Overview
The Florida Keys backcountry is one of the most legendary fishing destinations on the planet, and experiencing it from a stand-up paddleboard elevates the adventure to an entirely new level. Stretching from Key Largo to Key West along the Gulf of Mexico side of the island chain, the backcountry encompasses thousands of square miles of shallow flats, mangrove-lined channels, and pristine turtle-grass meadows that harbor an astonishing diversity of gamefish. This is the home of the coveted “Grand Slam”—catching a bonefish, permit, and tarpon in a single day—and SUP anglers have a legitimate shot at achieving it thanks to the stealth advantage of a paddleboard. Islamorada, known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” serves as the gateway to some of the most productive backcountry flats. From here, paddlers can access the famous flats of Buchanan Bank, Shell Key Basin, and the Content Keys. The mangrove islands provide shelter from wind and create a labyrinth of channels that hold juvenile tarpon, snook, and barracuda. The Keys backcountry is a year-round fishery, but spring through early summer offers the best conditions for the Grand Slam pursuit.