Flats Fishing the World with Bruce Chard

In June we marveled at the subtleties and delicacy of presenting tiny dry flies to golden trout in the stunning far reaches of the Eastern Sierra. Our July presentation takes us to the other extreme of fly fishing where tarpon, permit and bonefish challenge our ability to cast heavy flies to fickle fish in windy conditions. Flats fishing is by any measure the Major Leagues of the sport, known for its addicted and obsessive devotees. Enter a world where the lightest rod will be an eight weight and you might be lucky enough to cast to a tarpon that matches your own body weight. Think too of wading for hours in crystal clear tropical water and casting to schools of tailing bonefish – the perfect blend of hunting and fishing.

Saltwater flats can be found in the Florida Keys, Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, Belize, the Seychelles and Christmas Island. Anglers try for the grand slam of bonefish, permit and tarpon in one fishing day. Throw in a snook for the Super Slam. Guiding is from a two angler skiff or panga capable of high speeds and able to operate in inches of water. Flats guides are a special breed, seasoned by hours spent atop a poling platform praying that their hurried verbal directions will lead their client to the fish of their dreams. These species live in a scenic paradise that will come alive in a fast paced dynamic presentation that might just make you want to give it a try.

Captain Bruce Chard – Professional Fly Fishing Guide & Instructor

Captain Bruce Chard has dedicated over 36 years to mastering and teaching the art of saltwater fly fishing. A full-time guide in the Florida Keys since 1992, Bruce specializes in sight fishing for bonefish, tarpon, and permit—earning recognition as one of the most respected guides and casting instructors in the industry.

At just 23, Bruce became a Fly Fishers International (FFI) Master Certified Casting Instructor, and soon after founded one of the world’s most recognized international saltwater fly-fishing schools. His schools and hosted trips have taken anglers to premier destinations across Belize, Mexico, the Bahamas, the United States, Guatemala, Canada, Argentina, Christmas Island, the Seychelles, and beyond.

As a lifelong ambassador of the sport, Bruce has proudly partnered with many of fly fishing’s most respected brands, including Scientific Anglers, Airflo, G. Loomis, Hatch, Simms, Costa, Regal, Gamakatsu, YETI, Riversmith, Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures, and Nervous Waters Lodges. Celebrated for his forward-thinking approach to tackle design, Bruce has been instrumental in shaping some of the most iconic products in modern fly fishing—personally designing the original industry award-winning Scientific Anglers Grand Slam and Airflo Tropical Punch fly lines, pioneering his revolutionary saltwater leader systems, and collaborating on the acclaimed Gamakatsu SC17 and SL12S 1XShort fly hooks.

Beyond the water, Bruce’s expertise and influence reach across the global fly-fishing community. He has contributed to acclaimed books, including A Passion for Bonefish, and has been a featured author in many leading fly-fishing magazines—with 19 cover photos to his credit. His work has been showcased in major films such as RISE by Confluence Films and on television programs including The Outfitters, LL Bean’s Guide to the Outdoors, and Seasons on the Fly. As a highly sought-after professional industry speaker, Bruce shares his vast knowledge and experience through more than 30 presentations each year at fly shows, shops, and clubs worldwide.

With over three decades of guiding and hosting adventures in more than 20 countries across five continents, Bruce delivers anglers an unmatched combination of elite technical instruction and extensive expertise in the world’s most challenging saltwater environments. This rare blend of exceptional skills and level of experience sets him apart as one of the fly-fishing industry’s most accomplished master instructors, highly respected guides, and one of the most overall experienced adventure travel hosts in the entire fly fishing industry.

Having logged over 1,300 days on the Bahamian flats alone—and countless more guiding in the Florida Keys—Bruce also hosts on average 10–13 premier fly-fishing trips annually. His level of travel and guiding expertise is recognized as a top tier Travel Ambassador for Nervous Waters Lodges and an Elite Ambassador Guide for Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures.

Leveraging decades of guiding and instructional experience combined with unmatched connections with fellow icons across the fly-fishing industry, Bruce offers truly exclusive adventures that no one else can provide. Through his one-of-a-kind signatured Fly-Fishing Concierge Service, he delivers a professional, fully personalized experience tailored to each angler’s fishing aspirations, travel preferences, and lifestyle. From custom itineraries to seamless logistics, Bruce delivers a fully personalized world-class experience, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for those who demand the very best.

Bruce lives in the Lower Florida Keys with his wife, Sara, and their son, BJ—who proudly continues the family legacy as a professional fly-fishing guide and instructor.

Bruce is currently working with these manufacturers.

Scientific Angler – Simms - Loomis Rods - Hatch Reels - Nervous Waters Lodges - Regal Vises - Gamakatsu Hooks- Yeti