Painting by Jim Pierce Key Largo

Sorry, I've retired from the Guiding business.

 

 

Florida Keys Fishing Guide
Tarpon, Sport Fishing a Specialty Islamorada, Marathon, Key Largo,
Flats, Back Country, Day or Night.
and
Sport Fishing for Permit, Sailfish, and Tasty Table Species as well.

Tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys with a guide is sport fishing at its best. Islamorada, Marathon and Key Largo fishing quide, Capt. Applegate's specialty is Tarpon during March, April, May and June. Spin fishing, bait casting or fly fishing: flats fishing or channels, backcountry or ocean side

I've been a guide in the Keys for over 30 years, and fishing Florida for tarpon since a kid in Ft. Lauderdale. I am a fully licensed and insured Florida Guide with a Captain's license from the US Coast Guard, and am flexible with my hours. I am licensed by Everglades National Park as well.

I have all the fishing gear for your needs, fly, spin, bait and kites for sailfish and other species.

Tarpon are unpredictable, often preferring a late supper to lunch. I don't have to be in by 5 if you don't. Fishing is still fun for me so it is not a job and never has been. I want successful trips - happy and excited fishermen, fisherwomen and fisherkids.

I fish for all species - which ones depend on the customer, wind and season. Mid February, the monster tarpon start showing up back-country (bay side) between cold fronts as the water temperature climbs on warm sunny days. And their numbers will increase through the spring.

My customers range from tournament experienced to "never fished before", and I enjoy taking all. Father/ son teams are particularly fun to take out. Bird's nests, tangles, snarls and snags are part of the sport, and do not bother me (nor should they bother you): and I come prepared for them.

My boat is a restored Shipoke 17 1/2' skiff with a new Yamaha 115, 4 stroke. It is a Florida manufactured craft which is very stable, and which takes a chop comfortably. Here is some internet chatter about Shipoke Skiffs for those interested.

http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/thread?id=829883&postid=10271603

I provide fly, spin and bait tackle for my customers though you are certainly welcome to use your own.

Thank you for visiting my website. I will be updating it as often as possible. Please click on the links below for more specific information regarding the species you wish to fish for.

Captain David Applegate

 

Tarpon , Dolphin (Mahi Mahi in Hawaii)