Bonefish and Permit Fishing in Marathon: The Flats Special

Bonefish and permit are two of the fish people travel to the Florida Keys for. Callion Fishing Charters runs a flats trip out of Marathon built around them: five hours in the shallows, sight-casting from the boat, set up for two anglers only.

The trip

The Flats special leaves the dock at 8:00 AM and runs 5 hours. It is $1,000 for the boat, 2 anglers max. The season on the site is 1 August to 15 October. Fly gear is aboard if you want it, along with rods, reels and lures, so you can fish whichever way you like.

Why two anglers

Flats fishing is quiet, careful fishing. You spot the fish in shallow water and make the cast. Keeping the trip to two anglers gives each of you the room and the time to do that well.

Who you fish with

Captains John and Jack Callion are a 4th-generation Keys fishing family, guiding out of Marathon since 1979. The family has tournament wins on bonefish, and their gallery shows permit held up on the boat.

Booking

You meet at 11833 Overseas Highway in Marathon. Your fishing licences are covered. Book online with a $100 deposit, or call or text John on (305) 394-7991 to ask what the flats are doing this week.