FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 786-263-1465
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Capt. John Long — A Lifetime of Biscayne Bay Expertise
|
Few guides can claim the deep-rooted connection to Biscayne National Park that Captain John Long possesses. Born and raised along these pristine waters, John's relationship with Biscayne Bay transcends professional expertise—it represents a lifetime journey that began in childhood and evolved into mastery.
As a young boy, John explored every hidden corner of Biscayne National Park, developing an intimate understanding of its intricate network of flats, channels, and secluded fishing spots that most anglers never discover. This wasn't simply recreational—it was a passionate education that would later become the foundation of his guiding philosophy. |
John's pivotal moment came at dusk on Chapman Flat, when he caught his first bonefish using a pink jig while fishing with his father. This transformative experience ignited a lifelong pursuit that would shape his future. Throughout his youth, John could be found racing to the water after school, either wading the flats or climbing a ladder platform to spot and pursue bonefish with a fly rod—developing the refined sight-fishing skills that distinguish him today.
What separates Captain John from other guides is this authentic connection to the fishery. Every tide pattern, flat characteristic, and subtle water movement became second nature through thousands of hours of observation and experience. This isn't knowledge that can be acquired quickly—it represents decades of immersion in these waters.
John's professional journey began at the prestigious Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, where his exceptional abilities earned him a coveted guiding position. Simultaneously, his angling prowess secured him a place on a professional sailfish tournament team for several years, further honing his abilities to locate and catch elusive gamefish under pressure.
Licensed and certified as a U.S. Coast Guard Captain, John brings both formal credentials and practical expertise to every charter. His specialized focus on sight fishing for the challenging "flats grand slam" species—bonefish, permit, and tarpon—has made him the go-to guide for anglers seeking these prestigious catches in Biscayne Bay.
What clients consistently appreciate about Captain John is his patient, educational approach that accommodates anglers of all skill levels. His teaching style reflects decades of experience combined with a genuine desire to share the excitement of stalking fish on pristine flats. Whether working with first-time fly anglers or experienced fishermen seeking trophy catches, John tailors each experience to the client's goals while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
Perhaps most special is that Captain John now guides on the very same flats where he learned to fish as a child. This rare continuity allows him to share not just fishing knowledge, but a lifetime of stories and a deep respect for Biscayne Bay's ecological treasure. Every charter with Captain John Long delivers more than just fishing—it provides access to generations of local knowledge and a passion for the water that remains as fresh today as when he caught his first bonefish.
When you step aboard Captain John's skiff, you're not just hiring a fishing guide—you're joining a lifelong student of Biscayne Bay who has evolved into one of its most respected teachers.
What separates Captain John from other guides is this authentic connection to the fishery. Every tide pattern, flat characteristic, and subtle water movement became second nature through thousands of hours of observation and experience. This isn't knowledge that can be acquired quickly—it represents decades of immersion in these waters.
John's professional journey began at the prestigious Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, where his exceptional abilities earned him a coveted guiding position. Simultaneously, his angling prowess secured him a place on a professional sailfish tournament team for several years, further honing his abilities to locate and catch elusive gamefish under pressure.
Licensed and certified as a U.S. Coast Guard Captain, John brings both formal credentials and practical expertise to every charter. His specialized focus on sight fishing for the challenging "flats grand slam" species—bonefish, permit, and tarpon—has made him the go-to guide for anglers seeking these prestigious catches in Biscayne Bay.
What clients consistently appreciate about Captain John is his patient, educational approach that accommodates anglers of all skill levels. His teaching style reflects decades of experience combined with a genuine desire to share the excitement of stalking fish on pristine flats. Whether working with first-time fly anglers or experienced fishermen seeking trophy catches, John tailors each experience to the client's goals while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
Perhaps most special is that Captain John now guides on the very same flats where he learned to fish as a child. This rare continuity allows him to share not just fishing knowledge, but a lifetime of stories and a deep respect for Biscayne Bay's ecological treasure. Every charter with Captain John Long delivers more than just fishing—it provides access to generations of local knowledge and a passion for the water that remains as fresh today as when he caught his first bonefish.
When you step aboard Captain John's skiff, you're not just hiring a fishing guide—you're joining a lifelong student of Biscayne Bay who has evolved into one of its most respected teachers.
Vessel
Introducing the revolutionary 2025 21' Chittum—a masterpiece that redefines the flats skiff category through precision engineering and uncompromising craftsmanship. Meticulously constructed with aerospace-grade 100% full carbon fiber, this technical poling vessel delivers an unprecedented combination of stability, draft, and performance that leaves conventional skiffs in its wake.
The expanded 21-foot platform builds upon Chittum's groundbreaking 18-foot design, maintaining the signature whisper-quiet hull signature and feather-light poling characteristics while providing enhanced comfort for extended days pursuing permit, bonefish, and tarpon. The proprietary hull design slices through challenging chop with remarkable dryness, ensuring passengers remain comfortable even when conditions deteriorate.
What truly separates this next-generation Chittum from every other flats skiff is the unmatched strength-to-weight ratio achieved through cutting-edge composite technology. The result is a vessel that floats in mere inches of water yet confidently handles open water crossings that would send lesser skiffs seeking shelter. For the discerning angler who demands technical performance without compromise, this transcendent Chittum establishes an entirely new benchmark in shallow water craft.
The expanded 21-foot platform builds upon Chittum's groundbreaking 18-foot design, maintaining the signature whisper-quiet hull signature and feather-light poling characteristics while providing enhanced comfort for extended days pursuing permit, bonefish, and tarpon. The proprietary hull design slices through challenging chop with remarkable dryness, ensuring passengers remain comfortable even when conditions deteriorate.
What truly separates this next-generation Chittum from every other flats skiff is the unmatched strength-to-weight ratio achieved through cutting-edge composite technology. The result is a vessel that floats in mere inches of water yet confidently handles open water crossings that would send lesser skiffs seeking shelter. For the discerning angler who demands technical performance without compromise, this transcendent Chittum establishes an entirely new benchmark in shallow water craft.
