers
- Beginners learning to sight fish
- Kids and families
- Anglers wanting a break from the ultra-technical flats
- Anyone who wants consistent action
It’s the perfect blend of exploration and opportunity.
Species We Target in the Backcountry
Depending on conditions and tide, you may encounter:
Baby Tarpon
Rolling, flashing, and laid-up throughout the creeks and basins. Ideal for explosive eats on fly or light tackle.
Snook
Tight to the mangroves, cruising shorelines, and ambushing bait on tides.
Barracuda
Aggressive, visual eats, especially fun for new anglers or those wanting fast action.
Jacks
Powerful, high-energy fish that can show up in singles, schools, or massive packs.
Sharks
Lemon sharks and blacktips cruising shallow bays and edges.
The variety keeps rods bent and makes every trip different.
Where We Fish
Most backcountry trips take place in the sheltered waters behind the Lower Keys. Depending on tide and weather, we may explore:
- Mangrove islands and creek systems
- Hidden bays and lagoons
- Shallow backcountry flats
- Transition zones between deep basins and skinny water
- Protected water behind Big Pine, No Name Key, and surrounding areas
Because these areas are more protected, they often offer great fishing even on windier days.
What to Expect on a Backcountry Trip
Backcountry trips are flexible, dynamic, and built around your goals. A typical day might include:
- Watching baby tarpon roll at first light
- Sight fishing snook along mangrove edges
- Casting big lures to barracuda in shallow water
- Searching for laid-up fish in calm basins
- Looking for surprises: sharks, jacks, cruising tarpon, and more
Whether you want steady rod-bending action or specific sight-casting opportunities, the backcountry provides both.
Fly or Spin, Both Welcome
The backcountry is ideal for both fly and light-tackle anglers.
Fly anglers will enjoy:
- Baby tarpon eats
- Snook presentations under the mangroves
- Cuda flies for visual strikes
- Basin fishing for rolling fish
Light-tackle anglers can fish:
- Small swimbaits
- Soft plastics
- Plugs
- Jigs
- Topwater baits
- Live shrimp (by request)
All necessary gear is provided.
When Backcountry Fishing Is Best
The backcountry fishes well year-round, but certain windows are exceptional:
- Spring: Baby tarpon, snook, jacks
- Summer: Calm water + excellent morning tarpon sessions
- Fall: Big fish push into protected bays
- Winter: Cuda, jacks, shark action, plus warm-up tarpon days
Because the backcountry is protected, it’s one of the most reliable options when wind or clouds limit opportunities on the flats.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Backcountry trips are ideal for:
- First-time saltwater anglers
- Families and kids
- Anglers wanting lots of shots
- Those who prefer a relaxed, scenic day
- Experienced anglers wanting variety
- Anyone who loves exploring hidden water
If you want to see a side of the Keys most people never experience, this is it.
Why Fish Backcountry with Capt. Jesse
Jesse’s experience in the Lower Keys backcountry comes from years of exploring these hidden waters, learning which bays hold rolling tarpon, which channels warm first, and how weather shifts fish movement.
His approach is patient, encouraging, and perfect for anglers who want a balance of fun and skill-building.
Ready for a Quiet Water Adventure?
If you’re ready to explore the hidden side of the Keys, where rolling tarpon, snook, and cruising predators keep things exciting, let’s plan your day.
Call/Text: (407) 448-2017
Email: Capt.JesseRegister@live.com