First Light Exotic Species Charters 

5.0/5 (103 reviews)
  Recent reports
 2140 Oglethorpe Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33405, United States
5.0/5 (103 reviews)
 angler's choice
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2140 Oglethorpe Road
West Palm Beach, FL, United States
You may qualify for a Loyalty Program discount with First Light Exotic Species Charters. To check if you can use a Loyalty Program discount for your selected dates, please sign in.

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!

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 103 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (369)

Florida Fresh waters
Florida Fresh waters
Florida Fresh waters
+366

Angler rating

99
3
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

98%

Appropriate for children

100%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

99%

Caught fish

100%

Showing 1 - 5 of 103 reviews
Showing: 5 of 103 reviews
Clayton W.
Clayton W.
5.0/5

May 9, 2025

3 hour guided trip AM

Great trip!

VERIFIED

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.

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...  

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Captain replied
 Clayton W. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
1 person finds this review helpful
 Clayton W. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on May 20, 2025
Thanks for a great review. I appreciate that and look forward to seeing you guys again some time. Tight lines.

Nolan S.
Nolan S.
5.0/5

Apr 7, 2025

3 hour guided trip AM

Captain TJ is the ONE

VERIFIED

Booked a last minute trip with Captain TJ. He was more than prepared. Rods, fresh live- bait, drinks, lures, boat. I brought my mom and sister and made sure they were involved and had a spot to hangout while I fished. He took us to a bunch of different spots. The first spot he instantly put me on some fish. TJ was patient, knowledgeable, and fun. He walked me through the process, put me in the right spots, and set me up for success. TJ was also very personable and fun to talk to and hang out with. It was like I was on a fishing trip with a buddy of mine. We caught nearly a dozen fish in a bunch of different ways. I cannot wait to be back. If you’re debating on a trip, look no further than Captain TJ.

Booked a last minute trip with Captain TJ. He was more than prepared. Rods, fresh live- bait, drinks, lures, boat. I brought my...  

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Captain replied
 Nolan S. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
1 person finds this review helpful
 Nolan S. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on April 8, 2025
Nolan thanks for choosing and trusting me to give you and your family a great day on the water. I'm glad to have been able to cross of your bucket list requests the topwater bite was the icing on the cake. Looking forward to your next visit tight lines brother and thanks for a great review.

Ashley S.
Ashley S.
5.0/5

Jul 31, 2025

3 hour guided PM trip

Book this trip now!

VERIFIED
NEW

Best day on the water! If you are looking for a day on the water with an experienced Captain, this is your guy! TJ was top notch! Booked this trip for my family (4 of us) and we had the best time! Caught lots of fish (peacock bass, largemouth bass, tilapia(rare), cichlid, and clown fish) and had a lot of laughs. We will definitely book this trip again on our next visit to WPB! Great memories!

Best day on the water! If you are looking for a day on the water with an experienced Captain, this is your guy! TJ was top notch!...  

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Captain replied
 Ashley S. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
 Ashley S. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on August 2, 2025
Thanks so much. Im glad you guys had a great time. You guys were fun and easy to charter. I appreciate it. See you again sometime

Laura M.
Laura M.
5.0/5

Jul 16, 2025

3 hour guided PM trip

A great experience for the family

VERIFIED
NEW

Our family of five went on this trip with TJ. We learned so much and had a great time hanging out with him on his boat. We are beginners, and he gave us tips the whole time to help us catch some amazing fish. The tips he gave us will definitely stay with us in the future. We caught ten fish in three hours! TJ provided plenty of cold water and took great photos as well. We highly recommend this trip!

Our family of five went on this trip with TJ. We learned so much and had a great time hanging out with him on his boat. We are...  

Review media 0
Captain replied
 Laura M. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
 Laura M. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 22, 2025
Laura thanks again for booking with me. You guys did fantastic.

Grady H.
Grady H.
5.0/5

Jul 14, 2025

6 hour guided trip (AM)

Awesome Trip, already planning to come back next year!!

VERIFIED
NEW

I had an absolute blast fishing the Lake Ida canals with Capt Timothy Qualls. The service was top notch and the fishing was excellent. I would highly reccomend this trip to everyone from the experienced angler to a beginner and definitely kids. You can see all kinds of different fish, and watch the fish take your baits. I will absolutely be going back for another trip!

I had an absolute blast fishing the Lake Ida canals with Capt Timothy Qualls. The service was top notch and the fishing was excellent....  

Captain replied
 Grady H. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
 Grady H. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 22, 2025
Grady thanks again brother I appreciate you coming down and look forward to the next time. Tight lines

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
2 hour morning trip
Low rate deposit non-refundable
2 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $250 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
3 hour guided trip AM
Low rate deposit non-refundable
3 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
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US $300 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
3 hour guided PM trip
Low rate deposit non-refundable
3 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
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US $300 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
4 hour guided trip (AM)
Low rate deposit non-refundable
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
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US $400 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
4 hour guided (PM)
Low rate deposit non-refundable
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
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US $400 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
5 hour guided trip (AM)
Low rate deposit non-refundable
5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
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US $450 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
5 hour guided trip PM
Low rate deposit non-refundable
5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
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US $450 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
6 hour guided trip (AM)
Low rate deposit non-refundable
6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
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US $500 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
6 hour guided trip (PM)
Low rate deposit non-refundable
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
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US $500 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
6 hour guided trip (PM)
Low rate deposit non-refundable
6 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
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US $500 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
7 hour guided trip (AM)
Low rate deposit non-refundable
7 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
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US $600 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
7 hour guided trip (PM)
Low rate deposit non-refundable
7 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
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US $600 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
8 hour guided trip
Low rate deposit non-refundable
8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $700 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
There are 23 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 103 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (369)

Florida Fresh waters
Florida Fresh waters
Florida Fresh waters
+366

Angler rating

99
3
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

98%

Appropriate for children

100%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

99%

Caught fish

100%

Showing 1 - 5 of 103 reviews
Showing: 5 of 103 reviews
Clayton W.
Clayton W.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great trip!

