205- 807- 2139

Captain Doug Howard

Owner/Operator I'll be your guide through the 40,000+ acres of the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge. You will be in good hands - I am a licensed 6 pack captain with over 30 years of fishing experience. I love water so much I spent over 14 years in various maritime industries like deep sea diving and marine construction. I grew up in Florida and have fished all over the United States including everything from swordfish out of Pensacola, FL and bull redfish in the surf of the Outer Banks, N.C.
My specialty is coaching anglers in the use of artificial lures. I explain the intricacies of color selection and casting technique and how it relates to fish behavior.
Your guided trip through the backcountry in the boundaries of the unique wildlife refuge. It includes details of the geology of the region, its influences on feeding habits of inshore gamefish and the particularity of the mixed table tides that shape this amazing place we call the "Chazz" on the nature coast. I not only enjoy putting you on fish, but I also share my passion and extensive knowledge of the habitat and species we will be fishing for on your trip.
Your day will be a once in a lifetime adventure off the Chazz into the untouched backcountry.
The Gheenoe LT25

This beautiful boat is a shallow water microskiff designed with skinny water in mind. It's perfect for getting in and out of the backcountry fast.


This skiff is able to run in extremely skinny water. Even on the lowest tides it's hard for the fish to hide from this versatile boat.


The stick steer set-up allows me to operate the boat from high up on the stern giving me a much better view to navigate and leaves plenty of room for the angler in front.



The Backcountry Big Three

REDFISH
A prize fish of the southeast. The karst formations that make up most of the flats in between the Chazz mangroves in the backcountry are prime habitat for these fish. As water temps lower in winter, they move into the creeks off the main river and go deep into the backcountry. In the warmer months’ redfish can be sight fished all through the refuge. These fish are sensitive to the tide coming and going. We will be throwing mostly soft baits and hard baits. For the avid angler who is interested in "walking the dog”, there will be plenty of opportunities to throw some top water - my specialty.
SNOOK
Hands down the top dog of the backcountry big three. Shear power coupled with acrobatics shock and awe every angler the first time they hook up. It's tough to beat the rush of fighting a 30" snook in tight quarters, with 10 lb. test, surrounded by mangroves while tucked away in the backcountry. These beauties are caught year round but the harvest season on the nature coast currently runs March to May & September to November. When in season, these fish are renowned for their delicate flavor and considered some of the best table fare.
SPECKLED TROUT
Often called the "most popular gamefish", these are hard fighters and great eating. The Chazz produces a healthy abundance of seagrass which is a favorite habitat for trout. In early February, the Gator Trout, which are 24" and above, come out of their hiding spots and start gorging on bait near creek mouths. They move into the red, white and black mangroves and then the main part of the river soon after. Finally, a good number of these stunners end up out in the bay by late summer and early fall.

Call And Book Your Trip Today (205)807-2139

Trips And Rates (All Options Are For One Angler Only)

6 Hour Trips

These trips are best when planned around peak feeding times - typically early morning or late afternoons in the summer. We will primarily work the outer mangroves and outer creeks of the Chazz throwing mostly soft baits and some hard baits when the water is high. Weather permitting, we can also run to the outer keys in the Bay for some nice redfish & speckled trout action. Email or call for pricing.

ECO Tours

This is perfect for the solo traveler looking to see nature in all its glory. With over 40,000+ acres to cover, you will see a variety of wildlife which can include bald eagles. whooping cranes, manatees, dolphins, amazing marsh grasses, mangroves and many, many more species. When we get into the backcountry I turn off the motor and can switch to my electric trolling motor. This trip is far quieter than the airboat or mud boat experience which means we will not spook the wildlife. Email or call for pricing.

8 Hour Trips

With this trip we cover a lot more ground. Start time will usually be early morning. If the tide is low, we will work our way into mangroves slowly and stealthy. We will throw a combination of spoons and weed less rigged soft bait. We may also spend some time fishing lipped plugs and slow sinking lures at creek mouths depending on time of year. As the water gets higher, while using the trolling motor, we will work the choke points in mangroves. We will usually mix in top water to round out the day! Bring some wading shoes just in case. Some of my best fishing days happen while wading. Email or call for pricing.

Fly Fishing Trips

Get lost from reality deep into the backcountry while fly fishing amongst the marsh hammocks and mangroves. This trip is for the seasoned angler who is a proficient caster - it holds the promise of a unique experience deep in the backwaters. It is not recommended for a beginner. This trip will be a combination of sight fishing and blind casting. Bent backs, top water, and weedless style flies are recommended with 8wt rods for trout and 9wt for snook & redfish. On these trips, I do not supply tackle but I can arrange something if you're in a jam and need gear. Email or call for pricing.

Reviews

"Doug Was super knowledgeable sharing with me the ways that creeks are formed the type of rock found in the area and giving me some knowledge about the two types of mangroves found in area. It really made for an awesome trip. By 11am there were fish in the bag and I had caught a slam."
Juan
"What a great way to spend time on the Chazz, Cap Doug will make sure you are on the fish, he is a book of knowledge. I had a great time. First snook ever! One on one guide, you will see it all, he can answer any question you have!"
Edward
"This was an absolute 5 star experience. I called Captain Doug on a Friday hoping to go out on a Sunday or Monday. He went through the weather reports, tides, winds, etc and we picked the day that would be best for fishing. He recommend an early start to increase the success rate. That first phone call he told me where a good place to stay would be, where to eat, and what to expect on his boat. I got to the boat dock as planned and within the first hour we had landed my first snook and a flounder. I am from CA and have not fished FL much. He taught me about the environment we were fishing in, explained to me why we were using different fishing techniques, and really coached me on how to fish the area. During the trip we talked fishing, life experience, and food! He shared pics and videos of me during the fishing trip. I have been on a lot of fishing charters in my day and consider myself a seasoned fisherman. I could not have asked for a better guide/charter. Thank you Captain Doug!"
Shiven

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Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like more info please reach out via email or phone. I usually responed in early evening after I get off water to voicemails.
Email: offthechazzfishingadventures@gmail.com

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