capt. James cronk

With nearly 40 years of experience fishing the beautiful waters of Florida’s Treasure Coast, I’ve dedicated my life to the outdoors—both on the water and in the woods. Born and raised in a humble commercial fishing family in Stuart, Florida, I didn’t spend my summers at camp—I spent them picking fish out of nets with my uncle and stepdad, learning firsthand the hard-earned lessons of the sea.

In 1994, the Boy Scouts introduced me to fly fishing as a simple merit badge activity. Little did I know it would spark a lifelong passion that would eventually become my full-time career. Since 2012, I’ve been guiding anglers from all walks of life, specializing in fly fishing and light tackle fishing out of Stuart, Florida—chasing everything from Snook and Tarpon to Jacks and Albies inshore and nearshore.

🦌 When I’m not on the water, you’ll likely find me in the woods. I’m an avid hunter, passionate about alligator hunting, whitetail deer, and elk. I apply for Florida gator tags every year and spend time outdoors with my dog, enjoying the slower pace and wild beauty of the Florida I grew up with. I’m also into long-range shooting and enjoy dialing in precision as much as I enjoy casting a fly.

👧 But above all, my greatest pride is being a dad. My daughter wants to be a fishing guide, just like me—and I involve her in the business every chance I get. Watching her passion grow reminds me daily why I do what I do.

Whether you’re looking for a Stuart fishing guide to help you land your first Snook on fly, or want a laid-back, educational day on the water, I’d be honored to share my experience with you.

📍 Treasure Coast Fishing Guide | Stuart FL Fly Fishing | Light Tackle | Gator Hunts | Outdoor Adventures