Mill House Podcast

Episode 164: Capt. Brian Dopirak - DOPE

Wed, 06 May 2026 09:00:00 -0000

Brian Dopirak grew up in a household driven by success. His father, Al Dopirak, was one of the most accomplished tarpon guides of his time. As a young boy, Brian spent countless May days in his father’s boat, watching anglers pursue giant tarpon across the flats. Al, alongside Tom Evans, landed two record-setting fish that may stand forever—a 191-pound tarpon on 16-pound tippet and an incredible 194.5-pounder on 12-pound test. Brian witnessed the glory days of Homosassa’s flats firsthand. While learning the sport, he occasionally got the chance to fight fish that his father’s clients had already hooked, giving him an early taste of the challenge and excitement. Despite his upbringing on the water, Brian had no intention of becoming a guide. His passion was baseball. As he grew bigger and stronger, his power at the plate earned him the nickname “Light Tower Power,” a nod to the towering home runs he launched. In 2002, Brian was selected in the second round of the MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs. At 22, during his first full fall season, he hit 39 home runs—just three shy of a Midwest League record. Over a 10-year professional career that lasted through 2011, he played in the organizations of the Cubs, Blue Jays, and Astros. Brian finished his minor league career with 162 home runs. However, persistent foot injuries ultimately prevented him from reaching the major leagues. After his baseball career came to a close, Brian traded the diamond for the poling platform. Returning to the waters that shaped his childhood, he began building a name for himself as a fishing guide in Homosassa—following in the footsteps of his father. Carrying on the Doparik legacy, Brian now shares his deep knowledge of the fishery with anglers, blending a lifetime of experience on the water with the same drive and determination that once defined his career in baseball.

Episode 163: Capt. Rick Murphy - Master Angler, Relentless Survivor

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

Rick Murphy’s impact on the world of fishing runs deep. Many know him from his television shows—Sportsman’s Adventures, Florida Insider Fishing Report, and Texas Insider Fishing Report—popular across the Southeast. But his true legacy is built on the water—as a Florida fishing guide and a relentless tournament competitor. Murphy is widely regarded as a tarpon fishing wizard, having won all four major tarpon tournaments. Yet what sets him apart isn’t just mastery of one species—it’s his rare versatility. He’s just as formidable offshore, with multiple sailfish tournament victories to his name. By his own count, he’s claimed around 150 combined inshore and offshore wins. Still, his most remarkable achievement isn’t a trophy-- It's survival. In 2022, Murphy was involved in a twin-engine charter plane crash while en route to the Bahamas when they ran out of fuel and crashed into the ocean. He suffered severe injuries, including multiple fractures to his face and back. Against the odds, he stayed alive by clinging to a cushion until a passing boat rescued them. That moment revealed something deeper than skill or success—it showed an unbreakable will. We’ve been pursuing his story for years, and now we’ve finally captured the most compelling chapters of Rick Murphy’s life.

Episode 162: Anthony Hsieh - Bad Company Fishing Adventures

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

Anthony Hsieh’s success in the mortgage industry is nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a simple application for a loan officer position turned into ownership of the very company he once hoped to join. From there, he built Loans Direct, selling it to E*TRADE in 2001. He followed that with HomeLoanCenter.com, which he sold to LendingTree in 2004. Then came his biggest venture—LoanDepot, founded in 2010—where he served as CEO and Chairman until 2022, before returning last year to once again lead the company as Permanent CEO and Chairman. But long before the boardrooms and billion-dollar deals, Hsieh’s focus was already undeniable. At just eight years old, he was helping his family work toward owning their own business. At the same time, he was a young fisherman with big dreams. Growing up in Newport Beach, California, Catalina Island wasn’t just a destination—it was a challenge waiting across open water. He cut his teeth on the Venice Pier catching thresher sharks, sold bait, worked as a deckhand on day boats, and ran down the Baja Peninsula towing a Boston Whaler, fishing all the way to Cabo. Alongside friends, he chased finning swordfish with harpoons. There was nothing he wouldn’t do in pursuit of fishing. That relentless drive carried over into big-game sportfishing, where he has become one of the most influential figures in the marlin world. Few—if any—have pursued giant marlin with the same intensity of body, spirit, and resources. His obsession with catching “grander” marlin is unmatched. Just as impressive is his commitment to conservation. Now four years into their global “World Tour,” which began in June 2022, Hsieh and his team operate two mothership programs in different regions, maximizing their ability to stay on the fish. The results are staggering: 445 blue and black marlin caught, including 185 over 500 pounds and 32 over 900 pounds (estimating). They’ve also deployed 50 satellite tags as part of their commitment to helping the IGFA study and protect billfish populations. Their tournament success is just as remarkable, including over $8 million in winnings at Cabo’s legendary Black & Blue Marlin Tournament. But as Hsieh himself might tell you—tournaments can sometimes get in the way of chasing thousand-pound fish. On today’s podcast, we dive into the mindset of one of the most driven and dedicated marlin fishermen to ever troll the open ocean.

Episode 161: Jack Nicklaus - The Untold Outdoor Life of Jack Nicklaus

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

Jack Nicklaus is widely regarded as an American hero—though it’s hard to measure a life defined by excellence, integrity, and generosity. He is far more than one of the greatest golfers in history; his impact reaches well beyond the game. What he and his wife Barbara Nicklaus have done for children’s healthcare is nothing short of extraordinary. Through the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, they have raised hundreds of millions of dollars to support pediatric care, benefiting Nicklaus Children's Hospital and a broad network of pediatric centers across South Florida. His contributions have been recognized at the highest levels. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the President of the United States, as well as the Congressional Gold Medal. He is also a recipient of the Lincoln Medal, honoring both his philanthropic and entrepreneurial achievements. As the golf world reflects on the approaching 40th anniversary of his sixth green jacket at Augusta National Golf Club during The Masters Tournament, demand for his time—and his story—has never been greater. We’re especially grateful he chose to share it with us. Away from golf, fishing has played a meaningful role in his life—something many people don’t realize. Over the years, he has pursued a wide range of game fish around the world, including landing a remarkable 1,358-pound blue marlin off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef shortly before winning the Australian Open in 1978. From bonefish and Atlantic salmon to permit and beyond, he has spent decades exploring distant waters with a fly rod in hand. In this episode, we talk about that unforgettable day at Augusta nearly forty years ago, how he managed pressure at the highest level, his legacy in and beyond golf, his philanthropic work, and his lifelong passion for fishing. Thank you, Jack, for the humility, kindness, and generosity you continue to show—qualities that define not just a champion, but one of our nation’s enduring heroes.

Episode 160: Capt. Jonathan "Stump" Hamilton - Homosassa Fishing Co.

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

Capt. Jonathan “Stump” Hamilton is a respected fishing guide based in Homosassa, known for his deep roots in Florida’s outdoor heritage and his expertise on the shallow flats of the state’s Nature Coast. A 7th-generation Floridian, Hamilton grew up immersed in the traditions of hunting and fishing, learning the waters around Homosassa from an early age and developing a lifelong connection to the region’s coastal ecosystems.

With more than 15 years of professional guiding experience, Hamilton has built a reputation for technical sight-fishing and fly fishing in the crystal-clear flats of the Gulf Coast. He specializes in targeting tarpon on fly, while also guiding clients for species such as redfish, snook, speckled trout, and shallow-water grouper.

Hamilton operates guided trips throughout the Homosassa area—from nearby grass flats to offshore waters—offering both fly-fishing and conventional tackle experiences. His charters are known for blending modern angling techniques with traditional “Old Florida” culture, including the well-known Homosassa shore lunch, where fresh-caught fish are prepared and enjoyed along the water.

Beyond fishing, Hamilton remains active in the local guiding community. He has served with the Homosassa Guides Association, helping preserve the region’s long-standing guiding traditions. In addition to his work on the water, he also guides quail hunts during the winter months at a family preserve in Florida, reflecting his broader background as an outdoorsman.

Known by the nickname “Stump,” Hamilton is recognized for his knowledge of tidal patterns, fish behavior, and the unique estuaries of Florida’s Nature Coast. His approach combines local tradition, conservation awareness, and a passion for sharing the outdoors with anglers of all skill levels.

Episode 159: Capt. Nick LaBadie - Tailing Water Expeditions

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Capt. Nick LaBadie is a Florida native through and through. Raised on the Gulf Coast just minutes from Boca Grande, he grew up fishing one of the most renowned tarpon fisheries in the world. From the time he could hold a rod, he was hooked—spending his childhood on the water and developing a deep-rooted passion for life on the water. After moving to the Florida Keys, Nick quickly became captivated by the technical challenges and endless opportunities of the flats. He poured himself into the art of sight fishing in shallow water, targeting a variety of species with both fly and spinning gear. The precision, patience, and strategy required to consistently succeed on the flats soon became his specialty. Deep down, though, Nick is a permit junkie—and a highly accomplished one at that. His passion for chasing these notoriously challenging fish has translated into tournament success, including winning the IGFA Permit Tournament in 2020 alongside guide Brandon Cyr, the March Merkin in 2024 with angler Rob Dougherty, and the Del Brown Permit Tournament in 2025 with angler Kat Vallilee. These victories reflect not only his dedication to the species, but also his ability to perform at the highest level under pressure. Since 2012, Nick has guided anglers throughout the flats and backcountry waters of Key West and the Lower Keys. From Big Pine Key to the Marquesas Keys, he has spent countless hours exploring and refining techniques that consistently put clients in position for success.

Episode 158: Andy & Nicky - Fishing Q&A #2

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

On today’s podcast, we answer a variety of listener-submitted questions, including: our favorite hooks for adult and baby tarpon, the moon phases we prefer for migrating tarpon, our most memorable stories from Alaska, whether the Florida Keys are getting too crowded, and practice tips for preparing for a saltwater fly fishing trip—plus a lot more. These episodes are a lot of fun for us to record, so if you enjoy them, let us know and we’ll be sure to do more!

Have a question you’d like us to answer in a future Q&A episode? Email us at Nicky@millhousepodcast.com or DM us on social. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 157: RJ Boyle - South Florida Swordfishing

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

RJ Boyle is a legendary figure in the South Florida sportfishing world, based in Boca Raton, Florida. Born and raised in the area, Boyle grew up on the water, developing a deep connection to the ocean that would shape his life and career. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as one of the pioneers of daytime swordfishing in South Florida, helping transform what was once considered a nighttime-only pursuit into a highly refined and widely practiced technique. Building on the groundbreaking work of Vic Gaspeny and Richard and Scott Stanczyk—the true innovators of daytime swordfishing in Islamorada—Boyle adapted and applied those methods to the waters off Boca Raton and Hillsboro Inlet. Through decades of experimentation, innovation, and relentless time offshore, he has caught thousands of swordfish, including many giants weighing several hundred pounds, earning widespread respect among anglers around the world. Standing 6-foot-4 with a larger-than-life presence, Boyle’s path to fishing fame has been anything but ordinary. Before becoming a full-time angler, he spent time as a minor league baseball pitcher, an experience that helped shape his discipline and drive. His creativity carries into his work today as an artist, entrepreneur, and educator. He is the owner of RJ Boyle Studio in Lighthouse Point, a one-of-a-kind space that blends a tackle shop, art gallery, and showcase for swordfish mounts and marine-inspired artwork. In addition to running charters and guiding anglers offshore, Boyle is deeply passionate about teaching—hosting swordfishing clinics and sharing hard-earned knowledge through reports, writing, and hands-on instruction. Above all, the work Boyle is most proud of is his charity, Mission Fishing, which takes children with special needs and disabilities fishing, providing families with unforgettable marine experiences and lifelong memories. RJ Boyle is one of the most incredible people we have ever met and a true inspiration. We hope you enjoy this podcast as much as we did.

Episode 156: Capt. Shawn McKay - For the Love of Permit

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Shawn McKay has been fishing ever since he could hold a rod. At just 10 years old, he picked up a fly rod and hasn’t put it down since. Shawn honed his skills on his home waters of the South Holston and the Clinch River, developing a deep appreciation for technical fishing and the art of reading water at a young age. Throughout high school and college, Shawn spent his summers guiding on the Henry’s Fork and Snake River in Idaho, fully immersing himself in the western trout scene. These formative years sharpened his instincts as an angler and guide while instilling a strong work ethic and attention to detail. After college, Shawn hit the road and traveled south to the Florida Keys in search of a more stable career as a skiff guide. His unmatched drive and dedication quickly helped him establish a notable reputation in the highly competitive world of permit, tarpon, and bonefishing. For having only a handful of years on the flats, his skill level and knowledge are remarkable. Shawn’s rapid rise was highlighted by a victory alongside renowned permit angler and guide “Sandflea” at the 2024 IGFA Permit Invitational, following a second place in 2023 and later in 2025. It was a pleasure to sit down and record a podcast with Shawn, as he truly represents the new generation of flats guides in the Florida Keys—already having earned a respected name for himself in one of the most technical and history-rich fisheries in the world.

Episode 155: Roland Martin - Bass Legend

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Roland Martin is one of the most influential and successful figures in the history of professional bass fishing. A nine-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year and winner of 19 Bassmaster tournaments (19 times runner up as well), Martin helped define competitive bass fishing during its formative decades. Known for his versatility, consistency, and deep understanding of bass behavior, he was a dominant force across multiple fisheries and techniques. Beyond competition, Martin expanded the sport’s reach through television, most notably as the longtime host of Fishing with Roland Martin, educating and inspiring generations of anglers. Inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, his legacy extends far beyond trophies—he is widely regarded as a pioneer who helped turn bass fishing into a modern professional sport.

Martin’s impact goes well beyond his tournament resume. He developed a scientific, pattern-based approach to bass fishing that was far ahead of its time. Roland became known for adapting quickly to changing conditions and mastering a wide range of techniques, from shallow vegetation to offshore structure. His sustained success helped him become one of the first professional bass anglers to exceed one million dollars in career tournament prize money, a milestone that reflected both his dominance and longevity in the sport.

Off the water, Martin played a major role in shaping bass fishing’s legacy and credibility. He became the first angler ever inducted into all three major fishing halls of fame: the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Fishing Hall of Fame, and the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. Through television, seminars, and decades of competition across multiple generations, Martin helped elevate bass fishing into a modern professional sport. Today, he is remembered not just as a champion, but as a pioneer whose influence continues to define professional angling.

Episode 154: Capt. Honson Lau - One of the Sharpest Minds in Bonefishing

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Honson Lau is a respected part-time fishing guide based in South Florida, balancing his time on the water with a professional career in IT at Baptist Health South Florida. Every opportunity outside of work is devoted to the flats, where Honson has built a reputation as a technical, and highly skilled guide. While well-versed in targeting all flats species, Honson’s true specialty is hunting big, intelligent bonefish on fly. His success is reflected in competition results—together with angler Jeremy Alderman, Honson has captured two Spring Fly Bonefish Tournament wins and two Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament wins, firmly establishing their team among the very best in competitive bonefishing. Honson began fishing the waters of Miami, Biscayne Bay, and Everglades National Park in the 1990s, where he was mentored and influenced by accomplished anglers & guides Frank Perez and Tim Mahaffey. Those early years laid the foundation for a lifetime of learning, observation, and respect for South Florida’s complex fisheries. He officially began his guiding career in 2009, and since then has continuously refined his skills to become a top guide for all species on the flats, including bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and redfish. Beyond guiding, Honson is an accomplished fly tyer, photographer, hunter, and cook, pursuits that reflect his deep appreciation for the outdoors and the full experience of life on the water. Analytical by nature and passionate by choice, Honson brings a unique blend of technical expertise, competitive experience, and genuine enthusiasm to every day on the flats.

Episode 153: Drew Chicone - Fly Tyer, Fisherman & Adventurer

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Drew Chicone is a renowned fly designer, author, and educator based in Fort Myers, Florida. Widely respected throughout the fly-fishing community, he is best known for his innovative saltwater fly patterns, hands-on teaching style, and deep knowledge of the species and ecosystems on the west coast of Florida & the Bahamas. A lifelong angler, Drew has devoted his career to studying fish behavior, refining fly-tying techniques, and creating patterns that solve real-world challenges on the water. His work has been featured in numerous national publications, and his patterns are fished by guides and anglers across the country. Drew is the founder of Salty Fly Tying, a platform through which he teaches classes, produces instructional materials, and shares the research and experimentation behind his designs. He has authored 17 fly-tying books, many of which have become staples for saltwater anglers and tiers seeking to improve their craft. He also collaborates with leading brands, guides, and conservation groups to support responsible fisheries and help anglers elevate their skills. When he’s not writing or teaching, Drew can usually be found on the flats or in the backcountry around Southwest Florida—testing new materials, observing local fish, and refining the patterns that have made him one of the most recognizable names in modern fly tying.

Episode 152: Capt. Leslie Green - Bonefish Sailor

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Leslie Green, founder of Bonefish Sailor Lodge on Mangrove Cay in the Bahamas, has spent a lifetime mastering the art of bonefishing. Born and raised on Andros, Leslie grew up on the water, developing an intimate understanding of the island’s vast flats, hidden creeks, and winding mangrove channels. Many of today’s local guides began their careers under his mentorship, learning not only how to find bonefish but how to read the water, respect the environment, and welcome guests with genuine warmth. Leslie’s skill on the flats is matched only by his passion for sharing the experience with others. Whether guiding seasoned anglers or teaching newcomers their first cast, he brings patience, enthusiasm, and a deep love for the pristine ecosystem he calls home. His uncanny ability to track the elusive “ghost of the flats” comes from decades of exploring both the East and West sides of Andros, often navigating remote areas known only to him. Bonefish Sailor Lodge is the realization of Leslie’s long-held dream: a place where the stories, camaraderie, and spirit of bonefishing could be shared with like-minded adventurers. While the Lodge provides comfort and community for visiting anglers, it ultimately serves as an extension of Leslie himself—his values, his experience, and his desire to introduce others to the thrill of pursuing bonefish in one of the most extraordinary environments on earth.

Episode 151: Brandon Soucie - Trout Fishing Colorado

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Brandon Soucie is a full-time fly-fishing guide at Taylor Creek Fly Shop in Basalt, Colorado, and one of the most recognized local experts in the Roaring Fork Valley. Born and raised in Basalt, Brandon grew up fishing the Fryingpan, Roaring Fork, Crystal, and Colorado Rivers — waters that would later become both his playground and his office. He picked up his first fly rod around the age of eight and began spending every spare moment learning the local honey-holes and trout behavior. By fourteen, he was working in the fly shop, and just a few years later, at eighteen, he transitioned to guiding full-time — beginning what would become a lifelong career on the water. Guiding more than 200 days a year, Brandon has built a reputation for his deep understanding of local rivers and his patient, educational approach to guiding. He’s known not just for putting clients on fish, but for helping them understand why the fish are there and how to catch them. His calm, friendly personality and ability to tailor each trip to a client’s experience level make him a favorite among both first-time anglers and seasoned fly anglers. Whether floating the Colorado, walking the Fryingpan, or wading the Roaring Fork, Brandon brings an unmatched level of local insight and enthusiasm to every outing. Outside of his professional guiding, Brandon continues to live and breathe the fly-fishing lifestyle. When he’s not working with clients, he can be found fishing with his wife and daughter, tying flies, or exploring new fisheries for both freshwater and saltwater species. His lifelong dedication to fishing and his deep roots in the Roaring Fork Valley make him not just a guide, but a true ambassador for Colorado fly-fishing — someone who embodies the passion, patience, and respect for the water that defines the sport.

Episode 150: Andy & Nicky - Fishing Q&A #1

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode, it’s just the two of us sitting down to answer your questions — no guest, just real talk. We’re thinking about making this style of episode a regular part of the podcast rotation to mix things up and stay connected with what you want to hear. We dive into a wide range of listener-submitted topics, including: Thoughts on technology entering tarpon fishing — trolling motors, sonar, and more How to properly honor the legends our sport seems to be losing all too often Advice for getting into competitive saltwater fly fishing Practice tips to level up your skills Our favorite DIY fishing destinations and what’s on our bucket list Rods, fly lines, and the brands we trust (and why) How to pass the fly fishing passion down to our kids — without pushing them away Have a question you’d like us to answer in a future Q&A episode? Email us at Nicky@millhousepodcast.com or DM us on social. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 149: Mark Nichols - D.O.A. Lures

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

About 30 years ago, I spent a few unforgettable days with Mark Nichols on his home waters near Stuart, Florida, chasing big jacks in the St. Lucie River. At the time, Mark was becoming a well-respected entrepreneur and angler, thanks to his young lure company, D.O.A.—short for Deadly on Arrival. Back in 1983, he had begun crafting a hyper-realistic plastic shrimp that proved irresistible to a wide range of saltwater species. It was a game-changer—not just for the anglers who used it, but for Mark himself. A man who loved the outdoors and the challenge of fooling fish, he had found his calling. Over the next 42 years, D.O.A. would go on to develop 27 innovative products capable of catching just about anything that swims—from snook and tarpon to bass and flounder. On today’s episode, we reconnect with an old friend and dive into the mind of Mark Nichols—exploring the genius behind his bait designs and how he continues to stay one step ahead of the fish.

Episode 148: Bolivia Trip & More

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Nicky and I sit down to recap the unforgettable Golden Dorado trip to the Bolivian jungle with Untamed Angling. I've fished all over the world — from elite lodges to hidden honey holes — and this trip easily ranks in my top five of all time.

The lodge, the food, staff and guides were all great. But the fishing? Absolutely next level. Every morning, we’d hop in a helicopter and fly out to a remote river, spending the day wading upstream in search of Golden Dorado — and occasionally, Pacu.

There’s no such thing as “feeding the fish” out here. Once a Dorado locks eyes with your fly, it’s already in full kill mode — attacking with such insane speed and aggression that staying tight and setting the hook is a challenge in itself. It was pure adrenaline, start to finish. This is a trip I’d go on again in a heartbeat.

We also take some time to reflect on the passing of the legendary Flip Pallot. Flip was larger than life — a true icon who inspired generations of anglers, guides, and outdoorsmen. His presence and legacy will be deeply missed.

Other topics in this episode include: The IGFA Hall of Fame induction, a recap of tarpon season, and much more.

Episode 147: Dave Preston - 4 Time Gold Cup Champion

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re diving into one of the most storied arenas in saltwater fly fishing —the Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament. Since 1964, it’s been considered the Super Bowl of tarpon fishing, attracting a who’s who of legends—names like Billy Pate, Ted Williams, and Glen Flutie, who famously won it five years in a row. I’ve been fortunate to win it five times in six years myself. And now, there’s a new name knocking on the door of tournament history: Dave Preston. Fishing alongside Louis Cortez, Dave has won four Gold Cups in the last five years, putting him third all-time in wins—a staggering achievement in a field that’s more competitive than ever. An avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman, Dave was born and raised in Miami, and spent the 80s and 90s exploring the waters of Florida Bay, the Everglades, Biscayne Bay, and the Keys. He’s a proud University of Florida alum, and since graduating in 2003, has worked across the state as a commercial real estate broker. These days, he lives in Jupiter, but come spring and summer, you can usually find him anywhere tarpon are swimming. Beyond the tournament leaderboard, Dave is deeply committed to conservation. He serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Everglades, and works closely with a number of organizations tackling the urgent water issues affecting South Florida’s ecosystems—from the Everglades to the coastal estuaries. Today, we talk to Dave about what this tournament means to him, how his upbringing shaped his passion for the water, and why protecting Florida’s fragile ecosystems is more critical now than ever.

