Meet Captain Justin Bachert

Your captain, guide and life coach when the knee shakes set in and your back cast falls flat!

Mini Bio

Captain Justin was born in Carmel, NY and introduced to Bass and Trout fishing at the age of 4. After moving to Marco Island at the age of 13, snook, tarpon and redfish became the fish of choice.

Growing up in turn with multiple successful Southwest Florida fishing guides. Both spin-fishing & fly-fishing were introduced early and are still equally enjoyed.

Captain Justin is a Florida Atlantic University Graduate, US Navy Veteran & Full-Time, Year-round guide in the Florida Keys.

Style of Fishing

Captain Justin is a firm believer that inshore fishing is more similar to “a hunt” than anything else. The Florida Keys ecosystem is as visually stunning as it is alive!

At Hot Water Fishing, we are well equipped to either fly-fish or spinfish, live-bait or artificial. I am also a HUGE conservationist and practice “catch and release” philosophy 99.9% of the time.

There’s always the possibility that we could stuff a Grouper or Snapper in the box for dinner!

Custom Back-Country Trips

Looking for a custom Florida Keys adventure? Captain Justin helps make your day on the water unforgettable.

High Performance Gear

No gear, no problem! Captain Justin has a quiver of fly & spin tackle for every back-country situation.

Veteran Owned & Operated

Captain Justin is a US Navy Veteran! Ask us about our Military Discounts!

What our anglers are saying!

     Excellent  
     Based on 53 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Aubrey Kuczerepa 
 2025-07-29
 
 
  We had the best trip with Captain Justin! He had us on fish all morning. We can’t wait for our next trip back!
  
 
       
   Casey Crogan 
 2025-07-26
 
 
  Captn Justin Bachert, Dreamweaver: Had the absolute pleasure of fishing with Capt Justin a few days ago. Learned more in 4 hours fishing with him than several previous guided trips combined. Not to mention his immaculate skiff and top notch gear. It was a magical day. Catching fish was a bonus. Justin is such a great hang, we could have floated around all morning but instead I scratched off catching a tarpon on a fly from my bucket list. I should probably keep it my little secret but you need to go fishing with this guy.
  
 
       
   joe todd 
 2025-07-13
 
 
  Capt. Justin is a true pleasure to fish with. I’ve been fortunate to fish with many captains from all over and I would rate him at the very top. Not only is he very knowledgeable, but his positive and genuine personality makes for a very enjoyable day on the water. My wife and I recently enjoyed a day on the flats with him and will certainly go with him again when our schedules allow! Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Martin Cole 
 2025-06-26
 
 
  I have fished with many guides around the country.  Justin is at the top of the most pleasant and accommodating guys I’ve fished with.   His knowledge of the area and fish were top notch. We fished a full day and he never let up putting us on the tarpon. We had a great day chasing these phenomenal acrobats.  Thxs Again Justin!
  
 
       
   M Rogers 
 2025-06-22
 
 
  Amazing fishing in the keys! My husband and I went out with Justin and had the best time. Justin was just the nicest, super helpful if you’re new but great if you have experience as well. Just great service all around. A great memory of the keys will be back for more fishing soon!
  
 
       
   Brett Taylor 
 2025-06-15
 
 
  Great Fathers Day fishing trip with Captain Justin!  He put us on some amazing Bonefish action!  Thanks again for the trip, we had a blast!
  
 
       
   Adam Francis 
 2025-05-21
 
 
  We went out with Justin in February 2024 and again May 2025. He's a super experienced guide and a true lover of the outdoors. I'm a fly fishing novice, and he had me hooking tarpon and bonefish in no time. Looking forward to the next chance to get out with Justin!
  
 
       
   Blake Horsburgh 
 2025-04-14
 
 
  Captain Justin is a solid and humble dude! He was super attentive and present every moment of my half-day fishing excursion in Big Pine Key. He guided me to land my first Tarpon AND Bonefish on the fly! Look no further - he is the guide you want.
  
 
       
   Sean Harrington 
 2025-04-08
 
 
  Justin is so awesome. Had the time of my life. Great guy even better fisherman
  
 
       
   Dennis Stricker 
 2025-03-11
 
 
  Great experience from booking the trips to time on the water. My wife and I spent a half day and I caught my 1st ever tarpon. Justin's coaching is affirmative and professional with the utmost respect for the fish's health and the environment it thrives in. I fished with Justin the following day and caught my 1st ever bonefish. Couldn't have done it without Justin's coaching. Highly recommend going out with him.

Ready for some fun on the Flats?

Trust Hot Water Fishing for all of your Lower-Keys Back-Country Fishing Adventures!

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