Meet Guide Gage Vaughn

Captain Gage Vaughn is a lifelong angler and the heart behind Southern Cut Charters, one of the top-rated fishing charter operations in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Born and raised in Florida, Gage grew up exploring the Gulf Coast's bays, estuaries, and backwaters, developing a deep appreciation for the area's marine life and fishing traditions. His easygoing personality, strong work ethic, and hands-on guidance make him a trusted captain for families, seasoned anglers, and newcomers alike. Whether you're fly fishing the flats for Tarpon or looking for an exciting Redfish battle on light tackle, Captain Gage ensures every trip is safe, memorable, and dialed in to the conditions.

Southern Cut Charters was built around Captain Gage's passion for teaching and sharing the Gulf Coast’s fishing opportunities with others. The business has grown steadily through word-of-mouth and repeat customers who value his attention to detail and deep knowledge of local waters. Unlike large-scale operations, Southern Cut Charters keeps it personal—Gage handles every aspect of the experience, from booking to the final photo of your catch. They specialize in inshore and nearshore fishing trips, tailored to guest preferences and the season’s best bite.

Captain Gage's specialty lies in fly fishing and light tackle adventures, particularly targeting Florida favorites like Tarpon, Redfish, and Snook. His calm and instructive approach has helped countless anglers land their first inshore slam or master a challenging double-haul cast. Southern Cut Charters also supports responsible fishing practices and conservation, regularly participating in local fish tagging programs and habitat clean-ups. These efforts, paired with his stellar reviews and growing reputation in the Tarpon Springs fishing community, position Gage as one of the top fishing guides on Florida’s west coast.

Guests fish aboard an 18-foot Ankona skiff, purpose-built for navigating the shallow flats and backwaters of Tarpon Springs. This 2014 model is powered by a reliable 25HP Suzuki engine, cruising comfortably at speeds up to 26 knots. The compact design makes it perfect for stealthy approaches to Redfish, Snook, and Tarpon in skinny water. Designed for two anglers, the skiff offers a quiet, smooth ride with minimal draft, allowing access to hard-to-reach areas where larger boats can't go. It's the ideal platform for fly fishing or light tackle trips, prioritizing mobility, precision, and a close connection to the environment.

Whether you're stalking laid-up Tarpon at dawn or teaching a youngster how to hook their first Snapper, Southern Cut Charters offers a versatile, high-quality platform to make it happen. The boat's size and maneuverability allow Captain Gage to guide guests into hidden backwaters most larger vessels can’t reach, creating a more intimate connection with the water and its wildlife. With safety, comfort, and fishability at the forefront, this vessel is more than just a boat—it’s a gateway to unforgettable fishing memories in Tarpon Springs.