About Your Guide

TJ Saunders

Independent Guide 13 years of exp.

Laid-back

Instructional

Adventurous

Quality

Captain TJ is fortunate enough to have spent all his life on or around the water. He grew up in a Coast Guard family, and was introduced to the salt at a very young age. As soon as he was old enough to hold a fishing rod, there wasn't much that could break that grip.

A child hood spent on the water led to formative years spent cutting his teeth fishing the Florida Keys, fueled a lifelong passion for chasing saltwater fish.

Over the course of his career, Captain TJ has been blessed with the experience of fishing the deepest waters of the Gulf Stream south of Key West, the shallow flats of the lower keys, the grouper grounds of the north Florida Gulf, and the amazing fishery of Florida Bay and the Everglades.

"My passion for the saltwater environment and the fishery is what I aim to share with my anglers." - Captain TJ

About Your Guide

TJ Saunders

Independent Guide 13 years of exp.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

143# tarpon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Huge pot of my world famous chili

What’s your favorite band?

George Strait

What’s your favorite movie?

So many good ones to choose from…

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

143# tarpon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Huge pot of my world famous chili

What’s your favorite band?

George Strait

What’s your favorite movie?

So many good ones to choose from…

What’s your favorite sports team?

Atlanta Braves

What’s your drink of choice?

Ice cold Coke after a long day on the water.

What was your last halloween costume?

Skeleton

How did you get started guiding?

Always had a passion for the water, guiding allows me to share the beauty of my area and the fishery with my guests.

What makes you different from other guides?

Low stress, high quality experience, hunting fish in shallow water. My focus is on helping my guests improve as anglers. Not just trying to fill a cooler.

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Lucky Fly Charters Trips

Choose a trip to get started

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Apalachicola

"Big Bend" Fly Or Light Tackle

100% (2) Guided by TJ

18 ft 1 - 4 People From $600

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Lanark Village

Silver Kings Adventure

100% (2) Guided by TJ

18 ft 1 - 2 People From $750

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Recent Reviews of Lucky Fly Charters

5.0

based on 2 reviews

Mik

Verified Review

TJ was as knowledgeable as any guide, he was talented at his craft and worked hard. He also was clear in his instructions and put me in the best position for my casting ability.
TJ also spent time instructing my fishing partner. He was a great conversationalist and was a pleasure to spend the day with. I will definitely schedule more trips with TJ.

Mik

Verified Review

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Response from TJ:

Mik it was my pleasure to have you both aboard the skiff. Look forward to more adventures with you!

Response from TJ:

Mik it was my pleasure to have you both aboard the skiff. Look forward to more adventures with you!

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Blaine

Verified Review

TJ does a tremendous job of guiding!! My son is beginning to fly fish and he was very patient and helped him improve a lot in a short period of time. I would highly recommend T.J!

Blaine

Verified Review

TJ does a tremendous job of guiding!! My son is beginning to fly fish and he was very patient and helped him improve a lot in a short period of time. I would highly recommend T.J!

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Response from TJ:

Thank you. Had a blast with you guys. Looking forward to seeing yall again. Tight lines!

Response from TJ:

Thank you. Had a blast with you guys. Looking forward to seeing yall again. Tight lines!

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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart » View Recent Apalachicola Fishing Reports »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing

Fly Fishing

Light Tackle Fishing

Sight Casting

Types of Fishing

Flats

Inshore

Nearshore

Recent Fishing Reports

Early July 2026

Tarpon fishing is firing up!! Following the full moon the migration is in full swing and there are poons everywhere! Grab your fly rod and let's get after them!

Late November 2025

Mid April 2025

Exciting time here along the forgotten coast. There's chrome in the water. In the last week, things have really turned around. Our weather patterns have gotten their act together, the water has warmed up and the early season tarpon are showing up. We are getting them dialed in and launching silver king rockets every chance we can. Fishing tarpon around the correct tide allows for some fun days fishing redfish then changing gears and chasing tarpon.