The Value of Connections Through Fishing

with Captain Cullen Traverso

Why I Love Fly Fishing in Northeast Florida

Growing up in Florida, it’s hard to escape the water. I was born and raised in a place where there are so many different kinds of environments where water could be. I’m literally where coastal areas jut out the farthest in the country. Because of this, I believe my love for fishing was inevitable. But there’s another reason I think fishing was an inevitable passion for me, my dad. My dad introduced me to the fantastic world of fishing as early as eight years old. That’s the age I remember him taking me to a local canal to go wade fishing with a MirrOlure on a fly line. After a couple of casts, I was able to catch my first snook. I remember battling hard to keep that snook from breaking off from me to retreat into the mangroves. It’s such a remarkable memory of catching one of my first fish. I’m still astounded that I was able to fight it and successfully land it at that age. Knowing that I have control over what fish could bite has had me fish-brained ever since. I think that’s also when I started developing a fondness for fly fishing.

It’s been a long journey to get to where I am now. It's not really surprising that who I was at eight years old would end up owning and operating my own fishing charter, High Tailin’. And it’s all thanks to my dad raising me in one of the most prolific fishing destinations in the country. Every time I get to be with other anglers and demonstrate the beauty and fun of the activity or sport to them, I get to renew my love and passion for fishing. All the tight lines I've experienced since my father first introduced me to inshore fishing have formed me as a captain and fishing guide.

My dad had a special place in his heart for inshore fishing because it’s very accessible. We didn’t need a boat to enjoy the pursuit of catching fish. I myself specialize and have a niche for fly fishing. I adore this technique so much that I’ve mastered it. It’s a unique and fun technique that, although it seems simple, takes a lot of finesse and elegance to be good at it. I also love it because it showcases how casting can be an art form. Those who are serious about fly fishing, as I am celebrating this fact. It feels like I’m doing something beautiful every time I go on my boat and set out to the waters of St Augustine. Because I’m not just doing it out of pure necessity or survival, but I’m enjoying it because fishing can also be artistic and fun.

If you meet any fly angler and ask what equipment they use, the answer would be different every time. I remember countless trips, going fly fishing, and trying a variety of fly rod and fly combos to figure out what worked best for me. Eventually, I finally settled on some favorites. When it comes to fly fishing gear, I like to use Hardy fly rods, Scientific Anglers fly lines, and locally tied flies to mimic the patterns of local bait. I primarily use Temple Fork Outfitter rods, Daiwa reels, Suffix lines, Rapala lures, and Z Man soft plastics for conventional fishing.

Getting to share what I know about fishing with those who are willing to come along with me to the waters of St Augustine has become a mission of mine. I love getting to see people become better anglers after they’ve spent time with me. It takes me back to when my dad showed me the ins and outs of catching fish, and felt that sense of accomplishment when I succeeded in getting a bite. I want to be able to offer that same feeling through my fishing charter.

Living in Northeast Florida, one of the best coastal areas with abundant fish species, it’s impossible to run out of things to target. Not with the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Coast are just within reach and hold plenty of saltwater fish for this passionate fly angler to bag. Redfish is by far my favorite saltwater fly fish target. Wetlands such as wide creeks and marshes around the coastal communities of my hometown act as terrific habitats for redfish and other fish species. Redfish would have difficulty resisting the miles and miles of spartina grass that provide them and other game fish with plenty of bait fish to munch on. These wetlands also provide the ideal water quality certain species can thrive in. These fish are excellent targets for beginner saltwater fly anglers. This is why I love targeting them with clients. Redfish honor solid fly presentations, so they aren’t as fussy, and anyone has a good chance of catching at least one over the course of my charter trips. I remember taking a couple on a half-day inshore trip and catching at least half a dozen reds in around six spots that showcased the diverse fishery and sceneries of Northeast Florida. The area also boasts a robust aquaculture and fisheries management scene. Aside from the wildlife attractions, you can get farmed fish if you’re concerned about fish populations and conservation. Florida promotes recreational fishing and outdoor recreation, so fish stocks and fishing practices are always considered.

Redfish are always here, all year long. Through several decades of fishing, I've learned that seasons send them into different feeding patterns. That’s key to knowing if you want to find them successfully. In Northeast Florida, I’ve found that as we dive into the summer, redfish are most actively feeding in shallow areas early in the morning and late in the evening in spots with cooler temperatures. As we approach fall, they’ll start to push to even shallower spots and feed heavily on crabs on the flood tides around lunar phases. As water temperatures cool down in the winter, these species will gather in large schools and become more active on mid-day low tides. Once spring shows, schools of fish will often break up and start to forage in singles and pairs.

I have a couple who always books a trip with me. We’ve gone on multiple trips, and each time, we improved as a team and catch more fish. I’ve worked with all types of people, from young to old and from novice to experienced. One of the things I love about being a fly fishing guide is getting to witness how people enjoy their time on the water and how they react to the never-ending rollercoaster of an experience that is fishing. Anytime I get to fish with familiar faces often becomes my favorite guide trip because I love seeing the progress they’ve made. Being able to be even a part of the reason why they’re improving as an angler makes my job so rewarding. Sharing moments of success and failure makes you realize how important it is to keep learning and how it can encourage us to make lasting connections. 

It’s nice to know my father would be proud of me. Getting to spend my whole life in the water doing what I love and forming great relationships along the way, just like how I connected with him when I was a kid. All of these great things are because of fishing. If you find yourself around North Florida, book your next fishing trip with High Tailin’. Let me show you what my area of North Florida has to offer. Visit our website, Facebook, and Instagram if you want to know more.