Nearshore Trips Aboard the Shearwater Bay Boat

Patch Reefs

What is a patch reef? Patch reefs are small humps of reef found inbetween shore and the main reef line. They’re usually surronded by sand and grass and can be absolutly loaded with fish! The depth surrounding them is around 25-30 feet and the humps come up as high as 10 feet from the surface. These reefs are commonly overlooked by the average fisherman and can be a great staging area for fish that migrate out of the Gulf of Mexico. The most common species found on the patch reefs are Mutton Snapper, Black Grouper, Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, Yellowtail Snapper, Cero Mackerel, Lane Snapper and multiple species of Sharks in the winter time. The main goal of this type of fishing is to bring the fish out of the reef and into the sand either in front or behind. We do this by anchoring on either side and chumming. Patch Reef fishing is a great way to bend the rod and bring fish home to eat. Plus they can be as close as 2 miles from shore making travel time less and fishing time more! This is the kind of trip to bring your buddies or your family and really have a great time.

Tarpon

Surely one of the largest fish you’ll ever see flying through the air… Tarpon are big, they’re acrobatic and an hour long fight is not at all uncommon. Ranging from 10-200+ pounds and averaging 20-80 pounds, these fish have every bit of muscle it takes to flat wear you out. Tarpon can be sight fished on the flats or caught in the channels by drifting back pinfish or crabs. We find these fish in deeper oceanside flats from one fish to pods of ten or more. They can be pitched a live crab, big shrimp, pinfish and of course a fly. You are guaranteed  mu ltiple jumps and blistering runs coupled in with a very long fight. Tarpon are a catch and release species and are always released. They can be measured for a very close weight estimation (within 3%) and will provide you with a stunning photo.

Other species are available in the wintertime when the water gets cold such asTrout, Ladyfish, Barracuda and Large Sharks. There is always something to do in the Backcountry of the Florida Keys. A wonderful time surrounded by the most beautiful scenery the Keys has to offer.

Sharks

Sharks are creatures that strike both fear and excitement into anyone who comes across them… They’re brutally strong and can become impossibly large with a mouthful of teeth and fast as can be. Wanna catch one? Be up close and personal to Jaws? It can happen! In the backcountry of the lower keys and Key West, there are a large number of sharks. Mainly Lemons, Bulls and Black Tips. They range from 3-7 feet on average with some of the Bulls pushing 8 ft. Hanging fish carcasses over the side next to the flats can chum them up right to the back of the boat allowing for an easy hook up. We use wire leaders and strips of fish or big live bait to entice one of these toothy critters to eat and then hang on! A screaming run and a fight that can last anywhere from 5 minutes to over an hour.