“Highly recommended guide.”

We have visited the Keys for the past few years and Flyfished for Tarpon with Capt Luke for a week each time. We make the long trip from Scotland so finding a great guide is vital to our experience.

Luke has spent all his life fishing in the Keys this shows in his passion and knowledge of the area. His service is first class- always early at the launch, his boat tidy and well maintained with a shiny new 115 Evinrude on the business end.

In 2010 I had what has been the best days fishing of my life with Capt Luke, landing 5 Tarpon out of 8 hooked all before 11 am! Hopefully we can repeat that May 2012 as we have already booked our week with him. I cant wait to step on the boat again and hit those stunning flats.

On a final note this year my careless fishing partner dropped his travel money at our launch site on our final day this year. When discovered Luke gave us a call to let us know it was safe and made the 40 Mile round trip to Key West to return it. Great guy, great service and highly recommended.

Colin Mclachlan - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

“Excellent Guide.”

I have fished with Capt. Luke Kelly and Key Flat Charters for nearly 5 years now and it is hard to see myself fishing with any other guide in the entire Florida Keys. If you asked why I would probably sum it up in two main reasons: 1) He is a Florida Keys native that grew up fishing the area 2) He is nice guy that is proud of the business he is building.

You can tell very quickly that Luke is a Florida Keys native that grew up fishing the local waters. One time I fished with him we were poling an edge and he told me about a large bonefish he caught at that same spot when he was growing up that went close to 13 lbs with his Dad. He has an intimate relationship with the area you are fishing and he knows the flats like the back of his hand. There is not a shortage of guides in the Florida Keys as many guides come from out of town during the peak seasons. Many of these seasonal guides are just learning the area and its complex tides and fishery. Luke’s permanent experience in the entire lower keys gives you the ability to fish the flats off of Key West and Sugarloaf as well. I have caught a lot of fish in both areas but the tide, water temp, fishing pressure, and overall fishing may be better in one area than the other at a given time. When fishing with Luke he really has things dialed in so you are at the right place at the right time

The second reason is that Luke is a really nice guy that is proud of his business he is building. That pride is seen in the quality tackle, modern skiff, promptness in returning phone calls, current fishing reports, and also eagerness to fish the day of your charter. Every time that I fish with Luke I have a greater understanding of the flats. He is always eager to share new information whether it be pointing out a lobster hiding on an edge of a flat or reviewing the difference between the numerous sharks, rays, and sea turtles that you will see at certain times of the year. I have a funny story that sums his personality up pretty well. The first time we fished together was a windy day in March and we saw a large permit in an area called The Contents. I have not seen a bigger permit to this day and it was really feeding aggressively on the flat. Luke put me in perfect position and I botched the cast like a complete idiot. I landed it right on its head and the permit acted like a bomb went off and he left as soon as he came. There are some guides that would have gotten a little angry and others that may have simply lost interest. After we laughed together we got back at it as he became more determined to make it all come together. I caught my first permit on the flats later that day. The perfect guide in my opinion is one who is not only very fishy and hardworking but also enjoys his job without taking himself too seriously.

 

I hope you are able to get on the water and experience the world class fishing in the lower keys. If so I strongly recommend Capt. Luke Kelly and Key Flat Charters.

Bill Ackourey - Deerfield Beach, Florida

“The single most enjoyable fishing experience.”

I've had the pleasure of fishing with some true professional guides throughout the years but none was more attentive, knowledgeable and expert than Captain Luke. He knows the flats, the tides and the bite. He puts you on the fish. And he works hard to make the entire experience outstanding. In our last trip my buddy nailed the Grand Slam and we have not stopped talking about it since. One caution. Luke is well known among his clients. Book him real early. You will not be disappointed.

Rob Wallace - New York City, New York

“Fly-fishing in Paradise.”

My fishing buddy and I have fished the Lower Keys Flats with Captain Luke Kelly for the last two years and have Luke booked for another trip in 2012. Needless to say, we highly recommend Captain Luke as a guide for anyone wanting to fish this beautiful area.

Captain Luke Kelly perfectly fits my idea of a great guide -- he knows the fishing resource like the back of his hand, is very personable and accommodating with his clients, and works very hard to provide an enjoyable experience for his clients.

It's a nice feeling to have confidence that Luke is going to find fish and give you the best opportunity to catch them. Luke is both persistent and patient (fortunately for me) and I welcome his helpful tips and insight. His relaxed demeanor combined with his extensive knowledge makes for a great fishing experience in a terrific little corner of Paradise.

Steve Matre - Buena Vista, Colorado

“A great fishing adventure.”

I charted out with Captain Luke 3 times and wanted to only target specific fish Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish, to which he said great.

 

The first trip was in the March time frame for an all day trip.  The morning started slow, then Luke took me over to his permit spot and said when the tide starts to come in so will the permit, and it really did, the first one I hooked was a biggie and on his second  run taking line he broke off.  We had two more on but none in the boat when the bite quit.   BOY WAS I HOOKED!!!!

 

The next 2 trips we in June for 1/2 day morning charters, again Luke put me on fish and I got my SLAM of Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish.

 

Captain Luke is not just a charter captain but a great charter captain, and one of the nicest people I met while in Fla. I have given his name out several time, and if I ever get back to Fla. I will look him up, whether to fish or just to say hi.

Doug Smith - Arizona

“Whether a beginner or an experienced flats fisherman.”

