Florida Friendly Fishing Guide Certification Program
Preserving The Future of Florida's Fisheries
The Florida Friendly Fishing Guide Certification Program, established by UF/IFAS, Florida Sea Grant and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, recognizes fishing guides who are committed to preserving the future of Florida’s fisheries through sustainable boating and fishing techniques.
This online certification course covers science-based techniques that ensure minimal environmental footprint of fishing. Participation in the Florida Friendly Fishing Guide program is voluntary, and the program involves no regulatory component. The course can be accessed via computer or smart phone and tablet. The course takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at your own pace in 20- to 30-minute chunks.
The certification is valid for three years. The $130 fee covers gear for the welcome packages for certified guides, program upkeep and evaluation, and administrative expenses such as web hosting. Once you complete the course, you can display your certification on your website and vessel, letting your customers know that you adhere to the highest environmental standards.
Course Topics & Benefits
- Introduction to Fisheries Management
- Best Practices for Catch and Release Fishing
- Seafood Safety and Handling
- Sustainable Waste Management and Fueling
- Overview of Marine Ecology
- Environmental Ethics
- Sustainable On-board Materials
- Giving Back to Fisheries Management and Research
For a peek into the curriculum, check out Best Practices For Florida Friendly Fishing Guides and Basic Requirements for Florida Fishing Guides.
Following completion of the course, certified guides receive a ‘Welcome Package’ that includes:
- Vessel Decals
- 5-gallon Caddy Can and Liner
- Seaqualizer Descending Device
- 100% Cotton Towel
- Z-Man Baits
- Hurricane Brand Dehooker
- Floating Keychain
- Listing on the FFFG Directory
- Promotional Social Media Post on Florida Sea Grant’s Accounts
- Entry into the Florida Friendly Fishing Guide Facebook Group
What Guides Are saying
“I found the information in the course very helpful and informative and I will certainly be adjusting some of my practices to incorporate what I learned here… Thank you and all of the team that put this all together- well done!”
“I enjoyed taking the course and while I considered myself fairly knowledgeable on the topics, I definitely had a few misconceptions and learned quite a bit.”
“I really enjoyed the course. Since the completion, I have found myself being much more aware of the impact we as guides can make on our clients and the environment."
Scholarships available
A limited number of scholarships for 50% off the course registration fee are available.
Please fill out the short application to be considered.
Book With A Florida Friendly Fishing Guide
Search our statewide directory of certified Florida Friendly Fishing Guides to book your next outing with an eco-minded guide.
| Region | Guide | Business | City, State | Phone | Certified/Recertified | Current Through | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Capt. Sam Baker | Sol Margin Fishing & Conservation Foundation | St. Augustine, FL | 904-201-9579 |  |  |  | Nov-2023 | Nov-2026 |
