Guide Q&A- Most Difficult Species to Fish For

Even the most experienced guides can face struggles on the water when it comes to reeling in elusive species. Take the sailfish for example- believed to be the fastest fish in the ocean, they can swim up to 68 miles per hour at times! We asked guides across the country what the hardest species to fish for is in their area and why- read below!

What is the most difficult species you fish for and why?

“Tarpon. Tarpon are the most exciting sport fish on the planet because you have to be absolutely perfect for that single moment and even when you are perfect, as an angler, it doesn’t always end in success. They are an incredibly hard species to fool with a fly and when you do finally get them to eat, between their speed and acrobatics they can throw the hook or break you off in a split second.” -Captain Kyle Morella, Salty Sloth Charters

“Walleye- their patterns change all throughout the year so water temperature plays a big factor in finding them.” -Guide Ryan Hahn, Keep It Reelin Guide Service

“Sailfish- because they keep changing their rules and make me question my sanity!” -Captain Rich Adler, Tuna Wahoo Charters

“Redfish. There is nothing like the rush of sight casting a perfect redfish, not having it spook away, and delivering the bait properly with just the right twitch to make that fish destroy it. Then the unbelievable ”powerhouse" fight ensues. Of course, you have to thank that fish for being the perfect partner for the dance." -Vince Morris, Morris Aquatic Charters

“Tripletail. Very finicky fish.” -Captain Clinton de Armas, Get'n Hooked Inshore Adventures

“Swordfish. It’s a 90 mile run one way and fishing a bait in 1800’ of water has its own set of challenges.” -Captain Spencer Williams, Aunt Bee Sportfishing

“Sheepshead in the early spring is probably the most difficult species we fish for. Sheepshead like live bait, but often the bite is light until the fish is hooked. Their mouth is tough and with teeth that look like an older person's dentures, it's hard for an inexperienced angler to set the hook. Having said that, once the angler figures out the bite technique it's a lot of fun on light tackle in deep water over bottom structure. Sheepshead in the past was regarded as a trash fish, but many have discovered it is fantastic table fair!” -Captain Ron Harmon, Captain Ron's Charter

“Tarpon. They are seasonal fish that follow various migration patterns. Every day & every opportunity varies with this species of fish. They truly challenge any angler and/or guide to the fullest both physically & mentally. It’s always a battle when it comes to these fish.” -Captain Cullen Traverso, High Tailin'

“White bass/Hybrids, because this fish does not stay still and is always moving and chasing fish. The most exciting part is when we do find the group and it’s a back-to-back catching trip full of excitement.” -Captain Brandon Sargent, Lead Slingers

“Largemouth bass. They're very unpredictable and probably the most challenging of all species of fish.” -Captain Eddie Garrett, Bass Fishing With Eddie

“False Albacore, can be very picky.” -Captain Vincent Simeone, Stormbuster Charters

“Cobia- hard to find in Florida sometimes.” -Tim King, Kings Fishing Charters

“Spotted sea trout. The species in our area have succumbed to population decreases due to the destruction of the nursery habitat of seagrass in the Waccasassa and Chassahowitzka River basins. These basins were vital in the population of sea trout. Mismanagement of stormwater runoff and construction projects close to waterways has been the issue for the consistent population decline just within the last few years.” -Michael Haynes, Fishbonz Charters LLC

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