About Your Trip
Link up with Captain TJ as he follows the Tarpon Migration in his home waters of the Big Bend. Captain TJ spends the vast majority of his time out on these waters and knows the area like the back of his hand. He is very comfortable fishing from as far east as St. Marks all the way west to St. George Island and East Point and Apalachicola.
Targeting Tarpon on Florida's Big Bend up to
the Forgotten coast provides a very unique opportunity to catch these freakishly overgrown Minnows. As the Tarpon migrate up past Cedar Key, they meet a stretch of low pressure water. Since Florida's big bend is so scarcely populated these fish go untouched for ~100 miles. This takes fish that have seen a lot of flies, lures, and pressure along SW Florida's popular waters and makes them much more naive and willing to eat your fly!
Throughout the year, Captain TJ travels, as the fish do, to stay on top of the best opportunities for his anglers. Based upon date and time of your charter, and your flexibility, you can work together to get the best opportunity to find fish, bend a rod and tighten the lines.
All his trips provide inshore fly fishing and light tackle opportunities from Sight Fishing, to Top-Water action, to Artificials, aboard a no nonsense flats skiff. He chose the Hell’s Bay Professional for its layout, fishibility, and shallow draft. Powered by a 90 HP Yamaha, his 17.8 foot skiff affords anglers a stable, spacious deck to fish from, while being silent on the pole, and skinny. Incredibly skinny. He loves chasing fish into water they drag their bellies its so skinny!
Captain TJ will break out the big guns for the Silver King and will provide his Thomas & Thomas 11wt Fly Rod. But if you have your own secret weapon your more than welcome to bring your own gear as well! Captain TJ uses Hatch Premium Fly Reels. These reels have the backing capacity and the drag capability to stop the meanest monsters you can get into. Flylines range from 6wt floating lines, to 12wt intermediate lines, depending on the situation and species you're targeting. Captain TJ prefers Scientific Angler Amplitude Saltwater lines, and has outfitted his arsenal accordingly.
Captain TJ uses his own supply of hand tied flies, and these are available for use on board. If you are a fly tyer and have a pattern you have tied and want to fish, bring it and ya'll will put it to the test! Captain TJ's flies are also available for purchase.
A must for all sight fishing adventures, Captain TJ thinks it essential that you bring Polarized Sunglasses, your lucky fishing hat, and some sunscreen. He also recommends you bring your camera (to record your adventure. He will also be taking photos which will be text or emailed to you), a light weight jacket/rain gear (it's Florida, you never know), and a Lunch/Snacks/Drinks.
Amenities
Water Type
Inshore, Nearshore, Flats
Skill Levels
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Tackle
All rods, reels, and tackle are included.
Beer
Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.
Location
This guide can be flexible with the departure location.
Weather
You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.
Kid Friendly
This trip can cater to kids.
Flexible Cancelation
This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 1 days before the trip.
Fish Cleaning
No cleaning service provided.
Boat Restroom
No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.
Live Bait
Live bait is not used on this trip.
Disability Friendly
This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.
Lunch
Please provide your own food / snacks.
