Florida Keys Fly and Light Tackle Fishing Guide

When I was a teenager growing up in South Miami, I had the privilege of meeting Don Ingram. At the time, saltwater fly fishermen weren’t as plentiful. The only ones I knew of were the legendary Captain – Bill Curtis, and angler/author Chico Fernandez. I met Don at a small shop in Cutler Ridge called Rod Makers South, one of the few places where you could find saltwater fly rod blanks. If you wanted a decent fly rod, you had to build it yourself. Rod Makers stocked all the necessary supplies and offered guidance to help newcomers get started.

After some convincing, Don agreed to teach me how to fly cast. We met up at a golf course pond in Cutler Ridge, and for twenty bucks, he showed me the ropes. I also bought a few flies from him, some of which I still have today.

Since then, fly fishing has become my go-to method. Over the years, however, I realized that a fly rod isn’t always the best tool for every situation. There’s a certain humility in recognizing that every technique has its time and place. Fly fishing, in particular, is about so much more than just casting, it’s a method that requires patience, precision, and what we often call “time on the bow.” It’s not something you can rush or master overnight; that kind of understanding only comes from countless hours spent on the water, learning from each moment and appreciating every challenge.

Sometimes, the conditions or location make fly fishing nearly impossible. Many of the places I guide in the Everglades are small, tree-lined ponds connected by narrow creeks, spots where there’s just no room for a fly rod. But there are plenty of fish there, and catching them takes just as much skill and finesse, even with spin or plug gear. That’s why I believe in becoming a “complete angler.” Learning to master all kinds of fishing techniques makes you more adaptable, so you can enjoy the challenge no matter where you are or what the conditions throw at you.