Fly Fish Apalachicola For Tarpon and Redfish
Apalachicola is known in the fishing world as one of the most overlooked and accessible locations to fly fish for tarpon and redfish.
As far as fly fishing destinations go, the Forgotten Coast of the Florida panhandle (which encompasses the communities of Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, Eastpoint, Carrabelle, Lanark Village, Alligator Point, Panacea, and Shell Point) is one of the most overlooked areas to fly fish for tarpon and redfish as well as one of the most accessible tarpon fisheries to get to from most of the US. The Apalachicola area is comprised of three main inshore areas of water totaling over 400 square miles shaped by barrier islands that create the area’s unique fishery. A good portion of this entire area is shallow, fishable water that sets up well for sight fishing – a technique where anglers visually spot fish before presenting the fly, and the preferred method of fly fishing Apalachicola.
While quietly poling the skiff in likely areas during the right tides, the guide will be looking for signs of fish. Nervous water, wakes, muddy patches, and tails can all indicate fish in the area and give clues to their general movement. It is up to the angler to be prepared for a shot and key in on these signs while the guide works quietly to position the boat.
When everything goes correctly (which isn’t always the case with fly fishing), the guide will call the shot, and of course the angler will make a perfect presentation to a fish who will inhale the fly with reckless abandon. When everything goes wrong (which happens more than most will admit) the fly will probably land on the fish’s tail sending it retreating at an incredible pace into deeper water never to be seen again. Both the angler and guide will question everything while trying not to lose confidence by being hopeful that the next shot ends with a better outcome.
Saltwater fly fishing can be unforgiving yet at the same time one of the most rewarding pursuits in the outdoors. Whether things go right or wrong, a day or two or ten on the water fly fishing around Apalachicola is an unforgettable experience to share with family, friends, or business colleagues, and the memories made and lessons learned are well worth the price of admission.
The Best Times Of The Year To Fly Fish Apalachicola
The Forgotten Coast is old Florida at it’s finest and the beauty of its inshore banks and flats is on par with many of the finest saltwater fly fishing destinations. The area is more or less wide open and when water clarity is at its best, looks like a setting from the Florida Keys. Fly fishing the Apalachicola area is a year-round endeavor with distinct summer/winter seasons. Although great fishing can be had in the winter months, Capt. Chandler uses the area as a way to extend his tarpon season and focuses his efforts on tarpon fishing the months of mid-June through mid-September.
Summer tarpon fly fishing in the Apalachicola area is the kind of thing most fly anglers dream of. As the tarpon migrate through, they swim a gauntlet of banks and flats that funnel their movements through some very shallow areas. It is in these areas that flats boats stage up and await a push of fish, sometimes visible from hundreds of yards away. Big tarpon are known to swim so shallow that seeing fish over 100 pounds with their backs out of the water is realistic. The first push of these migratory tarpon usually show up sometime in May and peak sometime in August.
When the tarpon aren’t swimming, anglers may find themselves chasing tailing redfish on the flats and shorlenes. The redfish in the Apalachicola area can get big, and days of multiple shots at slot or bigger fish is not uncommon in the summer.
The Areas We Fly Fish
Capt. Chandler is a Florida resident and fishes the Forgotten Coast with his boat on a trailer. This gives him access to effectively cover water and put his clients on their best chances of catching fish. Chandler routinely runs Applachicola fly fishing trips out of Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, Eastpoint, Carrabelle, Lanark Village, Alligator Point, Panacea, and Shell Point.
Fly Fish Apalachicola For:
Tarpon
Hooking a tarpon on fly is one of the most exciting moments possible in the world of outdoor pursuits. Their sheer size, willingness to grab a well presented fly, and their acrobatic reactions to being hooked make tarpon the star of the show in Apalachicola and the Forgotten Coast.
Redfish
Redfish can be found throughout the entire Gulf coast of the US as well as the Atlantic waters north to Chesapeake Bay. The Apalachicola variety of redfish spend a lot of time in shallow water and make great fly fishing targets for anglers of all abilities when the tarpon aren’t swimming.
Apalachicola Fly Fishing Charter Details
Capt. Chandler Williams offers limited full-day Apalachicola fly fishing trips from mid-June through mid-September and multiple boats are available for groups of more than 2 people. Contact us for current rates and availability. All trips include tackle/flies, fuel costs, launch fees, and a cooler with water and ice.
Payments And Deposits
Cash, Check or Venmo.
Credit cards through Venmo (additional service charges may occur)
$150 per day per guide deposit for all trips
Venmo or mail deposits to:
Chandler Williams
17A 12th Ave
Key West, FL 33040
What To Bring
Polarized sunglasses (amber, copper, and green lenses preferred)
Hat and any needed sun protection
9, 10, & 12 wt. rods (if own gear is preferred)
Quick drying clothing
Rain gear, jackets and pants
Shoes with non-marking soles
A positive attitude (most important part of having a successful trip)
Capt. Chandler Williams
Capt. Chandler is a full-time Florida fly fishing guide and a tarpon nomad. He fishes different areas of the state year-round to provide his clients the best possible opportunity to catch the fish of their dreams.