Capt. Luke Kelly will do you right! Accommodating, patient, local knowledge, experience and willingness to do what it takes, made all our trips more then memorable. Every spot felt like a "secret spot" that was pristine and beautiful..and he puts you on the fish!! He knows where they live and will tell you how to get 'em! Cant wait to come down and fish with you again Capt.. keep some spots open for me!"

Michael Courtney - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

“Catching my first permit!”

I spent a wonderful March day on the flats with Captain Luke.  After bending the rod a few times with some Jack Crevalle in the morning, I enjoyed the classical flats experience while catching my first permit. Luke polled us onto to the flats and he spotted a group of permit tailing. He called out their location and patiently positioned me into casting range.  Using a live crab, the permit hit the bait and 10-15 minutes later I was looking at a gorgeous 20 lb permit.

Eric Eberhardt

“When I need to get away for a couple days...”

My Dad and I have been fishing with Captain Luke Kelly for about 4 years now, making about 2-3 trips a year, and have not been disappointed. Fishing down in the Florida Keys can be very difficult because the fish can see just about everything but Luke seems to be able to sneak up on them, not to mention having an endless stash of spots of blue water, if one hole is not producing it's on to the next!!!! Very knowledgeable and very easy going and makes sure to hook you up whether it be on fly or spinning.

Josh Hauptman - Alexandria, Virginia

“Capt Luke is top notch!”

I have fished with Luke twice now and it was great! The first trip was bonefishing and he had us on the fish quickly! The second trip was Permit and Tarpon and it was a blast. We caught plenty of both. Luke is a great guy and has a true passion with what he does. He knows the back country better than anyone I have met. Bottom line is he will put you on the fish!

Casey Gunnell Jr. - Boca Raton, Florida

“Great day on the flats”

Captain Luke arrived early as we requested and had us fishing before daylight. Great day on the water with him. Caught fish and felt very relaxed and unhurried. Would definitely return to fish with him again.

Jay Carroll - Coral Springs, Florida

“A good time with plenty of action.”

My older son and I have gone out with Luke the last two trips to Key West. In 2010 he took us bone fishing and later took us out to a deep water channel where we had all we could handle. Last year we went out again with Luke and had a great time. Caught a couple of shark and chased some barracuda.

The one thing that impressed me was he was genuinely interested in making sure we had a good time on his charter. That's why we'll use him again this coming year.

Ken Balcom - Michigan

“Amazing fishing in Backcountry Keys.”

I just returned from my 3rd fishing trip with back country guide Luke Kelly, of Key Flat Charters, out of Sugarloaf Key, close to Key West. Luke is the real deal - he will put you onto a variety of fish in the most beautiful back country in the Keys. His knowledge and appreciation of the wilderness just offshore, and his eagerness to find fish makes him a pleasure to fish with.

In other trips my daughter and i had the pleasure of spending the day with Luke catching Jacks, permit and bonefish in crystal clear water. We had the adventure of a lifetime catching sharks in the saltwater flats, watching them cruise through the shallows and pick up our lines. My wife and I have also fished with Luke and had a great time - I can't wait to explore the back country again with him.

Todd Cavalier - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“You won’t be disappointed.”

I fished with Captain Luke Kelly for a week this past May down in the keys.  I chose Luke from the many guides available because of the positive experience I had with him two years earlier on a one day outing.  Luke starts fishing early and goes late.  He know the water and the tides and were to "motor" to put you on the fish you wish to catch.  He spends the long day guiding and part of each night tying up fresh flies to give you the greatest chance for success.  He also knows the best time of year to come for different species and were to go to bend your rod during those times we've all experienced when a certain species just won't cooperate.  My only regret is that I am not near the saltwater fisherman that he is the captain.  Give him a try, you won't be disappointed.

Jeff Ginsberg

“Great time in a beautiful area.”

I have fished with Capt. Luke Kelly for the last three years, and will fish with him this June, also. Fishing with Luke is like fishing with one of your best friends. He knows the area like the back of his hand and has always put us on fish. He has a very laid back demeanor that makes him easy to fish with. My sons, ages 24 and 27, have fished with Luke, too. They both enjoyed fishing with him. The area that Luke fishes is the most beautiful in the Keys.

Pat Rockey - Flagler Beach, Florida

“So much fun we are heading back this year to do it again!”

We didn't know what to expect when we went on this charter but it surpassed every one of our expectations! We caught fish we never caught before -5 species in one trip- but our guide, Capt Luke Kelly, took the time to educate us on the fish, habitat, birds, & much more. He showed us techniques for fishing that enabled us to catch & release multiple fish hiding among the islands. He pointed out sand bars, channels, islands, & sharks as they swam under us. He was obviously comfortable on the water & that enabled us to relax & enjoy the trip. We had so much fun we are heading back again in a couple of weeks...can't wait!!!

Maria C - Skillman, New Jersey

“Good fishing with Captain Luke.”

I have found my trips with Captain Luke Kelly to be the most enjoyable fly-fishing I have had in the Florida Keys. Luke understands and appreciates what it takes to find fish but he is also concerned about the resource. Also he treats his clients like adults while maintaining professional performance. I look forward to fishing with him again!

(The Reverend) Joel Morsch - Bradenton, Florida

A BIG THANKS goes out to all who have submitted a charter review !!!!!!!!!!

Phone : 305-304-3152        Email : keyflat@me.com

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