Backcountry Fishing

Imagine looking at clear shallow waters for as far as the eye can see. These pristine waters form into remote estuaries and bays, but they also flow throughout the flats, and around the mangrove islands, within the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. These waters provide a protected sanctuary to the various flora and fauna that thrive in the calm, yet breathtakingly beautiful, shallows. There is an abundance of diverse marine life, from the Dolphin and Manatee to Stingrays, that call this backcountry their home. By going on a trip to this backcountry, the outdoor enthusiast can truly step back in time and witness nature without any interruption from today’s civilization.

Truly legendary species of fish thrive in these waters; fish like the Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon roam across the flats, while the Snook and Redfish reign over the mangrove island shorelines. The Cobia swim throughout the channels that travel miles before leading to deeper waters, and massive schools of Lady Fish, Jack Crevalle, Pompano and Sea Trout set up their kingdoms in the basins and grassy bays. Of course, the true bosses of these waters are the many species of Shark and Giant Barracuda. The waters of the backcountry are overflowing with astonishingly diverse wildlife.
Whether first-time anglers or experienced anglers try their hands at these backcountry waters, there is almost a guarantee that they will not go away empty handed due to the non-technical nature of fishing in these waters. Capable of leaving memories that last a lifetime, the backcountry waters of the Great Heron National Wildlife Refuge provides the perfect option for family adventures and corporate outings, while still enabling the experienced fisherman to challenge themselves with fly-fishing. An area like this is the very definition of light tackle fishing!