Episode 146: Capt. George Gozdz - Unfathomed Fishing

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

George Gozdz’s first fishing experience was with his father—just like it is for many of us. He fell in love with the sport early on and began dreaming of one day making it big in the fishing world. Five decades later, that dream became a reality. Today, George is a renowned TV host of Unfathomed and a brand ambassador for numerous companies.

Before diving into life on the water, George worked as an emergency room nurse for 15 years. But eventually, the call of the ocean became too strong to ignore.

In 2004, he earned his captain’s license and began guiding professionally full-time. He had fished his home waters throughout his life—even during his nursing days—so transitioning into guiding came naturally. Still, his ultimate dream was to host a TV show.

That dream came true in 2010 when he landed his first hosting gig on the popular Reel Time Florida Sportsman show, which he led for eight years. Then came his breakout success: Unfathomed—a show that takes viewers on unforgettable journeys to remote destinations, documenting not just the incredible fishing but also the surrounding flora, fauna, and some true giants from the deep.

On today’s podcast, we dive into George’s incredible journey—chasing dreams, embracing change, and living a life defined by passion and adventure.

Episode 145: Earle Waters - 80's in Homosassa

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

I fished the fabled Homosassa flats for a few years in the late eighties, before it was obvious I couldn’t get much better at this game because of the lack of fish. Sure, they came and went—big ones too—and great records were caught a few years after, but I wasn’t fishing for records. I wanted to be around the best anglers and see what this big tarpon house was all about. Some of the famous names were still there, like Billy Pate and Tom Evans, and Doparik, of course.

I stayed in Bayport, where there were a number of rooms all in a line. This is where the guys I gravitated to took residence for the month of May. All the boats would be lined up, with their batteries charging after the long days of fishing. I loved every second of the tarpon pulse that you could feel in the air. I wanted to meet everyone and ask every question I had.

There was a name that I heard often but never met: Earl Waters!

I read everything I could about this tarpon fever that had a hold of me. Earl was one that had his hand in about everything over there—whether he was guiding a famous name or writing about how he was catching all these great fish. I know that many went to him when they had trolling motor issues, because he was a genius with the air switches that would turn them on and off with a step of your foot on a button on the tower. Then there was his big cobia he became famous for—and yes, a thirty-pound world record permit he caught on 6-pound test.

He was a local with the desire to unturn every rock to find the answers of this incredible fishery he called home.

On today's podcast, he gives us a detailed look at how he built a life in fishing around one of the greatest tarpon flats the world has ever known: Homosassa, Florida.

Episode 144: Larry Dahlberg - The Hunt for Big Fish

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Larry Dahlberg didn’t just fish—he redefined the very essence of the sport. As the creator and host of the groundbreaking TV series, "The Hunt for Big Fish," Larry captivated audiences for over two decades with a rare blend of adventure, expertise, and innovation that set a new standard for what fishing could be. More than a television host, Larry was a true visionary and master angler. He had an uncanny ability to read water, analyze structure, understand thermoclines and bait movement, and then apply that knowledge to target species most had only dreamed of. Whether it was giant peacock bass in the jungle or Nile perch in remote African rivers, Larry consistently arrived in unfamiliar territory and fished it better than most locals—often teaching guides new strategies for their own waters. Over a span of 27 years, Larry traveled to 87 countries, armed with custom-made plugs, advanced sonar, and a tackle arsenal built for any possibility. His five-minute TV segments delivered more trophy-class fish than many full-length series combined. While world records almost certainly passed through his hands, Larry never cared for the spotlight—he fished for the love of the chase and the thrill of discovery. Larry also developed several highly influential flies, including the iconic Dahlberg Diver and the introduction of the Flashabou fly, both of which were groundbreaking innovations at the time. His lure designs were equally ahead of their time, with creations like the Whopper Plopper and Clackin’ Crayfish standing out as some of the most effective baits in modern fishing. Larry isn’t just an expert fisherman—he’s the embodiment of what it means to be a complete angler. His knowledge, creativity, and relentless curiosity have left an indelible mark on the sport. For us, sharing a few days with Larry was not only a privilege—it was one of the greatest gifts we’ve ever received.

Episode 143: Oliver White - Fly Fishing Adventures & Entrepreneurship

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Oliver White is a world-renowned fly fishing guide, lodge owner, entrepreneur, and conservationist whose career bridges wild rivers and Wall Street. He began his guiding journey in college after a skiing injury, quickly developing a reputation as a skilled and passionate angler. This passion led him from the rivers of North Carolina to international waters in Argentina and the Bahamas. Along the way, a chance encounter with hedge fund manager Bill Ackman opened the door to a brief but formative stint in finance, sharpening White’s business acumen and laying the groundwork for his future as a fishing industry entrepreneur. In 2008, White channeled that experience into building Abaco Lodge in the Bahamas, followed by partnerships in other elite destinations like South Fork Lodge in Idaho, which he co-owns with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. His lodges have become known not only for their world-class fishing but also for their immersive guest experiences and commitment to sustainability. White continues to guide and host trips around the world, sharing his expertise with a growing community of anglers while advocating for the health of the ecosystems they explore. A dedicated conservationist, White co-founded Indifly, a nonprofit that empowers Indigenous communities through sustainable fly fishing tourism. The organization has helped transform remote villages like Rewa in Guyana into thriving ecotourism hubs, ensuring local control and environmental stewardship. In recognition of his contributions to angling, conservation, and community development, White was recently honored with the 2025 Heritage Award by the American Museum of Fly Fishing—the highest distinction the museum bestows. His life reflects a rare blend of adventure, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

Episode 142: Dean Butler - One Of The Best To Ever Do It

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

I’m not exactly sure when I first met Dean Butler, but I remember the moment well—he carried an unmistakable aura of quiet assurance. Being an Aussie with that indelible accent only added to the intrigue. Dean had the weathered look only the high seas can carve into a fisherman’s face, hair, and attire. And that smile—like someone who’d just robbed a bank and knew he was going to get away with it. Long before I met him, Dean's reputation was already etched into the billfish world. Years ago, I became a disciple of Tom Evans and his tarpon game, and I’d heard about the two of them—catching all the world-record marlin you see in The Book. Dean’s done a lot in his fishing life. Sure, he’s caught his own marlin records. But I can’t help thinking one of his finest moments was gaffing Enrico Compozzi’s 735-pound marlin on 6-pound test—truly one for the ages. Or maybe it was that 600-pounder he gaffed for Evans, the one that broke the gaffs clean in half. That’s who Dean Butler is—a fisherman through and through. As Lefty once said, “Dean Butler is the best all-around fisherman in the world.” In 2015, Tom was inducted into the IGFA Hall of Fame. Dean followed in 2023. No doubt about it: Dean Butler and Tom Evans were the greatest marlin fly-fishing team ever assembled. On today’s podcast, we travel to Homosassa, Florida, to finally catch up with Dean—and hear the remarkable story of one of fishing’s true legends.

Episode 141: Capt. Bou Bosso - The Lawyer

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Bou Bosso is a fiery, articulate man that seeks out every ounce of everything he touches or talks about. We’ve seen his antics on the water chasing tournaments wins on the hit tarpon television show he created, “Silver Kings." It’s when he explodes at the man on his bow, you ask yourself why the discord… There really is no reason for all this but maybe it’s the will and perfection in others that he demands from himself? At a very young age he pursed giant bonefish while wading down the beach in front of his parents home in Islamorada, Florida. These fish deeply hit home and a life in guiding for him was a no brainer. At one point he thought of a more structured life. His father was a lawyer so he studied hard and passed the bar and a law practice was briefly dappled with. But the magnetic energy of the the ocean and the fish that he loved pulled him back to it, where he could create the magic he loved, watching giant Tarpon jumping out of it! On today's podcast, Bou weaves us through his compelling life’s story, filled with some heavy ups and downs and clearly explaining how he got back on top of his game…

Episode 140: Julian Robertson - Super J

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

When athletes reflect on their careers, it's often the friendships that shine brightest—long after the trophies have gathered dust. One of my favorite people from those years is Julian Robertson. Julian first fished the Don Hawley in 2006. He was a young angler then—full of energy, curiosity, and kindness. His smile and bright eyes radiated joy. I loved spending time with him, fielding the endless stream of questions he’d throw my way. He didn’t notch his first tournament win until 2013, when he and Captain Joe Rodriguez took home the Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament title. Fast forward twelve years to 2025, and Julian has firmly established himself as one of the sport's greats—with victories in all three major tarpon tournaments: the Gold Cup, two Don Hawley titles, and two Golden Fly wins. Only four anglers have ever won all three, and if Julian takes the Gold Cup again this year, he'll be the only one to win each tournament twice. But beyond his achievements on the water, Julian is an even better father and husband—to his two children, Julian IV and Josephine (Jinny), and his wife Claire. On today’s podcast, we dive into his journey in the world of fishing, the tournament circuit, his father’s legacy with the Tiger Fund, and the pursuit of Junior World Records with his son.

Episode 139: Capt. Eric Herstedt - The Straight Shooter

Wed, 21 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Capt. Eric Herstedt is a seasoned and versatile fishing guide based in Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys, specializing in light tackle and fly fishing. Whether it’s spin, bait, plug, artificial, or fly—Eric does it all, and he does it with the best of them. With decades of experience and an unmatched passion for the water, Eric has built a reputation as a top-tier guide known for his skill, adaptability, and commitment to providing unforgettable days on the water.Born in Miami and raised on Long Key in the heart of the Florida Keys, Eric developed a deep connection to the outdoors and the rich fishing grounds surrounding him. By the age of 3, he was already casting a spin rod, and at just 14 years old, he achieved his first Flats Grand Slam—landing a bonefish, permit, and tarpon in a single day. Though spin and plug fishing were his early go-tos, Eric discovered fly fishing at age 9 and quickly embraced its challenges and rewards.Eric’s talent and dedication have made him a fixture in the tournament scene. He and Nicky fished the Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament together for nine consecutive years, narrowly missing a victory a couple of times. In 2022, Eric and angler Mike Criscola finished as runners-up in the legendary Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament—further proof of Eric’s consistency and sharp instincts under pressure.Beyond the tournaments, Eric has contributed to conservation efforts with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), working alongside Capt. Doug Kilpatrick and Dr. Ross Boucek to help establish best practices for handling bonefish safely at the boat.Eric is known not only for his skills on the water but also for his honesty and authenticity—he’s a straight shooter who tells it like it is. Whether you’re chasing tarpon on fly or just getting your feet wet, Eric is the kind of guide who makes the day memorable.We hope you enjoy getting to know Capt. Eric Herstedt as much as we have.

Episode 138: Capt. Pauly Ross - New Generation of Guiding

Wed, 07 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Capt. Pauly Ross is quickly becoming one of the most respected young guides in the Florida Keys, and for good reason. At just 24 years old, he’s already earning a reputation that many seasoned captains spend a lifetime building. Born and raised in Islamorada, Pauly grew up on the deck of the Relentless, the legendary offshore fishing vessel captained by his father, Paul Ross—an icon in the sportfishing world with seven Gold Cup Sailfish Series titles to his name. The Ross family name carries serious weight on the water, and Pauly is honoring that legacy while forging his own path in the backcountry and tarpon arenas. With a quiet confidence and humble nature, Pauly operates with the precision, calm, and instincts of someone twice his age. He’s a natural guide—sharp-eyed, tactical, and relentlessly focused on giving his anglers the best possible shot. Pauly’s list of accolades is already impressive. He’s a multi-time winner of the Poor Boys Tarpon Tournament and a champion of the Herman Lucerne Backcountry Tournament. His name is consistently in the mix during tarpon season, where he's recognized as a serious threat across all the major tournaments. Although, the most amazing accomplishment, I believe, is that he recently caught a super slam (Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Snook, & Redfish) solo on fly in one day! I am not sure anyone has done that to date - but could be wrong. But accolades only tell part of the story. What sets Pauly apart is his work ethic and presence on the water. Whether poling through skinny flats or chasing rolling tarpon at dawn, he brings the same level of preparation, quiet intensity, and deep respect for the sport every day. His guests quickly realize they’re fishing with someone special—a guide with both heart and heritage. Capt. Pauly Ross represents the next generation of elite Florida Keys fishing. And if his early success is any indication, he’s just getting started.

Episode 137: Phil O'Bannon - Chief of Boca Grande

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Phil O’Bannon is a sixth-generation Boca Grande fisherman whose life has been defined by the water. He left college to chase giant bluefin tuna across the white sands of the Bahamas, a move that launched a global fishing career—from big-money marlin tournaments to captaining motherships for the elite. But it was fly fishing for tarpon in his home waters that made him a legend.

Now 72, Phil is still regarded as the most respected name in Boca Grande—widely known as the Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World. He’s chased Tarpon with the best, from John Emory in the Keys to Billy Pate in Homosassa, and to this day, he still fishes IGFA leaders with old-school precision. But it was his guiding career with the Bush family that secured his legacy, and having President Bush as his friend for two decades remains as some of his fondest memories.

On today’s podcast, we talk about the early years, his father “Fingers,” a life on the water, and the enduring magic of Boca Grande.

Episode 136: Erik Compton - Inspiration to All

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Erik Compton is truly an extraordinary individual and a dear friend! Diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy at just 9 years old, a condition that weakens the heart muscle and impairs its ability to pump effectively, Erik’s journey has been one of incredible resilience. This condition led him to undergo two heart transplants—one at the age of 12 and another at 29. Yet, despite these challenges, Erik has spent 24 years playing professional golf. He’s competed in six major tournaments, even finishing second in the 2014 U.S. Open.

In 2009, during the Masters, Erik was honored with the prestigious Ben Hogan Award, which is given each year to a golfer who has overcome a significant illness or physical challenge.

As a long-time golf fan, I followed Erik’s career for years before finally meeting him on a driving range—a truly lucky day for me!

We hit it off immediately, bonding over our shared love for golf and fishing.

Despite his heart condition, Erik’s zest for life is infectious. His eyes light up when he talks about catching a big snook or that giant tarpon we landed together, or when he shares stories about his daughter Petra and her impressive golf skills.

For years, we’ve been trying to get an interview with Erik, and we’re thrilled to finally have him with us.

Here he is, Erik Compton—an absolute hero!

Episode 135: Capt. Brian Esposito - Glades Craft Skiffs

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this podcast Brian talks about growing up surfing, skating, and snook fishing south Florida, later becoming a highly respected guide and boat builder.

Episode 134: Manny Puig - Savage Wild

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Manny Puig is a renowned wildlife expert, animal handler, and television personality, best known for his appearances on the hit TV shows Jackass and Wildboyz. With a deep passion for wildlife and a fearless approach to working with dangerous animals, Manny became a fan favorite on these unconventional, often outrageous, programs. His expertise in handling animals such as alligators, snakes, and crocodiles earned him recognition in the world of animal handling and made him a standout character in the Jackass universe.

In addition to his work on these shows, Manny also starred in his own TV series. He had a show on the Outdoor Channel called Savage Wild, where he showcased his skills and knowledge in dealing with the world's most dangerous animals. Later, he became a central figure in Gator Boys, a popular series on Animal Planet that focused on capturing and rescuing alligators, especially in the Florida Everglades. In both shows, Manny's calm demeanor and expertise with reptiles and other wild creatures shone through, making him a trusted figure in the world of wildlife conservation and animal rescue.

Manny’s career as a wildlife expert extends beyond television. He has spent years studying and working with exotic animals, including sharks, venomous reptiles, and large carnivores. His commitment to conservation and animal welfare is evident in his efforts to educate the public about these often misunderstood creatures, despite the more chaotic nature of his on-screen appearances. Puig's fearlessness and devotion to wildlife have solidified him as a memorable figure in both the reality TV and wildlife communities.

We hope you enjoy Manny's story as much as we did. He is truly one of the most remarkable humans we’ve had the privilege of interviewing on our podcast. Manny's upbringing is nothing short of extraordinary, and his journey could easily fill an entire podcast on its own. Raised in Cuba, his childhood was marked by hardship, including the trauma of his mother being imprisoned and his father’s tragic murder. Despite these unimaginable challenges, Manny’s resilience and passion for wildlife propelled him to become the incredible person he is today.

We hope his story inspires you to feel a deep sense of gratitude for your own journey. Thank you again for joining us, Manny. Your story is one that will stay with us for a long time.

Episode 133: Capt. Karl Anderson - Bluefin Tuna & Grander Marlin

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Capt. Karl Anderson embarked on his professional career at just 13 years old, securing his first paid job as a mate in the competitive world of big game fishing. Over the years, he has risen to become a globally recognized authority in the sport. His fishing journey has taken him across the globe, from the vibrant waters of Key West to the remote coastlines of Australia, and from the cold waters of Nova Scotia to the distant reaches of the Caribbean.

Today, Anderson serves as the captain and manager of several custom sport fishing yachts, guiding them to some of the world’s most prestigious sport fishing destinations. With thousands of billfish and tuna releases under his belt, his skill and experience are unparalleled. His reputation as a master captain is not just a reflection of his technical prowess but also of his deep passion for the sport.

In addition to his exceptional career at sea, Anderson is a talented journalist whose work has earned him recognition in multiple fields. His writing, photography, and video contributions have appeared in an extensive array of prestigious industry publications, garnering numerous national awards. His insights into the sport and its culture have shaped the way enthusiasts and professionals alike engage with big game fishing.

Karl's expertise also extends beyond the deck, as he serves as an International Representative for the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). In this role, he has a direct influence on the global fishing community, advocating for best practices and ethical standards. Furthermore, he chairs the Rules and Recognition Committee of the IGFA's North American Regional Council, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of sport fishing regulations and ensuring the preservation of the sport for generations to come. In 2023, Karl was inducted into the Captains & Crew Hall of Fame by the IGFA.

Episode 132: Capt. Greg Dini - Flywater Expeditions

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Capt. Greg Dini is a highly respected flats fishing guide with expertise in saltwater fly fishing and light tackle angling. Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, he developed a love for fishing early on, spending his high school years honing his skills in Mosquito Lagoon. This passion led him to the University of Miami on a Division I baseball scholarship, where he further refined his angling techniques in the bountiful waters of South Florida.

After transferring to Tulane University in New Orleans, Captain Dini immersed himself in the Louisiana marshes, dedicating thousands of hours to this iconic fishery. His commitment to the sport has earned him a reputation as one of the most skilled and respected guides in the region.

Greg is a founding guide at Flywater Expeditions in Islamorada, Florida, where he continues to share his wealth of knowledge and passion for fishing with clients. Alongside guiding, he is also a published photographer and videographer, capturing the beauty and essence of the fishing world through his lens. In 2023, Dini and his angler Evan Carruthers triumphed in both the prestigious Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament and the Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament, solidifying their place as a formidable force in the competitive fishing world.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Greg is a devoted family man who cherishes time with his wife and three children.

This is his story - we hope you enjoy!

Episode 131: Guy Harvey - Marine Artist, Angler, & Conservationist

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Guy Harvey is one of the most prolific and influential artists in the world of fishing. Known as the king of the fishing t-shirt industry, he has captivated generations with his iconic murals depicting billfish and marine life. His passion for these creatures has taken him to the farthest corners of the ocean, where he has had the privilege of observing them up close in their natural habitat.

But who is the man behind the legendary name and his signature long-legged lettering? Having met Guy before, I was struck by the depth of his curiosity and creativity, traits that define his life’s work. Beyond his artistry, Guy is deeply committed to marine research and conservation. His dedication is evident in his founding of the Guy Harvey Research Institute and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, both of which are at the forefront of efforts to protect marine ecosystems.

In this conversation, we catch up with Guy as he heads to Palm Beach, Florida, to receive yet another well-deserved honor. We discuss his lifelong passion for fishing, his love for art, and his unwavering dedication for billfish conservation.

Episode 130: John Abplanalp - Life of the Party

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

John Abplanalp has lived an extraordinary life centered around fishing, including being one of the pioneers on the flats of Montauk, where he was among the first to sight-cast for striped bass from his skiff. His family was fortunate to pursue big dreams, thanks to his father, who designed and invented the aerosol valve used in spray cans. Fast forward a few years, and after his father purchased the small island of Walker's Cay in the Bahamas, John found himself chasing his newfound passion for bonefish. Walker's Cay became the jumping off point for Flip Pallot’s iconic show, Walker's Cay Chronicles, which captivated audiences and drew them in heart and soul.

John and a group of like-minded friends often used the island's freighter, the Sea Lion V, as their base for fishing, sleeping, and partying—all without a care in the world. Years later, many of these individuals, including legends like Kreh, Pallot, Cardenas, Popovics, and Dixon, have become household names, representing some of the luckiest and most influential figures in the fishing world.

In today’s podcast, John takes us on a nostalgic journey back to those unforgettable days, sharing his passion for both the sport and his ongoing efforts to support Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) in their mission to preserve these incredible species for future generations.

Episode 129: Lenny Berg - Fishing Florida In The 1950's

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Over the years, as I’ve participated in various fishing tournaments, I’ve often noticed the names etched on the trophies from past events. One name that always stood out to me was Lenny Berg. He made history by winning the first inaugural Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament in 1976, with the legendary Billy Knowles as his guide. Lenny also triumphed in the Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament three times, alongside his guide, Steve Huff. One of his most remarkable feats was landing a 128-pound tarpon on 10-pound test, setting a world record that was later invalidated when the IGFA removed the 10-pound tippet category for world records, erasing those catches from the record books.

Lenny’s fishing journey also had him alongside some of the sport’s most influential pioneers, including Woody Sexton, Eddie Wightman, Hank Brown, Stu Apte, Guy de Valdene, Jimmy Lopez, Hal Chittum, and John Emory, just to name a few.

In today’s podcast, we not only explore Lenny’s incredible life in fishing, but we’re also joined by his son, Elliot Berg. Like his father, Elliot is an outstanding angler, but he’s also an ingenious boat designer in his own right. We discuss both Lenny’s legacy and Elliot’s work in pushing the boundaries of boat design, including his contributions to the Maverick Boat Company, which revolutionized flats skiffs and became one of the most successful brands in the industry for decades.

Episode 128: Carter Andrews - "The Obsession of Carter Andrews"

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

One lesson we’ve all learned over the years is to never judge a book by its cover—especially when the subject is Carter Andrews. This towering figure, both in size and hair, is eclipsed only by the immense love he has for his family and his passion for fishing. His obsession is woven into every breath he takes.

Carter is all in—every second, every day. While we’re all connected by water and the creatures that call it home, few of us live and breathe it the way Carter does. We turn to those who bring the vibrant stories of fishing and adventure to life, whether online or on television. For me, it was Flip who sparked the fire, Jose’ who carried the flame, and Curt—well, who can forget "The American Sportsman"?

Life is made up of chapters that lead us to the next, and Carter Andrews is currently writing his at the highest level. His hit show, The Obsession of Carter Andrews, is nothing short of captivating—at times, even awe-inspiring. His journeys seem endless, chasing stories far beyond the horizon to remote places most of us will never visit. Yet, through his lens, I’m right there with him—on the edge of my seat—because he’s the real deal, and his team brings the magic to life.

On this podcast, we had the privilege of visiting Carter’s home, farm, ranch, and yes, even his “cave.” We had a blast exploring the immense world of his life. Trust me, you can’t help but love the man.

