Episode 45: Capt. Michael Guerin – Cornell to Conch Republic

Over the last 34 years Capt. Michael Guerin has been one of the top guides in the Lower Florida Keys. At a young age he knew his heart was connected to fishing and he pursued his passion to the fullest with a bachelors degree in fisheries science from Cornell University. After his last exam, his future wife, Bridgette, picked him up outside the school building and they headed south.
He started guiding in 1987 where he shared the empty flats with our sports greatest guides like Steve Huff, Harry Speer, and Nat Ragland. Tournaments have always been important to the Keys guides and their top anglers. Guerin was in the mix too. He and his angler won The Del Brown Permit Tournament and finished second twice. He also won the Islamorada All Tackle Tournament twice and finished second three times. Pretty heavy stuff considering these were wins against the best guides and anglers in the world.
At 57, he’s still as hungry and determined as anyone. I’ve never fished with Mike but have always relished being in his company and hearing about his day on the water, which is usually remarkable.
Today, we relive some of the great memories of the early years in the Keys and the great Keys bonefish of yesteryear….