Hot Water Fishing in Lower Florida Keys

Hot Water Fishing is Captain Justin Bachert's fly and light tackle guide service for the Florida Keys. The advertised program emphasizes inshore and backcountry fishing in the Lower Keys and Everglades, with tarpon, permit and bonefish among its signature pursuits. Trips are customized around the angler rather than sold as one fixed fishing routine.

Contact and booking details

Sight fishing and backcountry targets

Bachert describes inshore fishing as a hunt, an approach that fits anglers interested in finding fish and making deliberate presentations. Tarpon, permit and bonefish receive individual attention on the website, while redfish, snook and barracuda broaden the possibilities. The guide can help determine which part of that range makes sense for the place and season.

Both fly fishing and light tackle are offered. That allows a conversation about casting ability and tackle preference before choosing a trip. A visitor coming to learn saltwater fly fishing may need a different pace from an experienced angler hoping for technical shots at permit, even when both are fishing the same general backcountry region.

Choosing time on the water

The service advertises half-day, three-quarter-day and full-day packages. Half days are described as especially useful for summer or evening fishing, with early and late periods providing a more comfortable alternative to the hottest hours. The intermediate trip provides additional time to look around the flats without committing to a full fishing day.

Full days are recommended by the operator for the spring tarpon period, which it identifies as March through June. That is a planning preference rather than a guarantee of fish behavior. Share your dates, the species you hope to pursue and whether you are flexible on timing so Bachert can explain the realistic options.

Planning with Captain Justin

The captain's background includes childhood freshwater fishing in New York and a move to Marco Island as a teenager, where his interests shifted toward snook, redfish and tarpon. His present service concentrates that experience on guided shallow-water fishing. Direct inquiries can be made at 386-206-6137 or by email to hotwaterfishing@gmail.com.

Confirm the exact departure point for your booking, particularly because the website describes more than one region. Request the current party limit, price and equipment inclusions for your selected duration. Mention any personal fly tackle you want to use and ask what to bring for food, drinks and clothing so the trip preparation matches the intended fishing style.

Details checked October 21, 2026, against published operator information. Confirm rates, departure details and policies directly before booking. Fishing targets depend on conditions, applicable seasons and the trip selected.

Featured photo: Angler holding a permit aboard a Hot Water Fishing skiff. Photo from Hot Water Fishing.

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