| Northeast | Capt. Jim Britton | Palm Coast, FL | 386-931-1547 | | Sept-2020/Sept-2022 | Feb-2026 | |||
| Northeast | Capt. Chris Castle | St. Augustine, FL | 904-669-3210 | | Jan-2021 | Jan-2024 | |||
| Northeast | Capt. Bill Duane | Jacksonville, FL | 904-479-6871 | | Apr-2021/Sept-2022/Nov-2023 | Apr-2030 | |||
| Northeast | Capt. Tony Fernandez | Jacksonville, FL | Aug-2021 | Aug-2024 | |||||
| Northeast | Capt. Drew A. Hawkins | Palm Coast, FL, | 407-256-1433 | | | Mar-2020/Sept-2022 | Mar-2026 | ||
| Northeast | Capt. Jacob Hardy | St. Augustine, FL | 904-315-4758 | | Feb-2020 | Feb-2023 | |||
| Northeast | Capt. Fred Laager | St. Augustine, FL | 904-429-6558 | | Apr-2021 | Apr-2024 | |||
| Northeast | Capt. Al Morris | St. Augustine, FL | 904 655-7035 | | | Apr-2021/Sept-2022 | Apr-2027 | ||
| Northeast | Capt. Frank Timmons, Jr. | Off the Grid Fishing Charters | St. Augustine, FL | 904-669-1475 | | Mar-2020/Sept-2022 | Mar-2026 | ||
| Northeast | Capt. Chris Barr | Green Cove Springs, FL | 904-667-8858 | Jun-2022 | Jun-2025 | ||||
| Northeast | *Webb Skelton | Project Saltwater | Fernandina Beach, FL | 904-415-2179 | | | Aug-2025 | Aug-2028 | |
| Northeast | *Tira Clyce | St. Augustine, FL | 904-460-5757 | | | | Sept-2025 | Sept-2028 | |
| Northeast | Capt. Allen Mills | Amelia Island, FL | 904-261-9481 | | | Sep-2025 | Sep-2028 | ||
| Northeast | Capt. Randy Drozd | St. Augustine, FL | 904-572-2282 | | | Mar-2026 | Mar-2029 | ||
| Indian River Lagoon | Capt. Evan Sanders | New Smyrna Beach, FL | 407-796-2088 | | | | July-2023 | July-2026 | |
| Indian River Lagoon | Capt. Adam Coniglio | New Smyrna Beach, FL | 407-796-2088 | | | Mar-2023 | Mar-2026 | ||
| Indian River Lagoon | *John R. Caldwell | Adventure Culture Education Inc | New Smyrna Beach, FL | 502-532-1685 | Oct-2020/Sept-2022 | Oct-2026 | |||
| Indian River Lagoon | Capt. Michael Bundy | Angler Management Fishing Charters and Aquatic Adventures LLC. | Port Canaveral and Ponce Inlet, FL | 407-399-5605 | | | Jun-2020 | Jun-2026 | |
| Indian River Lagoon | Capt Jeff Kraynik | Sebastian Inlet, FL | 321-863-9182 | | Mar-2020 | Mar-2026 | |||
| Indian River Lagoon | *Capt. Drew Mixon | Vero Beach, FL | 772-453-3989 | | | Apr-2021/Sept-2022 | Apr-2027 | ||
| Indian River Lagoon | Capt. Corey Simmons | Daytona Beach, FL | 386-631-8030 | | | Jan-2020/Sept-2022 | Jan-2026 | ||
| Indian River Lagoon | *Bruce Skerbetz | Sebastian Inlet, FL | 732-762-1693 | Aug-2020 | Aug-2023 | ||||
| Indian River Lagoon | Capt. Mark Wood | MWoutdoors Charters | Melbourne Beach, FL | 321-394-1001 | May-2020/Sept-2022 | May-2026 | |||
| Indian River Lagoon | Capt. Will Wolfson | Melbourne Beach, FL | 407-620-5263 | | Oct-2021 | Oct-2024 | |||
| Indian River Lagoon | *Mathew Liberto | DeLand, FL | 386-747-8390 | | | July-2024 | July-2027 | ||
| Indian River Lagoon | Capt. Jeff Mahl | All Patched Up Fishing | Melbourne, FL | 321-209-1119 | | May-2025 | May-2028 | ||
| Indian River Lagoon | Capt. Nic Stephens | Ponce Inlet, FL | 386-763-4388 | | | | May-2025 | May-2028 | |
