Thomas Skelton, a man adrift in the Florida Keys, attempts to reinvent himself as a fishing guide, only to find his path blocked by a violent, established rival. Seeking a sense of purpose after a period of aimless drug use, Skelton navigates the unforgiving waters of Key West while contending with the volatile personality of Nichol Dance, a veteran guide who views Skelton as an existential threat. The narrative unfolds through a sharp, observational lens, capturing the tension between Skelton's desire for a clean start and the encroaching reality of his competitor's lethal intentions. The prose maintains a lean, atmospheric quality that mirrors the harsh, sun-drenched environment of the extreme southern coast.

This novel is widely regarded as a definitive work of 1970s American literature, noted for its stylistic precision and its unflinching look at the fringes of society. Critics frequently highlight the author's ability to balance high-stakes tension with a deeply philosophical exploration of the protagonist's internal state. The work is often cited for its authentic capture of the Key West atmosphere, moving beyond simple setting to become a character in its own right. Readers and scholars alike point to the sharp, rhythmic prose as a hallmark of the author's unique voice in the literary canon.