Episode 127: Tim Choate - Sport Fishing Visionary

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Tim Choate is a pioneering force in Billfish Conservation and one of the most influential figures in the world of sport fishing. Growing up in Islamorada, Florida, Tim was introduced to the world of blue-water fishing by his close friend, Bucky Stark. His passion for marlin fishing quickly became an obsession, leading him to set numerous records that left the sport stunned. In 1995, his boat Magic caught an astonishing 2,140 billfish in a single year. Choate's fishing adventures took him to the Great Barrier Reef, where he spent five years honing his skills. In 1982, alongside Captain Peter Wright, he helped land the season's largest black marlin, weighing an impressive 1,212 pounds.

While Tim’s early career was defined by record-breaking catches and an insatiable drive to land the biggest fish, his passion eventually shifted toward conservation. Witnessing the detrimental impact of commercial fishing on marlin and sailfish populations, Tim became a key advocate for their protection. His efforts culminated in the passing of the Billfish Conservation Act of 2012, which banned the commercial sale of marlin and sailfish in the continental U.S.

In addition to his legislative work, Tim co-founded the Billfish Foundation, an organization dedicated to highlighting the economic and ecological value of recreational sport fishing over commercial harvesting. He was also an early advocate for circle hooks, pushing for their use long before scientific studies proved their effectiveness in reducing fish mortality from gut-hooking.

Tim’s contributions to the sport and conservation were recognized with numerous honors, including:

2012: Frank Johnson Trophy for Personal Achievement in Advancement of Big Game Sport Fishing, awarded by Guy Harvey Outpost.
2013: IGFA Conservation Award.
2016: Inducted into the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Hall of Fame.

Tim Choate’s legacy is one of unmatched dedication to the preservation of billfish and the broader marine environment, and his impact continues to be felt by anglers and conservationists alike.

Episode 126: George Anderson - The River Rhino

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

George Anderson is the owner of Yellowstone Angler in Livingston, Montana, a fly shop he founded in 1979. His fly-fishing journey began in the Catskill Mountains of New York and was further honed in the Rocky Mountain West while attending the University of Colorado and working summers at a fly shop in West Yellowstone. After earning his business degree, George and his wife moved to Livingston, where he spent six years as assistant manager at Dan Bailey’s before opening his own shop. In 1985, the current Yellowstone Angler location was built, just south of Livingston on Highway 89.

Throughout his career, George has written for prominent fly-fishing publications, including Fly Fisherman, Trout, Big Sky Journal, and Saltwater Fly Fishing. He is also known for his success in competitive fly fishing, winning top honors at the Jackson Hole One-Fly in 1989 and 1990, setting records for the number of trout caught using his signature George’s Rubber Legged Brown Stone nymph. George has appeared as a guest angler on numerous television shows, including Fly Fishing the World with John Barrett and Spanish Fly with Jose Wejebe, and he has filmed several ESPN segments with Trevor Gowdy in Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina, targeting bonefish, tarpon, and permit.

A passionate saltwater fly fisher, George leads annual trips to Caribbean destinations and hosts trout fishing excursions to Alaska, Argentina, and other world-class locations. When not on the water, he enjoys golf, alpine skiing, scuba diving, bird hunting, and cycling.

Episode 125: Kelly Galloup - Streamer King

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Kelly Galloup’s personality is as vibrant and electric as a bag of smelling salts. He’s as raw and beautiful as my tarpon brothers in Homosassa. All this energy is exemplified by how he aggressively pursued the truth about streamers and how to fish them. Often he would submerge himself underwater and silently drift down the river examining where the fish were holding and learned that many big fish were in places he never targeted. His artistic mind exploded with fly designs and he started creating flies that would articulate and swim differently that the old standard patterns, which were thrown as an after thought when nothing else worked. Overnight he changed the game! Everyone started to streamer fish with his flies and began to regularly catch giants. People started to fish revered rivers differently, and he became famous with a cult like following. The older traditionalist didn’t like it at all. He is different, a disrupter, a dang force to be reckoned with, he is Kelly Galloup!

On todays podcast, we cover all this and more in great detail…

Episode 124: Brian O'Keefe - Life of Fishing & Photography

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Brian O'Keefe was a man born to be free of any kind of structure and fishing was the caveat to keep him running to the end of the rainbow where the best fishing holes lay. I recognize this because I have the same life text book which reads; ski, fish, eat, sleep! Seeing a photograph of him in his early life, upside down on a Powder Magazine cover, struck me deeply as I remembered this photo from many moons ago. I always wondered who this free spirited skier was. Jump ahead 15 years when I was cutting my teeth with a fish called Megalops, I heard of Brian catching a world record fish with Pate in Africa. Later, while at a trade show a number of years ago, I meet this mystery man, O'Keefe.

Very rarely do you meet such a giant so gregarious and friendly. It was as if he was seeking to be hired for his first job. We didn’t spend much time together, but I knew instantly we could be incredible friends. Over the next 15 years I kept a keen eye on Brian’s work in many publications from every corner of the planet, and I always thought to myself when I’d see a photograph of him with an extraordinary subject , “what a lucky guy!” And finally we get to hear all about it.

Episode 123: Bob Rich - "Blood Knot"

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Bob Rich is a giant in the world of fly fishing, conservation, and storytelling. I have known Bob for many years and he is the best fishing companion an angler could have. We have traveled the world together with President George H.W. Bush, Sandy Moret, Johnny Morris and countless others fishing destinations only one can dream of. Bob was a Bonefish Tarpon Trust Founding member, and has helped the Florida Redbone series with Gary Ellis to fight and find the cure for Cystic Fibrosis. He is also a very accomplished author with five books under his belt including, “Looking Through Water” which will appear soon on the big screen with actor Michael Douglas and son, Cameron. The movie is going to be called, “Blood Knot.” Later this month, Rich will receive the Lefty Kreh Award for Lifetime Achievement in Conservation, which is BTT’s highest honor, in recognition of his support of fisheries conservation.

On today’s podcast, we cover the expansive life of one of my better friends, Bob Rich.

Episode 122: Brad Probst - What Does It Mean To Be A Cowboy?

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Heroes come in all forms and sizes. Most common are star athletes, television sensations, and our children who turn out to be wonderful people and future parents… A list of heroes can be endless but a hero has to be someone who moves you greatly like a celebrity who has influenced a generation. On todays podcast, Brad Probst, a hero of ours shares a very dark side he struggled through to get where he is today: The Manager of Bear Mountain Outfitters. This is where Nicky and I briefly guided elk hunts on a spectacular 18,000 acre mountain top ranch where the world is silent only to the sounds of nature, bugling elk and shimmering trees that have turned the brilliant colors of fall. Brad climbed to the top of this steep slope after a grueling battle with addiction. Near the bottom of this dark time, he flipped the switch and fought to get out, saving his family and his future. His chapters of survival are brilliant!

Brad is also a "Cowboy" (he doesn't think he is) most of the year on the ranch when he is not guiding hunts or rodeoing. He recently went down to the Four 6's ranch to help out as a ranch hand as one thing's for sure, Brad's appetite for hard work is unmatched. We also talk about what it means to be a Cowboy, Elk hunting Colorado, Nuances of being an outfitter, Introduction of wolves, and his admirable climb out of addiction.

On todays podcast, we cover the trials of one of the finest men I’ve ever known.

Episode 121: Carlos Duncan III - Angler, Conservationist, Triathlete

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

With his exceptional physical and intellectual scope, Carlos Duncan is one of the most impressive people I’ve ever known. He’s not only a Harvard graduate, he qualified for the World Championships in the Ironman, manages his families business, flies his own plane, hunts with a bow and is one of the finest Tarpon slayers the Florida Keys has ever known! And his efforts as the Chairman of The Board for the IGFA helped redirected its path that was never aspired to before.

Fishing against Carlos was a difficult task. He an his guide Rob Fordyce were one of the most dominate teams. They were always challenging for the win and finished a record 7, or 9 times second (One says one the other says the higher) in the Legendary Gold Cup.

On todays podcast, we talk about growing up in a high powered family (Coke) and finding great success on his own…

Episode 120: Tim Heng - Fishing the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, & Colorado River

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Tim Heng loves fishing, especially the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan rivers near Basalt, Colorado. He’s spent a large part of his life fishing them, loving them, and trying to preserve them for his fellow anglers. His efforts over the years were so compelling he was honored by the Roaring Fork Conservancy as the Conservator of the Year, the highest honor given in the valley. He is considered one of the pioneers of drift boat fishing on the Fork and Colorado River. He founded Roaring Fork Anglers in Glenwood Springs and later worked and managed the Taylor Creek Fly Shop in Basalt, Colorado for 29 years. While there he innovated fly patters that produced better than most others. He also took many trips with clients to Christmas Island and Los Roques, Venezuela. Essentially, Tim is one of the kindest, big hearted people you will ever have the pleasure of knowing!

On today's podcast we cover the many nuances of a true blooded “River Keeper."

Episode 119: Jim Hancock - Fishing the Gunnison River

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Jim Hancock is one of the finest people you’ll ever meet and one of the hardest working, too! I’ve know Jimmy a very long time, from Aspen of course, where he started working for the Aspen Ski Company in 1977. He worked in many fields for them: snowmaker, powder guide, instructor, race director, and by 1981 he’d proven himself to take on enormous responsibility when he became World Cup Chief of Course and ultimately the Chief of Race. He shined brightly. The team he assembled to prepare the slope for the high speed downhill and tech events for the best skiers in the world became his trusted family, and when anything was needed they dove in head first. He was beloved by all and they anointed him as their Pope. Jimmy is also embedded with hunting and fishing, and for the last 30 years has been an elk hunting guide every fall. He’s an adventurer at heart and doesn’t fear the unknown. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a narrow, daunting canyon with walls that stretch 2500 skyward. The river at its floor falls steeply and in some sections form giant rapids with the ability to flip rafts at the beat of a heart. But, too, it’s the home of the most amazingly prized rainbow and brown trout that have never seen the pressure that most rivers know too well. Many years ago Hancock saw something that few thought possible, fishing it by raft, and then sharing it with those that love to dare in the pursuit of great fishing in God’s country. His operation, Gunnison River Rats just sold to Elk Mountain Expeditions in Aspen, Colorado but he is still a guide taking multiple trips a summer down there.

On today's podcast we cover the forging life of Jim Hancock!

Episode 118: Bert Scherb - Liftetime of Fishing

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Bert Scherb's journey from Chicago to becoming a beloved figure among the guides and anglers of the Florida Keys, as well as chairman of a prestigious bonefish tournament, is a testament to his passion and dedication to the sport. His 21-year tenure running the spring bonefish tournament reflects not only his organizational skills but also his deep connection to the local fishing community.

In 1995, Bert achieved a significant milestone by winning the Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament alongside Tim Klein, showcasing his prowess as an angler amidst some of the best in the world. He also won the Spring Fly Bonefish Tournament in 1996 & 1999. This era was particularly notable for the Florida Keys as it boasted some of the largest bonefish ever seen, reaching impressive sizes like 13, 15, and 16 pounds. These fish, distinct from the smaller specimens found elsewhere in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas, captured the imagination of anglers worldwide. The period became known for its prolific fishing and record-breaking achievements, creating unforgettable memories for those involved.

However, the idyllic period came to an abrupt halt in 2010 when a severe cold front devastated the local fish populations, including the prized bonefish, snook, and tarpon. This event marked a tragic turning point, signaling the end of an era of abundant fishing and record-breaking catches.

In today's podcast with Bert, his life story unfolds against the backdrop of these legendary fish and his enduring friendships in the Keys. His experiences are a testament to the rich history of sportfishing in the Florida Keys and the enduring allure of pursuing these iconic fish species.

Episode 117: Capt Aaron Snell - Out of the Box

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Capt. Aaron Snell embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation in fly fishing as well as conventional fishing. With a soft-spoken demeanor that belies his deep knowledge of the waters around Key West, Florida, Aaron is renowned for his unconventional approach and keen intellect on the water.

Born and raised in the heart of Florida's fishing country, Aaron's passion for fly fishing was sparked at a young age. Over the years, he has honed his skills to become not only a respected guide but also a tournament winning guide. He and angler, Nathaniel Linville, won the 2014 Del Brown Permit Tournament. His peers hold him in high regard for his ability to consistently deliver results in both familiar and uncharted waters.

What sets Aaron apart is his penchant for thinking outside the box. While many guides stick to proven spots, Aaron thrives on the challenge of discovering new fishing grounds. He prefers to roll the dice and explore uncharted territories, confident in his ability to find fish where others might not think to look. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, Aaron's patient guidance and intuitive understanding of fish behavior ensure an unforgettable day on the water. His dedication to his craft and his genuine love for sharing the thrill of fly fishing with others make him a cherished figure in the angling community.

For Captain Aaron Snell, fly fishing isn't just a job; it's a way of life—one that he continues to pursue with unwavering passion and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the flats of Key West.

Episode 116: Capt. Drew Moret - Tarpon Year-round

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Drew Moret is a highly acclaimed skiff guide and the son of fishing legend, Sandy Moret. You can only imagine his childhood growing up with that DNA in the Sport Fishing Capital of the world, Islamorada, Florida. Sandy’s friends are the who’s who in the flats fishing game; Steve Huff, Flip Pallot, Chico Fernandez, Stu Apte, Billy Knowles, and many others. The inspiration to be somebody in fishing was everywhere you looked. All the kids of that generation became great fishermen and if you loved to fish, guiding was the door to financial security. Drew took to tarpon in a big way. The bonefishing was off the charts during these formative years, but Drew became a backcountry genius knowing when and where these silver kings would be, showing their voracious bite to a well placed fly. Regardless of the time of year or the weather, he’ll be looking for the poon and most likely he’ll find them. He prides himself on fishing for tarpon year round, although he can do it all. From cobia fishing on the wrecks, to tailing redfish and sunning snook. On todays podcast, we cover a number of adventures from the life of a Megalops addict!

Episode 115: Thane Morgan - One of the Greatest Tarpon Fly Anglers

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Thane Morgan has earned the right to be called one of the greatest tarpon fly anglers of our time. Although, no one wins alone, ever. Thane Morgan and his guide, Dustin Huff, have been a highly successful team in pursuit of a 4 pound world record tarpon and winning the biggest tarpon tournaments in the world. They won the Gold Cup twice and set a tournament record in one of their three Don Hawley wins, 27 tarpon in five days - a record which may never be beat! Just like their 119 pound tarpon on 4 pound test…

On todays podcast, Thane tells the stories of their legendary fish fights that are as riveting as any fishing story you will ever hear, period. Thane also talks about the many commitments and sacrifices made to win at this level. Also, how they, along with Chittum Skiffs, designed the most incredible tournament boat ever built - an 80 mile an hour “widow maker!” A pole-able 21 foot all carbon fiber boat with a 300 Mercury race engine!

Everyday when these guys are on the water they are refining everything they touch and see; from their flies, rods, reels and boats, they are asking, demanding “How can this be better to catch more fish?”

It’s the mind set of guys like Thane and Dustin that’ve raised the bar in saltwater fly fishing. Those questions asked and answered are essential in perfecting the imperfect to win at the highest level. And today it’s Thane’s story all the way…

Episode 114: Jake Jordan - Tarpon & Billfish on Fly

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Jake Jordan is a legendary figure in the blue water world. He is neither humble nor reserved when he speaks about his exploits over his six plus decades of catching tarpon, marlin and sailfish; we’re talking incredible numbers here. He prides himself with a technique he refined that has proven itself to many anglers that chase billfish. He’s not a record chaser, he is a numbers man. How do you document 10,000 sailfish he said he’s caught? For tarpon, he fishes at night under bridges in the lower keys. April and May, during a certain night time tide is when these fish let their guard down and catching a tarpon is almost a given. There’s no poling under a high sun, seeing fish swim down the flat here. But being 80+ years old it’s all but impossible for him to do the daytime game anymore. You got to hand it to him, he’s still out there getting it done!

Jake is a kind man. I’ve known him for years and see him at the trade shows. When asked, he said he'd like to be remembered mostly as an innovator, teacher and mentor. He’s been honored with the Chester H. Wolf outstanding Sportsmanship Award by the IGFA in 2022, and was inducted into the Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Fame in 2023. Thanks for coming on, Jake...

Episode 113: Dr. Fred Troxel - Dentist, Artist, & Fanatic Fisherman

Wed, 22 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

On board for this podcast, is a man that has lived fully in many forms; dentist, angler, artist, and as a free spirit that many only dream of doing successfully. Yes, Fred Troxel has excelled profoundly at all of these. Many know him as a highly professional dentist that has worked bare footed for years. Oxymoron? No, because working close to Key West where the liberty to live your life in whatever form works. He has won three All Tackle World Championship Bonefish Tournaments. All of them with the two greats: Harry Speer (1) and Michael Guerin (2). Troxel is also close with many famous writers/fishermen who used to skirt over to the Bahamas where the bonefish were as plentiful as the conversations were vibrant with intellect, nonsense, and always humorous… In this podcast, we talk about his love for hunting big bonefish, his spectacular road kill art, passion for his friends, and his excursions to Burning Man.

Today we get a taste of it all! Thanks for coming on, Fred!

Episode 112: Capt. Andy Thompson - The Sheriff

Wed, 08 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Capt. Andy Thompson is, in my book, one of the greatest people you’ll ever have the pleasure of knowing, both on and off the water. He’s soft spoken, but his words carry incredible weight. Why?Because he’s truthful, genuine, and his integrity is gold! He’s also one of the greatest guides in the game. Andy grew up in Miami and at a very young age gravitated to fishing and never looked back. He refined his craft and eventually started fishing against the best in the world, in the biggest tarpon tournaments. He and his angler Mark Weeks won the Don Hawley twice, cementing their names in the history books.

Thompson's knowledge is also incredibly vast. He can confidently fish from Chokoloskee to the Marquesas and when the fall arrives, he’ll head west to Louisiana where the monster redfish cruise the shorelines. Nicky and I have had some of our best days there with him, where our minds were blown apart by what he knows and what we caught. Andy also loves to hunt - turkeys, waterfowl, deer and elk. Yes, he’s an extraordinary outdoorsman, but he’s even better as a father, husband, and unwavering friend!

Episode 111: Capt. Al Dopirak - Homosassa's Greatest

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Capt. Al Dopirak is arguably the best fishing guide to ever chase world record tarpon! He and Tom Evans have put more big tarpon in their boat than anyone. Records are meant to be broken but their 194.5 lb tarpon on 12 pound test is beyond imagination, well mine anyway! They also caught a 190.5 lb tarpon on 16 pound test that broke Billy Pate’s 188 lb record that stood for 25 plus years. Tom Evans has been inducted into the IGFA Hall of Fame, and a very large part of that success story, unquestionably, has to do with Al Dopirak. Tom said, “Al is the greatest. I fished with Al for 42-43 years. Best tarpon fisherman I ever fished with. And as a person - Just the tops!”

Dopirak is much more than a great fisherman, he is a loyal, loving husband, father and friend. When Evans ended up in the hospital while fishing with Al in 2022, Dopirak stayed with Tom 7 hours a day, never leaving his side. Al’s wife, Penny, and son, Brian, are his pride and Joy. I’ve been around this game along time and I can honestly say that you can put Al’s name on that very short list of, “legendary guides."

Episode 110: Capt. Butch Constable - Jupiter's Finest

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

I have fished with many superstar guides throughout my career. Many were on my hit list for years before seeing that day on their bow, but there was one whose boat I never made it on and he was as famous as anyone, Butch Constable! Butch doesn’t just fish his water around Jupiter, he plays it like Hendrix did with his guitar. Inside and out he knows the timing of the fish that migrate through there as well as those that live there. I guess and presume he loves snook more that anything because is email has the word snook in it, but don’t let that fool all you other fish, because if his eyes hit yours, your dead meat! Top water or on the bottom he covers the water column like no other. Offshore sailfish to inlet snook, he knows the game and is the best at it. Butch also helped pioneer bilge pump live wells, offshore live chumming, and Jupiters’ tarpon and snook fishery.

He’s also a great fly fisherman. Trust me, Butch Constable is a master at everything fishing! Another great guide, Scott Hamilton said, “Butch is one of the most talented and intuitive guides I’ve ever met. His feel for the environment would justify him having gills!” And the best yet, he’s one of the most humble, kind men I know!

Episode 109: Rachel Finn - the Artist

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Rachel Finn is a fearless, free spirit that everyone loves. After attending Yale University in graduate school, she followed her heart and began guiding up in the Adirondacks some 30 years ago. Rachel is also a wonderful artist, friend, and inspiration to never grow up and never stop chasing your passions.

Finn is a well-known presence in the Adirondack guide scene throughout the fishing season. Serving as the head guide at the Hungry Trout Fly Shop in Wilmington, New York, she accompanies clients on expeditions across the numerous rivers, streams, and ponds nestled within the breathtaking mountains. Additionally, for many years during July and August, Rachel lead summer float trips in Alaska. She holds positions as a pro staff member for Scott Fly Rods, Airflow, and Nautilus Reels, while also being enlisted by Patagonia as one of their fly fishing ambassadors. Finn also is an ambassador and hosts a couple trips a year for SET Fly Fishing in Argentina. Her expertise has been showcased on ESPN's Great Outdoor Games and the Outdoor Life Network's Fly Fishing Masters.

Episode 108: Bob Popovics - North East Royalty

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

As a 21 year old Vietnam veteran, Bob Popovics gravitated to fly fishing for striped bass and the people who chased them from shore. These guys became his family and the collective passion became a maelstrom for the north east striper fishermen. The power behind this fish was real and in 1965 a fishing club called the Salt Water Fly Rodders of America was formed. They exchanged information, established the criteria for world record catches (which would be handed over to the IGFA in 1978) and had chapters throughout the country extending to California and Australia. The chapters ran out of steam in 1977, but was revitalized in 1987. It was then that Popovics started weekly meetings and fly tying sessions at his house. Upstairs in a small room 50 fly fishermen would crowd over Bob’s fly tying vise and the creativity exploded. Lefty Kreh called Popovics the greatest fly tier of all time! Bob’s imagination was vibrant, and his designs became the flies of choice for the variety of fish caught in the North East surf.

His two books, Pop Fleyes and Fleye Design are a confirmation that Lefty’s statement was spot on and many felt the same. Above all, it's Bob’s heart, personality, and love for his fellow anglers will stand the test of time!! He is beloved by all…. And one more thing, Lefty’s last wish to Bob was, “Help preserve the history of salt water fly fishing!” With this interview and what Popovics has saved, I know Lefty would be very proud of his brother, “Bobby."

Episode 107: Capt. Sarah Gardner - "Fly Girl"

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Capt. Sarah Gardner has been a full time fishing guide for over 27 years. Along with her husband, Capt. Brian Horsley, they are the go to guides for fly fishing in the area surrounding Outer Banks, NC. Sarah & Brian both run 23 foot Jones Brother boats and target Cobia, Redfish, False Albacore, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, & Sharks on the fly.

After getting her Bachelor’s degree in Illustration from Moore College of Art in 1987, Sarah worked in advertising for several years, but she never felt comfortable working inside. To be around other like-minded people and earn extra money, she took an evening sales position at Anglers Sport Center, a big outfitter in Maryland. Shortly thereafter, out of the blue, the legendary Lefty Kreh called and would eventually take her under his wing and help her flourish into the great writer and spokesperson she is today. Years later, Lefty was the photographer at Sarah & Brian’s wedding and their relationship continued until his passing a couple of years ago.