| Indian River Lagoon | *Robert Lalli | Jolly-Lalli SURF FISHING | Tequesta, FL | 561-909-5067 | | | August-2025 | August-2028 | |
| Indian River Lagoon | *Christina Higley | Winter Spring, FL | 585-317-9866 | | | Oct-2025 | Oct-2028 | ||
| Indian River Lagoon | *James Lewis | Cocoa Beach, FL | 304-208-4536 | | | Mar-2026 | Mar-2029 | ||
| Indian River Lagoon | Capt. Scott Wigal | Palm Bay, FL | 321-474-3706 | | | | Mar-2026 | Mar-2029 | |
| Indian River Lagoon | *Brittany Downs | Orlando, FL | 404-731-0917 | | | | May-2026 | May-2029 | |
| Panhandle | *Patricia Lawson | Off the Beatn Path Kayak Charters | Milton FL | 850-281-3445 | | Mar-2022 | Mar-2025 | ||
| Panhandle | *John Bottcher | Monticello, FL | 850-728-6097 | Jan-2021/Sept-2022 | Jan-2027 | ||||
| Panhandle | Capt. Cody Clauson | Santa Rosa Beach, FL | 850-699-0014 | | | Mar-2021/Sept-2022 | Mar-2027 | ||
| Panhandle | Capt. John Edgar | Edgar Environmental, Inc. | Pensacola, FL | 832-784-3038 | | | Jun-2021 | Jun-2026 | |
| Panhandle | Capt. Jimmy Garibaldi | Niceville, FL | 940-867-2448 | | | | Jan-2024 | Jun-2027 | |
| Panhandle | Capt. Kevin Libby | Carrabelle, FL | 850-879-3148 | | Jan-2024 | Jun-2027 | |||
| Panhandle | Capt. Lance Moss | Niceville, FL |  850-353-3997 | | Mar-2021 | Mar-2024 | |||
| Panhandle | Capt. Hunter Ray | Santa Rosa Beach, FL | 850-499-4473 | | | Aug-2020 | Aug-2023 | ||
| Panhandle | Capt. Chester Reese | Carrabelle, FL | 850-228-9060 | Jan-2021/Sept-2022 | Jan-2027 | ||||
| Panhandle | *Blane Roberts | Pensacola, FL | 305-910-9134 | | | | March-2024 | March-2027 | |
| Panhandle | *Rick Choate | Pensacola, FL | 850-341-4307 | | | | Sep-2024 | Sep-2027 | |
| Panhandle | Capt. Larry Shults | Pensacola, FL | 606-416-2716 | | | | May-2021/Sept-2022 | May-2027 | |
| Panhandle | *Michael Smith | Navarre, FL | 850-529-5405 | | | June-2021/Sept-2022 | Jun-2027 | ||
| Panhandle | Capt. Ryan McMahon | Ryan McMahon Panhandle Surf Fishing Guide | Freeport, FL | 763-360-7790 | | | June-2024 | June-2027 | |
| Panhandle | Capt. Tim Wilder | Port St. Joe, FL | 850-227-5802 | | | Feb-2020 | Feb-2023 | ||
| Panhandle | *Mark Robinson | Fort Walton Beach, FL | 937-631-6825 | | May-2022 | May-2025 | |||
| Panhandle | Capt. Lee Thompson | Port St. Joe, FL | 850-247-0799 | | | | Sep-2022 | Sep-2026 | |
| Panhandle | Capt. Dwight "Deuce" Minnick | Eglin Airforce Base, FL | 850-333-1797 | | | Apr-2022 | Apr-2026 | ||
| Panhandle | Capt. Brian Bacher | Bachers Boat Charters | Pensacola, FL | 305-484-7073 | | | May-2025 | May-2028 | |
| Panhandle | *Justin Reed | Navarre, FL | 850-737-4513 | | | | July-2025 | July-2028 | |
| Panhandle | *Chip Gillikin | Orange Beach, AL | 251-480-1728 | | | August-2025 | August-2028 | ||
| Panhandle | *Spenser Brown | Pensacola, FL | 928-259-0075 | | | Aug-2025 | Aug-2028 | ||
| Panhandle | Capt. Chris Rogers | Navarre, FL | 850-972-9087 | | | | Aug-2025 | Aug-2028 | |
| Panhandle | Capt. Chris Williamson | Eastpoint, FL | 850-251-8650 | | | | Apr-2026 | Apr-2029 | |
| Panhandle | *Jimmy Hill | Pensacola, FL | 512-740-5505 | | | | May-2026 | May-2029 | |
| Big Bend | *Jeff Blanton | Bienville Plantation | White Springs, FL | 229-292-4587 | Aug-2020/Sept-2022 | Aug-2026 | |||
