About Your Guide

Hai Truong is the founder of SoFlo Cichlids, some of you may know him as 'Urban Angler Miami'. He started guiding out of public demand from social media in 2010-2011 and has done so successfully in south Florida ever since. Every single client and trip has met their mark, whether it be a personal best (PB) goal, multi-species or total count. He has never been skunked or rained out in his entire career guiding due to open and clear communications and persistance, "knock on wood". 

There were some close cases but patience and hard work always pays off. He has been fishing locally in Miami-Dade since he was five years old, catching his first peacock in 1984 when they were introduced and has never stopped chasing them. His thirst for knowledge and keen observations has led him to understand not only his local waters, but building relationships with clients has proved to be priceless. 

He is an experienced photographer that will capture unique shots, offering his clients at no extra charge, simply another one of his passions and it clearly shows. He has successfully been a contributing writer for several magazines across Florida. He has also contributed to other outlets on social medias, websites and various publications across the country. He has made several cameo appearances in fishing television shows across Florida, Canada and Europe. 

Another passion of his is taking part in the development of products for the fishing industry, ranging from rods, reels and especially artificial lures. He has been very fortunate to have many of his passions revolve around the world of fishing, allowing him to be on the waters over 300 days annually, including saltwater. 

Choosing his guide services puts decades of empirical experince in the arsenal of your hands and at your disposal, from guiding, to developing products and personal angling in the Fishing Capital of the World. Book the one that stays on the water. Follow the patterns, not the hype. In his Blog below, he will go further into explaing and teaching those willing to learn, or just posting a cool story. 

He doesn't have all the answers and does not care to say he does, but he will try to find one for you when possible. Many top charter captains and guides refer to him when they are stumped or need help identifying a species or sub species. He has assisted Dr. Sven Kullander in 2011, the world's leading biologist on cichlidae that south Florida does in fact have phenotype monoculus peacocks. 

The other three species found in south Florida are ocellaris, monoculus and popoca. The phenotype is a cross between ocellaris and monoculus and is distinguishable by a digital camo like pattern throughout it's body, instead of the typical blotches of monoculus. Be sure to follow his social media pages for daily posts and don't forget to check back here for his Blog.