The captains and pros listed below are among the very best in the sport of saltwater fishing. Their attention to detail and ability to consistently locate and catch specific species of fish is unparalleled; even the most seasoned veterans can learn something from them. Each one has played an integral part in the continuing success of my World of Saltwater Fishing television series and I gratefully acknowledge their contributions.
BRI ANDRASSY – An accomplished South Florida paddleboard and kayak fishing aficionado, Bri pursues king mackerel, blackfin tuna, sailfish and bottom fish locally, as well as exotic species during her international travels. She holds a doctorate degree in nursing and, when she's not fishing or diving, serves as a Professor of Nursing at Palm Beach Atlantic State University. You can follow Bri on Instagram @BriAndrassyFishing or You Tube: BA Fishing.
CAPTAIN CHRIS HANSON - Few guides know the inshore sounds, estuaries, creeks and patch reefs of Key Largo proper like Chris Hanson. With his Scales 2 Tales Fishing Charters, Chris is an expert at catching snook, tarpon, snapper, sea trout, jacks, grouper and sharks, all usually within a 20-minute cruise from his dock at Sundowner's. He is equally knowledgeable in fishing the Oceanside reefs and, for those looking for more of a long-range adventure, in and around Everglades National Park. Chris can be reached at 305-522-3772.
CARL GRASSI - A resident of Coral Springs, Florida, Carl Grassi is an accomplished angler who lives to fish, when he’s not managing his business Carl’s Automotive on West Sample Road in Coral Springs. He enjoys live-baiting for sailfish, blackfin tuna and kingfish, trolling for dolphin, wahoo and marlin, running-and-gunning for dolphin, and day dropping for swordfish. He’s a big fan of the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Carl can be reached at 954-647-7500 or Carlgrassi7801@gmail.com.
CAPTAIN ARIEL MEDERO – Hailing from Argentina, Ariel Medero moved to Marathon in the Florida Keys in 1994. Since then, his Big Game Sport Fish charter business has blossomed into one of the most respected fishing operations in the Florida Keys. Ariel does it all in impressive fashion, be it bottom and wreck fishing, live-baiting for sailfish, blackfin tuna, wahoo, kingfish and dolphin, or day dropping for swordfish. He operates his 35 foot boat out of Marathon’s Blue Green Resort. Ariel can be reached at 305-731-4348.
HARRY VERNON III – A native of Key Biscayne, Florida, Harry Vernon III grew up pursuing offshore game fish off Miami and in the Bahamas. An authority on live baiting for sailfish, tuna, kingfish and bottom fish, he’s equally adept at trolling for wahoo, dolphin and marlin. On the inshore scene, he's tough on the local Biscayne Bay snook and sea trout populations. When he’s not fishing or running the family tackle business he tours as a national faculty member with the Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series. Harry can be reached at 305-374-4661.
CAPTAIN JAKE ROTH – Having grown up fishing the lakes of northern Minnesota and eventually guiding there for trophy muskies, Jake's obsession with fishing in the Florida Keys finally got the best of him. In 2017, he established his charter business in Islamorada - Power Play Sportfishing. Operating his 34 foot center console out of the Post Card Inn's Marina, Jake does it all, from fishing the patch reefs to pursuing blackfin tuna, wahoo, dolphin and billfish offshore. He says, however, that his favorite type of fishing is "catching people their very first fish, or dream species." Jake can be reached at 305-731-3619.
СAPTAIN CARL TORRESSON - A highly-effective live-baiting specialist, Carl grew up fishing the waters off Hollywood, Florida, prior to moving his Slob City charter business to the Treasure Coast in 2006. He has innovated and perfected numerous techniques which continue to result in impressive catches of jumbo blackfin tuna, smoker king mackerel, wahoo and sailfish. He operates a 33 foot, triple outboard-powered center console. Carl can be reached at 772-209-3805.
CAPTAIN STEVEN FRENETTE – One of the team captains at The Redfish Lodge of Louisiana and a son of legendary Venice guide and Lodge owner, Mike Frenette, Steven was raised fishing the local bayous and marshes. His specialty is guiding clients to giant bull redfish, though he's equally skilled at catching tripletail, sharks and various other inshore and coastal species. He's been a lodge guide now for over seven years. Steven can be reached at 504-782-0924.
CAPTAIN CHASE FULTON - One of the "new generation" guides, Chase is anything but a beginner when it comes to offshore fishing knowledge; he worked under "Swordfish" Nick Stanczyk prior to starting his own business in 2019. Operating out of the fabled Bud N' Mary's Marina, Chase specializes in day swordfishing as well as deep-dropping for oddities, including the likes of barrelfish, queen snapper and Alfonsino. He's also targets dolphin, blackfin tunas and sailfish. Chase can be reached at 239-671-6179.
DANIEL DELPH - When it comes to legendary Key West guides, the late Ralph Delph heads the list. And in carrying on the Delph family legacy, his 17-year old grandson, Daniel, is raring to go. Having grown up fishing these waters under his father, Captain Billy Delph, Daniel harbors an envious knowledge on where and how to catch virtually any game fish thriving here, especially off the Dry Tortugas. The age to become a licensed captain is 18, and by the time you read this, Daniel should be just that! For more information visit www.delphfishing.com or 305-294-4456.
CAPTAIN TIM CARLILE – Having fished the backcountry waters behind Sugarloaf Key since he was 18 years old, and learning under his father Cliff, Tim Carlile is a legend in these parts. His specialty is catching bonefish, as is evident by his numerous tournament accomplishments. He's equally skilled with tarpon, permit and "fun fish" the likes of jack Crevalle, Mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel. His expertise is matched only by his quick wit! Contact Tim at www.fishsugarloafkey.com or 305-304-4834.
