Fly Fishing Guide Near Orlando Florida

The waters where I guide most of my trips are the narrow saltwater lagoons that surround the Kennedy Space Center. Average depth in many areas is less than two feet, making these waters perfect for fly fishing. Most days I fish the Mosquito Lagoon, a 22,000-acre estuary located just inland of Florida’s Atlantic coast beaches. Much of the lagoon is non-tidal, creating calm, consistent conditions that are ideal for sight casting. It is part of the Indian River Lagoon System, a shallow estuary stretching 156 miles along Florida’s east coast and providing some of the best shallow-water habitat in North America for fly fishing.

Almost all of the fly fishing we do here is sight fishing — casting to fish you can see from the bow of the boat. As your guide, I help position you for the best shots and coach you through the cast. Redfish, seatrout, and black drum are commonly caught with fly rods ranging from 5- to 10-weight using floating lines, depending on the conditions and the size of the fish. On sunny days with good polarized glasses, the experience is unforgettable — stalking visible fish in just inches of clear water and watching them take your fly.

Note on conditions: Optimal fly fishing conditions are clear skies and light winds. Poor visibility or high winds can make fly fishing difficult. I always carry backup spinning gear you are welcome to use if conditions are tough. Charters cannot be cancelled and deposits refunded due to clouds or wind, but rescheduling will be offered if available.

The Mosquito Lagoon offers the closest and best saltwater fly fishing near Orlando. As your local fly fishing guide, I target redfish (red drum), seatrout, snook, tarpon, and black drum in these waters. Redfish, trout, and drum are present year-round, while tarpon and snook are most common in the summer and fall. We usually fish the shallow grass flats where you can spot the fish before casting — a true sight fishing experience.

In the summer and fall, there are chances to hook powerful tarpon and hard-fighting snook. Watch this video about preparing for a guided saltwater fly fishing trip. If you’d like to sharpen your skills before stepping on the boat, my video casting analysis service is a great way to get ready.

The St. John’s River offers excellent freshwater fly fishing for bass, crappie, and a variety of panfish. In the winter months, anglers travel to central Florida to pursue American Shad, which migrate upriver in large spawning runs. When conditions are right, catches of twenty or more shad in a single day are possible. This is an exciting fishery that beginners and novice anglers can enjoy, even if they are not ready for saltwater species. Watch my video on catching shad in the St. John’s River to see what this unique trip looks like.

Nearly every pond in and around Orlando holds bass and panfish as well. Topwater flies, both large and small, are especially productive early and late in the day. For these freshwater species, a 3- or 5-weight rod is ideal. As your guide, I provide all tackle and instruction needed so you can relax and focus on enjoying the experience.

These are some of my favorite tips and techniques for fly fishing near Orlando

Best time to fly fishing near Orlando

Maximize your success when switching from freshwater to saltwater fly fishing

Nearly every pond in and around Orlando holds bass and panfish as well. Topwater flies, both large and small, are especially productive early and late in the day. For these freshwater species, a 3- or 5-weight rod is ideal. As your guide, I provide all tackle and instruction needed so you can relax and focus on enjoying the experience.