Flats fishing and backcountry fishing are distinct angling experiences in Key West, differing in their locations, water depths, and targeted fish. Flats fishing primarily occurs in shallow, clear waters near shorelines and estuaries, targeting species like bonefish, permit, and tarpon. The emphasis in flats fishing is on sight casting to individual fish in ankle to knee-deep waters. On the other hand, backcountry fishing explores diverse environments such as channels, mangroves, and deeper waters, attracting species like snook, redfish, trout, and sharks. Backcountry fishing takes place in deeper waters, offering a mix of casting to visible fish and blind casting into structure-rich areas. The varied terrain includes mangrove-lined channels and grassy flats, providing a different aesthetic backdrop for anglers.