Capt. Don Gable,Nature Coast Fly Fishing Guide

Fly fish Homosassa, Crystal River, and Cedar Key, FL for redfish, tarpon, and snook.  Anglers of all abilities welcome.

Capt. Don Gable is a USCG Licensed and Insured full-time fly fishing guide who lives in Crystal River, FL and guides anglers of all abilities along the Nature Coast. Originally from Southern California, Don’s career in guiding began over three decades ago when he picked up and moved to Jackson, WY. After nearly a decade of guiding anglers to trout, elk, and mule deer, Don caught the salt bug and decided to head to the Lower Keys. After over two decades of guiding fly anglers in Key West, Capt. Don wanted change, and a new fishery to explore. The Nature Coast has been home to Don and his family since 2021, and has rejuvenated his passion for hunting fish with a fly rod and given him an opportunity to show his clients another amazing fishery.

Homosassa fly fishing guide Capt. Don Gable.

β€œAfter spending almost three decades guiding in two of the most competitive fisheries it was time for a change. I found the Nature Coast to be one of the most peaceful, unspoiled fisheries I’d ever fished…”

-Capt. Don Gable

Q&A With Capt. Don Gable

Describe your fishing style.
I would describe my fishing style as calculated and aggressive. I am happy to work slow when the situation warrants, but rarely sit back and leave opportunity to chance.

Why did you decide to become a guide?
I was always drawn to the water at an early age, fishing and surfing. I decided to guide because I found that I enjoyed sharing the knowledge it takes to catch fish with others as much as I enjoyed catching fish myself.

Why did you choose the Nature Coast?
After spending almost three decades guiding in two of the most competitive fisheries it was time for a change. I found the Nature Coast to be one of the most peaceful, unspoiled fisheries I’d ever fished, and that was the draw for me.

What is your most memorable catch?
My most memorable catch wasn’t a fish I actually caught, it was my son’s first permit he caught on the fly.

What is your most memorable client catch?
My most memorable client catch happened with a client that caught a tagged previously tagged permit. BTT later confirmed that fish had been tagged by a fellow Capt. about 1/4 mile from where we recaptured the fish almost 4 years later.

Do you enjoy fishing as much as you enjoy guiding?
Yes!

Who got you into fishing?
My uncle got me into fishing. He used to take me to the local lakes and rivers as a kid.

What is your favorite fish in the world to fish for?
Permit with tarpon a close second.

What is your dream fishing location?
Florida and the Bahamas

Music or no music on the boat?
All good on music except when we are in fish and they can hear it.

What is your opinion of bananas?
Don’t tell me you have em or let me see them.

What can everyone do to help the environment of the Nature Coast?
Practice catch and release. Protect our wetlands and keep our rivers clean!

Nature Coast Fly Fishing Charters

Capt. Don Gable offers full day, three-quarter day, and half day fly fishing charters on Florida’s Nature Coast for redfish, tarpon, and snook out of Homosassa, Crystal River, and Cedar Key. Multiple boats are available for groups of more than 2 people. Contact us for current rates and availability. All trips include fishing gear, fuel, and a cooler with ice.

Payments And Deposits

  • Cash, Paypal, or Venmo.

  • $200 per day per boat deposit for all trips

  • Venmo or Paypal deposits to:

    Don Gable
    11920 W Wildflower St.
    Crystal River, FL 34428
    (305) 849-1786

Things To Bring

  • Hat

  • Sunscreen

  • Polarized sunglasses

  • Weather appropriate clothing

  • Non-marking soled footwear

  • Food and drinks

Recent Action With Capt. Don Gable