Bruce Chard
Saltwater Fly Fishing Specialist
What Bruce Says About Ross
I guide the flats of the Florida Keys more than 300 days a year! The fishing conditions are extreme, so my tackle must stand up to the challenge of this type of fishing. Each day my fly rods and fly reels are exposed to extreme heat, saltwater and the punishing runs of heavyweight fish. Flats fishing is a difficult environment with limited shots at fish, and there is no room for tackle failures; this is why I exclusively use Ross fly rods and fly reels on my boat. These high performance products are lightweight, making it effortless to cast all day without fatigue. The rods are powerful sticks that punch through the high winds of the flats, but are responsive enough to cast tight loops with high line speed. And while they have the backbone to cast an entire fly line with ease, I am most impressed by the fact that these rods are equally effective at 30 feet. My World is a battle field riddled with constant winds, gigantic tarpon, screaming bonefish and world-class permit. With Ross fly rods and fly reels on my boat, I never feel under-gunned. BRING IT!
What Ross Says About Bruce
Bruce has been guiding for two decades and is considered by many the premier Florida Keys guide. If you are lucky enough to get a day on the water with him, you will immediately be drawn to his unbridled enthusiasm and true passion for the sport of fly fishing. Bruce is one of the nicest people you will ever meet...seriously! Even after missing an easy shot on the only tarpon of the day, Bruce will still make you feel like a million bucks. This is not an easy thing to do, especially after he has been pulling the flats boat for eight straight hours into a headwind just to get you that one shot! Bruce has a special gift in connecting with fly fishers of all ages and skill levels. Just spend a couple of minutes around Bruce and you quickly realize that fly fishing is not just his job, it is his passion. As one of the most sought after guides on the planet, Bruce has been featured on the cover of more saltwater fly fishing magazines than any other Keys guide. Still in his thirties, Bruce has accomplished a lifetime of successes, and has greatly contributed to the development of flats fishing techniques, fly patterns and equipment. Bruce truly embodies the soul of fly fishing!
Accomplishments
- World class Florida Keys guide
- International fly fishing instructor - Bruce Chard Fly Fishing Schools
- Five magazine cover appearances include Fly Fishing in Salt Waters, Saltwater Fly Fishing and Fly Fisherman Magazine
- More than 60 fly caught fish species
- Featured speaker and presenter at fly fishing clubs and sportsman's shows around the country
- Federation of Fly Fishers Master Certified Casting Instructor