Sarah is known by her peers as being a hardy, tough, badass of a human whether on the water, in the woods, or competing in Ironman races. Not only is she “fishy” on the boat but her love for teaching and educating is extremely inspiring. As people look up to Joan Wulff and Kathy Beck, many view Sarah as a role model and shining example on how hard work, dedication, and chasing your passions can lead to a extremely fulfilling life.

Thanks for coming on the podcast, Sarah!

Episode 106: George Sawley - The Wild One

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Having growing up in Marathon, Florida with the Gulf Stream at his front door and world class flats everywhere he looked, George's playground was a fisherman's dream. It was the ultimate adventure park he’d take full advantage of. His bus ride to school had other kids that loved to fish, too, like Dustin and Chad Huff. They would all become world class at their craft. Sawley dreamed of being a guide and started to fish the bridges at night for tarpon. He began poling locals around at 17, and would mate on a charter boat for a while. George would eventually fish different locations with the legendary "Capt. Hook" (Ron Hamlin) and Benny Spaulding. He’d have his greatest success as a Captain chasing world record marlin with Harry Gray, one the the greatest offshore fly fishers of all time.

Many years later, he began conversations with Hal Chittum regarding a mutual goal of building big offshore boats, which evolved to building Chittum skiffs, the greatest flats boat ever built!

On today's podcast, George Sawley goes deep into his wild life as a mate, captain, and adventurer.

Episode 105: Capt. Nick Stanczyk - Stanz Fishing

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Daytime swordfishing began in Venezuela when Aquiles Garcia and Captain Oscar Benito Marcano used a bag of rocks to get their bait down to where these prized fish swim in extreme depths during daylight hours. In 1997, on the La Guaira bank many Captains started to target these billfish with confidence. It wasn’t refined until two brothers, Richard and Scott Stanczyk started to consistently catch them in the Florida Keys around 2002. But it was Richards son, Nick, that took the swordfish game to new heights catching an estimated 2,000 fish with a personal best of a 757lber.

Nick grew up on the docks in the sport fish capital of the world (Islamorada) and began catching snappers before he could walk. He later attended the University of Miami but always knew he was going to make his living on the water. Nick has gained a massive audience in the last 8 years with social media and marketing himself as the guy that consistently catches broadbill swordfish. Currently he is taking more time off spending time with his family and growing his YouTube and Stanz fishing apparel line. Although, if you want to catch one of these monsters of the deep he still remains one of the top captains in this genre of fishing.

On todays podcast, Nick talks about his family’s relationship with swordfish and his profound legend of catching them...

Episode 104: Mitch Howell - The Gentleman

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Mitch Howell has had a very interesting life on and off the water. At a young age, Howell’s family was failing him so his grandparents took the helm and raised him. His world was coming at him in different directions very quickly. He would eventually find profound joy and success in fishing. It was one of our sport’s great heroes, Flip Pallot, who would be Mitch’s greatest influence and mentor years later.

We have heard numerous stories on this podcast how fishing has saved many of our guests lives, and here, Mitch will document a similar story stemming from a different kind of carnage. Mitch found invigoration with fishing and he eventually carved his way to the podium many of the Florida Keys most prominent tournaments. And, too, Mitch had incredible dexterity. He could do damage with a fly rod as well as a spinning rod or bait caster. Inshore or offshore, he could do it all!

Today, we talk about how tackle shops were the hang out spots of the past, fishing with Mark Krowka, Flip Pallot, & Billy Pate, and how there was no challenge quite like the big bonefish of Islamorada. Thanks for coming on, Mitch!

Episode 103: Capt. Jarad Boshammer - Life of "Dingo"

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

At 41 years of age, Jarad “Dingo” Boshammer, has been fishing the world for a very long time. He’s renowned now for having an acute sense for catching monster snook and tarpon guiding out of his 18 foot Chittum Skiff in Jupiter, Florida. But Florida is a long way from his roots. He was born into a heavy sport fishing family in Queensland, Australia. His Dad, Sid, was a live-aboard Charter Captain, so naturally his son was catching fish at a very, very young age. He loved it! At one time Jarad and his friends had bikes with trailers on them with a number of rods, a live well, and tackle boxes. They’d fish along the shore or catch the ferry to Frasier Island. School was secondary as he knew he was going to be a fisherman. At one point, Dean Butler showed him a photo of a shark ravaged marlin that would impact him greatly. The pectoral fins of this half eaten giant were on the deck and the bill was as tall as Butler. “When I saw that picture, I knew right then and there what I wanted to do with my life - chase dinosaurs!” Soon he was on the high seas. At seventeen he was the #1 deckhand on the boat “Lucky Strike” with Captain John Batterton who would give him the nickname, “Dingo” that would stick.

Over a 20 year span he worked with some of the most famous captains in the game including two IGFA Hall of Fame members, Captain Dean Butler and Captain Laurie Wright. He also learned from the great lure magician in Hawaii, Captain Chip Van Mols. Dingo crewed 15 seasons on the Great Barrier Reef, fished in 20 countries and helped catch 150 fish over 700 pounds and 25 over 1,000 pounds!

Here is Dingo’s incredible life story...

Episode 102: Betsy Bullard - The "Swamp Witch"

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Betsy Bullard has an amazing heart filled with the love of fishing, her friends, and the insatiable desire to save the Everglades. At a very young age, her father helped her catch her first fish that would eventually direct her empowering life in fishing. I first recognized her beauty when she worked many of the Key's Fly Tournaments as a weigh master. Before she found her footing in Islamorada, Fl she owned and operated the Golfito Sailfish Rancho in Costa Rica. But when she experienced sight fishing on the flats in the Florida Keys, she was “Toast."

Betsy ran the Herman Lucerne tournament and also fished in many of the men’s tournaments against some of the best in the game. Her biggest competitive achievement might have been when her and Wesley Locke won the Sail Fly tournament in Guatemala.

Bullard is relentless when it comes to conservation and restoring the Everglades. As an honorary board member of Bonefish Tarpon Trust and a tireless worker for Captains for Clean Water she was one of hundreds that showed up on the Senate floor demanding the destructive SB 2508 bill be vetoed by Governor DeSantis. They were eventually victorious. It takes a real ground force, a movement to do such things and Betsy is always up front leading these all important charges. Betsy Bullard, in our book, is true inspiration!

Episode 101: Capt. Ed Walker - Life On The Gulf of Mexico

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

During the late 80’s, Capt. Ed Walker was one of my first guides in the fabled tarpon grounds of Homosassa where some of the largest megalops in the world were being caught on flies. Eddie, as I called him then, was much younger than I and possessed an innate ability to find and catch fish that many others couldn’t. He was a joy to fish with and we caught some fatties. He was good, very good and his peers recognized his incredible, young talent. Walker would eventually win some of the largest tournaments in Boca Grande, totaling over a half a million dollars in prize money. He was a great innovator and later in his life became very good at catching big grouper and snapper’s on flies. He was thinking differently and his curiosity was not limited to that from the surface of a boat. He started chasing fish underwater with spear guns and became so good at it he won the free diving state championship. Today, we’ll cover his fascinating life in fishing and his desire to give back through conservation and fish management. We hope you enjoy…

Episode 100: Chris Wittman - Captains for Clean Water

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Chris Wittman grew up fishing every second he could. He never thought of becoming a fishing guide until he became one in 2000. This was the same year The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan was signed into law by Governor Jeb Bush and President Clinton, which was a financial engine that was designated to save the Everglades. Invaluable clean water is paramount to insure the future of wildlife, birds and fish, and regain its lost prominence. The Everglades is one of our countries most treasured national parks and was rapidly dying. Over the next sixteen years the war over water was real and the flora and fauna of Florida was losing out to big sugar. In 2016, Lake Okeechobee was overwhelmed with green toxic water and billions of gallons were released into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers emptying into the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. It killed everything living in the water that was exposed to it. Even local riverside communities suffered the effects of the deadly water.

Chris Wittman and Daniel Andrews quit their jobs as fishing guides to build an army to challenge the status quo in Tallahassee and help restore the clean water that was being misappropriated to the sugar industry. Through Chris Wittman, here is the story of Captains for Clean Water.

Episode 99: Kyle Holt - Trout Fishing The Roaring Fork Valley

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Kyle Holt is Taylor Creek Fly Shop’s head guide, whose favorite saying is "Fish Hard and Die Rich.” Having been raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kyle became heavily involved in fishing, hunting, and trapping the "flatlands" surrounding his home. As fortune would have it, Kyle's family decided to take regular vacations to Rocky Mountain National Park where he hooked his first browns, rainbows, and brookies - subsequently becoming hooked himself. In 1983 Kyle packed up all of his worldly possessions (which he relates were few) and moved from the cornfields to the Rockies in pursuit of any trout that would take a fly. Holt has been fishing in the Roaring Fork Valley & Frying Pan River for over 29 years, and is now considered a sub-god by many of his clientele because of his skill and knowledge of the area waters. Many years back, after taking a trip to the Bahamas with a group of clients, Kyle returned to Colorado in a sorry state. He realized his addiction for salt water fly fishing is an itch he can’t get rid of. Fast forward many moons, Kyle has been to Mexico, Belize, the Seychelles, Christmas Island, the Amazon, Costa Rica, Louisiana, and of course the Florida Keys targeting his dream catches on fly.

On today’s podcast, we speak about the state of the fishery in the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan River, the challenges they face, etiquette on the river, and the Guide Alliance that Kyle helped start in 2014. We hope you enjoy.

Episode 98: Dan Lahren - "Dangerous Dan"

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Dan Lahren was born in the great western town of Livingston, Montana in 1955. When he was in 7th grade the local fishing icon, Dan Bailey, gave him a fly rod which cemented his life long love affair with fishing and the local waters around the Yellowstone river. Between the ages of 3 and 10 his family traveled often and he found himself in eleven different schools. At the age of 12, he was living alone in the Murray hotel, downtown Livingston. His parent’s marriage had crashed. The railroad which passed through town was a major station connecting the midwest to the west coast. Naturally there was discord between the railroad kids and the locals, and fighting became common. Dan grew up hard and fast. He spent his early adult life chasing many occupations in the north west, but Livingston was in his DNA and he returned to his roots in 1981. He refined a life of fishing and hunting, cooking became an art form and he gravitated to many well know writers and actors who also found a life in the valley. Among others he eventually became great friends with Jim Harrison and Anthony Bourdain. Their passing hurt deeply, but Dan's stories of them fills him with joy. Lahren is a wealth of knowledge, has a great sense of humor, and has earned a voice to be listened to.

Episode 97: David Denholm - The Brotherhood

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

David Denholm has had a voracious life in big game fishing. It all began when he caught his first Marlin when he was 12 years old. Denholm has traveled the world seeking the largest Swordfish, Marlin and Tuna, and at one time was one of the most prolific anglers in the the fabled Avalon Tuna Club of Santa Catalina Island. He has experienced first hand what many great writers like Zane Grey and Hemingway wrote about, finning swordfish and giant bluefins over the white sand in the Bahamas. He’s caught 12 fish over a thousand pounds! He’s fished with all the greats in the the game starting at the top with Peter Wright. The Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, Tahiti, Africa, Mexico, Azores, Venezuela, wherever the great legendary fish swam, David has fished there many times.

We hope you enjoy this incredible man's story!

Episode 96: Steve Herter - The Purist

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Steve Herter is one of the most passionate people I’ve ever meet. Humorous, smart, adventurous, ingenious… Herter checks all the boxes. I’ve been in the elk woods with him and watched him empty the Yampa river with flies only Steve could design and tie. He is world class with everything he engages with. He has led one of the most varied and successful lives of an outdoorsman I know. Aside from developing three of the top ten lodges in North America from the ground up; Elk Trout Lodge, Elk Creek Lodge and Seven Lakes Lodge, he was instrumental in positioning lodge projects in Patagonia and Argentina. He also worked with Orvis Fly Fishing schools and product development with Flies.

Steve designed and helped stream improvement projects, one on the White River and Storm Mountain Ranch in Steamboat Springs, CO. He also spent a great part of his life chasing rooster fish on the beaches of Mexico, but what sets Herter apart from all others is his world class ability to design and tie incredibly small trout flies; midges. No hopper dropper, no nymphs, nothing will ever be tied on his leader he can’t see floating. But it’s not just dry fly fishing, it's midge fishing. Flies so small you have to tie them with microscopes.This is an art form, and Steve is a master at it.

Also, he’s had hard luck with his health and most recently a stroke…. in spite of it all, he has remained as vibrant as anyone I know!

On today's podcast we dive into the incredible life of an old friend. We hope you enjoy!

Episode 95: Capt. Conway Bowman - Makos on Fly

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Conway Bowman is known for many things, but for me he’s defined by passion. He’s crazy about his two boys, Max and Jackson, and his wife Michelle, who give him the base to seek out and pursue the unknown. He’s a fish hunter, and a good one that many people are aware of, specifically pioneering Mako shark fishing on fly in San Diego, minutes from his home. Adventure has no limits, and when discussing Bowman the conversation will take you deep into a fishing life well traveled. As host of three award winning TV shows he has traveled the world extensively catching fish few have ever heard of. But it'll always be the massive Mako’s that he’ll remain famous for. On today’s podcast, Conway talks about how and why his name has become synonymous with one of the fiercest, most exciting sharks that’ll stretch your fly line to its breaking point...

Episode 94: Dr. Ross Boucek - The Mad Fish Scientist

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

It’s all Tom McGuane’s fault… He’s the culprit who gave Robert Redford the book! Redford loved it, and his film, “A River Runs Through It” indelibly changed everything about fly fishing. Most offensive has been the amount of people around the world we’re now seeing on every body of water. Good for them, actually. Fishing is one of the most important, life changing things we could ever allocate a great amount of our lives to. The down side is the pressure on the fishery, whether it be saltwater speedsters or critters in the fresh.

On today's podcast, we visit with Bonefish Tarpon Trust's scientist, Dr. Ross Boucek who is the Florida Keys Initiative Manager studying the spectrum of elements that constitute a healthy resource. Ross is a second-generation South Floridian. He grew up fishing for tarpon and snook out of Everglades City. Ross earned his Masters and Doctoral degrees at Florida International University, studying how weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and extreme cold events, impact sport-fishes in Florida Bay and Everglades National Park. After his schooling, he worked for Florida Fish and Wild Conservation Commission, researching fish movements and migrations, and applying that information to conservation actions. Now based in Marathon, Ross spends most of his time in the Keys, either conducting BTT science, or working with anglers, and management agencies to turn BTT science into meaningful management and regulatory changes that improve our Keys fishery.

When you listen to Ross, he defines all the issues and concerns with incredible knowledge, insight and clarity.

Episode 93: Capt. Brandon Cyr - 4th Generation Conch

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Similar to many of our guests, Capt. Brandon Cyr is not only engaging and kind, he’s a giant of canny fisherman. And what does that exactly mean?Well, it means you know a fish's next move before it does. You know where you have to be 10 miles away with the perfect tide building in an hour. You can only understand these moves after you’ve dedicated your entire life to catching these particular fish of Brandon’s passions, tarpon, bonefish and permit. Being a fourth generation Conch helps, but that’s only half of it. Cyr then dedicated a large part of his life on the water to owning the big prizes: tournament wins and world records, which is what you need to do to become a “name," on this particular stage. When you hear “Brandon Cyr” you think of a man whose boat you want to be on. And after winning the Del Brown and the IGFA permit tournaments with Mike Ward and catching two world records with Kat Linville, you have the power to back up your image!

On today's podcast Brandon speaks about his incredible dedication to winning…

Episode 92: Capt. Richard Black - Blackfly Charters

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Richard Black is that man that came a long as a young kid and changed what fishing greatness looked like. At 17, while still in school studying for his degree in marine biology, he had his captains license and was already out-fishing most of the seasoned professionals. His wow factor was real. Richard refined his craft at a blistering speed. His fishing dexterity became legendary; he could fish the gulf stream and the reef as well as the the flats around his home near Islamorada. He is proficient from Chokoloskee to Key West, Miami to the Bahamas. It wasn’t uncommon for him to catch a number of Sailfish in the morning, run home, change boats and go release a number of redfish, snook and bonefish in the same day. Any tournament Richard Black is in, it’s a given he’ll be there at the buzzer.

Richard's wife, Brooke Denkert, daughter of well known guide Dave, is a marine biologist as well. The whole family has fishing and water in their DNA. His home is filled with highly sought after tournament wins and most importantly, he’s an incredibly nice guy…. You’ll love this kid!!

Episode 91: Jay Grant - The Greatest Permit Fisherman You've Never Heard Of

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The greatest permit fisherman could possibly be a man you’ve never heard of. He’s a man that has caught over 260 permit by himself either out of his kayak or wading. Jay Grant never had the funds to hire guides or mentors. He dissected the tides and popular permit flats from Key Largo to the distant flats west of Key West all on his own. He has struggled much of his life with alcohol and drugs and even spent some time incarcerated. There, he learned how to wood work which gave him some money in his pocket and a chance to get ahead. He’s lived out of his truck for years and now a sailboat near Key West. On today’s podcast, Jay reveals many things he rarely speaks about….. We hope you enjoy!

Episode 90: Capt. Ian Slater - Determined to Win

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Ian Slater is one of the most likable people you’ll ever meet. He grew up with a massive desire to win at whatever he pursued. His busy life eventually filtered down to hockey and fishing. It was an equal balance until his college years when he gave hockey everything, and a few years later a professional career became a reality.

While playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs farm team he sustained a bad injury. When he was recuperating, he decided he wanted to reinvent himself and pursue a life in the Keys where his dream fish lived.

He was soon working at a fly shop, the Angling Company, and guiding the nearby flats of Key West. With his incredible work ethic he rapidly became one of the most successful permit guides. He soon moved his crosshairs to the tarpon game with great friend, Nathaniel Linville. Without a win, yet always in the top 4 placements, they have become one of the powerhouses of the tarpon tour.

Today we talk about the nuances of chasing a dream….We hope you enjoy!

Episode 89: Capt. Albert Ponzoa - Under the Radar

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In 1959 when Castro was on the eve of taking over Batista and the future of Cuba was unknown, Florida’s fishing intelligence would soon hit pay dirt. Over the next six decades many of our premier guides, anglers and commercial fishermen were descendants of the mass exodus from that small Island only ninety miles from Key West, including our guest today, Albert Ponzoa.

Albert was born later in Miami in 1962. He was the only male in the family, but as he says his two sisters have his fishing DNA. His 95 year young dad, Lucas, used to motor his panga right down the Marathon flats and drop anchor where ever he wished. We knew who he was and where he came from. We loved it!

His son, Lucas Jr. has followed Albert’s love into the blue water of the gulf stream as an offshore guide, commercial lobster diver and supplies the locals charter boats with pilchards. Fishing and love of the ocean makes this family whole….

I’ve known Albert for many years, but more so of his reputation as a stellar, fishing wizard. When his peers spoke about him it was always with great admiration and respect. He was always pushing and running his skiff further than others with profound success. He never pursued the tournament strife, but if he would’ve, the names on the bling would be different today.

He has been a successful commercial fisherman as well as a traditional guide, making his fishing dexterity most interesting. Albert played an important role in how we tarpon fish today through the precise techniques used with worm flies. His concerns for conservation and what he’s seen and knows has to be heard.

On today's podcast we cover a fishing spectrum very few in the lower Keys have ever seen!

Episode 88: Carl Hiaasen - The Wordsmith

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In 1953, Carl Hiaasen was born in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. A period of time when kids could hang out in wooded areas chasing things that kids chase. Many days were spent on bikes with fishing rods, well before the boom of growth. Their fun house would soon be transformed into parking lots and buildings, a solid reason for his irreverent thoughts. He and his best friend, Bob Branham, soon learned how to navigate around Biscayne Bay chasing their beloved bonefish. “Carl always wrote," said Bob, and would test those waters with a newsletter in school. His classmates liked it and the fire was lit. Throughout his career he became a prolific author and journalist. With thirty one books and forty six years at the Miami Herald, he’d see it all as a writer. He’d amass numerous awards for both skills sets. Two of his books, Hoot and Strip Tease, became movies and Bad Monkey is now being adapted into a series for Apple TV.

When I asked the great Tom McGuane to speak of Carl’s work he said, "Carl Hiaasen is a great American writer, a comic genius and fearless journalist. He has made South Florida a world map of human folly, malicious schemes and indifference to the common good. In his novels there’s usually a decent survivor of this milieu to remind us that it doesn’t have to be this way, that there is hope, and that constant vigilance against the insane and corrupt is an indispensable tool for life in America.”

Carl grew up fishing as often as he could, usually with his good friend Bob Branham. They both became two of some of the best bone fishermen in the Keys. Carl has won probably the most prestigious bonefish fly tournament in the world, “The Fall Fly," six times, and won the Bonefish All Tackle Tournament four times with good friend and guide, Capt. Tim Klein.

The trump card is that Carl Hiaasen is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet! We hope you enjoy this remarkable man’s story...

Episode 87: Capt. Steve Kilpatrick - The Holy Grail

Mon, 22 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Captain Steve Kilpatrick grew up with a cane pole and a .22… Hunting and fishing has always been his life. I first meet this likable man in the late 80’s when I was fishing the fabled flats of Homosassa. He has always been impressively kind, and when I called to talk to him about the day he and his angler Jim Holland jr. caught the 202.8 pound world record behemoth, he was really excited about hosting us in his home. Remember this is an important fish. This fish is the greatest tarpon ever caught on a fly rod because its the only fish over 200 pounds, The Holy Grail! They caught the fish everyone had been chasing for decades.

We arrived at his home in Chiefland, Florida on a beautiful, open 10 acre parcel with large live Oaks with hanging Spanish moss on many. His home is filled with stunning furniture that he’s made; dressers, drawers, beds, tables. All made by a true craftsman. He works on all the equipment in the yard and many of his friend’s boats are rigged by Steve, the Fixer!

Over the next few days he and his wife Peggy made sure that we’d leave there like family members. But it would all be about the story of a big fish caught by a legendary guide and a young angler.

Episode 86: Capt. Ryan Nitz - Snook, Osceolas, & Cubera Snapper

Fri, 12 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Episode 85: Capt. Ray Rosher - Sailfish, Marlin, & Tuna

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

I am always intrigued by the big blue water world and pelagic species that swim there and perhaps it’s because I am not an avid offshore guy. Sure, I know about the standard tactics, rigging, and the general vicinity on where to fish, but when you speak to someone as in tune as Ray is - the typical fish talk quickly escalates to something much more fascinating. On today’s podcast, Ray conducts a master class on very interesting topics from bait handling to hook up ratios and everything in between.

If you live in South Florida and enjoy offshore fishing, there is a good chance you have heard of Capt. Ray Rosher. Ray is a third generation Miami Fisherman that has spent more than 40 years as a full time fishing charter captain. He and his crew have attained more than 30 tournament wins and continue to be a leading force in the sailfish circuit. Rosher operates out of the famous “Miss Britt I” & “Miss Britt II” which are 34 and 43 foot Sportfishers. He also owns R & R Tackle which is a manufacturer of quality saltwater fishing products including bait rigs, jigs, mahi lures, wahoo lures, deep drop rigs, bait pens, and dehookers. With all of his accomplishments on and off the water, he will be recognized by the IGFA in October to receive the Tommy Gifford Award cementing him into the Captains and Crew Hall of Fame.

