Hello fellow anglers! I’m Captain Dave Yelverton, and fishing isn’t just my job—it’s been my lifelong passion. Born and raised in Pensacola, right after the Civil War era, I’ve spent decades mastering the waters of Gulf Breeze. I’m thrilled to invite you to join me for an unforgettable fishing experience, whether you prefer spin, fly, or conventional tackle. My expertise lies in guiding you through the productive inshore bay, exciting shallow water flats, and bountiful nearshore Gulf fishing areas. Let’s create some lasting fishing memories together!
Spin Fishing Adventures with Your Gulf Breeze Fishing Guide
Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound are my playgrounds, and spin fishing here is nothing short of spectacular. As your dedicated Fishing Guide, I’ll lead you to a variety of species, including the feisty Redfish, elusive Speckled Trout, speedy Spanish Mackerel, powerful False Albacore (Bonito), acrobatic Ladyfish, aggressive Bluefish, camouflaged Flounder, and hard-fighting Jack Crevalle, among many others.
There’s a special magic in early morning topwater fishing for trout and redfish. The adrenaline rush of seeing the water erupt as a trophy trout or a strong redfish engulfs your lure is simply unmatched. Live bait fishing, either freelined or under popping corks, is another highly effective technique we employ. The explosive action of a popping cork disappearing moments after hitting the water is a sight that captivates anglers of all ages, and it’s a fantastic method for both seasoned pros and beginners, especially children. It keeps you actively engaged without constant casting. I even use popping corks myself – they are just that effective and fun!
As your fishing guide, I adapt our techniques to ensure the most productive day on the water, tailoring our approach to what’s biting. For anglers seeking a serious fight, we also provide heavy-duty spin tackle, allowing you to battle big game fish on premium gear. Venturing slightly into the Gulf with spin tackle opens up opportunities to target King Mackerel, Cobia, Amberjack, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, and numerous other exciting resident species.
Fly Fishing Expertise with a Local Fishing Guide
Saltwater fly fishing in our crystal-clear waters is an absolute joy, and as your experienced fishing guide, I’m eager to share this passion with you. Many are surprised by the sheer power of saltwater fish and may doubt their catchability on fly tackle. Let me assure you, it’s not only possible, but incredibly rewarding, and we do it frequently!
Typically, we utilize an 8-weight setup, perfect for targeting Trout, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, False Albacore, and other common inshore and nearshore Gulf species. For larger Gulf species and truly monstrous inshore Jack Crevalle, we step up to 10-weight gear. These Jack Crevalle, weighing 25 to 30 pounds, fight with the tenacity of a submarine – a truly unforgettable experience.
I welcome anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced fly casters. If you consider yourself an expert fly caster, I would humbly recommend my brother, Captain Baz, who is widely recognized as the region’s premier fly fishing guide. Fishing with Baz is an exceptional learning experience. You can find him at gulfbreezeguideservice.com. Baz and I collaborate closely to ensure every client’s fishing adventure is exceptional.
For those looking to improve their casting skills, especially if you are not consistently casting 50 feet or more, or want to refine your double haul and other advanced techniques, I highly recommend Captain Richard Montgomery, a local FFI Certified Casting Instructor and a long-time friend since elementary school! Spending an hour with Richard can significantly enhance your fly fishing performance and enjoyment on the water. He is based right here in Gulf Breeze. Richard’s passion for teaching fly casting is contagious, and his website is https://www.pensacolabeachflyfishing.com/fly-casting-lessons. Check it out to elevate your fly fishing game.
Conventional Tackle Fishing for Trophy Fish
When reef fishing is on the agenda, whether in the Gulf or the Bay, we gear up with robust conventional tackle. Expect at least 4/0 reels paired with 60-80 pound rods, spooled with 50 or 60 pound monofilament line, and heavy-duty terminal tackle. The reef species we target are powerful enough to straighten hooks and break 80-pound leaders, truly testing the strength of even the most seasoned anglers.
The raw power of these fish must be experienced to be believed. Battling a 10-pound red snapper in 35 feet of water is a serious test of strength, and a 15-pounder is simply incredible. Hook into a 20-pounder, and you’ll be left wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into, perhaps wishing you had spent more time at the gym! Deeper water can increase our odds in these battles, particularly in the initial critical 10 feet, but the underwater structure we fish around largely dictates the water depth. Prepare for some truly exhilarating fights!
Here’s a fun fact about your fishing guide: In my youth, I pioneered “SportYak trolling.” Using a small dinghy called a SportYak, I would troll while rowing, holding my spinning rod with my legs and feet. Odd as it sounds, I often out-fished everyone around me! Rest assured, your fishing experience with me will be from a more comfortable and capable vessel, not a rowing dinghy.
Having spent significant time over the last 30 years fishing the flats of Southwest Florida, I’ve become a self-proclaimed snook fishing enthusiast. The 50+ inch breeding female snook pictured below was carefully released after this photo. While snook are rare in our Gulf Breeze waters (they prefer warmer climates), rumors of occasional catches persist. Even without a resident snook population, our waters teem with diverse game fish species, more than enough to guarantee sore arms and a restful sleep after an action-packed day of fishing with your Gulf Breeze fishing guide.
I bring decades of inshore and nearshore fishing experience back to my hometown of Gulf Breeze and eagerly anticipate welcoming you aboard one of our top-notch boats. As your dedicated fishing guide, I promise to give my absolute best to ensure you “light it up” using your preferred fishing style – spin, fly, or conventional tackle. Let’s go fishing!
