Capt. Austin Carlson is a third-generation Florida Keys guide and leads the inshore division of Two Conchs Sportfishing. He follows his father, Capt. Jack Carlson Sr., a second-generation Keys guide, and his grandfather, who began fishing in the Keys in 1973. A U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, Austin has spent the past 15 years guiding with Two Conchs and shares his experience as a cohost of Two Conchs Adventures on Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network.
Austin may be a man of few words, but his passion for catching fish speaks for itself. He studies currents, tides, and
moon phases to help determine where and when fish are most likely to feed in the shallow waters of the Keys.
One of his specialties is targeting tarpon, the legendary silver king, around the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge and other area bridges. He also targets cobia, permit, snapper, and goliath grouper around the wrecks of Florida Bay.
For anglers looking to explore farther afield, Austin guides trips into the Florida Everglades in pursuit of snook, tarpon, and redfish. These trips combine fishing with the chance to spot white pelicans, flamingos, and alligators in a remarkable natural setting.
Austin runs a 25-foot Contender powered by a 300-horsepower Mercury outboard, equipped with Furuno electronics and a Rockford Fosgate sound system.