When he is not on the water fishing, he loves spending quality time with his family. Hunting, air boating, and frogging are among his other passions because of the tranquilly and solitude. Ray is a straight shooter who has no ego and tells it how it is. He is a wonderful teacher, captain, leader, and a better family man. We hope you all enjoy his story…

Episode 84: Lloyd Wruble - Gatekeeper of the Glades

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Dr. Lloyd Wruble is a successful, retired oral and facial surgeon by trade, and one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. He’s a soft spoken man with a passion for fishing, not just fishing, but backcountry, Everglades fishing in South Florida. He has fished the nooks and crannies of the Everglades for decades. It’s a labyrinthine waterway of creeks, black mangroves, bays, cypress trees, pines and sable palms that weave in and out and around forever and ever. Inside its world of salt and brackish water swim snook, redfish, tarpon, bass and a multitude of other species. It’s beautiful and pristine, a sacred sanctuary! This is where Lloyd has given his soul. His relationship with the glades was initially cemented with the late pioneer, Herman Lucerne. He took Wruble deeper into the unknown and became Lloyd’s mentor and great friend. Herman showed him this remote country like only Herman could, as he knew it better than anyone else...

When Herman died in hurricane Andrew, Lloyd was crushed. He’d lost a brother, then devoted much of his time to preserving the life that Herman lived.

On today’s podcast, Lloyd Wruble speaks of many things few people has ever seen or know about.

Episode 83: Bill Bishop - Dream Chaser

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Bill Bishop grew up the way we wished we all could, in the woods surrounded by nature, with a supporting, loving family. Over the course of his life, Turkeys and Tarpon would became paramount for his adventurous heart. His father had a lease where family and friends hunted deer and gobblers. At a young age it was soon obvious, Bill was born a hunter & gatherer at heart. He learned how to speak to the birds like no one else. Bishop was extremely gifted with everything he touched. Not too long ago, Flip told me that he was the most talented person he’s ever met. He’s an artist, angler, business man, author, and "that guy" that can fix anything or build anything like his own boat, which he did. The very first fish artwork that I bought was a tarpon, that Bill had painted...

Yes, he paints beautifully. His three books are from his deep-rooted life in the woods and on the ocean; High Rollers, Double Haul, and Cracker Jack. These tales take you on a wonderful ride with all images drawn by our guest today. But, with his grandchildren calling him, “Poon," it's evident that chasing Megalops was his favorite quest.

Bill Bishop is 75 years old with the energy of a young deer. On todays podcast, he lets us into his extraordinary journey which gets better after surviving a heart attack...

Episode 82: Huey Lewis - The Heart of Rock & Roll

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Huey Anthony Cregg hit it big in the early 80’s with his band named "Huey Lewis and The News." Many of their songs went large on the Billboard hits, but you can’t get any bigger than the bands #1, Grammy winning song, "The Heart of Rock and Roll!” In 1984, his “Sports” album was a number one seller, a year when Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson and Prince were all over the airwaves and MTV was in its prime.

Huey is 72 now - He was traveling, singing, and performing 75 shows a year until 2018 when Meniere's Disease stole his hearing in a matter of seconds at an event in Dallas. It was lost for good. Gone was the music, but also too was the greatness of sound itself. Hearing loss became a war he’ll most likely wage for the rest of his life. Today's podcast is a human interest story that not only shares Huey’s life in music but the great evolution of music in America. How Jazz, the blues and rock evolved profoundly through legendary black singer-songwriters like Chuck Berry. But, more importantly, we understand how fishing has kept this music giant in the game of life now that he can no longer perform.

Episode 81: Capt. Frank Davis - Boca Grande Pass

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Few have seen the evolution of tarpon fishing in the famous Boca Grande Pass as Frank Davis. In the early 1960’s, his family moved there and as far back as he can remember his Dad used to take him tarpon fishing. Pass fishing for tarpon began in the late 1880’s and by 1910 Boca Grande was booming. Over the next hundred and thirteen years Presidents, athletes, and movie stars were there to capture this prized fish and a photograph of a dead tarpon hanging next to them.

In his teenage years, Frank worked on a harbor pilot boat, eventually becoming a mate on a 60 foot Hatteras. At age twenty five, he captained a boat that won his first marlin tournament - cashing in a hundred thousand dollars. But his heart was alway with the fish that swam in the pass where he caught his first silver king. Thirty six years ago he started guiding his home waters and has witnessed first hand the abuse by fishermen there by poor etiquette, pressure, snagging, tournaments, and greed. He championed the ban of jig fishing and the deadly Professional Tarpon Tournament Series.

Frank Davis is now regarded as the voice of reason for fishing the fabled waters of Boca Grande.

Episode 80: Capt. Benny Blanco - Shifting Baselines

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Benny Blanco is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, but under his skin, his blood runs hot. In 2015, his life pivoted becoming a devout conservationists after Florida Bay lost over fifty thousand acres of his favorite fishing grounds. These grass flats were decimated by a large algae bloom cause by poor water quality and lack of fresh water. Joined at the hip with Captains for Clean Water, Blanco has been hand in hand with fellow guides and anglers alike on the footsteps of Tallahassee demanding change. The decimation over the years hasn’t just been in Florida Bay but throughout Florida (Indian River Lagoon, Mosquito Lagoon, Everglades National Park, Caloosahatchee River, etc..). The main culprit was the lack of fresh water as it travels south through the Everglades. 2022 was a critical year when a passed Bill (2508) was on the desk of Governor DeSantis for a possible veto which was successfully executed. Those waning hours were critical. Captains for Clean Water and Benny’s army were called upon and the “Rally in Tally” was a power play demanding to be heard, and they were.

Benny Blanco has been a sought after fishing guide for over two decades. But his popular fishing show, “Guiding Flow TV” tells the conservation story from the poling platform of his skiff. Saving the Everglades is his most important work, and his voice has become one of the most powerful and respected in demanding Florida Legislature to clean up its act!

Episode 79: George Copeland - Snook Giant

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

At 74 years young, George Copeland still has the fire in his belly to chase the snook tide late into the night. As a young man of 8, he found a passion that would drive him deep into the fishing abyss. On his bike, similar to Steve Huff, he'd race around Ft. Lauderdale looking for snook and tarpon that would regularly be found in Tarpon Bend, New River, and all the canals in the center of a rapidly growing town.

He would soon partner up with buddy, Steve Kantner, and spend much of his time bridge fishing where he also met likeminded snook nut, Tommy Greene. These three would refine snook fishing to a religious art form. People would seek them out, bewildered by the size of their trophy fish. They were renowned and eventually became professionals: Copeland and Greene store owners, Kantner a popular author and guide.

Before settling into what he'd do for the rest of his life, George tried his hand at guiding for tarpon in the Keys. A prized possession was a boat he purchased from Little John Emory a few days before he passed. He fished with Ralph Delph and other legendary guides, and at 32, he purchased the famous T&R Tackle in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Today, 42 years later, he's still outfitting some of the biggest and best offshore boats on the billfish circuit. So as we follow up with the history makers of our sport, we'd be remiss without the "George Copeland Story!"

Episode 78: Ansil Saunders - Bonefish Legend

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

As a fifteen year old tenderfoot building boats, Ansil Saunders would’ve never believed he’d one day become a national hero. Stemmed from Scotland, his extended family of boat builders would eventually build the most sought after bonefish skiffs on an Island in the Bahamas. Five generations later, Bimini’s Saunders was not only working with local wood to build skiffs, but he too started to guide and eventually became legendary by catching the all-tackle world record 16 pound bonefish (which still stands today) with angler, Jerry Lavenstein. But there was a daunting cloud that always bothered him, people treated him differently because of the color of his skin. Bimini’s “Big Game Club” wouldn’t serve black people, and at twenty one years of age he walked in and demanded equality. For forty days he was turned away and on the forty first the tide turned and black men and women were finally welcomed.

Saunders, Nelson Mandela, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. all had the same dream of an equal playing field for the black man. Dr. King went to the Bahamas seeking a peaceful place to write his Nobel Prize acceptance speech. It was Ansil that took Dr. King to Bonefish creek to write his legendary oration. Years later he would return to write his striking sanitation workers speech. Four days later Dr. King was assassinated.

Saunders’ was the Chairman of the Progressive Liberation Party for fourteen years. Bimini declared Independence in 1973. He also started the Boy’s and Girls Club in 1969. His goal was to educate the younger generation so that they too may continue to “Level the Playing field!”

Ansil Saunders is a National Treasure. It was a special honor to get to know him and have him and his son, Tyrone, in my home. And it’s perfect that we bring you his story on Dr. Marin Luther King Jr. Day...

Episode 77: Capt. Russell Kleppinger - The Tarponator

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

At 49 years of age, Russell Kleppinger has found himself as one of the all time greats in the tarpon fishing world. He was consistently catching around a thousand tarpon a year before he stopped counting. Last year in 2022, he caught three fish over 200 pounds. (based on measurements)

Fishing was all he can remember thinking about. When he was five days old, his Dad ran the family to the Bahamas. His Dad was a terrible fisherman who ran aground all the time on the inside flats of Biscayne Bay. Running in the dark with no GPS, he’d find himself high and dry with his 52 foot vessel, and it was during these occasions Russell would catch his first bonefish.

At eighteen, he got his captain's license. For five and a half years he was a mate on the boat, “Big Time” before becoming a captain. He was good in the blue water, but his fishing savvy was refined closer to shore. He became a tarpon wizard no doubt, but is being too good at something bad?

On today's Podcast we talk about how Russell thinks on the water. We examine how he finds and catches the poon like no one else, but as important, we talk about the pressure he’s putting on this valuable resource, shark predation, and the future of our sport.

Episode 76: Capt. Rick Ruoff - The Nineteenth Pole

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Rick Ruoff's infectious personality could calm the roar of a lion. The first time I met this gregarious man, I knew instantly he was my kind of people. I'd see him every morning at the Lorelei restaurant similar to a seawall egret greeting everyone who passes. He's tall and lanky - always sporting a grin under a herculean mustache. Ego and vanity are foreigners to this man's easy going demeanor. He's the type of person who understands the greater aspects of life and how we should all conduct ourselves. Rick is a man younger guides and outdoorsman aspiring to make a living on the water or in the woods should aspire to emulate.

Ruoff has been a fly fishing guide in the Florida Keys since 1970. He was the 19th skiff guide in Islamorada. He was among the early pioneers who refined the art of saltwater fly fishing. He wasn't (and still isn't) comfortable with chasing world records or tournament wins. He is overwhelmed with competition and those who have fished with him know he doesn't need to prove anything to anyone... Rick is one of the greats of our sport! As a marine biologist that has pushed his skiff 16 feet at a time for 50 plus years, it's safe to say this guy has seen a thing or two.

Many also know that Rick flocks to Montana when the summer heat in Florida becomes unbearable. He is an avid trout fisherman and upland bird hunter who can be found sleeping on the river bank or picking vegetables in his garden to accompany the Hungarian Partridge for supper. Rick is an old school, traditionalist - a true classic gentleman in all aspects. It's an honor to know him and a privilege to call him a dear friend.

Episode 75: Tom McGuane - King of Words (Part 2)

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Tom McGuane is a giant among legends across all continents and countries. His boundless heart and endless determination tackled dreams only he could’ve accomplished. Tom’s extraordinary writing is in the record books and for the rest of time he’ll be remember as one of the greats. His literary spectrum includes ten novels, five screen plays, and countless short stories. His work has received a page full of awards culminating with his induction into The American Academy of Arts and Letters. But then there’s the fishing, the hunting, and the HORSES; cutting horses. Tom McGuane is a savant of many talents!

Although he was born in Michigan, his heart ventured west. As a young man he worked on a ranch in Wyoming where he first got his boots dirty. After the success of his book and movie “Sporting Club," he bought a ranch in Montana and property in Key West. His life on a horse became extremely important to him and he became a great “cutter” often beating the best in the world and eventually was inducted into The Cutting Horse Hall of Fame.

But it was in Key West where Tom McGuane caught fire. It was there, when his writing was young and his aspirations were as vibrant as the blistering sun. Literature, fishing, and adventures after dark took on a life of its own. It was there, where of a handful of friends, all writers too, became a brotherhood that challenged life’s offering to its fullest. Jim Harrison, Russell Chatham, Guy De La Valdene, Jimmy Buffett, Hunter S.Thompson, and Kurt Brautigan did what the rest of the world wished they could do. They had more fun than the law allowed and were brilliant with everything they touched. Each would become extremely successful and famous. But as much as anything else, they loved to fish. What most the fishing world doesn’t know is that these guys put Tarpon fishing on the map. And they made a movie about it called, "Tarpon." This production showed what a magnificent, beautiful, ageless fish it is. It loves to eat flies, it’s big and jumps majestically.... It's the most perfect fly rod fish one could ever have the privilege to catch.

As much as Tom McGuane has accomplished, his greatest success is having Laurie Buffett as his wife and their daughter Annie. And fathering two other children, Thomas and Maggie with former wives, Rebecca Crocket and Margot Kidder.

Episode 74: Tom McGuane - King of Words

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Episode 73: Ted Juracsik - "TIBOR"

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Ted Juracsik, the creator of Tibor Reels, has one of the most interesting and inspiring stories I know. As a young Hungarian in Budapest, he was the smartest of his friends. At age 17, he was the youngest Hungarian ever to be awarded Master Papers and went to work in a bicycle factory. Not long after the Hungarian revolution began and was in full swing against the Russians and Soviet Union, Ted escaped to Austria. Leaving his family and his sister behind, the big world of the unknown was before him.

Eventually, he immigrated to the the United States and started a successful tool and dye business. One day in the World Wide Sportsman store, he met Billy Pate who needed a better fly reel to fight the monster Tarpon he was chasing in Homosassa. Ted told him he could design a better reel for him and the rest is history. The Tibor Reel company became the salt water fly reel of choice for all the world record chasers for the next few decades.

On todays podcast, we travel with Ted through his legendary life and the hardships along the way.

Episode 72: Ryan Seiders - The "YETI" Story, Tarpon Fishing, & Hunting Big Whitetails

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Roger Seiders was always building and tinkering with things he thought he could make better. It soon became his motto, “If we can’t find what we want, we make it!” And so he and his two kids did. The father started to build fishing rods but found that the clear coat used to glue the thread cracked when casted. He soon produced his own called “Flex Coat." It worked like a charm and became an instant success.

Ryan and Brother, Roy, jumped in the game head first. Ryan built a fishing rod and company called, "Waterloo Rods," that he would sell after a few years of traveling the trade shows. The two were passionate fisherman and would end up in the Florida Keys standing on makeshift coolers as casting platforms looking for Tarpon. Their minds couldn't let go with how to improve the caved in Igloo they were standing on and in 2006 after diligent research and design, they launched their own cooler, Yeti, and the outdoor world would never be the same.

Over the years we would hang with Ryan and get to know him as he started to compete in The Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament, which he would eventually win with Capt. Rob Fordyce. On today's podcast, he sits with us and talks about his life in a creative family, how his success with Yeti evolved, and the passions he pursues today....

We hope you enjoy...

Episode 71: Bob Clouser - Fly Tying, Smallmouth Bass, & Stories with Lefty

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

I first met Bob Clouser during a trade show in Somerset, New Jersey close to 15 years ago when I first traveled there with Hardy. The industry is small, everyone knows each other in about 10 minutes. But it's people like Bob that give you that special bonus of going to a show. Many of these guys have been in attendance for decades, they’re the foundation of our sport, and Bob was one of my guys.

Clouser has a big, boisterous laugh that is full of love. His heart is with Smallmouth Bass and the Susquehanna river. Always has been and always will be. The Smallmouth Bass was was Lefty’s favorite too.

Bob’s life changed when his father bought him a fly tying vice at a young age, but it was thirty seven years ago when he tied the Clouser Minnow that would be a game changer. It was a baitfish pattern that would catch the largest variety of fish that swim. Lefty said he caught 86 difference kinds of fish with it. Bonefish to billfish this fly is deadly.

Bob has been a guide, tying and casting instructor, author of two books and lecturer. But Bob’s biggest story is one about love, the love of fish and his friends.

We hope you enjoy...

Episode 70: Jose "Pepe" Lopez - 16lb Bonefish, Wind Knots, & Cracked Crabs

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Jose "Pepe" Lopez is a legendary big bonefish catching giant. He learned his craft from many of the old school, iconic guides such as Harry Snow Jr., Billy Knowles and Timmy Carlile. His family, like many other well know angling families (such as Chico Fernandez’s,) left Cuba in 1959 when Castro became the infamous nightmare he evolved to. Pepe was one year old at the time and ten years later his Dad built a house on stilts near mile maker 17.

Sugarloaf and its surrounding water would become his playground. With a 15 foot Mitchel boat he named "REEL THING" and a 40 Evinrude, this young man was destined to become the man to beat in the All Tackle Bonefish Tournaments many years later, which he won five times with the late Capt. Billy Knowles. He also won the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) World Championships and The Redbone Series. No one cares how many times you get second, but there were plenty of those for this driving force of an angler.

All Tackle tournaments are just that. You can use bait, jigs, flies, spinning reels, bait casters and fly rods. To win these things you need to have a vast spectrum of skills as an angler and as a guide. The points per each division vary with the difficulty of options. The biggest bonefish in the world lived in the Florida Keys at one point, and the All Tackle Tournaments caught the largest ones because of the option of bait; crabs and shrimp were the food of choice for these dinosaurs. Yes, they caught large fish on fly and jigs too, but believe me, those monster fourteen and fifteen pound bonefish loved meat!

On today's podcast, we hang with one of the most driven people I know. His business acumen is international, expanding on what his father did for a living which was electrical distribution. It’s hard to believe he’s an introvert when you're around him but he is, and his time whacking trees and pulling weeds in his yard is what he cherishes most. His privacy is his home water now, a self proclaimed loner. The drive down from his main home in Miami is daunting with terrible traffic but his heart is in the Keys, always will be. Unfortunately, his fishing days are all but over.

It’s sad, here’s a man who’s caught over 200 thirteen pound bonefish, won all the great bait tournaments, was raised during the prime decades of the Florida Keys fishery and now at 64, Pepe lives a fishing life through his vivid memory bank filled with stories mostly dreamers see.

He said “When the big bonefish left with the freeze in 2010 my heart went with them!”

Here is Pepe Lopez everybody, one of the greats!

Episode 69: Capt. Mike Holliday - "Mexico Returns"

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Mike Holliday’s spectrum in the fishing realm has been expansive and varied. He graduated with a degree in Marine Science but his adventurous mind pursued many facets, including time as an ocean lifeguard EMT, an extensive writer authoring six books, editor of two magazines and had bylines for ESPN, and The Miami Herald. He also worked as a marketing visionary for two major companies during their infancy, Maverick Boats and Costa Sunglasses, both became giants of our sport. He also authored seven books and was a highly sought after guide for close to 40 years. All along he's watched the slow decline of his beloved resource, which has ultimately lead him to his finest hour as a conservationist. He’s driven to save the habitat and fish he loves so deeply. And his voice has incredible impact, inspiring fellow guides and anglers alike to join his army. Working with Captains For Clean Water, he and many others convinced Tallahassee, lawmakers, and Governor DeSantis to “Kill The Bill 2508” which was a success. Hell Yea!

Holiday doesn’t dabble with anything he puts his mind to. He engages, grows and refines his craft he’s committed himself to. His energy is infectious. I know that whenever i’m going to be in his presence good things happen, just like on this compelling podcast with him.

It’s impossible to dislike the guy, because his attention to you is true to his core.... No bullshit with Mike Holliday. Sure we all like to joke around, but when Mexico is in town, just stand back, watch and

listen, it’s a hell of a ride!

We dare you not to love HIM!

Thanks so much for coming on, Mike!

Episode 68: Capt. Eddie Wightman - The "Loner"

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Eddie Wightman will go down in history as one of the legendary guides of Islamorada, Florida! Pushing his boat for his clients over 300 days a year, he was known as one of the hardest working guides and was an independent man who prided himself on finding his own fish in different locations. When the fleet of boats went one way, Wightman went the other. So much so that Flip Pallot named him “The Loner!”

Wightman took great pride in that name because that’s who Wightman is. His reputation preceded him and many wanted his talents to guide them. Eddie fished with a lot of great anglers, those who chased world records and big tournaments. He saw the halcyon years of the best tarpon hole in the world, Homosassa, and won the biggest tarpon tournament, the Gold Cup, twice.

His voice was heard loud and clear when the push for no kill tournaments was waged. Conservation prevailed, and in 1992 the Gold Cup evolved into a catch and release event. There were others too, pushing for the change, but Eddie was there at the forefront. I fished with and against Eddie, and I must say there were few at the dock that carried a presence like him.

With great respect, we hope you enjoy Mr. Wightman!

Episode 67: Steve Kantner - "The Land Captain"

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Steve Kantner has one of the greatest fishing spirits I know of, and his spectrum of ability on and off the water is legendary. For many decades he’s been known as “The Land Captain”, fishing on foot, out of his car, in the surf, off piers, canal banks and canoes, but sadly the great Captain has been grounded, if you will, because of the debilitating Parkinson’s disease.

Steve is famous in South Florida, and was on my radar well before I produced two television shows with him. The finished product was one of the most popular of the thirteen we delivered to the network that year. He was brilliant, informative, humorous and he was good on his promises. We caught a pile of fish driving around in his land vessel, his car.

He’s been predominantly a writer most his life, and has written for many South Florida fishing publications. He also has a technical background with a degree in science. With all this in his back pocket, he’s authored four books and wrote the history of tarpon chapter for, A Passion for Tarpon.

Steve is a fascinating friend who has always been there for many of us, and it gives me great pleasure to have him on our podcast today...

Episode 66: Capt. Tommy Locke - Passion for the Poon

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000

A cool thirty three some years ago I fished the sacred water of Homosassa, Florida with Tommy Locke. There, I met a young man I’d soon realize was one of the young, passionate guides of those flats. Initially he was just a name, as I was to him, but we fished hard together and I really dug being in Tommy's presence.

We chased the poon in Homo for a few years then I went to the Keys, where I felt I’d see more fish, and have a better chance of upping my game. The poon house is a small house, where everyone knows each other or knows of the others.

Well, Tommy became one of the great guides of Homosassa and Charlotte Harbor, before moving to the Florida Keys. He was hungry for new water and challenges. He started fishing the three big tarpon tournaments including the Gold Cup. But what he found was his deepening love for conservation! The poon would never go away, but he started working closely with Captains for Clean water and Bonefish Tarpon Trust, where in 2019 he was awarded with the Flats Stewardship Award for his passion, enduring commitment, and tireless service in protecting and conserving our flats fishery.

It has been a privilege and an honor to stand on the bow of Tommy Locke’s boat and an even greater one to stand next to him as a friend....

We hope you enjoy the fishing story behind this great man!

Episode 65: Capt. Randy Towe - Multifaceted Fisherman

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0000

At ten years of age, Randy Towe started building a fishing life for himself when his mother wouldn’t buy him a fishing rod, instead she bought him the parts to build one. This became a catalyst for his successful life on the water. Most anglers or guides gravitate to the offshore chase or the skinnier backcountry shallows or the oceanside flats. The latter two being the same.

