First Light Exotic Species Charters

4.9/5 (137 reviews)

2140 Oglethorpe Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33405, United States–

First Light Exotic Species Charters

4.9/5 (137)

•

Angler's Choice

2140 Oglethorpe Road

West Palm Beach, FL, United States

Trips & prices Targeted species Boat info What's biting What's included Contact captain

Trips & prices What's included Targeted species Boat info Reviews Contact captain

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Join me for the perfect fishing trip, whether you're an experienced angler or a novice looking to learn. Discover the thrill of reeling in some of the world's most sought-after fish with an experienced local fishing guide. Capt TJ, born and raised local would like to share a lifetime worth of experience and knowledge with you that you will be able to take with you anywhere in the world amplifying your future fishing experiences. Once you’ve booked your adventure, simply arrive at the dock at your chosen time, and I’ll be there, fully prepared with all the necessary equipment. Experience the excitement of a day on the water while honing your skills and enjoying nature aboard a very spacious skiff. On board, is an ice chest stocked with ice and drinks and all the essential gear needed for a successful fishing trip. The livewell brims with fresh-caught baitfish, ready to attract the extraordinary species you don't typically find in local waters. Join me for an unforgettable day of fun, where you will be reeling in stunning fish exclusive to South America and other locations around the globe. Secure your adventure today to experience a type of freshwater fishing that can only be found here in south Fl!

Rating

4.9

137 reviews

130

5.0

Boat & equipment

4.9

Captain & crew

4.9

Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (494)

+488

What anglers say

99%

Great experience

100%

Family friendly

100%

Friendly captain

100%

Good boat

99%

Recommended

100%

Caught fish

All reviews (137)

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Showing 1 – 5 of 137 reviews

Josh Benson

5.0

Verified

Great Multi-species Trip!

3 hour guided PM trip on December 15, 2025 • 1 adult

I had the honor of fishing with Captain Timothy “TJ” Qualls and he did not disappoint. this was my first trip to South Florida and Peacock Bass have been a bucket list fish for me for quite some time. TJ is from the West Palm Beach area and is very knowledgeable about the bodies of water in the area and knows how to put you on fish. His equipment was on point and he worked diligently to ensure that i had a great experience by constantly baiting the hook, netting fish, and quickly addressing any issues of snagging. TJ was quick to move to a new spot if the bite was slow in a particular area. I caught five different species of fish to include Peacock Bass, Clown Knife Fish, Mayan Cichlid, Largemouth Bass, and a catfish. Overall, I had a wonderful time and intend to bring my family back to fish with TJ so they can have a great experience fishing South Florida. Do yourself a favor and book a trip with TJ. You will not be disappointed.

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

December 21, 2025

Hey, josh, I really appreciate you booking with me and I really appreciate your lengthy detailed review.It means a lot.Stay safe out there.Hope to see you again sometime

Jon Leganski

5.0

Verified

Grand Slam In Short Order

3 hour guided trip AM on December 9, 2025 • 2 adults

Our trip happened to coincide with a bit of a cold front and some passing showers, but that didn’t prevent TJ from getting us on fish fast. We pulled a couple decent crappie and small largemouths within minutes of putting lines in. I caught my first ever peacock in the first half hour, and before long my brother was fighting the first of two very nice clown knife fish. Once we’d checked clowns off our list, TJ set out to find some bigger peacocks and we each had the pleasure of landing a good one to wrap up the morning. TJ’s an easy hang. He’ll keep your hooks baited, put you on some fish, and turn into a photographer when you reel ‘em in. Super fun day!

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

December 14, 2025

what an awesome review. you guys were a great charter id be happy to do it again anytime thanks again and tight lines.

Kristen Bettini

5.0

Verified

The best fresh water experience

4 hour guided trip (AM) on October 5, 2025 • 2 adults

My boyfriend and I came from CT planning to fish Jupiter, FL but the weather was not in our favor. Booked a last minute charter trip with Tj and it was an absolute success. Told Tj upon arrival that we really wanted to catch peacock bass with the possibility of a snakehead. Within 5 minute of being in the first spot, we caught one snakehead and multiple peacock bass. We also hooked into multiple native and nonnative species in one hour of being on the boat. Requested to try for clown night fish, but was unsuccessful at that time which Th made us aware of the potential of not catching one. We then proceeded to a new location that was stacked with a plentiful amount of peacock bass where we were also able to hook into a Mayan cichlid. With our experience fishing behind Tj’s knowledge, I would 100% time and time again recommend his services to anyone looking for a fresh water Florida fishing experience. (Don’t worry about taking photos, Tj is an excellent photographer of your catches)

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

October 8, 2025

thank you for a great review. i had a great time with you guys.

Allen Frenette

5.0

Verified

Tight Lines, Great Action, Freshwater Must

4 hour guided trip (AM) on August 16, 2025 • 3 adults

Captain TJ was ready with a comfortable boat, cold drinks and fresh threadfin shad. Everything provided. Not only was he very knowledgeable and helpful, he was great with my 13 year son and talked fishin' shop with him all trip. My son said that was the best charter he's ever been on (mine too). 4 hour AM trip with tight lines all day, hauled out lots of species some monster stonkers! Fishing peacock bass and clown knife fish is a must for any angler, TJ will put you on them!

Reported catch:

Clayton Walker

5.0

Verified

Great trip!

3 hour guided trip AM on May 9, 2025 • 2 adults

I told Capt. Tim I wanted to catch my first peacock bass and he didn’t lie when he said he can make it happen. We stayed on them from the first stop to the last. We got to the ramp in the morning and the ramp was unexpectedly closed (which has never happened) so he said let’s go to plan B which ended up being a great choice. He put in extra work to make sure we had the day that we did. The man knows the local waters and how to put the fish in the boat! He was great about taking pictures for us to always have. No question we will book with him again when we come back to Florida.

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

May 20, 2025

Thanks for a great review. I appreciate that and look forward to seeing you guys again some time. Tight lines.

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January 2026

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2 adults • 0 children

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2 hour morning trip