| Big Bend | Matthew Cook | Homosassa, Fl | 352-287-2098 | | March-2024 | March-2027 | |||
| Big Bend | *Bob Cut | Bob's Boats | St. Marks. FL | 850-925-1166 | Sep-2020 | Sep-2023 | |||
| Big Bend | Capt. Katie Jo Davis | Yankeetown, FL | 772-882-8932 | | | June-2021/Sept-2022 | Jun-2026 | ||
| Big Bend | Capt. Bryan Frechette | Crystal River, FL | 352-697-2874 | | | Oct-2019/Sept-2022 | Oct-2025 | ||
| Big Bend | Capt. Andrew Hammond | Homosassa, FL | 404-803-8608 | | | Mar-2021 | Mar-2024 | ||
| Big Bend | Capt. Dave Huston | Crystal River, FL | 352-427-4814 | | | Aug-2019/Sept-2022 | Aug-2027 | ||
| Big Bend | Capt. Paul Kolacia | Homosassa, FL | 352-262-4490 | | | Aug-2020 | Aug-2023 | ||
| Big Bend | *Capt. Brandon Leggett | Brandon Leggett Freshwater Kayak Charters | Wildwood, FL | 352-459-9315 | | Jan-2024 | Jan-2027 | ||
| Big Bend | Capt. David Maki | Homosassa, FL | 352-601-1525 | | | Feb-2020/Sept-2022 | Feb-2026 | ||
| Big Bend | Capt. Kyle Messier | Crystal River, FL | 352-634-4002 | | | Aug-2020/Sept-2022 | Aug-2026 | ||
| Big Bend | Capt. Michael Neu | Salt Marsh Charters | High Springs, FL | 615-971-9536 | | Sep-2020 | Sep-2023 | ||
| Big Bend | Capt. Kyle Skipper | Steinhatchee, FL | 352-317-1654 | | | Aug-2020/Sept-2022 | Aug-2026 | ||
| Big Bend | Capt. Kate Spratt | Captain Kate Spratt Charters | Homosassa, FL | 352-400-9747 | | Apr-2020/Sept-2022 | Apr-2026 | ||
| Big Bend | *Brian Stauffer | Homosassa, FL | 352-442-4311 | | Sept-2019/Sept-2022 | Sep-2025 | |||
| Big Bend | Capt. Denny Voyles | Cedar Key, FL | 352-339-2034 | Aug-2020/Sept-2022 | Aug-2026 | ||||
| Big Bend | Capt. Nick Warrington | Crystal River, FL | 352-212-5070 | | Nov-2019/Sept-2022 | Nov-2025 | |||
| Big Bend | Capt. Brent Woodard | Horseshoe Beach, FL | 352-284-5514 | | | Aug-2020 | Aug-2023 | ||
| Big Bend | Henry Bireline | Gainesville, FL | 352-448-8101 | Dec-2021/Sept-2022 | Dec-2027 | ||||
| Big Bend | Capt. Memphis Zachry | Crystal River, FL | 352-212-8327 | | | Oct-2021/Sept-2022 | Oct-2027 | ||
| Big Bend | Capt. Chris Wagoner | Ozello to Steinhatchee, FL | 352-278-1054 | | | | Aug-2022 | Aug-2025 | |
| Big Bend | Capt. Randy Matheny | Eustis, FL | 352-551-6304 | | | | Sep-2022 | Sep-2025 | |
| Big Bend | *Patrick Abbott | Williston, FL | 352-681-0986 | | Sep-2022 | Sep-2025 | |||
| Big Bend | Zachery Davis | Leesburg, FL | 352-636-8234 | | | | Feb-2023 | Feb-2026 | |
| Big Bend | Capt. Garrett Kofmehl | Crystal River, FL | 352-257-1981 | | | Dec 2024 | Dec 2027 | ||
| Big Bend | Capt. Blake Shidler | Crystal River, FL | 352-586-1997 | | | | Dec 2024 | Dec 2027 | |
| Big Bend | Capt. David Case | Crystal River, FL | 352-601-1973 | | | | Jan 2025 | Jan 2028 | |
| Big Bend | Capt. Bobbi Brady | Steinhatchee, FL | 352-318-8429 | | | Feb-2025 | Feb-2028 | ||
| West Central | Capt. Christopher Barton | Bradenton, FL | 941-405-9689 | | | Sep-2020 | Sep-2023 | ||
| West Central | Capt. Josh Bibler | Palmetto, FL |  941-840-1008 | | | Feb-2020 | Feb-2023 | ||
| West Central | Capt. Brandon Csaszar | Tarpon Springs, FL | 727-741-3394 | | | May-2021/Sept-2022 | May-2027 | ||