This is Pandora's box of the Florida Keys. The options are extensive with a plethora of fish to pursue, and Randy wanted it all! The effort to excel at just one kind of fishing takes a lifetime to refine, yet Randy defied the odds and became one of only a few guides to win major offshore tournaments as well as one of the biggest tarpon fly tournaments six times. His offshore prowess was just as impressive, winning major marlin, sailfish, and swordfish tournaments.

Randy’s spectrum of knowledge is mind boggling. Aside from all these great wins he also built his own offshore boat in his backyard. I’ve competed against Randy in many tournaments over the years and must say, he was not only one of the greats, but one of the guys in the room you liked to hang with.

On today's podcast we visit with one of the Florida Keys' greatest fisherman!

We hope you enjoy....

Episode 64: Capt. Paul Dixon - Striper King

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Paul Dixon’s name has preceded his presence for decades, and rightfully so. His life in fishing has had enormous wings, ranging from pioneering the shallow water striped bass fishery with flats skiffs in Montauk and the eastern end of Long Island, to guiding for tarpon in the Florida Keys. He's seen the rise and fall of his beloved stripers and his voice was impactful in their struggle for survival.

(Their recovery has been heavily documented and so many years later, today, the fishery is falling apart, again, due to similar practices that all but destroyed them years ago. “There are none so blind as those who will not see!” I don’t know where that quote came from, but it appropriately fits the greedy whose actions guarantee destruction!)

On today’s podcast, Paul weaves us through his beautiful, tangled life, which has been connected to his fellow man as much as it is to a fish! He has been a modern day pirate, tv show host and guest, shop owner, and more importantly a heartfelt guy who has inspired his fellow guides, anglers and friends into preserving our resource through love, science, and fundraising. No one has done the latter better!

After this podcast was recorded, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust decided it will induct Paul Dixon in the fall of 2022 into their Circle of Honor with the Lefty Kreh Award for his life long efforts in conservation! But, too, what he speaks about today helped cement this well deserved award.

Episode 63: Capt. Scott Collins & David Dalu - The Game Changers

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0000

It’s only fitting that we air this podcast with Dr. David Dalu and Capt. Scott Collins the same week as the 2022 Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament. In 2008, Scott and David won all three major tarpon tournaments; The Gold Cup, The Don Hawley and The Golden Fly. It was the first time anyone had pulled off the triple crown in one year. It was also a confirmation that their wins in the previous year’s Gold Cup and Don Hawley were no fluke. They knew their methodology of catching sensitive ocean side tarpon swimming in clear water was under everyone else’s radar (which would soon be blow wide open). The key elements to this recipe was actually formulated by a few earlier moving parts before it got to Dalu and Collins and because of the significance of their success, history deserves to know how it all unfolded and by whom.

Bring in steelhead/tarpon angler Neil Light, Capt. Albert Ponzoa, inventor Carl Anderson and Key West fireman, Carl Wagner, all adding to the success of what Collins and Dalu perfected. Who knew what and when? And what about all the refined techniques of their little secret that blew the common tarpon techniques deep into the history pages.

With their newfound information, Dalu won five tournaments in three years, and Collins has one of the greatest records of any guide with 8 tarpon wins, 5 permit wins and a bonefish victory in 9 years....

On today's podcast, 14 years after their 2008 sweep, we speak about that magical year, the build up, and the players that participated in how the most current tarpon techniques evolved!

This is the story of one of the greatest tarpon teams in history.

We hope you enjoy!

Episode 62: Howard Croston - World Fly Fishing Champion

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0000

I first met Howard Croston 14 years ago when I was hired by Hardy to help with their salt water rods and reels. Howard was their product developer and designer, and we instantly hit it off. His knowledge and experience in the fresh water world was profound. He’d competed in 16 fresh water World Championships, and was the individual World Champion in 2019 when the English won the Team Championships. Howard had also competed in casting competitions and lectured about the spectrum of his craft.

The Hardy design team was rewarded with immediate success in our quest in the salt. Our very first prototype rod and reel won the biggest tarpon tournament in the world, The Gold Cup, with Thane Morgan and Craig Brewer. With Howard’s tremendous knowledge, and Hardy’s commitment to winning, the victories kept coming and products keep improving. You can find these rods and reels in many of the boats you see on the flats of the Florida Keys and around the world, and in 2021 the top seven placed teams of the Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament were throwing Hardy.

As we celebrate our 150th Anniversary at Hardy, I’m proud to have my friend, Howard Croston, on the podcast today to help us understand the the differences in fishing, casting, and building fly rods & reels.

Episode 61: Darren Clarke - Claret Jug to Permit Freak

Mon, 23 May 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Before I ever met Darren Clarke, I loved him. The big man from Northern Ireland played golf with vibrant passion and his big smile showcased a wonderful demeanor, someone you’d want to share a pint with.

When he was stalking one of his great wins, I leaned in closer. When he won the British open, my heart jumped for joy. When he took down Tiger Woods in the World Match Play, it was incredible. Two of my favorites were in the ropes.

Soon after his wife, Heather, passed, he became a captains pick for the Ryder Cup. He decided his wife would want him to go, and six weeks later he won all three matches for the European team which would go onto win. Instantly he was an International hero. Tears flowed from millions of viewers, mine too.

Then I met him. We played together in a Champions Tour pro am. I couldn’t breath. Soon we were speaking about his insatiable passion for fishing; permit, tarpon... and then it was over, the golfing became secondary that day. He couldn’t retain himself. I realized that fishing was omnipresent in his mindset.

We stayed in contact and I finally summoned the courage to request an interview. Without pause he said he’d love too. At some point, Darren asked about Dustin Huff and his permit prowess. I told Darren all about my good friend and told him I’d ask Dustin to join us.

So there it is, and that’s how the stage was set. We spend the morning hanging out behind the mics and went to the course for afternoon golf.

We hope you enjoy this conversation with my two superstar friends...

I’ll cherish this conversation the rest of my life.

Episode 60: Glenn Flutie - Pursuit of Excellence

Mon, 09 May 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Glenn Flutie is one of our sports greatest fisherman with accolades few have. He won the prestigious Fall Fly Invitational Bonefish tournament when he was 16. His passion for them was relentless and when he found his footing with Tarpon, he became an obsessive predator. He would eventually win an unprecedented five Gold Cup Tarpon tournaments in five years.

He was a prodigy, born with fisherman’s blood. His father was an offshore Captain, but sea sickness kept Glenn in the bonefish’s shallow water. Raised in the fishing capital of the world, Islamorada, he chased fish every day. With a fly rod in his locker for quick access he’d often be found casting to tailing bonefish instead of attending class. His friends, Timmy Klein and Craig Brewer, too were on the water daily and became iconic guides.

On todays podcast, Glenn walks us through a gifted life of living on an island and chasing the greatest game fish in the world, his tarpon mentor Harry Spear, and his methodology on being one of the greatest tarpon anglers of all time.

Episode 59: Gary & Teresa Register - "Red Man"

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Born in Miami in 1935 Gary Register would travel into the keys fishing with his family until he moved there in 1965. It was a small fishing village back then - everyone knew each other. He’d play softball with Eddie Wightman and the young Klein boys.

Clarence Lowe mentored Register and inspired him to be a guide. Clarence showed him the nuances of the profession and eventually Gary became one of the best. He purchased the La Siesta hotel and would spend day and night guiding. He was known to be a hard working guide, and throughout time started to fish with some of the better fly anglers. Many also considered Gary to be a loner, but big hearted nonetheless. He also explains how he wasn’t resentful when others started coming into town to guide, as most of them were “Stuck in the Mud” guides.

He and Jimmy Bell Jr. hoisted the Gold Cup trophy three times. He later was gifted a trip to Alaska by a client and fell in love. Gary would eventually move there to get out of the heat of the Keys and take advantage of the remote serenity. After fishing so hard for so long (35 years), burn out was a real thing.

Gary thinks often of the fishing world he once lived in and misses how it used to be. But, at 87, he’s found new footing and passions in Alaska. He wants to be remembered as a nice man and a wonderful husband!

Episode 58: Capt. David Mangum - Megalops Mania

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0000

David Mangum is unquestionably one of the most highly exposed tarpon guides there is. His early notoriety came with a film shot by Howard films titled “Location X,” located somewhere in the Apalachicola region of the Florida Panhandle. The darker water and monster fish that swim there are much more prone to eat a fly, creating the opportunity for some highly energetic footage. It was an eye opener. Many locals already knew about what was going on in the Panhandle, but now there was a movie. Then in 2017, Yeti produced a short tarpon film, “120 days,” which represented David Mangum’s tarpon season that rocked the house. Shot in black and white, it was electric and it went viral. It’s an incredible look into a sport and a fish we love, and a man that has refined his craft. But the words I heard expressed, and the way he caught his fish raised a red flag that made me take a closer look. I knew our paths had to cross at some point.

Then, I met David in the Florida Keys while we were both filming separate TV shows with Jared Raskob. David was awesome, funny, effervescent and engaging, but I held my questions that I hoped one day would be answered.

On this podcast, we tread into some deeper water with Mangum and talked about some very important topics including: passion, legacy, ethics, and spot ownership. He was articulate about our differences and cared about how he would be heard, everything we’d hoped for!

Thank you so much for coming on, David!

Episode 57: Capt. Tim Klein - Treasures, Tournaments, and Tarpon

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Timmy Klein is a great husband, father, friend and one hell of a fisherman. I’ve been on his boat shooting tv shows and fun fishing, often we hooked so many tarpon we lost count. But it was the bonefish game that elevated his reputation to being second to none. He’s not only won the biggest tournaments, but his domination was such that, most likely, no one will ever match it. He’s won eight fall fly tournaments, three spring fly's, four all tackles and world record bonefish caught on 6,8,12,16 and 20 pound test. He’s won tarpon tournaments too, but it was his bonefish genius that will forever have his name among the greats of this sport.

His father was a commercial diver and his best friend. Growing up, Tim would dive and look for Spanish Galleon treasures with his father offshore of Islamorada. He eventually started to take his boat to school and on slick calm days, he would find himself in the middle of Florida Bay instead of Math class. His desire to explore, and go over the horizon consumed his mind and lead to him making a successful living on the water.

On today's podcast, Timmy covers the spectrum of fish, family, drugs, and flying through the air with a kill gaff in his hands....

Episode 56: Rufus Wakeman - Big Business, Billfish, & Bullsh*t

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Rufus Wakeman has been a friend before I ever met him. His legacy precedes his presence. He's big, boisterous and lovable, with the ability to out fish the best of them. We traveled to the Amazon eons ago and was awarded with a trip of a lifetime accentuated by my new found friend!

His passion for fishing took him around the world and into the fishes' most demanding and far reaching homes. He’s held numerous highly cherished world records including a 57 pound dolphin on 16 pound tippet. He also, with utter amazement, caught 11 billfish species on fly in one year. He was one species short of catching all 12 billfish species in one year! The elusive swordfish denied his grand slam dream. He built the River Palm Cottages and Fish Camp on the Saint Lucie River where his family experienced first hand the despicable Lake Okeechobee algae discharges, which over the years has decimated the river's ability to grow healthy grass essential to holding game fish. He’s given generously to many conservation based organizations and is the President of the Coastal Conservation Association of Martin County, FL.

He is one of the most important people in our sport today and his voice needs to be heard!

We hope you enjoy his riveting story...

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ATTENTION:

SOME OF THE THINGS DISCUSSED IN THIS PODCAST MAY NOT BE ACCURATE AS THIS PODCAST WAS RECORDED ON 2/12/22 AND A LOT HAS CHANGED (IN REGARD TO SB2508) SINCE THIS RECORDING. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE UP TO DATE, REAL FACTS ON THIS ISSUE, PLEASE GO TO: https://captainsforcleanwater.org/

Episode 55: Capt. Dave Denkert - Snook, Redfish, Splash-less Casts

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Born in Illinois in 1955, Dave Denkert had a big life ahead of him in fishing. Two years later, after his family moved to Miami, they found themselves located on the doorstep of some of the greatest fishing on earth. Soft spoken and kind, he eventually found his calling in the backcountry of Florida Bay. His expertise was exposed with his tournament success, highlighted with numerous wins in the Redbone series and a Spring Fly Bonefish invitational. His family too, dove head first into the sport he loved. His wife, Linda, and daughter, Brooke, also found themselves not only passionate, but successful in the tournament fray.

On todays podcast, Dave gets into the details of how his genius was refined, and he doesn’t hold back. When I asked him how he’d like to be known, he said “I like to teach!” With mentors like Chico Fernandez and Stu Apte, he learned well and is respected by all! We hope you enjoy...

Thanks so much for coming on, Dave!

Episode 54: Capt. Carl Ball - AWOL Fishing

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0000

As I stated in the intro to this podcast, Carl Ball has been a true brother for many years. I first got connected with Carl from a fellow guide, John Glorieux, as I was looking for a camera boat operator for my fishing TV show at the time, “Sportsman’s Journal.” Carl and I instantly hit it off, and he was the first to show me how exhilarating tarpon fishing with mullet can be. We would light up a cigar, catch bait in back finger canals, and troll under the metropolitan bridges for the massive silver demons lurking below. The bites were like underwater fireworks that gave me a direct adrenaline rush down my spine. For the next number of years, our friendship tightened and we began poling each other around in the Everglades and the Lower Keys.

Carl Ball was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His passion for fishing came from his grandfather, who was an offshore charter boat captain based out of the Boca Raton/ Fort Lauderdale area in the 1950’s. At the tender age of ten, Carl had an aluminum Jon Boat with a four horse power motor and would explore the canals and waterways in his backyard. He and his buddies would transport their boats on land via shopping carts.

As his fishing prowess inevitably grew, he started mating on offshore boats and eventually got his captains license. For the last twenty years, Carl has been one of the top guides in Fort Lauderdale and Biscayne Bay. I don’t know of anyone who loves to fish more than this guy. Raining, blowing 30mph, cold as Nantucket - Carl is fishing. He lives, sleeps, and breaths fishing. He doesn’t care if it’s a redfish, black tip shark, or permit, his desire just to be out on the water inspires me. He is the epitome of the phrase, “you don’t know unless you go!” We hope you enjoy his story!

Episode 53: Capt. Dan Malzone - Life of "Guido"

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Dan Malzone experienced first hand the halcyon of Homosassa's tarpon fishery when all the big guns were there chasing the holy grail of Tarpon, a 200 pound behemoth. All the players were there: Evans, Apte, Pate, Huff, Dopirak, Delph, Robinson, Chittum, and everyone else who wanted a shot at catching the biggest tarpon on the world.

I showed up in the late 80's when the fish had already been rapidly thinning out. I just wanted to see what all the buzz was about, and hopefully catch some fat fish. Soon, I became friendly with many of the big names I was awestruck by, and one of them was Dan Malzone.

Malzone, like most others was extremely nice. With a big presence and a deep voice, he was respected greatly by all his peers. I soon realized why. He was not only generous but had world class skills on both ends of the boat. With Dr. Pete McGary poling, he caught a 167 pound tarpon on 12 lb test for a new world record. He later guided Dr. Balch to a 179 pound tarpon on 12 lb test pushing that tippet class to a whole new level unimaginable, until Tom Evans shattered it with a 194 pound tarpon.

The world of record chasing back then had such an audience, Sports Illustrated devoted an in-depth article to it. And right in the middle of this historical time, Dan Malzone not only partook, but helped push the boundaries and evolve the sport of fly fishing for tarpon.

Episode 52: Capt. Andrew Bostick - The Gladesmen

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Andrew’s relationship with the Everglades began before his first screams as a baby were heard. Back when the land was free with the long lost term of homesteading, Bostick’s ancestors staked their claim in the Marco Island area in the late 1800’s. Their rugged life simulated the labyrinth waterways of the nearby 10,000 islands, which would eventually become Andrew’s sanctuary and office. Andrew’s dad, Curtis, was a fisherman and introduced his young son to that tug at the end of the string which eventually inspired Andrew to greatness on the ESPN Redfish Tour. He and his two different teammates, Mark Miller and Mark Sepe, were an ominous threat for ten years, winning the overall title once and team of the year three times. They always finished in the top five, ultimately pocketing close to $750,000.

Bostick's demeanor is humble and kind, unlike the inner fire it took to push as hard and fast as he did to win on tour. When I first fished with Andrew I was blown away. Now at 58 years old, I see a man who has refined his craft to an art form.

I’ve fished with guides around the world for 40 years, and I can count on one hand the guides that are comparable to this subtle giant. He’s not only a fishing genius, but his friendship is just as large.

I love this man and I hope you do too...

Episode 51: Harry Spear - The Perfectionist

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000

When I first met Harry Spear I instantly knew I was in the presence of an unusual man. He was affable, wired, and intimidating. His aura exuded a high level of confidence. His legacy had already been established as one of the most successful skiffs guides in the Keys.

Little did I know how deeply he’d impact my life. Our introduction was like most others, a call was made with a little chit chat, ending with a time to meet.

Harry would not only fish me for the next seven years, but push, groom and demand me to evolve to where I couldn’t sleep because of my pursuit to be better. I connected with his way of thinking.

But I was not the only one he inspired to win the big ones as he has a total of 43 wins, including 5 Gold Cup tarpon tournaments, the granddaddy of them all. He won that four times in row with angler Glenn Flutie. He was a tour de force in everything he entered, eventually winning 43 tournaments!

Harry Spear will go down in history as one of the most prominent fishing guides the Keys has ever seen. Anyone who ever stepped onto his boat knew they were with a super power.

I fished three events with him with a win, a second and a fourth. And then he was gone... Was he burned out or what - I wondered? Huff left the Keys too, well before Harry. Then we all heard he was reinventing himself up in the Panhandle of Florida.

Harry is an exceptional adventurer. Never one for complacencies or boredom, he has laser sharp focus with his life’s numerous chapters. On today's podcast we cover this spectrum and his desire for perfection. Enjoy!

Episode 50: Capt. Jeff Legutki - Beach Breaks to Backwater Bays

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0000

At the spry age of fifty, Jeff Legutki is in the prime of his life. Born and raised in Naples, he’s had a prolific life with the water. Prior to his grandfather introducing him to his first fly rod, Jeff was a typical adventurous, Florida kid who surfed the best shore breaks and chased snook and redfish on topwater plugs. His aspirations for both filled his heart. As a young man he followed his dreams aggressively and at one time professional surfing was his goal...

Once he realized that wasn’t realistic he started pushing his skiff deeper into the 10,000 Islands of the surrounding Everglades. The challenge of finding the variety of fish that swam in its shallow water became his true calling. He loved being alone with the elements of hide and seek, surrounded by birds, alligators, mangroves, and when the season was right the large tarpon lying in skinny water.

He excelled at it and became popular with his clients that sang his praises. When the word got out, he became a target for others to see where and how he was fishing. With the growing popularity of the sport and number of new boats on the water the vastness of his domain started to close in on him. So he pushed his limitations harder, diving deeper into the labyrinth of islands and became even better.

Jeff is an inspiration for living life fully. His family is full of love with a beautiful wife and five kids.

At some point we will spend more time with this free spirited surfer who is a superstar fisherman. We can’t wait!

Episode 49: Gordy Hill (part 2) - Fishing's Unsung Hero

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Dr. Gordy Hill is one of the most remarkable men I’ve ever met! He was literally a pioneer in both the medical and fly fishing world. He was the 6th surgeon to perform hip replacements and at one time had done more hip replacement surgeries than anyone. He was nominated for a Nobel prize in medicine when he and Dr. Roger Haugen figured out how to successfully process a patients own blood for an infusion. This was monumental at the time because of the aids crisis.

Gordy was not one of the first, but the first person to run his skiff behind Big Pine. His life in fishing was as large as his medical career. He was a global fisherman who captured a variety of great fish including large swordfish and marlin, and still holds a 15 pound world record bonefish caught in the Bahamas.

Joe Brooks and his father, Pop Hill, were his mentors. His early tackle consisted of silk fly lines and gut leaders. He loved fishing alone and stood on the engine cowling to pole his skiff.

Yes, Dr. Gordy Hill is one of our sports living legends, and at 91, he still has a memory bank sharper than a steak knife! We hope you all enjoy this one!

Episode 48: Fitz Coker - Southern Gentleman

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0000

The venerable Fitz Coker is known as one of Key West’s fondest people. This southern gentleman from South Carolina has always been a keen outdoorsman. As a young man he was always found in the back water creeks catching everything he could out of his skiing water canoe. His curiosity for the flora and fauna during those formative years has evolved as vibrantly as his passion to fish. He was an athlete at heart and wrestled at Princeton University where he studied engineering.

His family’s business had him traveling the world extensively for decades. Reading too, became close to his heart during his boundless journeys. But it was 40 plus years ago when he found himself on the bow of a flats skiff in Key West. Even though Fitz had and enormous life already, this southern point Island and its abundance of fish was an awakening. So much so that Fitz would spent the vast majority of his life down there. He fished often and grew extremely fond of tarpon and his guides that eventually became extremely close family members.

But his finest hour would be with his wife Dotty Ballantyne, who would eventually pursue record fishing. Fitz would be her greatest inspiration. He’d tie the tippets and organize the tackle. He'd be her quarterback as they chased down the incredible numbers.

With always a smile and a sense of humor, here is Fitz Coker.

Episode 47: Scott Hamilton - Offshore Fly Fishing

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0000

When you think of offshore fly fishing in the Palm Beach/Jupiter, Florida area there is one name that stands out - Scott Hamilton. Scott is a true visionary and fishing genius in how he innovated the south east ocean fishery as an exclusive fly fishing captain. He designed his own flies that successfully caught a plethora of blue water fish, and when he got blown out offshore he could move inside and target jacks, tarpon, and snook which he knew well.

Many were amazed how well his spectrum developed. Often he’d out fish the bait captains. I heard of Scott well before I met him and when I did, I couldn’t wait to fish with him. Offshore fishing is something that very much intrigues me, yet have little experience at (maybe because I get sea sick when the conditions are ideal for catching). He mastered his craft quickly and it became a regular occurrence for his anglers to come home with big cobia, kingfish, tuna, and dolphin on the fly.

Scott is a guy who says it how it is. He doesn’t exaggerate and will work extremely hard to make sure his clients have a great experience on the water. In the last couple of years, Scott has been experiencing, like many other guides, the frustration of a declining fishery. We all have to appreciate what we still have, try to save it, and cherish the great moments that are still coming. Thanks so much for coming on and telling your story, Scott….

Episode 46: Mark Sosin - The Professor

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Mark Sosin has experienced a life of giving, determined to teach his viewer how to catch more fish. His avenues were vast and their depths fathomless. He wrote thirty three books, three thousand plus articles, and produced an award winning television show, Mark Sosin’s Saltwater Journal, that spanned 27 years. Offshore, inshore, fly, bait, spin, you name it - he taught it. But was he a great fisherman? Who cares, he was a determined guy that had great intentions and succeeded with his quests.

Mark is the director emeritus of the Billfish foundation and a past president of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Sosin received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Outdoor Writers Association and has been inducted into four Hall of Fames including the Freshwater Hall of Fame and the International Game Fish Hall of Fame.

Flip Pallot said his contribution to fishing was “of epic proportion!” The rest of the fishing world couldn't agree more, amen!

