We are very fortunate to be at the epicenter of some of the best freshwater and saltwater fly fishing in the United States with an abundance of opportunities for novice and skilled anglers alike.  While we may not have the trout and salmon more familiar to our northern members, we do have feisty largemouth bass, exotic oscars, cichlids and peacock bass that haunt our freshwater ponds and canals and, of course, a truly breathtaking array of saltwater species including the mighty tarpon.  All of them will chase down a fly and offer memories that will last a lifetime.  And all of it on our doorstep.

Fly Fishing is a new fishing activity for the Brooks Fishing Club due to the planning and work provided by our own member Paul Fox who is an avid fly fisherman.  Paul has been fly fishing and tying flies since he was six years old first on the rivers and streams of his native England and then across the world until he made Florida his permanent home several years ago.  The idea of creating a special interest group devoted to fly fishing was warmly received by club members and in just a few weeks, a new program was introduced. As our president has commented:    Paul, nice work on the fly fishing special interest group!!

For those interested in learning how to cast a fly rod or for members that want to dust off the cobwebs, we have partnered with renowned instructor, Joe Mahler.  Look him up on-line at www.joemahler.com and you will definitely be impressed.  He will bring fly rods for your use but if you have your own fly rod, please bring it since using your own equipment is always better.  You can reach out to Joe directly via his website or at 239-898-0263 and schedule a lesson.

We have also partnered with a number of local guides who specialize in fly fishing either in freshwater or saltwater.  Captain Debbie Hanson – a dear friend of the Brooks Fishing Club – is undoubtedly one of most respected and successful freshwater fly-fishing guides in Florida so we are very fortunate to have her on our team. The freshwater trips will target a number of species including largemouth bass, oscars, peacock bass and mayan cichlid and Capt. Hanson will provide all fly fishing equipment and flies.

Mirroring our freshwater adventures, Capt. Dave Milne, specializes in saltwater fly fishing trips targeting snook, redfish, speckled trout and, if lady luck is smiling, tarpon.  Our second saltwater guide is Capt. Greg McKee.

Check out the Our Captains section below for contact details for our partner guides.

Finally, we have are very fortunate to have local outfitter and friend of the club, 239 Flies, on our doorstep.  The 239 Flies store is located at 431 Bonita Beach Rd SW #201 in Bonita Springs.  It is packed full of everything the fly fisherman will ever need from fly tying materials to flies to a dazzling array of rods, reels and lines.  It is also a veritable goldmine of local knowledge so drop in – you will not be disappointed but remember to mention the club when your shopping!

 

Our Captains