I fished with Rich on a beautiful Saturday morning in March. I had wanted to catch a Redfish on a fly for some time. he made it happen. Captain Rich Is very good at what he does. He knows the water and the wildlife. His love of digital art is bonus, just look at his work. I was so lucky to catch a large redfish while he was filming he got the whole thing on the go-pro, he then put it on YouTube. My fishing friends think I am a celebrity, I credit Captain Rich, the good lord and a little luck.. Awesome guide, Awesome guy!
~ Wayne Bishop– Jacksonville, Florida
Rich Santos is a gentleman and a true sportsman. I have fished with Rich for several years, and I consider him to be an example of what a great fly fishing guide should be. He’s patient, knowledgeable, and freely shares information about local fishing spots and conditions. Most of all, he’s a great teacher. He knows the water and the fish, works hard, and is a pleasant companion in the boat. He’s also an exceptional fly tier, and his mutant gurgler is one of my “go to” patterns for everything from trout in Guana Lake to baby tarpon in the Yucatan. I have fished with lots of guides from Cape Cod to the lagoons of southern Belize, and I am pretty sure that I have learned more from Rich than from all the rest put together. So no matter if you are a beginner or an old hand, if you want get started or to learn something new about fly fishing in NE Florida, or if you just want to spend a pleasant day chasing fish with the fly rod, Rich Santos is your man!
~ Dr. Aubrey Tompson – Jacksonville, Florida
I’ve been fly fishing for over 40 years and almost all of it has been in streams and rivers for trout and salmon; my saltwater experience has been limited to day or so each year in Ocean City, MD. I retired last year and when my wife suggested we visit Florida this winter I thought it would be a good opportunity to expand my fly fishing horizons. I looked on line and when I went to Rich Santos’ website I knew I had found the guide I was looking for. I booked a six-hour skiff trip and let me tell you it was one of the most satisfying days of fishing I’ve ever had. Rich knows the area probably better than the birds that live there and he put me over so many fish that I lost count. It was a really great day, Rich’s skiff is just right for one or two anglers and, as I said, he knows where the fish are. The boat is comfortable to fish out of, and drafts so shallow that he could get us into places where you’d think only a kayak or canoe could go. And not only is Rich a great guide, he’s an excellent steward of the environment in the areas he guides. Rich is a true professional in all that he does, and I recommend him without reservation. If you want a great day of fishing, book it with Rich.
~ Cliff Albertson – Suffern, New Jersey
Having just retired and relocated to northeast Florida, one item on my bucket list was to learn how to successfully fly fish the local salt water arena. The Black Fly Outfitter fly shop in Jacksonville recommended that I contact Captain Rich Santos for guide services. Great advice! Early on a cool February, 2012 morning we met at a pre arranged location and traveled to the kayak put-in. Rich offered the use of a fishing kayak but I preferred to use my own instead. He brought extra fly rods and had all of the top notch equipment we needed and even brought an extra stripping basket for me to use. We fished several productive fishing holes throughout the morning and Rich taught me where and how to find the fish and most importantly, how to fish for them. We fished with flies that Rich had tied himself and boy, did they work well! He gave me tips on ways to improve my casting form and improve my casting distance. I used a couple of his fly rods with different lines which provided hands on comparisons with my own gear adding to my overall fishing education. By the end of the trip I had caught and released numerous fish, was grinning like a kid and was already planning my next fishing outing to try out my new skills. I enjoyed his professionalism and sense of humor and plan to hire him again to further my fishing capabilities. Teach a man to fish.
~ Tom Snyder – St. Augustine, Florida
Highly Recommended! Captain Rich Santos is extremely knowledgeable about the fish, waterways, flora and fauna of the Jacksonville/St. Augustine area. He’s a patient teacher and enthusiastic fly fisherman. He worked with me, as a long time trout fly fisherman, on the casting and presentation differences to get into my first Jack, Seatrout and Redfish in the grass. They were also my first true saltwater fish on the fly. Is was a great experience, and I would love to make it back to the area. Captain Rich also uses top of the line gear (Sage & Nautilus) which was a pleasure to use, for those of us who don’t own, or haven’t had a chance to try out, saltwater rods in the various weights you may use in the area (6-9). Look him up if you are in the Jacksonville area.
~ Padraic McParland – New York, New York
