TightLinesFL.com
Frank P.
I’ve always wanted to catch a large tarpon. In planning a trip to south FL with the family I wanted to include a fishing trip. Not being from there, I did some research about when and where to fish for them. After reading reviews I settled on captain Jeff. He was great to deal with prior to the trip and setting up the time and meeting place. He sought to understand what I wanted from the trip. I wanted to catch a “Bucket list” tarpon, and I wanted to have my wife and kids to come along and fish. He made several suggestions, and he told me he would work hard to get me that fish and accommodate my request. Captain Jeff was a great guide. He was pleasant, kind to my family, helpful in explaining how to fish for tarpon and knowledgeable about the area and the fish we were targeting. We hooked 7 fish and boated 3 tarpon from 50-100 lbs. I caught my “bucket list” tarpon, and both of my kids caught one. Captain Jeff was great at maneuvering the boat and giving instructions throughout the 30min battle. After boating 3 nice fish, my last cast hooked a monster tarpon. The fight was on, and the massive fish went airborne once so we could see just how big he was. After a mere 10 minute battle the ferocious fighter wrapped my line around a piling snapping my line like a thread. What an exhilarating morning on the water. We only saw a couple of hookups on the other boats around us, but we were blessed to have so many hookups and to boat 3 of the fighting giants. Captain Jeff said he would work hard for us, and he did just that. I’m sure there are other guides out there that do a great job, but Captain Jeff will be my choice in the future. He certainly kept our lines “Tight” for most of the morning; I can’t recommend him high enough.
Eugene P.
We have been fishing the 10,000 Islands with Capt. Jeff for 4 years. He knows the region like the back of his hand and never fails to put us on fish. The grandkids really look forward to fishing with Jeff because of the consistent action, his positive, encouraging words, and engaging personality. Jeff gets as excited as they do when it's "fish on"! They are constantly swapping fishing and hunting stories throughout the day, too. Other older friends who are lifelong fishermen also look forward to fishing with Jeff. I'm anxiously anticipating more fishing with Jeff this coming winter.
Eddie & Terri Davailus.
I wanted my wife to experience the thrill of hooking up on a Tarpon. We booked a half day morning trip with Captain Jeff Zellers of TightLinesFL Charters. It was mid April…not prime for Tarpon, but Captain Jeff worked back and forth through the pylons of the Bahia Honda bridge; determined to put us on fish. The cool thing was, he actually TAUGHT us how to catch them. It was ALL HANDS ON. His boat is also equipped with a fighting chair, which was PERFECT for my wife. There were about a dozen other boats under the bridge that morning and I’m proud to say that our Captain Jeff had the only Tarpon hookups that morning. No other fishermen hooked a Tarponin in those four hours… Only my wife, Terri. We stayed eight days in the Keys. That week and our Tarpon fishing trip with Jeff was an experience we will never forget. We could tell that he was having as much fun watching us fight the Tarpon as we were catching them!!! Thanks so much, Captain Jeff Zellers!
Tyler R.
Awesome experience! We had 4 solid hook ups and 2 short hits, totaling 6 in 4 hours. All fish were 60”+ trophies. Jeff is very experienced and a lot of knowledge is to be gained on Tarpon from him. Out of the 20+ boats around us we had the most action (in 2 different spots). Not that it’s a competition, but Jeff puts you on them! Unfortunately when we were within minutes of landing one after a long battle we had a 15’ hammerhead steal our Tarpon boatside. Unfortunate, but awesome encounter! Awesome trip!
Rudy D.
Captain Jeff brought us on the best light tackle fishing trip adventure you always dream about. We immediately starting to hook up with silver and speckled trout as well as mackerel. We even had the experience of a black tip shark on our line for a ride. We ended by landing some nice red fish and a 31 inch snook.
Kevin and Sandra Jones.
Wow what a morning not only was it the trip of a lifetime but we hooked 5 what a fight ! we got two of them to the boat ! Jeff is amazing and obviously loves what he does if you listen to his instructions you will catch tarpon big tarpon!! If you want a great day fishing With a real professional who gets as excited as you do when you hook up captain Jeff is the man! Thanks again
Thomas B.
I have been on many guided fishing in South Florida and Florida keys. This BY FAR was the best experience ever!!! Captain Jeff is very professional and knowledgeable. I would recommend him to anyone looking for the time of their lives. We caught 100+ lb Tarpon with him. He was genuinely excited for each of or catches. I look forward to fishing with him again in the near future!!!
Chuck N.
Jeff was very experienced, professional with all the appropriate equipment. We caught targeted fish at all our stops. When we struggled with a unfamiliar technique Captain Jeff was able to quickly and gently teach us the proper techniques to keep us catching fish. I highly recommend Captain Jeff for all experience levels. We fished four people, two couples, two with experience and two beginners. All four of us caught all the fish we wanted. Trout and redfish were the bulk of our catch along with a few random species that added to the excitement with the element of the unknown. Thanks Captain, we will be back.
Carl O.
This was an amazing time to say the least. Captain Jeff put us right on the tarpon from the get go. We hooked into them all morning, i think final count was about ten. These fish are tough and fight hard but he was right there to see me succeed. Highly recomend TightLinesFL and after my experience I dont think I’d book with anyone else, Thanks for the sore arms!!!
Johnathon L.
We had a Great day with captain Jeff fishing for tarpon. I ending up hooking up to a tarpon on my very first drift! The day held plenty of action. Jeff was relentless in searching for fish, and was extremely knowledgeable of the area. DO NOT hesitate to book a trip with capt Jeff. We had a great time. Thank you again Jeff we had a blast fishing with you.
Rich P.
Capt. Jeff knows what he is doing. Had us hooked up quick. Super nice guy. When it comes to catching tarpon he is your guy. Will be booking with him again next year. I would highly recommend his charter to everyone.
Joe B.
Captain Jeff took us out fishing and it was clear from the start he knew what he was doing. He proved to not only be competent and skilled but also friendly and helpful. I can't imagine a better guy to lead a fishing trip for my family or a group of friends. I can't recommend him enough.