selecting a fishing guide
Booking a flats fishing charters is, for most people, a costly adventure. When
spending your  money on a day of fishing, you want to maximize your
enjoyment. Many of our clients are new to flats fishing and are not certain what
to expect. Like in any profession, there are quality providers and those out to
take your money. Before booking your trip, doing some research and talking
with your guide will help you to have the best possible experience. Here are
some things you should consider when searching for an inshore fishing guide.

Licensed and insured - While Florida does not require fishing guides to carry
insurance, any quality guide will have insurance to protect both themselves and
their clients. The US Coast Guard requires for hire charter vessel operators to
possess a captain's license. In addition, the Canaveral National Seashore
requires all guides who do business inside the Mosquito Lagoon and Merritt
Island National Wildlife Refuge to possess an Incidental Business Permit. To
obtain this permit, guides must provide a copy of their captain's license, carry a
minimum amount of insurance, and hold a fishing license covering their clients.
A list of the current permit holders can be found on the CNS website. Beware of
guides who advertise fishing the Mosquito Lagoon and then tell you when you
call that the fishing is better elsewhere. They may not hold a permit.

Ask your guide what type of fishing they do. Flats fishing is a general term and
encompasses various styles of fishing. Some guides specialize in live bait
fishing while others focus on artificial lures or fly. Some prefer to fish while
drifting or at anchor while other guides spend the majority of the day poling the
boat sight fishing in shallow water. While both styles catch fish, they require
different amounts of angler skill. Some anglers like to spend the day sitting still
and relaxing while waiting for fish to bite while others want to stalk the fish
which requires focus and attention to detail. Talk with prospective guides about
their preferred method of fishing and decide if it fits your style.

Check out the boat. Most fishing guides will have a picture of their boat
somewhere on their website. There are a wide variety of boats to choose from.
Look for one that meets your needs and style of fishing. Ultra light technical
poling skiffs are great for getting to fish in very shallow waters. Some of them,
however, can be tippy and tough to stand up in for large or elderly anglers.
What they make up for in draft, they may sacrifice in ride when the water gets
rough.  Larger bay boats are very stable, have plenty of room for three anglers
but cannot get as shallow as classic flats boats. Look at your guide's boat to
make sure it conforms with your needs. If you want to fish with live baits for
trout, a poling platform is not necessary. If you are looking to sight fish for
redfish, it is a must.

Examine their website. Most, but not all, fishing guides have a website for
their business. Go through the various pages and you will probably find
answers to many of your questions and some you may not have even thought
of. Look for pictures of the various kinds of fish your are likely to catch. The
photos can also give you an idea of the condition of the boat and kind of
equipment you will be using. While a clean boat and quality equipment certainly
does not result in more fishing being caught, they can enhance your fishing
experience.

Find out what the guide provides. You fishing guide should provide you with
quality equipment, all baits and lures, and a state fishing license. Some offer
food and drink while others do not. Make sure you know what you will need to
bring with you so you do not arrive unprepared.

Talking with your guide either on the phone or via email can make your
fishing trip more pleasant for both you and the guide. Be honest about your
level of experience. Your guide may design your day around the type of fishing
you want to do as well as the kind of fishing he thinks will give you the most
success. Exaggerating your level of experience may lead to frustration on the
water. Guides want you to enjoy your day and catch as many fish as possible.
Inform them of your goals and objectives so they can do their best to make that
happen.
An  fly angler battles a
Mosquito Lagoon redfish at
sunrise
The Florida Guides
Association website lists
only guides who have a
Coast Guard License,
Insurance, and a Vessel
Fishing License. Visit them
at www.florida-guides.com
Choosing a Flats Fishing Guide
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Mosquito Lagoon Fly and Light Tackle Guide
Flats Fishing Charters Near Orlando, Disney, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach
Captain Chris Myers
321-229-2848
Light tackle and fly fishing charters in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River. The best saltwater fishing near Orlando
Florida. All inclusive year round fishing charters less than one hour from Orlando. Fish for redfish, trout, tarpon, and
snook. Shallow water sight fishing at its best.
info@floridafishinglessons.com
321-229-2848
Central Florida Sight Fishing
Charters offers light tackle and
fly fishing trips in the
Mosquito Lagoon and Indian
River Lagoon. If you are
looking to stalk redfish, trout,
and drum on the flats, our
fishing is excellent year round
and is located just one hour
from Orlando, Disney, and the
attractions.

My fishing charters ares
designed for one or two
anglers. You will be provided
with top quality spinning or fly
tackle as well as all licenses
tackle and baits.

Central Florida sight fishing
Charters is fully licensed and
insured and believes in
providing clients with top
quality professional service.

Call 321-229-2848 for more
information or to book your
charter.