Captain TJ has been surrounded by water his entire life. Raised in a Coast Guard household, he developed a connection to the ocean from a very young age. Once he could hold a fishing rod, it became a passion that was hard to put down. Growing up on the water set the foundation for his years fishing the Florida Keys, sparking a deep and enduring love for saltwater angling. Throughout his career, Captain TJ has gained extensive experience exploring the depths of the Gulf Stream near Key West, navigating the shallow flats of the lower keys, targeting grouper in the northern Florida Gulf, and enjoying the rich fisheries found in Florida Bay and the Everglades.
"Sharing my enthusiasm for the marine environment and its diverse fish species with my clients is my ultimate goal," says Captain TJ.
He is also flexible with your preferred starting location, ensuring a convenient and personalized experience. Known for his expertise and dedication, TJ not only excels as a guide but also offers clear, helpful instruction to put anglers in the best spot based on their skill level. He takes the time to teach and engage with everyone, making the day both educational and enjoyable.
"TJ was an excellent guide—knowledgeable, skilled, and patient. He helped my son improve his fly fishing rapidly and made sure we had a great time. I’ll definitely be booking more trips with him," shared a grateful client.
"It was a true pleasure having you both on board. Looking forward to many more fishing adventures together!" TJ warmly responded.
Captain TJ’s commitment to guiding and teaching is evident, making every trip memorable and rewarding. He’s highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their fishing experience in beautiful Florida waters.
You can cancel at no cost if you do so at least 21 days prior to your trip and get a credit issued to your account. If you cancel less than 21 days before your trip, the deposit paid to the guide will be non-refundable. For cancellations on the day of the trip or if you fail to show up, the full trip amount will be charged to your card.
Be sure to bring polarized sunglasses, essential for sight fishing. Don’t forget your lucky fishing hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. A camera is also recommended to capture your adventure; I will be taking photos as well and will share them with you via text or email. Additionally, pack a lightweight jacket or rain gear since Florida’s weather can be unpredictable. Finally, bring lunch and snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day.
Join Captain TJ as he tracks the Tarpon migration through the stunning home waters of Florida’s Big Bend. With extensive local knowledge gained from spending the majority of his time on these waters, Captain TJ is intimately familiar with the region, confidently fishing from St. Marks in the east to St. George Island, East Point, Apalachicola, and westward to Cape San Blas and Mexico Beach.
Targeting Tarpon in the Big Bend and extending up to the Forgotten Coast offers anglers an exceptional chance to encounter these massive, prehistoric-like minnows. As the Tarpon move north past Cedar Key, they enter a stretch of low-pressure water along Florida’s sparsely populated Big Bend area, where they remain largely untouched for nearly 100 miles. Unlike the well-pressured Tarpon of Southwest Florida's popular fisheries, these fish tend to be much more aggressive and less wary, increasing your chances to successfully present a fly and hook up.
Captain TJ follows the fish seasonally, planning trips based on migration timing to maximize fishing opportunities for his clients. Depending on your charter date, time, and flexibility, you can collaborate with him to pinpoint the optimal windows to experience rod-bending action and tight lines. Half-day trips are scheduled around tidal cycles, either in the morning or afternoon, designed to maximize your time on the water.
All charters offer inshore fly fishing and light tackle experiences, including sight fishing, top-water excitement, and artificial lure techniques aboard a no-nonsense flats skiff. Captain TJ’s vessel of choice is the 17.8-foot Hell’s Bay Professional, selected for its user-friendly layout, outstanding fishability, and ultra-shallow draft. Powered by a 90 HP Yamaha, this skiff provides anglers with a stable, roomy platform, while moving quietly on the pole and allowing access to ultra-shallow flats where fish often cruise with their bellies skimming the bottom.
For targeting the iconic Silver King, Captain TJ provides his Thomas & Thomas 11-weight fly rod, though anglers are welcome to bring their personal favorite gear. His reel of choice is the Hatch Premium Fly Reel, known for its ample backing capacity and powerful drag system designed to handle the toughest battles. Fly line options range from 6-weight floating to 12-weight intermediate, tailored to the species and conditions encountered. Scientific Angler Amplitude Saltwater lines are preferred, and his entire rig is carefully matched for peak performance.
Captain TJ stocks an assortment of hand-tied flies on board, which guests are encouraged to use. If you tie your own flies, feel free to bring your patterns to test them in the field. Additionally, his carefully crafted flies are available for purchase, offering anglers an opportunity to take home proven patterns.
For a successful sight fishing experience, Captain TJ strongly recommends bringing polarized sunglasses, your favorite fishing hat, and sunscreen. It’s also wise to pack a camera to capture your memorable moments — Captain TJ will take photos throughout the trip and provide digital copies via text or email. Given Florida’s unpredictable weather, a lightweight jacket or rain gear is advised, along with lunch, snacks, and drinks to keep you comfortable during your adventure.
The Whip Ray 17.8 is an 18-foot skiff crafted by Hell's Bay, designed for the serious angler. Powered by a reliable 90 hp Yamaha engine, this 2001 model delivers both speed and maneuverability, perfect for navigating shallow waters and tight spots. Anglers will appreciate the spacious Bow Casting and Poling Platforms, offering excellent stability and vantage points for sight fishing. Cushioned seats enhance comfort during long trips, while the cooler keeps refreshments or catches fresh. Though it lacks a restroom, the Whip Ray 17.8’s thoughtful layout ensures a productive and enjoyable day on the water, making it ideal for freshwater or saltwater fishing adventures.