| West Central | *John Cento | Clermont, FL, | 352-432-2140 | Dec-2020/Sept-2022(Survey)/Nov-2023 | Dec-2029 | ||||
| West Central | Capt. Jeremy Frioud | Clearwater, FL | 727-492-7362 | Apr-2021 | Apr-2024 | ||||
| West Central | Capt. Jim Galbraith | Florida Memories | St. Petersburg, FL | 813-499-4608 | | Sept-2020/Sept-2022 | Sep-2026 | ||
| West Central | *Buddy Harrison | EcoTrek Family Fishing and Kayak Tours | Tampa, FL | 813-928-3806 | Oct-2020/Sept-2022 | Oct-2026 | |||
| West Central | Capt. Charlie Howell | Tampa, FL | 813-598-1191 | | | Jun-2020/Sept-2022 | Jun-2026 | ||
| West Central | *Capt. Arthur Jackson | Orlando, FL | 407-288-9670 | | | Dec-2024 | Dec-2027 | ||
| West Central | Capt. Steve Johnson | Port Richey, FL | 727-207-6067 | | | Sep-2025 | Sep-2028 | ||
| West Central | Capt. Scott Moore | Moore Fishing | Anna Maria, FL | 941-713-1921 | | | Aug-2020/Sept-2022 | Aug-2026 | |
| West Central | Capt. Kevin Murphy | Cowboys Trophy Charters | Largo, FL | 513-507-3726 | | Sept-2020/Sept-2022 | Sep-2026 | ||
| West Central | Capt. Parker Pope | International Sailors | Tampa, FL | 813-382-2216 | | May-2024 | May-2027 | ||
| West Central | Capt. Douglas C. Ricciardi | Sarasota, FL | 941-587-6150 | Sep-2020 | Sep-2023 | ||||
| West Central | Capt. Zac Tapp | Bradenton, FL | 561-308-1398 | Aug-2020/Sept-2022 | Aug-2026 | ||||
| West Central | *Joseph Urbino | Reel Honor Fishing | Hudson, FL | Aug-2021 | Aug-2024 | ||||
| West Central | Capt. Michael B. Yonker | Sarasota, FL | 941-500-2485 | | Mar-2020/Sept-2022 | Mar-2026 | |||
| West Central | Capt. Brian Riley | Tarpon Springs, FL | 813-629-2308 | | | | Jun-2020 | Jun-2023 | |
| West Central | Capt. Matt Karwoski | Clearwater, FL | 727-331-1700 | | | | July-2022/Sept-2022 | Jul-2028 | |
| West Central | Capt. George Douglas Higgs | Tampa, FL | 813-363-1239 | | | July-2024 | July-2027 | ||
| West Central | Capt. Houston Thomas | St. Pete, FL | 813-375-1033 | | | March 2025 | March 2028 | ||
| West Central | Capt. Steve Betz | Tampa, FL | 813-727-8843 | | | April-2025 | April-2028 | ||
| West Central | Capt. Doug Young | Tampa, FL | 406-481-6454 | | | Mar-2026 | Mar-2029 | ||
| West Central | Capt. Joshua Taylor | Tampa, FL | 813-484-3831 | | | | Mar-2026 | Mar-2029 | |
| Southwest | Capt. Debbie Hanson | Estero, FL | 239-233-4930 | | | | Jan-2023 | Jan-2026 | |
| Southwest | Capt. Colin Carpenter | Captiva, FL | 239-822-3337 | | Jan-2023 | Jan-2026 | |||
| Southwest | Capt. Bo Bartholomew | Pineland, FL | 239-357-5104 | Apr-2021 | Apr-2024 | ||||
| Southwest | Capt. Christian Hunter Brown | Boca Grande, FL | 941-735-1820 | | Sept-2019/Sept-2022 | Sep-2025 | |||
| Southwest | *Corey W. Campbell | Ochopee, FL | 239-719-2483 | | | Sep-2020 | Sep-2023 | ||
| Southwest | Capt. Rich Damianos | Punta Gorda, FL | 607-327-0221 | | Oct-2019/Sept-2022 | Oct-2025 | |||
| Southwest | Capt. John Dant | Everglades City/Naples, FL | 239-331-0209 | | Apr-2020/Sept-2022 | Apr-2026 | |||
| Southwest | *Capt. Larry DeHays | DeHays Charters (non-fishing eco-tours) | Sanibel, FL | 239-691-7623 | Oct-2020/Sept-2022 | Oct-2026 | |||