Episode 45: Capt. Michael Guerin - Cornell to Conch Republic

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Over the last 34 years Capt. Michael Guerin has been one of the top guides in the Lower Florida Keys. At a young age he knew his heart was connected to fishing and he pursued his passion to the fullest with a bachelors degree in fisheries science from Cornell University. After his last exam, his future wife, Bridgette, picked him up outside the school building and they headed south.

He started guiding in 1987 where he shared the empty flats with our sports greatest guides like Steve Huff, Harry Speer, and Nat Ragland. Tournaments have always been important to the Keys guides and their top anglers. Guerin was in the mix too. He and his angler won The Del Brown Permit Tournament and finished second twice. He also won the Islamorada All Tackle Tournament twice and finished second three times. Pretty heavy stuff considering these were wins against the best guides and anglers in the world.

At 57, he's still as hungry and determined as anyone. I’ve never fished with Mike but have always relished being in his company and hearing about his day on the water, which is usually remarkable.

Today, we relive some of the great memories of the early years in the Keys and the great Keys bonefish of yesteryear....

Episode 44: Gordy Hill - Fishing's Unsung Hero

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Gordy was not one of the first, but the first person to run his skiff behind Big Pine.

His life in fishing was as large as his medical career. He was a global fisherman who captured a variety of great fish including large swordfish and marlin, and still holds a 15 pound world record bonefish caught in the Bahamas.

Joe Brooks and his father, Pop Hill, were his mentors. His early tackle consisted of silk fly lines and gut leaders. He loved fishing alone and stood on the engine cowling to pole his skiff.

Yes, Dr. Gordy Hill is one of our sports living legends, and at 91 (next month) he still has a memory bank sharper than a steak knife! We hope you all enjoy this one!

Episode 43: Capt. John Donnell - Life of "Dozer"

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000

I’ve always had great affection for being in John Donnell’s presence. When I first met him over 30 years ago he was affable with a heart felt care for how well he was received... It’s important for him to be liked and loved he is, by all. Many of us came to know John though Flip’s “Walker's Cay Chronicles,” as he was a guest on the show more than any other.

When I asked Flip about his good friend, he said that John’s greatest trait was that he’s reliable - “He’d jump onto the table to give you a kidney if needed....”

Whether poling an edge for hefty tarpon, pushing the shallow flats of Louisiana for 40 pound redfish or pulling the trigger of a shotgun, Donnell was born a child of the outdoors, destined to roll through life with the wind in his face chasing big stuff.

John has seen the great evolution of the the Florida Keys, from its prolific fishery to the halcyon years of drug running. On today's podcast, our friend relives his vivid, adrenaline filled life.

Thank you John for your honesty, and willingness to tell your story with us...

Episode 42: Capt. Justin Rea - Permit Madness

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Justin Rea has had a remarkable life on the water. His mother, Beryl, was a fishing guide in Bishop, California when she handed her three year old son a fly rod. Little did she know that gift would pay huge dividends over the next 48 years.

At age 31, Justin moved to the Keys and started to chase bigger and faster animals than what swam in the local creeks and small rivers of Bishop. Justin would become one of the best guides in the Lower Keys. His proving grounds were the high profile flats where massive tarpon and permit swim. His high praise were wins in the most coveted permit tournament in the world, “The Del Brown!” Having won it four times and finishing second three times, you wouldn't be wrong calling him one of the best in the world at his craft.

His efforts and vision were bigger than the trophies on his wall. His heart would lead him to a platform of conservation. He was influential in conjunction with the Lower Keys Guides Association in successfully removing barracuda from the cross hairs of the local commercial fishing fleet. He and his wife, Lauren, were visionaries in starting the catch and release Cuda Bowl, where today it’s a highly praised tournament to win. And more recently in 2019, he and his son Ryan won the prestigious Key West Slam Tournament.

We have fished with Justin over the years and have experienced some of our greatest moments on the water with him. His diving, spear fishing, and kite boarding bring his spectrum with the ocean full circle. This man is not one demential. It doesn’t matter what the species or activity is, he is full throttle into everything he does.

Justin may seem laid back and very mellow to many people but on the inside he is full of vigor and passionate about his beliefs. We are honored to call Justin a great friend and so glad he came on the podcast. Thanks buddy!

Episode 41: Brad Waitman - Bush Pilot, Fishing Lodge Owner, & Big Game Guide

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Brad Waitman is the owner and operator of the Igiugig Lodge that sits on the bank of Lake Iliamna, located in the Bristol Bay Area of Alaska. In my mind, it’s the greatest fishing lodge i’ve ever visited. It is world class not only because of its access to some of the world’s extensive, legendary fishing, but because of Brad’s work ethics and the quality of his prideful lodge. Here’s the beauty, he hosts only 6 guests a week and serves food that’ll challenge any restaurant in the lower 48, a dream come true for anyone looking for perfection on and off the water!

Waitman was raised in San Mateo, California. As a young teen a local fishing club, Anglers Emporium, took him under their wing and helped him with the skills needed to become a great angler. At 15 he was hired to row rivers and set up camps for outfitter, Galand Haas, who eventually persuaded Waitman to chase his dreams in Alaska.

At the tender age of 20, just out of the Marines, Brad flew to Anchorage and became what he was destined to become, an Alaskan bush pilot/guide. Ron Hayes, the legendary hunting and fishing outfitter, immediately became his mentor. He pushed Waitman hard demanding the impossible and the young magic man responded beautifully. The fish were in his blood but soon to follow were monster Moose, Caribou, and 57 Brown Bears! Hayes was a perfect councilor for the young man who was new to Alaska. Now, 37 years later with a successful lodge, the time to hunt has been depleted.

I first met Brad when he was guiding for Kirk Gay at his lodge, Valhalla. Kirk would eventually become his father in-law. I was there filming for my TV show at the time, “Sportsman's Journal.” The two of us had a blast! Flying everywhere and catching all the great fish Alaska was offering at the time, monster rainbows, silver salmon, and grayling.

Alaska is unique, raw and wild, and to experience it with someone you connect with is a dream come true.

The long and short of it, 21 years later we’re still hanging and fishing together.

We all love a good story and Brad Waitman’s is compelling.

We hope you enjoy it!

Episode 40: Capt. Rob Fordyce - Voodoo Daddy

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Over the course of the 17 years that I fished tarpon tournaments in the Florida Keys the man to beat was always Rob Fordyce and who ever was on his bow... Tarpon tournament fly fishing is a team event with an angler and guide. The teams with a strong guide and a strong angler were always tough, but some guides have the ability to just find more fish than other guides and inspire, teach, and calm an angler to be better than he is. Rob Fordyce is that Guide. I always feared great guides more that great anglers and we all knew Fordyce was going to be there at the buzzer. And he was!

If you look deeper into his DNA you’ll understand his genius. First, this man is an athlete. He played baseball and was drafted by the Mariners before an injury forced him onto the water full time. His mentors were hall of famers Al Pflueger Jr. and Flip Pallot. Self guided, he won The Met Master Angler award when he was just 17. The youngest ever.

Over the last four decades he has finished in the top three 58 times in tarpon tournaments. That number was 57 when we interviewed Rob, but he recently won the prestigious Don Hawley tournament for the seventh time. His preeminent success has found him as the most decorated tarpon guide to ever poll a skiff.

He also hosts the popular television show "The Seahunter."

When he’s not on the water, he’s in the woods somewhere hunting or in the gym benching 400lbs. The man is an animal....

Personally, I can relate very closely to all this, and we’ve been close because of it. We spoke of one day fishing an event together for years and it finally happened in 2015. I am honored to say that my last tournament victory was with Rob by my side calling the shots...

Episode 39: Hal Chittum - Skiff Mastermind

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Hal Chittum has been pushing the boundaries of greatness his entire life. Everything he’s ever engaged with he’s exerted limitless focus with an innate ability to understand the exacting process it took to succeed. I was first exposed to this when I entered his Islamorada store in the early 90’s and wanted to buy everything I saw. It was a fly fisherman’s wonderland! The door and handles of my tackle room now are a direct replica of his. His stores were incomparable.

I’ve spoken to Stu Apte about Hal and the two tarpon world records they caught on six pound test on the same day. One was on conventional plug and the other was an 82 pound 8 ounce fly record that stood for decades.

I didn’t meet Hal for the longest time, but everywhere I went his footprints were on the trail I walked. Homosassa, tournaments, records, and the boat I always wanted and finally bought, a Hell’s Bay, from Hal!

Chittum did all those things at a very profound level, but it was his boat building that made a historical, indelible change in the game of how we chase fish. His newest vessel of Chittum Skiffs is the most sophisticated, scientifically designed boat ever built....

On today's podcast Hal uncovers his labyrinth fishing life which leads us to his latest stage of brilliance, Chittum skiffs!

Episode 38: Tom Greene - Snook Guru

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0000

In 1959 at 11 years of age, Tom Greene caught his first snook and never looked back. Throughout the 60's and 70's, every bridge from Jupiter to Miami was stacked with big snook on the right tide, and when he could - Tom Greene was there. He was the bridge gargoyle watching the shadow line for hours. Over time he became one of the most prolific snook fisherman in South Florida. Every snook fisherman knew the name Tom Greene.

Tom not only loved to fish, but had a great passion for tackle stores where he'd spend most of his life when not fishing. He worked in one for 17 years prior the 43 years he owned and managed the world famous Custom Rod and Reel in Lighthouse Point, FL. His love for sharing knowledge, tips, and tricks to any customer was infectious. You could not go into his store without spending hundreds of dollars. He got people excited and energized for their next fishing trip. Throughout that time, he built one of the greatest reel collections in the world!

On today's podcast, Tom Greene recalls the hallowed years of monster snook and other things close to his heart!

Episode 37: Tim Borski - Artist, Angler, Visionary

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Tim Borski is radically distinctive and without equal in many ways. His presence and demeanor commands attention in a low key wonderful way, his humor is flawless, always finding its mark. His attention to detail strays until the stars are in align then his genius awakens.

For all the years I’ve known Tim, he’s chased his passions with outstanding success. He’s written for and has been profiled by national magazines. He’s a small fishing town icon that’s known in the world of fishing & hunting.

He’s not only an award winning artist that crafts images on canvases, but his birds and fish are creations of an eye that sees the world in a very different way. His warblers demand you to look closer and see every grain of its existence, his fish are bold and brash, outstandingly unique to all fish art you’ve ever seen.

He’s not an introvert, but likes to be alone or with his son fishing. He’s one of the best fisherman on the planet. His flies are of his own design and are commercially sold. And as a Ophiophilist, he loves big snakes! So too does his son, Joseph who runs his own skiff, ties his own bugs and catches as many fish as most professional guides and top anglers.

On todays podcast we have a welcome diversion and jump into the exceptionally different life of the beloved Tim Borski.

Episode 36: Capt. Craig Brewer - The Mud Man

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0000

In 1964, in the small Florida Keys fishing village of Islamorada, a tournament was born, The Gold Cup, which would become the most prestigious fly rod Tarpon tournament in the world. All the great fly guides and anglers made it the most prized possession they could attain in their fishing. Over the next 57 years the names on the perpetual trophy were the famed celebrities of the sport. Ted Williams, Billy Pate, Steve Huff, Jimmy Albright, Harry Speer, Glen Flute.... and the late Jim Brewer. The efforts made to win were exceptional. The creativity changed and evolved the sport quickly. Fly designs, hooks, Lines, boats, push poles, everything was looked at as how to better their game to win the Gold Cup.

I mentioned Captain Jim Brewer, after his win 1974 his passion to win was life changing. The following year he and good friend Bill Hagley went up in a small plane looking for fish they would target in the upcoming Gold Cup. Circling low and slow over a famed tarpon basin, they fell through the planes lift and crashed into the ocean and perished...

Jim left behind two young boys Steve and Craig. At 14, Craig struggled as anyone would, but eventually found his way chasing his father’s legacy of becoming a Gold Cup Champion. Thirty six years later in 2010, he and angler Thane Morgan had their names etched upon the perpetual trophy. They were the first father and son to win the super bowl of saltwater fly fishing...

As a guide Craig found great success along the way winning other big events, but what sets him apart from his tournament wins is his wonderful way about him! He’s effervescent, tall, loving, funny, loud, pure, truthful and caring. As a young man he was Islamorada’s son and brother and now a hero to Islamorada and everyone who knows Craig Brewer!

Episode 35: Richard Stanczyk - Broadbills to Bones

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Richard Stanczyk has had a large life as a captain, angler, and business owner. His impact is nothing shy of remarkable. His relationship with Swordfish was a game changer. At one time everyone thought these denizens of the deep could only be targeted in the dead of night. Richard helped evolve this quarry so they could be successfully caught while the sun is high in the sky. Today Richard’s son, Nick, aboard his boat “Broad Minded” is arguably the best sword-fisherman on the planet.

As much as Richard loved to drop lines into the deep for these monsters, his passion for big bonefish is just as rich. Stanczyk had great foresight as well - after purchasing the Famed Bud N’ Mary’s Marina in 1978 and grew it to where it docks over 50 boats today. Legendary in every way, Richard shares his enormous life from Bills to Bones, his family, and his iconic marina. Hope you all enjoy his story…

Episode 34: Andy & Nathaniel

Fri, 28 May 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Since the inception of this podcast, many people have commented, messaged, and emailed us asking for Andy’s story. We were hesitant about doing this interview as we want to the focus to remain on our incredible guests and not ourselves. Thanks again to Nathaniel Linville for taking the helm and conducting the interview. Hope you all enjoy.

Episode 33: Capt. Dale Perez - Home Runs to World Records

Mon, 17 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Dale Perez is in his 54th year as a fishing guide. He was born to compete with a life filled of sports, but gravitated to baseball where he eventually played in the big leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Socks, and the Minnesota Twins. Sliding into second base he tore the ligaments in his knee and a new career in fishing was born.

He was always driven to high standards and as a tarpon guide, he hit his longest home run catching two great world record Tarpon with the iconic Tom Evans. But as much as he's known for his tarpon prowess, his anglers have caught an amazing 869 permit on fly! At his spry age of 74, he still has an insatiable level of passion for this sport that keeps him young at heart.

I fished two Gold Cup's with Dale and find myself spending hours with him talking about the second passion dear to both of us - Bowhunting! You'll have to look long and hard to find a more serious, driven man. Dale Perez has a career that is well known in our world. Thanks so much for coming on, Dale!

Episode 32: Capt. Billy Knowles - The Mayor of Islamorada

Fri, 07 May 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys, especially Islamorada is rich and packed with history. Ever since Joe Brooks put the Purple Isle on the map for light tackle fisherman, there have been people that have impacted and helped shape Islamorada and the flats fishing guide community as we know it today. Billy Knowles is one of those people. There is arguably no other person living as connected or important to the history of flats fishing in Islamorada.

In the mid 1800’s, Billy’s family came over from the Bahamas and homesteaded half of Islamorada. The land was nothing but pineapple farms and exportation of this fruit became their main source of income. From a very early age, Billy gravitated to fishing and began mating on an offshore boat in the summers off of North Carolina. He fished for giant Bluefin Tunas in the northeast as well as targeting them off of Bimini. Billy soon become a full time back country guide in Islamorada chasing all of the inshore fish from dark to dark.

Knowles has been credited with discovering famous Tarpon fishing spots, helped create the Poor Boys Tarpon Fishing Tournament, and has been a father figure for many of the younger guides. He has won the Fall All Tackle Bonefish Tournament 5 times, the Spring All Tackle Bonefish Tournament 2 times, The Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament, and the Poor Boys Tarpon Tournament a staggering 11 times. It was only appropriate that in 2019 he was inducted into the IGFA Legendary Captains and Crew Hall of Fame.

What other living person has fished with Ernest Hemingway, President Herbert Hoover, President George H.W. Bush, and Ted Williams? I believe the “legend” word often gets thrown around a little too much but Billy is a true keys legend. Thank you for coming on Billy!

Episode 31: Capt. Joe Rodriguez - Sábalo Loco

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 13:06:15 -0000

After his family fled Havana, Cuba, Joe Rodriguez was born on Miami Beach in 1971. His father left early on and throughout Joe’s childhood his mother played multiple rolls as a provider, roll model, and care taker of the family. Joe soon met life-long friend, Rob Hammer, and together started to explore and fish the waters off South Florida, breaking records and creating names for themselves. He later went on to win non-guided Miami MET Master Angler in 1994-1995 & 1996-1997.

Norman Jansik, Al Plfuguer Jr., and Ralph Delph quickly became his mentors in one way or another. He not only looked up to these legends but they showed him what was possible and were relatively responsible for his success for years to come. Joe became a full time guide in the Florida Keys in 1998 and hasn’t look back since. Along with angler, Julian Robertson, they won the Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament in 2013 and the prestigious Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament in 2016. Joe also won the Ladies Tarpon Fly Tournament with Jayne Kilpatrick in 2008.

As said on the podcast, Rodriguez loves to fish for anything - it doesn’t have to be just Tarpon. That being said, the people who know him, understand his relentless pursuit and unmatched passion for those silver critters. His work ethic and desire to better himself as an angler and a guide speaks for itself. If you want to catch Tarpon, Bonefish, or Permit in the Florida Keys, Everglades, or anywhere in Florida for that matter, finding a more driven guide is going to be nearly impossible. We hope you enjoy Joe’s story…

Episode 30: Capt. Tim Carlile - Heart of Gold

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 09:45:00 -0000

Tim Carlile was born in San Diego, CA in 1949. His father, Cliff, introduced him to the outdoors at a very young age, and like many others, found a way to pursue a career out of his passion. Tim, following in his father’s footsteps, became a fishing guide out of Sugarloaf Marina in the Florida Keys from very early on. He recalls his first trip was at age 11 years old! Tim is now 72 years old and still puts in at that same marina every day. He has been guiding for 61 years and shows no sign of slowing down - the guy is a super human.

Tim not only is an incredible fishing guide, he is one of the funniest people you will ever meet. He loves pulling a good prank whether it’s hiding in the ice cooler, or putting a fake alligator in the shrimp tank. His laugh is infectious and the more you are around him, the more time you want to spend with him. It is a honor to call him a good friend and every time I see him, it’s hard not to smile and give him a big hug.

Today, Tim speaks about his near death experience when him and his late wife, Gloria, sunk his Hewes Bonefisher while dolphin fishing. He also talks about what serving in the military meant to him, early backcountry fishing in the lower keys, and the one time he found a cuban refugee boat in the mangroves. This is one you won’t want to miss. Thank you so much for coming on, Tim. Can’t wait to see you again soon…

Episode 29: Tim Mahaffey - Tournament Maestro

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Tim Mahaffey, without question, is one of our sport’s greatest anglers of all time. His tournament success is astounding having won six of the major invitational bonefish tournaments and all three major tarpon tournaments. His three tournament guides consisting of Mark Krowka, Rick Murphy, and Duane Baker systematically honed their skills and methodology to target success against the top anglers in the Keys. Their focused crosshairs didn't miss too often. Here too is an important foot note to all this; for decades the major fly events were the Spring and Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament, The Gold Cup, and The Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament. To this day, Tim is the only angler to win all four.

He is not only a phenomenal angler but an outstanding person with a beautifully kind way about him. Once he decided to move on from the tournament scene and not wanting to be off the water, he became a guide. There too, he’s made his mark. He guided Heidi Nute to a monster 152 pound world record tarpon caught on 12lb test (that later over tested and fell into the 16lb class category) and finished runner up in the Fall Fly.

From either end of the boat Tim Mahaffey is incredibly fishy.

On todays podcast, we dive into his success on the water. We hope you enjoy!

Episode 28: Capt. Doug Kilpatrick - Tireless Pursuit

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Every once in a while, amidst your life travels or daily routine, you will meet someone special. Someone who embodies integrity, passion, loyalty, and work ethic. They not only make you feel good when you are in their presence, but they make you a better person. Doug Kilpatrick is one of these people. He has been a brother ever since I met him and I deeply cherish our friendship.

Ever since Doug was a little kid, he has been enamored with the water and the scaly creatures below. Doug worked on charter boats all throughout high school and college, and in 1994 received his captains license. He later moved down south to chase his dreams of becoming a flats fishing guide in the Florida Keys. Capt. Tim Carlile and Capt. Steve Huff would quickly become Doug’s idols who he'd look up to and try to emulate.

Kilpatrick has become a role model for many of the younger guides. Throughout his career, he has accumulated over 45 world records and won many prestigious tournaments including: The Del Brown Permit Tournament, two March Merkin Permit Tournaments, The Key West Super Fly Tournament, and the 2004 Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament with myself as the angler. His accomplishments speak for themself.

Today, Doug speaks about the early years in the Lower Keys, close calls with bear attacks, and the conservation efforts being put in place to protect the flats species. I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as Nicky and I did.

Episode 27: Kat Vallilee - Raising the Bar

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0000

In the Permit world, Kathryn Vallilee is a force to be reckoned with. In 2020 she set two incredible world records. With Capt. Nick Labadie she caught a 9.5 pound permit on 4 pound test and a 22 pound permit on 6 pound test with Capt. Brandon Cyr. She capped the year with a 3rd place finish in the IGFA permit tournament against a 19 angler field. 18 men and her! Too, against her husband, Nathaniel Linville, considered by many to be the best permit angler in the world. Capt. Doug Kilpatrick, her guide in that event, says she wasn't lucky, she's as good as anyone he fishes. He went on to say that Kat is the hardest working angler he knows and will win at some point soon!

Kat is an inspiration to all. She is focused, determined, and incredibly talented.... And beautifully humble.

Listen closely and many of your questions on how to succeed in the permit game will be answered.

Episode 26: Capt. Paul Tejera - Zest For Life

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Paul Tejera is one of my closest friends on and off the water. His enthusiasm for life is second to none. He'll dive head first into anything that just appears to be fun and then he'll excel at it. Tennis, Golf, Snowboarding, Kite Boarding, Surfing, and Softball, but his fishing prowess is world class!

Having won 6 tarpon tournaments (Paul is one of only a handful of guides to win all three major tarpon tournaments; The Gold Cup, The Don Hawley, and The Golden Fly), two All Tackles, The Spring Fly Bonefish tournament, The $25,000 Biggest Bonefish Shootout, and The Best of The West Casting tournament puts him among one of the world's most sought after guides.

Paul and I won 5 of his 6 Tarpon tournaments together and he lived with me in my home is Aspen for a spell. If there's one person you can count on to have the time of your life with, it's Paul Tejera!!

I hope you enjoy his stories...

Episode 25: Capt. John O'Hearn - Rethinking the Game

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0000

In all sports there are a handful of extremely talented, smart individuals who move the bar, inspiring others to chase that glass ceiling. In doing so they show the world the impossible is attainable. John O'Hearn has been "That Guy" for a long time now. He is the Dali Lama on the water. His cerebral intelligence is second to none. Along with his demeanor a day on the water with him is cherished like a diamond in your pocket. I have fished with John, taped shows with him and lost tournaments against him. He is a force to be reckoned with, challenging you as an angler, guide, and good person. I have 40 some years of looking for fish in skinny water behind me, and those handful of days I've spent on his bow are some of my favorites.

The sport, us anglers, guides, and his friends are privileged to be blessed by this special man!

I hope you enjoy your time with John as much as we did.

