Guide Q&A- Why Guide Here

Fishing can be enjoyed in any environment, from more urban locations like off the Boston coast, to monster Texas lakes that can span over 22,000 acres. Every fishing guide has their specialty, and knowledge of the land surrounding them helps them better prepare for a trip and find fish. We asked guides why they choose to guide where they do, and to describe just what makes the area one-of-a-kind.

“I love guiding because every day is different, and the sense of freedom that you get when you take off from the marina each morning is unbelievable. The opportunity to share what I love so much with others is priceless. I guide in South Florida on the Indian River Lagoon, St. Lucie river, and nearshore waters of the Treasure Coast. We commonly fish for snook, tarpon, speckled trout, redfish, sailfish, mahi, blackfin tuna, kingfish, bonita, and several other species. The beautiful clear water of the treasure coast and white sandy beaches make this an incredible fishing destination.” -Captain Ed Zyak, Captain Ed Zyak Guide Service

“I guide out of Hopedale/Shell Beach, LA area. We have some of the best saltwater fishing in the world. We target redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and drum.” -Captain Chad St. Pe, Cajun Outcast Inshore Charters

“I love the Everglades, South Florida, the keys. I have been fishing for 35 years and there’s no other place I would rather guide than Everglades National Park. Whether it’s Joe’s River, White Water Bay, Shark River, or Florida Bay, it never gets old.
I could do this every day of my life, and having people along with me just makes it more fun. Florida has crocodiles, alligators, flamingos, manatees, spoonbills, snook, tarpon, redfish, trout, black drum, cobia, tripletail- this park has it all. You can probably see all the species on display with a good half day trip of fishing in the Florida Everglades.” -Captain Jose Reyes, Joey Flats Fishing

“I guide here because I know the lake like I know my house. Plus, I love the amount of fish the lake produces.” -Captain James Weeks, Reel N Time Fishing Charters

“We fish here at the Cape because we are local to the Cape. We have commercially fished for years here at Cape Cod and the islands, and know the waters very well. We are on the water seven days a week and that’s what gives us our advantage to know exactly where the fish are. 
We love the Cape and Islands because there’s so much to offer in the diversity of bodies of water, from Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod Bay to the Vineyard sound. These are migrating fish, so our motto is ‘we go where the fish go’- that’s why we travel with our boat on a trailer. The Cape and Islands have so much to offer as far as different species of fish at different times of the year, like striper, bluefish, black sea bass, and bluefin tuna. Albies are some of the most fun fish to catch in this area. There are short times during the summer when the golf string brings up mahi, white marlin, big eyes, and several other tropical-styled fish, giving us access to greater reach species that are normal to the Cape and Islands. We love meeting new people and putting smiles on faces and fish in the boat." -Captain Ross, Cape Cod Charter Guys

“I guide in Lake Ray Hubbard because it’s known to be the hardest lake in DFW to fish. I fish for crappie, white bass, and hybrid.” -Captain Brandon Sargent, Lead Slingers Outdoor Fishing & Bowfishing Guide

“Lake Erie is known to be the Walleye Capital, where walleye are readily available for catching year-round. The Lake Erie Islands is my preferred area. Besides being picturesque, the Lake Erie Islands offer great structure and weather protection when the winds are too strong to fish the open water. Trophy Walleye are within easy reach in the pre and post-spawn spring months, and when the large females return each fall as part of their seasonal migration. For the summer months, the majority of our Trophy Walleye migrate from the Islands area, however, some do stick around and there is always a chance for 30-inch Walleye.” -Captain David Faller, Black H2o Dog Charters

“I like to fish Baffin Bay because it's famous for its speckled trout.” -Captain Roger Perez, South Texas Outcast Guide Services

“I have been fishing the area for years. This area of Florida has a wide variety of fish to offer for any angler, and I try to target the species they are looking for.” -Adam Pait, Aquatic Tour and Guide of Florida

Experience fishing in one of these locations for yourself! Check out the above guides or browse guides near you here.