Anthony Randazzo | 27 Years of Bahamas Fly Fishing & Conservation | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 636

Anthony Randazzo is the owner of Paradise Plus Guide Service, a fly fishing operation in the Bahamas that's been providing premier bonefish and permit fishing experiences for 27 years. In this conversation, Anthony reveals how Paradise Plus built a team of highly skilled local guides through strict vetting and ongoing training, why they practice catch-and-release exclusively to protect the fishery, and what makes permit fishing so challenging that these fish are known as "the ghost of the flats." You'll hear about their conservation scholarship programs, habitat restoration work, and what a typical 5 AM start fishing day actually looks like when you're poling through shallow flats hunting tailing bonefish.

Building a 27-Year Fly Fishing Operation in the Bahamas

How do you build a guide service that lasts nearly three decades in one of the world's most competitive fly fishing destinations? Anthony walks through the founding story of Paradise Plus, explaining how he and his father-in-law Tony built the operation from the ground up with a singular focus: providing the best fly fishing experience possible. The conversation reveals their philosophy on what makes a great guide—it's not just about knowing where the fish are. Anthony describes their strict vetting process that prioritizes passion for the ocean, local knowledge, and something many operations overlook: genuine interpersonal skills and customer service. The best part? How they maintain quality through ongoing training and coaching. Hear how Anthony built his guide team starting at 1:12.

Why Bonefish Are Fast and Permit Are Ghosts

What makes a bonefish different from a permit, and why do serious fly fishermen obsess over both? Anthony breaks down the characteristics of each species with the kind of detail only a guide with decades on the water can provide. Bonefish can reach 12 pounds but typically run 4 to 8 pounds—they're incredibly spooky but once hooked, they run, jump, and fight with surprising strength. Then there's the permit, which Anthony describes as "the ghost of the flats." These fish are even harder to fool, running between 20 and 40 pounds, and they're known for being exceptionally smart. Anthony explains what makes permit one of the best fights you'll ever have on a fly rod and why catching one is a bucket-list achievement. The full breakdown of these species starts at 1:52.

A Day on the Flats: 5 AM Starts and Spot-and-Stalk Fishing

What does a typical day with Paradise Plus actually look like? Anthony walks through the timeline and technique of a full day on the water. Guests meet around 5 AM for 4 to 5 hours of prime fishing time on the flats. The guide poles the boat through shallow water using a long pole—a technique that requires serious skill and endurance. The angler's job is to be ready for the cast when the guide spots movement. Anthony describes the spot-and-stalk approach: scanning for tailing fish, cruising fish, any sign of life on the flats. It's a team effort where the guide positions the boat and the angler has to deliver an accurate cast on demand. After a lunch break, they're back out for another 2 to 3 hours. It's a full, physically demanding day that requires focus and teamwork. The full description of a day on the water starts at 3:56.

Conservation Through Catch-and-Release and Habitat Restoration

How does a guide service balance business with protecting the resource that makes the business possible? Anthony lays out Paradise Plus's conservation approach, which goes well beyond basic regulations. They practice catch-and-release exclusively—no fish are kept. They limit daily guest numbers to reduce pressure on the fishery. But they go further: Paradise Plus is involved in mangrove habitat restoration projects with local organizations, critical work since mangroves are essential for bonefish and permit populations. They've also created scholarship programs to bring locals into the fishing industry. Anthony explains how all of these efforts are about ensuring the fishery remains sustainable for future generations. It's a conservation model worth studying. The full conservation discussion starts at 5:10.

Final Thoughts from Tom

What I love about this conversation with Anthony is how clearly he articulates what it takes to run a sustainable fishing operation. Too many guide services are focused on volume, but Paradise Plus has been doing this for 27 years because they focus on quality—quality guides, quality experiences, and quality conservation practices.

The details Anthony shares about the difference between bonefish and permit fishing are exactly the kind of insights you need if you're planning a trip to the Bahamas. And the conservation work they're doing with mangrove restoration and local scholarships—that's how you ensure there's a fishery for the next generation.

If you're interested in fly fishing, guide operations, or conservation in action, this conversation is worth your time. Listen to the whole thing.