Episode 24: Capt. Will Benson - Permit, Cruise Ships, & Conservation

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Willy Benson grew up in Sugarloaf Key washing boats for old time guides after their day on the water. He was a marina kid soaking in all the information those salty guides would give. Soon after, Willy rocketed onto the flats of Key West like a comet shooting across the horizon, blowing rooster tails like contrails off a jetliner. His insatiable desire made Benson aggressive on the water, challenging the best fishing holes. He chased fish and dreams like he had one day left.

As he matured, he went from Willy to Will and during that transition he began to find his calling. Time has done Benson well! He now has profound respect among his peers. Incredibly versed, he used his World Angling Company to showcase his love and Key West's resounding resource, and recently used its visual impact to show the destruction of the big money world of cruise ships. Will has filmed and produced some of the most amazing short films in fly fishing. From his famed Permit film, “Satori” to “Silver Lining,” Will has an incredible gift at telling a story through the lens of a camera. Whether you just want to see some “fish porn” or get pumped up for your last minute trip down to the Keys, I highly recommend you check out his World Angling Films.

Today, Will speaks about the state of Permit fishing in Key West, fighting off cruise ships, and how science helps us paint a clear picture of what’s happening to our fisheries.

World Angling

Episode 23: Norman Duncan - The Innovator

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 10:00:00 -0000

A few years ago I was making a presentation in a Miami fly shop when a man came to me and introduced himself. “Hey Andy, I’m Norman Duncan.” Oh my God, I thought, here he is! I was so excited, really. Here was one of the disciples.

Flip Pallot, Chico Fernandez, Little John Emery, and Norman Duncan were as important as anyone in South Florida to initially grow the sport of Saltwater Fly Fishing. This group of four were something to behold. They had heart, passion, and creativity to catch fish, but without the sufficient tools to support their fire. They designed everything they needed because there was nothing available, and many of their innovations are still used today.

We know the story of Flip and Chico, they became rock stars in the fly fishing world. “Little John,” as Emery was known, passed at a young age from melanoma after putting his stamp on history. But where did Norman go? What happened to him? He was smart and ingenious, pushed and shoved as hard as the others, but he stepped aside and the iconic fame the others attained passed Norman by, even though we all know his name.

Today, Norman brought us out back to his porch and gave us an inside look into his eventful life.

Episode 22: Al Pflueger - Gentle Giant

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Over the last 12 months we've had an open door to some of the most
prolific men and women in fishing. In each interview we've had the
privilege of listening to profound stories that have helped forge our
sport to where it is today. This week we visit with one of the most remarkable people i've ever
met, and one of the most significant men in fishing, Hall of Fame member, Al
Pflueger Jr.
Pflueger's fishing prowess blew minds with incredibly lofty numbers
and sizes, ask Flip.....or anyone else, and he did most of it alone,
self guided. In this sensitive world of 2020 and his age of 87 years young,
we were blessed beyond words to have been welcomed into Al's home.

I was astounded by not only Al's huge life, but his kindness - and
eyes! Look closely and you'll see something special.
Kiss your heart Al, Thank you!

Episode 21: Capt. Bob Branham - Bonefish Brilliance

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 11:00:00 -0000

For the last 50 years Bob Branham has chased his chosen fish, Bonefish, over the shallow flats and edges of Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys. You can't count out all the great permit and tarpon he's captured over the years, but Branham is a bone-fisherman! Albula Vulpes is his DNA. He knows where they're going to go next before they know where they're going to go next. Aside from his fishing genius, Bob Branham is one of the most remarkable people we know. Nicky caught his first saltwater fish with Bob and I caught my first Bonefish and Tarpon on fly with him. You can say he had a major influence in our ever growing passion for fishing.

Bob's heart is the size of Texas. He's fought and won the biggest bonefish tournaments, beat the giants, who after congratulated him with the tightest of bear hugs. He is respected and cherished by all of his peers.

Here he is, our beloved friend, Bob Branham.

Episode 20: Andy & Nicky -TALKIN' SHOP- Ethics On The Water, IGFA Rules, & Overcrowded Outdoors

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we chat about ethics on the water, IGFA rules and regulations, and address an important comment a listener wrote in about being a hypocrite when promoting the great outdoors.

Episode 19: Neal Beidleman - Hero on Everest

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Neal Beidleman is no ordinary man. Raised in Aspen, CO his heart had a big outdoor spirit. Pain became a close companion as he started chasing high mountain summits and running 100 mile races.

His job is even abnormal - as an aerospace engineer he designs deployable antenna structures for NASA and holds over a dozen patents on designs and devises he has worked on over the years. This guy is what you call - brilliant.

While working as a guide for Scott Fischer's 1996 Everest expedition which ended in tragedy, Neal was credited a large role in assisting clients off the mountain to safety. After summiting, a large rouge storm encased the top of Everest with plummeting temperatures, high winds, and zero visibility. The harrowing night had them exposed to the brunt of the storm without shelter at 26,000 feet. Eight people perished...

Years later in 2011 and 2018 he successfully summited again, healing the deep wounds of the 96' tragedy.

Today he still lives life to its fullest with more big mountain ascents in his near future.

His photography has documented his stories which have appeared in National Geographic, TIME, Newsweek, Men's Journal, and the cover of Life Magazine.

Episode 18: Lonny Vanatta - Backcountry Bulldog

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Being slighted by the US Ski Team in 1978, Lonny Vanatta spent the rest of his career trying to prove something and that he did. Turning pro he became the top American on the world pro ski racing tour for many years. He won 20 races and won the slalom title in 1980 - finishing 3rd overall in the season title.

Even though he was smaller in stature and weight than most of his competition, he had the heart of a lion that many people feared. His success was profound and was inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame in 2018. Throughout his career, his passion for hunting was paramount, as intense as it was for smashing his competitors on a race hill.

His archery stone sheep in 1989 was the largest Pope and Young sheep ever killed at the time. He completed the grand slam of North American sheep - only the 54th bowhunter at the time to do so. He has 34 Pope and Young animals to his name. Lonny recently sold his successful outfitting business of 31 years.

Vanatta is a cancer survivor but continues to attack life the only way he knows, head on - a true inspiration to all.

Episode 17: Capt. RT Trosset - The Dean of Key West

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Capt. RT Trosset is one of the greatest fisherman of all time… period.
When you think of the words Key West and light-tackle offshore fishing, Ralph Delph, Jose Wejebe, and certainly RT Trosset are the first people that come to mind. He has been guiding anglers in Key West and making their dreams come true for over 40 years. He is a machine and is more passionate about fishing now than ever before.

In 2004, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) and in 2019 the IGFA honored RT with the Tommy Gifford Legendary Captains Award, the most prestigious honor a captain can receive.

I’ve fished with RT, produced TV shows with him, and have fished next to him. There’s no kinder, more giving fishing legend I know. It seems like his smile and warm heart are infectious. People love him, but under his sun worn skin is a lion to be reckoned with. If you are seeking a world record, few will fight as hard or have the ability as RT.

Having amassed 239 world records, he’s as cagy as they come. In this episode, we chat about the early years of Key West, the origin of shrimp boat tuna fishing, and the shark problem that's taking place on many wrecks.

This episode of the podcast is proudly presented by AFTCO - The American Fishing Tackle Company innovating fishing tackle and clothing since 1958. Use discount code "MILLHOUSE10" to receive 10% off all products on https://aftco.com/

Episode 16: Ryan Smalls - Ski Racer, Addicted Angler, Traditional Archer

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0000

At the tender age of 4, after watching Franz Klammer win Olympic gold on TV, Ryan Smalls knew he wanted to be a ski racer. Growing up in the greatest of all ski towns, Aspen, Colorado, it all made sense. He trained hard and eventually made the U.S. Ski Teams talent squad, raced in Europe, and was fulfilling his dreams. He, the only child of his parents Ray and Karen, was their pride and joy.

Ski racing is hard and fast and dangerous. His racing longevity succumbed to the odds with a terrible injury. Along the way, Ray showed Ryan the outdoors like few people knew it. After graduating from college, Ryan came home to the rivers and animals of his fathers tutelage. As a plane circles for the weather to clear, so did Ryan's identity. But that didn't take long - he became a guide..... He guided fishing, hunting, and skiing.

As a big hearted, passionate man, I know Ryan Smalls to be a perfectionist, world class in everything he cares for.

In this episode, we chat about being caught in an avalanche, getting addicted to fly fishing for Tarpon, and being successful in the elk woods.

Episode 15: Capt. Jared Raskob - Bonefish Wizard, TV Personality, Family Man

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Very rarely do you hear of a young person doing something so consistently outstanding that the old timers open their eyes and say - "WOW!"

This episode is the story of a young Jared Raskob who was constantly catching monster fish. Young people have young eyes but Jared's are legendary, and elder anglers sought him out. He was doing extraordinary things on the flats.

Raskob's reputation erupted and shook up the status quo. I'd left the game by then but from afar admired what I'd been hearing. He'd jumped into the tournament fray and won, and won everything! I finally met this shining star and enjoyed everything about him. He was cool, fun, and assertive - his 6' something frame had a dominant presence.

On this episode we sat down with this Jedi and laughed, and spoke of many things including the new millennials soon to run everyone over.

Game changers don't come around very often but this one is a legend in the making!

Episode 14: Capt. Jeff Maggio - The Lunker Dog

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Many people know Jeff Maggio as a social media fishing celebrity but the few people who really know his true core will tell you that Jeff is a passionate, heartfelt, real guy who takes his job very seriously. Lunker Dog, as many people call him after coining that name himself, is not only one of the best inshore bait guides in Broward & Dade County but just an all around upbeat, enjoyable person that will constantly make you laugh.

The Mullet Run in South Florida is a spectacle to see with thousands and thousands of bait being pushed down with colder temperatures and monster tarpon, snook, and jacks. Jeff is THE man when it comes to fishing around the mullet run. If you are looking for a quiet, remote fishing trip with back bays, mangrove shorelines, and herons flying low over your head, this is not your ideal trip. The Mullet run is complete insanity - non stop action with vessels coming at you in all directions while dodging 8/0 treble hooks being flung from shore. Everyone wants in on the action and for good reason.

In the last couple of years, there has been a dramatic rise in sewage leaks in the state of Florida. Most recently, a couple of leaks in Broward County caused millions of gallons of sewage to be spewed in the Intracoastal waterways leaving thousands of fish dead and our precious waters ruined. Jeff has been using his voice to hold the city and elected officials accountable for their actions. He has spearheaded a couple of protests and has worked tirelessly to help people understand the disasters that are happening in our own back yard.

I really enjoyed our conversation with Jeff. He is an intense fisherman with a fiery heart for conservation. I can’t wait for the next time we get to fish together.

If you'd like to hear more from Jeff, check out his podcast - Reel Guy Podcast

Episode 13: Capt. Mark Krowka - The Chosen One

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0000

The first time I met Mark Krowka was in the 80's in Ft. Lauderdale when he was honing his craft in the Hot Water Canal, New River, and Biscayne Bay. It was home to large tarpon, jack crevalle, barracuda, and snook.

He was a man of few words but carried a large presence. Soon, he was gone - chasing a bigger playground in the Keys - less people and more fish. As a young man his focus was lazar sharp and it was here in the Purple Isle, Islamorada, where it would hit its mark.

Decades later, Mark has amassed more shallow water victories than anyone, fly or spin, Mark has won almost all of them and a multiple of times. His record is a Hall of Fame nomination in any sport. His knowledge of currents, edges, and flats extend from Palm Beach to Key West and out to the Gulf's edge. His instincts and knowledge are legendary, no GPS - nor tide chart, pitch dark or high sun Mark is unstoppable. He and his anglers have caught 770 grand slams and still counting.

No one takes their craft more seriously than Mark Krowka. 24/7 he is true to his mission; to be the best he can be. We all know he has super powers. Who knows where they come from, but they are there.

In this episode, we chat about big Islamorada bonefish, his thoughts on carcass fishing, and the crazy things he sees hovering in the air at zero dark thirty. Don't miss what Mark has to say.

Episode 12: Nathaniel Linville - Angling Genius

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0000

Wherever you look in life, you’ll find exceptional individuals who stand alone, capable of changing the game. Their names will forever have an asterisk aside them.

Nathaniel Linville is one of those names. He has thrown the permit world and its perception of success off its axis, but getting there he had to survive some of life’s most devastating bombs. For a number of years his life was that of a hub cap knocked loose at 100mph.

His academia had a similar road map. He was expelled from high school and his college residency had six different zip codes including some overseas. His abyss was dark and deep with just a sliver of light. But that light eventually found the owner of this lost soul and Nathaniel started to claw his way out.

On today’s episode, The Angling Company’s store owner talks of his labyrinth road to recovery, his methodology to his staggering permit numbers, and his nine year war he and Steve Huff waged to capture his monster world record tarpon on 6lb test.

Episode 11: Stu Apte - Down and Dirty

Fri, 29 May 2020 10:00:00 -0000

There has never been a more important person to tarpon fishing than Stu Apte, period. He has shaped his adventure filled life around this iconic fish and promoted it with a vengeance. As a result, catching a big tarpon is one of the most celebrated achievements in angling.

Stu was born in Miami, Florida in 1930. Before moving to the Keys and becoming a fishing guide, Stu was a fighter pilot in the Navy during the Korean conflict. He then flew planes for Pan Am which lasted 34 years and during this time, he honed in on his real passion - Fly Fishing. Stu later went all in on guiding and had the honor of fishing many days with his mentor, Joe Brooks, and legendary baseball slugger, Ted Williams. He caught many massive world records, invented knots, and designed creative tarpon flies. One of which became a US Postage stamp.

After having a prolific career on the water, writing an abundance of articles and two books, appearing in countless TV shows, Stu put tarpon fishing on the map. In 1969, Apte was inducted into the Fishing Hall of Fame and in 2005 was inducted into the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Hall of Fame.

This man is still vibrant and cheerful, ready for his next adventure on the water. In this episode, Stu talks about flying fighter jets, big fish battles in Homosassa, and the time when he almost ended his own life.

Episode 10: Capt. Dustin Huff - Building His Own Legacy

Wed, 13 May 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Dustin Huff was born a prodigy into the Royal Family of South Florida's flats fishing. Steve, Dustin's father, worked harder, pushed his boat further, won a pile of tournaments, and demanded an essence of integrity and humility that would set the lofty standard the life of a flats guide should have. Steve Huff's style and manner developed a devout cult for generations to come.

Then his own son, Dustin, broke into this forbidden aura. Like a warrior, Dustin started to fill his father's shoes fast when he charged into the tournament fray with 6 wins and 5 seconds in 6 years, including two Gold Cups and three Don Hawley wins. The size of his and angler Thane Morgan's world record tarpon on 4 lb test is gigantic!

I've never fished with a more complete guide and someone who has a higher set of standards than Dustin Huff! And how he demands himself to win is ruthless. He's done the Huff name proud...

On this episode, we talk about his insatiable desired to win at everything he does, reinventing the tournament game, and getting to know the real deal... DUSTIN HUFF.

Episode 9: Capt. Skip Smith Part 2 - Globetrotter, Author, Billfishing Legend

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Capt. Skip Smith is a world renowned offshore captain who dedicated a large part of his life seeking record marlin in over 25 different countries. His incredible book, The Tales of A Hooker and Her Madam, documented his and boat owner Jerry Dunaway’s breathtaking 11 year adventure chasing the migrations of the oceans premier game fish. Their innovations and success was profound amassing a total of 49 IGFA World Records. For the past 25 years Skip has been the President of Smith-Merritt Insurance, Inc. in Pompano Beach, Florida, he continues to maintain the day-to-day operations of a multi-million dollar yacht insurance company while serving on several industry boards, including Chair of the IGFA’s prestigious Tommy Gifford Award - which is presented to legendary captain and crew nominees who are selected by a committee of internationally-renowned captains and mates. With Smith’s tight connection to custom-built sport boats, he helped create the Custom Shootout in 2002 - presenting the industry an opportunity to give back and benefit many charitable organizations for the past 14 years. Captain Skip Smith was inducted into the Broward Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 as a fisherman. What a career this man has had…

Episode 8: Capt. Skip Smith - Globetrotter, Author, Billfishing Legend

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 11:00:00 -0000

Capt. Skip Smith is a world renowned offshore captain who dedicated a large part of his life seeking record marlin in over 25 different countries. His incredible book, The Tales of A Hooker and Her Madam, documented his and boat owner Jerry Dunaway’s breathtaking 11 year adventure chasing the migrations of the oceans premier game fish. Their innovations and success was profound amassing a total of 49 IGFA World Records. For the past 25 years Skip has been the President of Smith-Merritt Insurance, Inc. in Pompano Beach, Florida, he continues to maintain the day-to-day operations of a multi-million dollar yacht insurance company while serving on several industry boards, including Chair of the IGFA’s along with the prestigious Tommy Gifford Award - which is presented to legendary captain and crew nominees who are selected by a committee of internationally-renowned captains and mates. With Smith’s tight connection to custom-built sport boats, he helped create the Custom Shootout in 2002 - presenting the industry an opportunity to give back and benefit many charitable organizations for the past 14 years. Captain Skip Smith was inducted into the Broward Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 as a fisherman. What career this man has had…

In this episode, Skip talks about his harrowing encounters at sea and on land, great wins, and the battle scars of being an offshore captain in the 70’s & 80’s.

Episode 7: Sandy Moret - Teacher, Champion Angler, Conservationist

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 11:00:00 -0000

Sandy Moret is a successful, passionate, driven man. Once he sold his beer business and started chasing Bonefish in skinny water, his after burners kicked in and Sandy was re-invented. He was a dominate figure in the most prestigious Bonefish and Tarpon tournaments with 8 wins. In 1993, he opened one of the most premier saltwater fly shops in the world, and as a teacher at heart, has operated his Florida fly fishing school for 30 years! But his finest hour could be as a conservationist. In 2018, Sandy Moret was awarded the Fly Fisherman Magazine - Sage Conservationist of the Year and was presented the Orvis Company Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the Now or Neverglades movement. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Bullsugar.org.

On a windy day in June, Sandy invited us over to his fish house in Islamorada to record this episode of the podcast. Walking by one of the most beautiful, old school Hells Bay Professionals lying in his garage, we entered Sandy’s casa. His home was covered with Millard Wells paintings and numerous tournament trophies. We chatted for 58 minutes about fishing Islamorada in the 70’s, what tournament fishing meant to him, and his celebrated work as a conservationist.

Sandy's Fly Store - Florida Keys Outfitters

Episode 6: Capt. Bouncer Smith - Miami's Offshore Legend

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 13:00:00 -0000

Capt. Bouncer Smith has been taking people fishing for more than 50 years. He runs his 33 foot boat, Bouncer’s Dusky, out of Miami, FL. His awards and accolades are lengthy, highlighted by a lifetime achievement award from The Billfish Foundation. In 2014, Bouncer was inducted into the International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) Legendary Captain and Crew Hall of Fame. He has guided anglers to more than 70 IGFA world records and helped popularize kite fishing and the use of down riggers in South Florida. He is one of the most versatile guides there is as he can consistently catch Swordfish in 1,000 feet of water, run to the reef to rack up pelagics, then sneak in-shore and catch monster Tarpon and Snook. This man can do it all.

Bouncer is a gentle giant. I’ve always cherished being in his presence. In this episode, we talk about the abundance of Sharks in South Florida, thoughts on killing fish, and Bouncer’s longtime struggle with his weight.

Episode 5: Chico Fernandez - One of Fly Fishing's Original, Romantic Pioneers

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 13:00:00 -0000

Chico Fernandez was born in Havana, Cuba in 1939. When he was 20 years old, he left Cuba for South Florida and brought his white Mercedes two-seater with him. Chico later sold his fancy car to help pay for his education at the University of Miami. He quickly found himself surrounded by like-minded adventurers who were enamored by the water and the scaly creatures below. Later down the road, Chico eventually quit his corporate job to pursue his passion for saltwater fly fishing. Along with his contemporaries, he has helped develop and advance many techniques used in fly fishing today. Chico has written hundreds of fishing articles and he is the author of Fly Fishing for Bonefish and Fly Fishing for Redfish.

This episode was recorded in Chico’s tranquil home in Miami, FL. We talk about his early years in Cuba, kite flying as a kid, and his introduction to fly fishing.

Episode 4: Jay Scott - Archery Elk Hunting

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:00:00 -0000

Jay Scott has been a professional hunting and fishing guide for the last 20 years. He also hosts the Jay Scott Outdoors Podcast which is the number 1 outdoor podcast today with over 33 million downloads. Jay has been fortunate enough to be a judge in the RMEF World Championship Elk Calling Contest three years in a row. This guy has been there, done that when it comes to big game hunting. From the elusive Dall Sheep in Alaska, to big bull Elk in Arizona, he has experienced it all. On top of all his hunting accomplishments, Jay has also been a successful realtor in Arizona since 1997.

Jay is an exceptional human to say the least. It was a pleasure to sit down and chat with him today. His willingness to help and educate others is inspiring. There are no secrets with Jay, ask him whatever you want and you will get an honest answer.

Episode 3: Flip Pallot - The Ultimate Outdoorsman

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Flip Pallot is undeniably one of the largest figures in fly fishing today. You might know him from his profound TV show, Walker's Cay Chronicles, or perhaps one of the hundred YETI commercials that accentuate his alluring persona. Anyhow, Flip is the exact person you think he is. He is the ultimate outdoorsman, a romantic born 100 years too late. Flip speaks fluent in Palm, Cabbage, and Turkey. There is no weakness in articulation or diction. Some say he is the most interesting man in fly fishing. He is a pioneer, a modern day explorer, and an innovator who’s spirit is fresh and wild.

We drove three hours north to find Flip graciously observing his untouched native backyard under his airstream canopy undisturbed by the foul weather. Soon he invites us into his garage and we chat about TV, the early years of Florida Bay, and his best friend Lefty.

Episode 2: Tom Evans, Dean Butler, & Al Dopirak - The World's Greatest Fly Fishing Team

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Angler Tom Evans, guides Dean Butler and Al Dopirak are the world's greatest fly fishing, big fish world record chasers of all time! In shallow water, the bluest of blue water, the biggest tarpon, the biggest billfish....The fishing world has been spellbound by their catches for decades. In 2015, the International Game Fish Hall of Fame (IGFA) recognized Tom's efforts and success by inducting him into this pantheon of fishing.

We were extremely lucky that Tom, Dean, and Al all agreed to sit down and recap the years of chasing massive Tarpon in Homosassa and enormous Marlin in Vanuatu. Grab a cocktail and get ready for some incredible fish stories. This interview is raw, true, wry and extremely entertaining, nothing shy of the man himself, Tom Evans!

Episode 1: Capt. Steve Huff - God of Guides

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Capt. Steve Huff has been a full time fishing guide for nearly fifty two years. He is the God of guides - the chosen one. The man who sets the standard for other fishing guides. The hardest working guy in the room or on the water. Steve was the first fly fishing skiff guide to be inducted into the IGFA Hall of Fame in 2010. He has invented and innovated countless tools and contraptions to improve his effectiveness as a guide. From de-hookers to bow platforms, knots to fly stretchers - Steve’s creative imagination and eagerness to push the envelope makes him the legend he is. Steve has passed his relentless drive and wisdom down to his two sons, Dustin and Chad, whom have become scary good guides in their own right. Steve currently lives in Everglades City, Florida with his wonderful wife, Patty.

We were honored that Steve invited us over to his man cave to talk everything fishing. We chat about fishing Key West in the 70’s, early fly designs, and inheriting his work ethic from his mother.