Fly fishing the Ten Thousand Islands is an experience you will never forget. The Ten Thousand islands are a chain of islands and mangrove islets off the Gulf coast of Southwest Florida, between the southern end of Marco Island and the mouth of Lostman’s River. The Northern part of the Ten Thousand Islands is the Ten-Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and the southern part, south of Everglades City, is Everglades National Park. These government protected waters and coastlines offer endless mangroves and flats, unique untouched environments, and provide premium opportunities to target un-pressured trophy fish such as tarpon, snook, redfish, sea trout and bass among other species. The 99-mile long Wilderness Waterway also runs through this remote and beautiful area. Almost all of the Ten Thousand Islands (which actually number in the hundreds) are uninhabited except for the largest, Chokolokee, which make these waters a prime thriving habitat for fish, without the disruption of human daily traffic. Because these fish are so unpressured, fly fishing the Ten Ten-Thousand Islands can be very productive, and a unique experience you wont have to share with crowds. Their proximity to Everglades National Park also make this chain of islands perfect for fly fishing enthusiasts and adventure seekers. But the wild landscape also necessitates a fishing guide, someone who can show you where to go, navigate the environment, and safely put you on the Tarpon or Snook on your bucket list.
I am very passionate about being a 10,000 Islands fishing guide and I’m excited to show my fishery to both the beginning angler and to the most experienced anglers alike. Ten thousand islands fly and plug fishing should be on any angler’s bucket list, as it is a locale that offers minimal boat traffic and a pristine fishery. I believe I am lucky enough to be able to live out my passion as a full time fly fishing guide in Ten-thousand Islands because of my high level of customer service and dedication to find fish in any conditions when other guides cannot. I chose my career to be a Ten-thousand islands fishing guide and I want to help share my enthusiasm and expertise with other fishing enthusiasts while exploring one of the best fisheries on the planet. Fish of the 10000 Islands see much less pressure than most guided Florida fishing areas also because of it’s tough navigation; recreational anglers often cannot fish this area alone as the waters are very shallow, and studded with oyster beds.
I guide out of two different skiffs depending on the season and target species. I run a larger 18 foot skiff powered by a 115 Suzuki for fishing tarpon, which allows for longer runs and more stability. I use a shallow draft skiff in the wintertime with a 60 Suzuki for targeting trophy snook, redfish, baby tarpon and bass when the tides are low and most boats cannot access the areas. I pole a skiff 100% of the time and do not use trolling motors whenever possible. I believe this gives my fly and plug clients the advantage over some guides that will not put in the work to pole a skiff for long days. Poling throughout our trip gives us stealth when stalking and hunting Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, juvenile fish, Bass, Trout, or whatever species, as many of the fish we encounter in the 10,000 Islands may have never seen or heard a motor before. We would like to keep it that way.
With many options to stay and play around Ten Thousand Islands, it is very family friendly with plenty of activities that are in close proximity to world-class fly-fishing. Sight casting triple digit tarpon and trophy snook in 10,000 Islands is worth building any vacation around. I am raising my family in the area and I can recommend a variety of non-fishing guided activities for any family members to do while we chase trophy fish in Ten-Thousand Islands on a once in a lifetime guided fishing adventure!
Please don’t hesitate to call and chat- I am off the water by dark and love to chat with fellow anglers about the endless opportunities when hiring me as your personal fly fishing guide in Ten Thousand Islands. I am a client’s dream as a fly fishing guide; I fish long hours and I am 110% dedicated to the sport of catching monster fish on the fly!
