Flats fishing is huge money in Florida, especially in the Keys, flats guides say. The Keys have been home to many world records when it comes to landing bonefish, permit and tarpon — the three kings of backcountry fishing.
People travel to the Keys from around the world for the chance to land a monster tarpon, permit or stealthy bonefish. Those anglers boost the local economy, as each spends several hundred dollars on a fishing guide, hotel room, restaurants and other tourist-related activities, flats guides say.
Bonefish Tarpon Trust wants to know exactly how much tourists spend when they come to fish the flats, Director of Operations Aaron Adams said.