| Southwest | Capt. Becca deRosa | Kids' Needs of Greater Englewood | Englewood, FL | 315-256-6613 | | Oct-2020 | Oct-2023 | ||
| Southwest | Capt. Kenny DiBiase | Florida Freedom Charters | Sanibel, FL | 239-476-2904 | | Oct-2020 | Oct-2023 | ||
| Southwest | Capt. Daniel T. Edwards | AmVetCharters | Punta Gorda, FL | 941-268-0810 | | Nov-2020/Sept-2022 | Nov-2026 | ||
| Southwest | Capt. Van Hubbard | Englewood, FL | 941-468-4017 | | July-2020/Sept-2022 | Jul-2026 | |||
| Southwest | Capt. Jeff Jarr | Punta Gorda, FL | Sep-2021 | Sep-2024 | |||||
| Southwest | Capt. Joe McNichols | Everglades City, FL | 239-821-3305 | Aug-2020 | Aug-2023 | ||||
| Southwest | Capt. Chris Newberry | Ponce de Leon/Punta Gorda Isles, FL | 941-628-0359 | | Nov-2019 | Nov-2022 | |||
| Southwest | Capt. Barry Nicholls | Naples, FL | 239-860-7227 | | Nov-2020/Sept-2022 | Nov-2026 | |||
| Southwest | Capt. Harold Roebuck III | Venice, FL | 863-381-6734 | | Mar-2021/Sept-2022 | Mar-2027 | |||
| Southwest | Capt. Bill Schwalm | St. James City, FL | 239-887-1494 | Sept-2020/Sept-2022 | Sep-2026 | ||||
| Southwest | Capt. William Schwartzmiller | Port of the Islands Charters | Naples, FL | 239-642-8818 | Mar-2020/Sept-2022 | Mar-2026 | |||
| Southwest | Capt. Don Taylor | Back Bay Charters | Punta Rassa, FL | 239-850-9569 | Oct-2020/Sept-2022 | Oct-2026 | |||
| Southwest | Capt. Scott Wilhelm | Bokeelia, FL | 941-979-0110 | Apr-2021/Sept-2022 | Apr-2027 | ||||
| Southwest | Capt. Bobby Woodard | Boca Grande, FL | 863-224-1418 | | Feb-2022 | Feb-2025 | |||
| Southwest | Capt. Joe Savoca | Fort Myers FL | 215-534-0275 | | Apr-2022/Sept-2022 | Apr-2028 | |||
| Southwest | Capt. Rick Harrison Jr. | Gulf and Grove Fly Fishing | Englewood, FL | 941-237-9492 | | June-2021/Sept-2022 | Jun-2027 | ||
| Southwest | Capt. Roger Gendron | Punta Gorda, FL | 941-769-7041 | | Nov-2022 | Nov-2025 | |||
| Southwest | *Jorge Gonzalez | Miami, FL | 561-690-2008 | | | Oct-2024 | Oct-2027 | ||
| Southwest | Capt. Mark Freeman | Punta Gorda, FL | 941-585-2076 | | | Dec 2024 | Dec 2027 | ||
| Southwest | Capt. Yanni Melissas | Boca Grande, FL | 941-999-1225 | | | July-2025 | July-2028 | ||
| Southwest | Capt. Glenn Sharp | Punta Gorda, FL | 941-889-8187 | | | | Sep-2025 | Sep-2028 | |
| Southwest | Capt. Ray Larson | Fort Myers, FL | 217-306-1720 | | | | Feb-2026 | Feb-2029 | |
| Southwest | Capt. Joe Perz | Wellen Park Charters | Venice, FL | 941-499-7412 | | | Mar-2026 | Mar-2029 | |
| South | Capt. Brian Branigan | Big Pine Key, FL | 306-699-7166 | | Aug-2020 | Aug-2023 | |||
| South | Capt. Diego Cordova | Marathon, FL | 305-395-1228 | | | Feb-2020/Sept-2022 | Feb-2026 | ||
| South | Capt. Bob Dorchak | Summerland Key, FL | 305-900-7488 | June-2020/Sept-2022 | Jun-2026 | ||||
| South | Capt. Charlie Filpes | Islamorada, FL | 305-975-4885 | | | Apr-2020 | Apr-2023 | ||
| South | Capt. Steve Friedman | Islamorada, FL | 305-393-3474 | | Oct-2020/Sept-2022 | Oct-2026 | |||
| South | Capt. Chris Gowens | Key West, FL | 305-992-8517 | | Nov-2020/Sept-2022 | Nov-2026 | |||
| South | *Jim Harmon | School of Fish | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | 561-376-0574 | | Sep-2020/Sept-2022 | Sep-2026 | ||
