tackle our challenging, abundant piñas Bay fishery on fly
During this 4 day event, guests will have the opportunity to learn all all of the skills and techniques necessary to embark on a successful fly fishing journey – including casting, fly tying, and other essentials. They will learn from the best in the industry, including fly fishing legends, and rising talent.
The next generation of fly fishing pros will get the opportunity to learn from the legends: Stu Apte, Tom Boyd and Bob Clouser, as they pass down years of experience, tried and tested techniques and tales of their epic adventures.
For over 50 years we have traveled to the far corners of the earth, conducting research on the greatest game fish in order to protect them and analyze their behavior. Studying what they do and why they do it gives us better insights on how to catch them. We have taught offshore and inshore techniques of fly fishing to captains, mates, and anglers for over 35 years. In all our travels, we have never experienced a fishery as great as that of Tropic Star Lodge.
The incredibly rich Humboldt Current travels northerly along the South American coast and delivers vast numbers of migratory predatory and forage species. In TSL’s waters they combine with the local endemic populations. These species include: Black, Blue, and Striped marlin, Pacific Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, and Yellowfin Tuna, along with many others. They all are present in bunches in TSL waters and the submerged mountain peaks that transition the Humboldt’s depths to shallow water at the Zane Gray Reef. At certain times, the Humboldt brings debris in the form of trees and logs, coconuts, etc. holding a seemingly infinite number of forage species that all the predators feed on. It is easy to pull up next to the floating materials and cast a fly to teaming numbers of game fish of many species feeding under the cover.
Inshore fishing is no less spectacular. Once again, the numbers and size of the species are simply astonishing. The lineup of available inshore species is impressive, headed by the enigmatic Roosterfish that flourish here year round. Other species include: Cubera Snapper, various Grouper, Bluefin Trevally, Tarpon, Jack crevalle, African Pompano, and many others for a total of more than 17 Inshore species. These fish are here in great numbers and always seem hungry.
A true fly fishing legend with 6 decades of experience on the water, Stu Apte is a pioneering figure in saltwater fly fishing, renowned for his innovative techniques and contributions to the sport. With over 44 saltwater light tackle and fly rod world records, including a 136-pound Pacific sailfish on 12-pound tippet in 1965, Apte’s achievements have set high standards in the angling community. Beyond his record-setting catches, he has developed influential fly patterns, such as the “Stu Apte Tarpon Fly,” which was honored on a U.S. postage stamp in 1991. Apte’s dedication to the sport extends to his roles as a guide, author, and conservationist, with his induction into the IGFA Hall of Fame in 2005 underscoring his lasting impact on saltwater fly fishing.
Father and son duo, The Boyd’s have made a significant impact on the industry. Tom is a fishing consultant, instructor, outdoor writer, editor, celebrated author and lecturer with over 50 years (and 200 species) worth of experience as a catch-and-release fly fisherman, and is the former Editor-in-Chief of several fly fishing magazines. Jeff has accompanied his father for decades as a partner on all research projects and has co-authored books, articles and lectures, blazing a trail of his own in the fly industry. Jeff and Tom are fierce fishery conservationists and have led research programs for threatened species all over the world. The duo return to the 2025 edition of the Legends on Fly event after their great success at our inaugural event last year, in addition providing ongoing support for the event overall.
Bob Clouser is a fly fishing legend, best known for creating the iconic Clouser Deep Minnow, one of the most effective fly patterns in the world. A lifelong angler, guide, and instructor, Bob has spent decades refining his craft and sharing his expertise through books, seminars, and instructional videos. His innovations in fly tying and casting have influenced both freshwater and saltwater fly fishing, earning him widespread recognition among anglers and Fly Fishing legends alike.
Cam Sigler Jr. continues the legacy of his father, Cam Sigler Sr., as a prominent figure in saltwater fly fishing. Under his leadership, the Cam Sigler Company has maintained its reputation for producing high-quality big game fly-fishing gear, including the acclaimed Billfish flies pioneered by his father. Cam Jr.’s commitment to innovation and excellence has solidified the company’s standing in the angling community. He serves as a design consultant to major fly fishing gear manufacturers.
Chris Trosset, son of legendary angler RT Trosset, has built his own reputation as one of Key West’s most skilled fly fishing guides. Growing up immersed in the sport, he quickly made a name for himself with record-setting catches and multiple tournament wins, including Junior and Men’s Master Angler titles. His knowledge of targeting premier game fish on fly has cemented his status as a leading figure in saltwater fly fishing. Chris returns to the 2025 edition of the Legends on Fly event after his success at our inaugural event last year.
Saltwater fly angler and fly fishing advocate for over 35 years, Al Quattrocchi has traveled all over the world training guides, and documenting his stories in various publications. Al is currently the West Coast editor of Tail Magazine. He too returns as a pro after being a part of our first Legends on Fly event last year.
Jared Cyr is a full time guide out of the Keys, having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, with many notable TV appearances, plenty of happy clients back home, and impressive techniques to share. Jared joins us for the second year in a row to share his passion and experience in the sport of fly fishing.
