Professional Fly Fishing Guide & Instructor

Captain Bruce Chard has dedicated over 34 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 1,200 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.

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.