| South | Capt. Dax Hallock | Coast2Coast Charters LLC | 786-760-1006 | Sept-2020/Sept-2022 | Sep-2026 | ||||
| South | Capt. Willie Howard | Riviera Beach, FL | 561-307-3047 | | | Mar-2020 | Mar-2023 | ||
| South | Capt. Clyde Morgan Jewett | Islamorada, FL | 305-790-5526 | | Jul-2020 | Jul-2023 | |||
| South | Capt. Kyle Kelso | Key West, FL | 305-509-2201 | | | Jun-2020/Sept-2022 | Jun-2026 | ||
| South | Capt. Ron Lawson | River Keys Fishing | Cudjoe Key, FL | 717-571-0179 | Mar-2020 | Mar-2023 | |||
| South | Capt. John M. Miller | Ramrod Key, FL | 305-735-4951 | | | Sept-2020/Sept-2022 | Sep-2026 | ||
| South | Capt. Rich Mitchell | Phase One Backcountry Charters | Islamorada, FL | 305-393-0729 | Sept-2020/Sept-2022 | Sep-2026 | |||
| South | Capt. Bill Taylor | Jupiter, FL | 561-744-5700 | | | Dec-2024 | Dec-2027 | ||
| South | *Johann Barata | 786-715-6282 | Oct-2021 | Oct-2024 | |||||
| South | Capt. Christopher Lenahan | Riviera Beach FL | 561-444-6970 | | | | Apr-2022 | May-2025 | |
| South | Capt. Scott Ray | Key Largo, FL | 305-431-5179 | | | Sep-2022 | Sep-2025 | ||
| South | *Joseph Pence | Loxahatchee, FL | 954-205-2499 | | | Apr-2025 | April-2028 | ||
| South | *Michael Enck | Snookman Mike LLC | Pompano, FL | 561-563-4116 | | | | Sep-2025 | Sep-2028 |
| South | *Ray Brunetti | Boca Raton, FL | 561-613-9778 | | | Feb-2026 | Feb-2029 | ||
| South | *Capt. Haley Twigg | Okeechobee, FL | 813-990-9905 | | | | May-2026 | May-2029 |
Listed guides have completed an educational course and pledged that they were clear of resource-related fish and wildlife violations for 3 or more years prior to their certification date. They were also checked for appropriate state licensing at the time of certification. Guides who operate fishing charters from motorized vessels in saltwater are required to have both a valid Merchant Mariner credential from the US Coast Guard as well as hold state fishing charter license(s) issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Guides who operate in federal waters might be subject to additional licensing; FSG does not have the ability to verify federal licensing.
*An asterix denotes guides who operate fishing trips solely from kayaks, shore, or only on inland freshwater bodies are not required to carry state fishing charter licensing. Similarly, guides who charter tours from motorized vessels that do not involve fishing must hold a Merchant Mariner credential from the US Coast Guard (earning them the title “Capt.”) and operate a vessel that is registered commercially, but are not required to carry a state fishing charter license. Charter vessels carrying more than 12 passengers must undergo inspection by the US Coast Guard.
If you are curious about a guide’s credentials, please do not hesitate to inquire.
Thank you to our
Program
Sponsors
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Your contribution will directly support program logistics, gear kits for guides and promotional materials. Contact Mike Sipos for more information.
Contact Us
Got questions about the Florida Friendly Fishing Certification Program? Reach out to our regional contacts listed below.
