Florida Adventure Quest
Species

BONEFISH (Albula vulpes): This species is known to most as the “gray ghost” of the flats and for good reason. Sight fishing for bones is a great way to prepare yourself for a true flats adventure. This silvery gem of a fish can blend itself to the colors of it's surroundings so well that sometimes you don't spot the fish 'til it's too late. But most of the time I will give you ample time to get a cast off to the fish that will make blistering runs and take you into your backing faster than imaginable. Once the fish is in hand you will be amazed at the colors that are exhibited on the tips of their fin and tail. The only way that I can describe it is a blend of the most beautiful turquoise and vibrant sapphire known to man. This is not to take away from the rest of the fish's mirror-like scales that glisten like diamonds in the sunlight. The Bonefish is a true flats gem.

PERMIT (Trachinotus Falcatus): Best described as, “Forked Tail Devil”. Other names have been used but I chose in good taste not to mention them if you know what I mean. Adjectives used to describe this species: skittish, spooky, elusive, nerve racking and down-right wrong. This is the fish that makes me tick. With it's sooty black dorsal fin and tail and slightly grayish- blue body you would think they would be easy to see, right? Well I wouldn't bet the farm on it. With an eye the size of a horse’s, they can see extremely well. More than once has a fish left the flats because of the start of a back cast, them seeing the fly line overhead, or even feeling the pressure of the boat. Tailing, or eating fish still make me weak in the knees and people tell me I get over-excited when they are tailing but this seems to be the most opportune time to hook into one. Accuracy is your biggest asset with these fish. You might be heard saying “Rob, calm down you're making me nervous.” although you'll be nervous enough without me telling you. The fight these fish produce is similar to a Bonefish in 1 way: blistering runs. After that it's them bulldogging you hoping to find something on the bottom to break you off on. Some fights have lasted up to 20 minutes and in the end you will have a photo and a memory that will last a lifetime because each permit is such a precious gift that can only happen when “all the stars have aligned”.

TARPON (Megalops Atlanticus): Ranging from 5- 150 pounds this prehistoric leviathan a re a year-round species, for the most part, here in the Keys with the larger fish migration starting in late April-early May and continuing through June. This silver scaled brute with its almost steel-like mouth, razor sharp gill plates, and their acrobatic, knuckle busting runs are a true flats species that are worth their weight in gold. Sheer strength is what the big boys are all about. You can expect fights to last sometimes in excess of an hour or more but using the right amount of pressure and technique can slay even the largest of “poons” in as little as 15 minutes. Multiple fish days are not uncommon during the migration and the smaller baby tarpon that we claim as “residents” are usually willing to take flies to possibly complete your shot at a flats slam.

Advice
Practice, practice, practice.... how many times have you heard that. This mantra is the biggest bit of advice I could give to any caster. Fly fishing in the Keys was my ultimate dream and when I finally made the trek down early in my life I realized that practice was the only saving grace for the trip. Now I'm not going to tell you of a multiple bone day or a double digit permit. This realization came to me after the trip and to be quite honest I ended up skunked for the two days of fishing. Accuracy was my arch enemy then so I would practice at every available minute even if it were only 5 minutes. But I also needed professional help. Now I'm not talking psychiatric help, although some would beg to differ, I'm talking of casting instructors. With the help of Bob Popovics, Lefty Kreh, and Tim Rajeff just to name a few and to whom I am greatly indebted. I saw my casting change right before my eyes. These instructors are there for the basic reason of assisting you in your pursuit to become a better caster, and the cost of their expertise was money well spent. Invest your time at a casting seminar, set up a schedule with a casting instructor, and practice properly what they preach. They do know their craft and in no time they will have your cast tuned so well that your trip to the Keys will be one not to forget. Just remember PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Tight loops and straight lines.
Boat & Tackle
If the Florida Keys are in your sights, come join Captain Rob on his Beavertail BTX to experience the crystal clear waters on the flats. The boat is out-fitted with top of the line gear. However, you are welcome to bring your own. If you don't wield the long stick, spinning rods are also available. Beginners and experienced anglers alike are invited to a party of a life time, where the elusive species are the guest of honor.
The Chaos Theory is a 2009 Beavertail BTX powered by a 60 HP Evinrude E-TEC and is outfitted with fly and spinning gear from G.LOOMIS, Temple Fork, Sage, and Shimano. She is a super skinny technical poling skiff, drafting only 4 inches, and yet is super stable in rougher waters. The Chaos Theory BTX has ample room for two anglers, and a cooler on board for lunch and drinks. So the need to bring your own is not necessary. Everything aboard the Chaos Theory BTX is designed for the fishermen in mind. From the ample casting deck or the oversize casting platform, the Chaos Theory is all about comfort.
The boat has a cooler on board for your food/ drinks but is limited in size so just bring the necessities. The boat is also outfitted with quality tackle so that you don't have to travel with yours. Sometimes traveling with rods, reels and tackle can be a real pain in the........... well you know.
I would like to request that alcohol not be brought out due to the size constraint of the boats cooler. We'll save the beers for after the trip in celebration. You are more than welcome to bring some of your favorite fly patterns but it is not necessary. My box's are at the ready for anything we are going to encounter but yes I do understand the fact of catching a fish on your own fly so do bring some. Who knows, maybe I'll trade you for a few of mine.
Things To Bring

POLARIZED GLASSES (These are an absolute MUST HAVE!!!!!!!)
Hat
Sunscreen
Non-marking shoes/ sandals or even socks
Cool, fast drying clothing
Camera/ Video camera
Rain gear (yes it does sometime rain in paradise)
Your rods and reels if you prefer

Pricing

All rates are for 1-2 anglers. A $100.00 per day deposit is required. If we are unable to fish due to bad weather, the deposit is fully refunded. If the reservations are canceled 30 days prior to the trip, the deposit will be refunded. Reservations canceled less than 30 days prior to the trip are not eligible for a deposit refund.
Full day (8 hrs.)    $550
Half day (5 hrs.)   $425
All rates in U.S. Dollars. Cash, personal check and traveler’s checks are accepted. To reserve a date, first confirm with me that your desired date is available (by e-mail or phone). Following confirmation, your $100 deposit should be remitted. I will hold your date for two weeks pending receipt of the deposit.

***Pricing includes: Fuel, bait, tackle, flies, licenses, and soft drinks***

The departure times are determined by tides and weather, which may change on a daily basis.