Charters with Captain Rick Carl
Flyfishing the Florida Keys with Capt. Rick Carl
on Salty Tails Charter
Tarpon at 11 o'clock! You make a great cast, your fly lands in front of a 100 pound silver king. You make a few short strips. He sees your 4 inch streamer, turns on it, opens that monstrous mouth that looks like a front end bucket loader, he closes it and turns - you strike! Image what happens next....
Hi, I'm Rick Carl, a professional salt water fisherman and US Coast Guard licensed fishing guide out of Islamarada in the Florida Keys. We offer full or half day adventures to fish the shallow waters of the Florida Keys from Key Biscayne to Key West. Welcome to my home page. If this type of fishing sounds like something that you would like to try, or you have already been bitten by the tarpon or bonefish bug and have the fever like we have... read on.
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14 1/2 Pound Bonefish caught by this 8 year old client and her older sister on a 8 pound spin outfit with a crab. Her dad will be jealous for life! |
I specialize in sight-fishing for large tarpon, bonefish, permit and redfish with flyfishing gear and other light tackle. My 16 foot Maverick Mirage is capable of getting us to all the fishing destinations in comfort. This is truly exciting fishing! Image the possibilities when you find yourself standing on the casting platform with a nine foot flyrod suitable for salmon, retrieving a four inch streamer fly with short twitches, hoping to fool a giant tarpon that's leading a pod of a dozen more. It's truly awesome!
Sight fishing for bonefish, permit and redfish is challenging and exciting too. Most bonefish, permit and redfish caught in the Florida Keys are hooked on light tackle on shallow flats "sight fishing". Usually, the fish are first detected by seeing them "tail". Bonefish, permit and redfish spend a lot of their time rooting for crustaceans buried in the soft, muddy bottom of Florida Bay in less than two feet of water. So when they tip over to grab a buried crab or shrimp their tails come out of the water. Once you get the hang of it it is fairly easy to spot tails of feeding fish from a hundred yards or more. Bonefish and permit also push a recognizable wake when traveling and feeding just below the surface. With a little practice this "nervous water" is another signpost to finding and catching bonefish, permit and redfish. Getting a tailing fish to bite a fly or a jig is a challenge. It takes teamwork, stealth, accuracy and an understanding of fish behavior.
Having grown up in Florida I have been chasing and catching these great fish all my life. I'll be glad to share my expertise with you if you so desire. Saltwater fishing shows on saturday mornings have tweaked many fresh water angler's interest in salty flats fishing. Why not give it a try. You can catch big fish successfully if you practice with good equipment and have the right guide. Guiding an experienced angler is always fun but I enjoy helping newcomers to this great fishing experience. I'm very low key and especially good at teaching inexperienced anglers how to fish successfully with all types of tackle in salt water. Flats fishing is very different from fresh water angling. This is where your guide pays off. I'll be glad to provide all the tackle you'll need. I have an extensive collection of top of the line fly tackle you can use. If you would rather use your own I can help with line types, leaders and flies that you 'll need. I can't overemphasize the benefit to you from practicing your casting between trips. I know of one angler for instance who has won every major flyfishing tournament in the Keys and when not on the water he can be found in his back yard polishing his already incredible casting skills. Fishing is always more enjoyable when your fly lands where you want it to. Below is a broad outline for tackle that you will need.
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Fish |
Flyrods / Spinrods and Reels |
| TARPON | 11 to 13 wt. flyrod. Reel to hold 350 yds of 30lb test dacron backing 15 to 20 lb spinrod. Reel to hold 300 yards of mono |
| BONEFISH | 7 to 10 wt. flyrod. reel to hold 200 yds of 20lb test dacron backing 6 to 12 lb spinrod. Reel to hold 200 yards of mono |
| PERMIT | 8 to 10 wt. flyrod. reel to hold 250 yds of 20lb test dacron backing 8 to 12 lb spinrod. Reel to hold 250 yards of mono |
| REDFISH | Same as Permit |
| SNOOK | Same as Permit |
| TROUT | Same as Permit |
Feel free to call me, even if it's just for advice. I love to talk "fishing".
| WINTER | Redfish, Bonefish, Permit, Snook, Barracuda, Shark, Trout |
| SPRING | Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, Redfish |
| SUMMER | Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Shark, Tripletail |
| FALL | Bonefish, Small Tarpon, Permit, Redfish |
LET'S GO FISHING!!!. Call now for details. We'll also be glad to help you with your accommodations. Book early! Prime times for Tarpon & Bonefish go quickly.
HOW TO CONTACT ME
| Capt. Rick Carl @ HOME: | 786-619-5976 |
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E-MAIL:
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US MAIL:
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Capt. Rick Carl |
Rates:
Ask about our multiple day fishing packages and internet specials.
Corporate pakages available.
WHAT TO BRING: Fishing in the tropics even in July and August can be comfortable if you have the proper equipment. Summertime temperatures average in the high 80's and low 90's, spring and fall temperatures average high 70's to low 80's. Winter averages in the 70's unless a cold front comes thru which can take the nighttime temperatures into the low 60's and the daytime temperatures in the high 60's to low 70's. Being prepared is the secret to being comfortable.
Clothing:
Loose fitting cotton shorts and shirt. If you are fair skinned you may want to bring a long sleeve shirt and long pants to put on during the strongest sun times. Sunburn is no fun.
Rainsuit, can also be used to keep warm during early morning runs in the winter.
Hat and bandana to keep sun off your head and neck.
Equipment and other necessities:
Good POLARIZED Sunglasses or snap-ons. A brown tint is the best for sightfishing. This may be the most important piece of equipment next to the rod and reel.
Passengers:
2 adults maximum
Equipment Provided:
For in depth information and tips on fishing for Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit please click on the species below:
