Saltwater Experience S17E05: Key West with Nick Labadie

Key West With Nick Labadie

For the latest Saltwater Experience, Captain Nick LaBadie completes the trifecta with fellow captains Tom Rowland and Rich Tudor. LaBadie grew up near Boca Grande, which fueled a lifelong fishing passion. He now runs Tailing Water Expeditions service while specializing in flats, backcountry and fly fishing. He previously joined the show in season 15, which ended with them completing a "slam" on Rowland's birthday. When this episode begins, LaBadie is fresh off an IGFA tournament where he caught 27 permit in 3 days using only a fly fishing setup.

Leaving Boyd's Key West Campground armed with live crabs, jigs and fly gear, the trio head to the flats searching for permit fish and anything else they might encounter along the way. And suffice to say the fish are bountiful. Early in the episode, Tudor literally fights a yellow jack with one hand while casting for permit with the other hand! Even having just spent three straight days on the water, LaBadie is just as enthusiastic about landing some fish — and he has their latest movements and bait preferences fresh on his mind.

Saltwater Flats Fishing Gear

The next time you're casting in shallow water flats, use supplies and knowledge from Saltwater Experience and TackleDirect. Below, you'll find many of the saltwater reels, rods, terminal tackle and other gear seen in this episode. Whether it's a new fish finder tool or some reliable apparel, we'll help you find everything to put the techniques of these professional anglers to use. Our catalog of more than 80,000 products can be shipped worldwide.