Guide Profile: Chester Darville
While destination fly fishing trips are typically catalyzed by particular fish species, a specific location, or perhaps a certain style of fishing, more often than not it’s the people we spend time with while on the trip that make it memorable and cause us to return. Of the people we meet, fly fishing guides are the most impactful: they introduce us to the fishery and show us its special secrets; they share their wisdom and stories, and teach us the required tactics to be successful; they sharpen our skills and help us unlock our greatest angling potential; and, they are our partners with whom we share our finest moments on the water.
At Soul Fly Lodge, we are privileged to work with a team of seasoned, passionate, and professional bonefish and permit fly fishing guides who, collectively, have over 125 years of experience in The Bahamas. Each guide has a distinct style and approach, and over the course of a week’s fishing, guests have the opportunity to fish with and – most importantly – learn from them all. Our series of Guide Profiles introduces each of our talented guides and shares some details on their backgrounds, interests, and talents.
Chester Darville is one of those people that just stick with you: he’s magnetic. Chester is a caring, funny, and passionate man who loves fly fishing as much as he loves shepherding his clients to special fish. Born and raised on Great Harbour Cay, he shares the iconic Darville name as a nephew of Percy and son of Chester Sr., a legendary man that can be found on Little Harbour slinging rum, conch fritters, fish fingers, and cracked conch at the famous Flo’s Conch Shack.
Early on we knew that we needed to train more guides and Chester was up for the task. Despite having never worked for a fishing lodge before, Chester dove in head first. He learned the Soul Fly Lodge operations inside and out and begged to be on the boat any moment he could. As quick studies do, Chester blew through the learning curve, quickly getting into flats shape and joined the guide team after only two years of diligent training. Chester’s positive attitude and willingness to grow and learn have earned him a long-term place on this team. He forges memorable relationships with his clients and loves meeting new people.
Soul Fly Lodge’s co-owner, Kyle Schaefer, had the best half-day of fishing of his life during a training session with Chester. Working on permit skills, Chester picked a program for the day that produced three permit on fly before noon! Still to this day, it’s one of Kyle’s favorite days on the water that he can remember.
Year started guiding: 2023
Home island: Little Harbour Island, Berry Islands
Favorite species to target: Permit
Angling words of wisdom: Keep your feet quiet when you’re on the boat, and you’ll have great results.
Desired superhero power: Hear and see fish from a mile away!
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