I recently spent four days fly-fishing with Captain Gage Vaughn from Southern Cut Charters—and what an incredible experience it was. As a newcomer to saltwater fly fishing, I was blown away by how much effort he put into ensuring I had a top-tier outing. From fishing under dock lights at night and wading beaches in search of cruising fish, to gliding through winding mangroves and shallow flats, every technique was expertly executed. Gage’s knowledge spans generations—he’s intimately familiar with the area, which clearly shines through in his trips. His operation is meticulously organized and provides options for every angler, no matter their skill level. He was well-prepared, diligent about our comfort, and his enthusiasm for guiding was both refreshing and inspiring. Beyond his guiding skills, he’s also a great conversationalist, photographer, motivational hype-man—and just a genuinely wonderful person. In short: Southern Cut Charters with Captain Gage Vaughn is a solid 10/10 for anyone looking for an unforgettable guiding experience.

After about 12 years of fly fishing, catching a tarpon was still on my bucket list—until Captain Gage Vaughn made it happen! His dock light setup was incredibly precise—sometimes it felt more like a study session than fishing. Then, right when he handed me the rod with the fly already rigged and a fish targeted in the darkness… there’s the jump! He reminded me, “don’t trout set,” and just like that—I landed it. After a few thrilling runs and jumps, he had that tarpon in hand. I was absolutely blown away by how dialed in he was. Thanks again, man—what an amazing night. Can’t wait for next time!

We were very pleased with our guide’s service throughout the trip. Despite strong winds limiting us to fishing for just a few large fish among the mangroves, our guide worked diligently to find other options for us. He also pointed out many stunning natural sights along the way. In the end, it was a highly successful fishing excursion—thank you so much!