Capt. Rick Mager of Flats Fever

Hi, I’m Captain Rick Mager. I’ll be your guide on Flats Fever, my 18 foot Maverick “Master Angler” flats boat. With a 150 HP Johnson engine no  time is wasted getting you right onto the best flats in Key West’s famous “back  country.”

I have 30 years  experience fishing Key West waters, either blue water fishing, poling the  crystal clear, calmer waters of Key West’s famous shallow “flats,” or exploring  the waters of the secluded Marquesa Keys to the west of Key West. You learn an  awful lot about fishing down here when you spend your life on the water.

One of  the great revelations for many is that the “real fishing” is to be enjoyed in  the intricate maze of channels and flats on the calmer side of the Keys.

Once you’ve hooked into a real game fish, like the famous  Key West “Silver King,” (those awesome Tarpon,) or a tightly wound package of muscle and explosive dynamite like a bonefish, permit,  cobia, or ‘cuda on fly  rod or light spinning tackle , you’ll never look at fishing the same way again.  Forgive the pun, but “its catching.”

On “Flats Fever” we supply Loomis Rods exclusively, for your use. Six to twelve weights cover all the  bases. We like Loomis’ equipment, we’re a member of their “professional guide  program.” However, if you have a preference for your own gear, you’re always  welcome to use it. But, why bother? Leave it safely back home. We’re well  equipped for you... we use only the best. Our fly reels are all Penn and Pate, though  we sometimes find a Shimano spinning reel suits the task well on certain  species.

Perhaps it's the hunt that makes it so stimulating. Think about it – a fishing adventure in crystal clear waters. Imagine fighting an eighty pound Tarpon on a fly or light spinning tackle in three feet of water, putting your skills to the ultimate test.  A "tackle-bustin’” Barracuda soon becomes an adventure you’ll never forget.

Oh, by the way, we’re very proud of our philosophy...

“Return the Resource.  Catch and Release!”