VERIFIED

3 hour guided trip AM on May 9, 2025

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.

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...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
 Clayton W. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on May 20, 2025
Thanks for a great review. I appreciate that and look forward to seeing you guys again some time. Tight lines.

Nolan S.
Nolan S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Captain TJ is the ONE

VERIFIED

3 hour guided trip AM on April 7, 2025

Booked a last minute trip with Captain TJ. He was more than prepared. Rods, fresh live- bait, drinks, lures, boat. I brought my mom and sister and made sure they were involved and had a spot to hangout while I fished. He took us to a bunch of different spots. The first spot he instantly put me on some fish. TJ was patient, knowledgeable, and fun. He walked me through the process, put me in the right spots, and set me up for success. TJ was also very personable and fun to talk to and hang out with. It was like I was on a fishing trip with a buddy of mine. We caught nearly a dozen fish in a bunch of different ways. I cannot wait to be back. If you’re debating on a trip, look no further than Captain TJ.

Booked a last minute trip with Captain TJ. He was more than prepared. Rods, fresh live- bait, drinks, lures, boat. I brought my mom and sister and made sure they were involved and had a spot to hangout while I fished. He took us to a bunch of different spots. The first spot he instantly put me on some fish. TJ was patient, knowledgeable, and fun. He walked me through the process, put me in the right spots, and set me up for success. TJ was also very personable and fun to talk to and hang out...  

Review media 0
Review media 0
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Review media 2
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Review media 4
 Nolan S. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on April 8, 2025
Nolan thanks for choosing and trusting me to give you and your family a great day on the water. I'm glad to have been able to cross of your bucket list requests the topwater bite was the icing on the cake. Looking forward to your next visit tight lines brother and thanks for a great review.

Ashley S.
Ashley S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Book this trip now!

VERIFIED
NEW

3 hour guided PM trip on July 31, 2025

Best day on the water! If you are looking for a day on the water with an experienced Captain, this is your guy! TJ was top notch! Booked this trip for my family (4 of us) and we had the best time! Caught lots of fish (peacock bass, largemouth bass, tilapia(rare), cichlid, and clown fish) and had a lot of laughs. We will definitely book this trip again on our next visit to WPB! Great memories!

Best day on the water! If you are looking for a day on the water with an experienced Captain, this is your guy! TJ was top notch! Booked this trip for my family (4 of us) and we had the best time! Caught lots of fish (peacock bass, largemouth bass, tilapia(rare), cichlid, and clown fish) and had a lot of laughs. We will definitely book this trip again on our next visit to WPB! Great memories!  

Review media 0
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Review media 3
 Ashley S. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on August 2, 2025
Thanks so much. Im glad you guys had a great time. You guys were fun and easy to charter. I appreciate it. See you again sometime

Laura M.
Laura M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

A great experience for the family

VERIFIED
NEW

3 hour guided PM trip on July 16, 2025

Our family of five went on this trip with TJ. We learned so much and had a great time hanging out with him on his boat. We are beginners, and he gave us tips the whole time to help us catch some amazing fish. The tips he gave us will definitely stay with us in the future. We caught ten fish in three hours! TJ provided plenty of cold water and took great photos as well. We highly recommend this trip!

Our family of five went on this trip with TJ. We learned so much and had a great time hanging out with him on his boat. We are beginners, and he gave us tips the whole time to help us catch some amazing fish. The tips he gave us will definitely stay with us in the future. We caught ten fish in three hours! TJ provided plenty of cold water and took great photos as well. We highly recommend this trip!  

Review media 0
 Laura M. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 22, 2025
Laura thanks again for booking with me. You guys did fantastic.

Grady H.
Grady H.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Awesome Trip, already planning to come back next year!!

VERIFIED
NEW

6 hour guided trip (AM) on July 14, 2025

I had an absolute blast fishing the Lake Ida canals with Capt Timothy Qualls. The service was top notch and the fishing was excellent. I would highly reccomend this trip to everyone from the experienced angler to a beginner and definitely kids. You can see all kinds of different fish, and watch the fish take your baits. I will absolutely be going back for another trip!

I had an absolute blast fishing the Lake Ida canals with Capt Timothy Qualls. The service was top notch and the fishing was excellent. I would highly reccomend this trip to everyone from the experienced angler to a beginner and definitely kids. You can see all kinds of different fish, and watch the fish take your baits. I will absolutely be going back for another trip!  

 Grady H. recommends First Light Exotic Species Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 22, 2025
Grady thanks again brother I appreciate you coming down and look forward to the next time. Tight lines

FAQs about First Light Exotic Species Charters

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
5 persons
Boat length
19 ft
Year built
2000
Restored in
2021
Boat manufacturer
Southern Skimmer
Boat type
Skiff

Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 90HP
Max cruising speed
35 knots
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Recent fishing reports


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