Founder, Instructor & Guide

Capt. Bruce Chard Founder, Instructor & Guide Captain Bruce’s love and commitment to the sport of fly fishing is shown through his accomplishments within the fly-fishing industry. Since discovering his obsession for fly fishing in his teens, Bruce knew he would turn it into his lifelong career. Immediately out of high school – he quickly started his fly-fishing guiding business in the Florida Keys. Fueled by passion and determination, Bruce has become a successful, full-time Florida Keys fly-fishing flats guide, with over 30 years of experience. Specializing in sight fishing for bonefish, tarpon, and permit, Bruce has not only become one of the most sought-after fly-fishing guides in all of the Florida Keys, but also one of the top saltwater fly casting instructors in the industry worldwide. At age 23, Bruce became a Master Certified International Federation of Fly Fishers Fly Casting Instructor and went on to start one of the most popular international saltwater fly fishing schools in the industry. Locations of Capt. Bruce’s schools include popular saltwater fly-fishing destinations within the Florida Keys, Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, the Bahamas, and Argentina.

- IFFF Master Certified Fly Casting Instructor 

- AFFTA Previous American Fly Fishing Trade Association Board Member 

- Featured Angler in the full length fly fishing film “RISE” by Confluence Films 

- Featured Angler/Guide along with son BJ in the popular fly fishing TV show called Ford “The Outfitters” with Host Conway Bowman, sportsman Channel 

- Guest Host on multiple shows with “Seasons on the Fly” Fly Fishing TV show on The Discovery Channel 

- Fly Fisherman Magazine Salt Water Contributor 

- Designed and created a full line of Bruce Chard Professional Series Airflo Tropical Punch Saltwater Fly Lines 

- Designed and Created a full line of Scientific Anglers Award Winning Salt Water Grand Slam Series Fly Line Tapers – Winning best of show award for salt water lines at the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show in Vegas 

- Has been featured on the cover of 19 different high profile fly fishing magazines 

- Featured in over 6 Grays Sporting Journals photo essays over the past 15 years 

- Top Pro Angler, Advisory Staff or Ambassador Member for the following fly fishing companies – Nervous Waters, Scientific Anglers Fly Lines Design Team, G-Loomis Rods Elite Ambassador, Hatch Outdoors Pro Staff, Simms Pro Team, Costa Elite Pro Team, Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures, Yeti , Regal Vises, and Gamakatsu Hooks 

- Over 24 custom Chard fly patterns with Riverborn fly company 

- Saltwater Contributor for Gink & Gasoline – One of the top fly fishing blogs in the industry 

- Hosts popular fly fishing schools and adventure trips around the world throughout the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, Christmas Island, Dubai, Seychelles, Argentina, Brazil, Alaska, Canada and Guatemala 

- For the past 33 years Has fly fished in over 15 different countries over 5 continents world wide – with over 1200 days fished within the Bahamas 

- Bruce is a popular paid speaker and casting instructor at fly fishing shows, fly clubs, and fly shops nation-wide averaging over 25-30 paid speaking events per year

Instructor & Guide

Since 2017, Capt. B.J. Chard has been a leading force in the fly-fishing world, guiding industry icons and enthusiasts alike across some of the world’s most iconic waters. Whether it’s guiding fly anglers to legendary giant tarpon in the Florida Keys, chasing bonefish and permit in the Bahamas and Mexico, perusing golden dorado in Argentina or targeting giant trevally in Christmas Island, B.J.’s expertise spans the globe. He’s worked with top manufacturers like Simms, G-Loomis, Scientific Anglers, Nervous Waters and Hatch Outdoors, and his experience includes guiding for renowned personalities in the industry.

B.J.’s talent doesn’t stop at guiding—he’s also an accomplished TV personality, having appeared in episodes of The Outfitters on The Sportsman Channel and Seasons on the Fly on the Discovery Channel. Featured in numerous fly-fishing publications, including Fly Fisherman Magazine and Grays Sporting Journal, his work continues to inspire anglers around the world.

From the swamps of Louisiana to the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys, B.J. has fished—and guided—across North America and internationally. Whether you're looking to catch trophy redfish, elusive permit, or pristine trout, B.J. offers the expertise and experience you need for a world-class fishing adventure.