PODCAST

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#038 Debbie Hanson: Being Prepared, Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together, and Guiding for Peacock Bass

In this podcast we sit down with award winning writer and fishing guide Debbie Hanson of She Fishes Too. We talk about guiding in Florida’s fresh water fisheries, the importance of always being prepared, and how her grandfather taught her to pay attention during her early days of fishing the waters of Michigan’s Stanley Lake. We also discuss helping more females engage in fishing, and her experience helping at-risk-teens encounter the water for the first time.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#034 John McCloskey: Giving Instruction, Reading People, and Getting Your Face On A Beer Can

In this episode, we sit down with John McCloskey who guides both in Alaska and North Georgia. John specializes in spay fishing and swinging streamers for monster fish and in this podcast we talk about John’s introduction to flyfishing, how he has grown as a guide, what he has learned from teaching other guides, and how he got his face on one of Sweetwater’s lagers, Guide Beer.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#033 Dave Bradley: Chasing Permit, Fishing Australia, and Making it Up as You Go

In this episode, we sit down with Dave Bradley of Australian Flyfishing Outfitters and discuss his how he encountered fly fishing in Australia, which eventually led him to frequent trips to Florida where he got the chance to learn from some legendary anglers. We also discuss chasing permit and giant trevally, remote mothership trips, and hear about his love for motorbikes and tattoos.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#031 Tommy Koulouris: Fin and Fowl

In this episode, we sit down with Tommy Koulouris of Fin and Fowl Florida. After a season guiding waterfowl, we discussed his transition from a skiff to a duck blind, as well as the importance of practice, helping clients with their nerves, and why it is important to shut up and listen to older mentors. Tommy also shared a pretty awesome recipe for Shrimp on the Traeger as well, as how to make an “authentic” Greek Salad. To learn more about the Captains Collective, head to http://www.CaptainsCollective.com

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#027 JT Van Zandt: Keep it Simple, Fight for Progress, and Enjoy the Journey

In this episode, we sit down with JT Van Zandt of Rockport Texas and discuss his journey into guiding, how he approaches conservation, his hopes for future progress, and a slough of topics including beard care, Texas food, and hunting.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#026 Chase Hancock: Fishing Flood Tides, Seeking Change, Raising Kids, and Skinny Water Culture

In this episode, we sit down with Chase Hancock of Skinny Water Culture and discuss fishing flood tides, needed changes in the outdoor industry, raising kids, and the story of … Continue reading #026 Chase Hancock: Fishing Flood Tides, Seeking Change, Raising Kids, and Skinny Water Culture

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#025 Brett Martina: Hometown Roots

In this episode, we sit down with Brett Martina of Apalachi Inshore and discuss his small town upbringing, the importance of authenticity, and how to protect a great fishery. We also fail at an attempt to get his infamous soft-shell crab recipe. Brett is a great flats fishing guide and is filled with fun stories and helpful insights.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#024 Vaughn Cochran: Life, Art, and a Love for the Water

In this episode, we sit down with Vaughn Cochran, the creator of the iconic Blackfly brand. After finishing an art degree at USF, Vaughn made his way to the Keys to begin a life of art, music, and fishing. From performing in Jimmy Buffet’s Band, to selling t-shirts out of a small market stand, Vaughn shares his stories and lessons he has learned along the way.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#023 Al Keller: Travel, Navigating Tension, and Tactics for Getting Business

In this episode, we sit down with Al Keller of NOLA Guides and discuss the perks and challenges of guiding on the road, how minimalism has impacted the way he lives and guides, tips on building up a client list to not only fill up a calendar but specialize in something that you are passionate about. Al has been guiding for roughly 25 years and currently splits his time between the 10,000 islands area and Louisiana.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#022 Tom Rosenbauer: Catching Breaks, Teaching Others, and Keeping It Simple

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Rosenbauer of Orvis Fly Fishing. Tom has become a household name in the fishing after 30 plus years of working with Orvis, publishing books, instructional videos and hosting the Orvis Flyfishing Guide Podcast. In this podcast we discuss his background with Orvis, what makes great outdoorsmen, and what he has learned from decades of teaching others.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#021 Lacey Kelly: Overcoming Obstacles and Seeing the Outdoors through a Child’s Eyes

In this podcast, we sit down with Captain Lacey Kellywho guides hunting and fishing with Florida Outdoor Experience.

Lacey began guiding in Fort Myers Florida, spent a season of life in Belize, and eventually made her way to Florida’s Nature Coast fishing along areas like Cedar Key and Homosassa. 

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#020 Cleve Evans: Resilience, Recovery, and Rebuilding from Hurricane Michael

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Cleve Evans of Forgotten Coast on the Fly and talk about his experience with Hurricane Michael which completely destroyed his home and city. During this podcast, we talk about resilience, recovery efforts, the need for rebuilding, and of course…fishing. We also got a chance to discuss how Guide Beer played a critical role in helping Cleve get back on his feet after the storm.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#019 Benny Blanco: More Education, Better Water, and Becoming an Advocate

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Benny Blanco, host of the new outdoor show Florida Sportsman Watermen. We discuss a variety of subjects ranging from his history in South Florida, issues with water quality, improving environmental education, tips on working with clients, and his hope for the future of “outdoor entertainment.”

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#017 Greg Dini: Coaching Clients, Chasing Redfish, and Treating Every Cast Like It’s Your Last

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Dini of Flywater Expeditions and discuss how he got into guiding, challenges of spending time on the road, Louisiana Redfish, and how college baseball taught him to better coach clients.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#016 Jordan Todd: Hurricanes, Side Hustles, and Learning to Love the Water

In this podcast, we sit down with Jordan Todd of Salt Water Obsessions and talk about Port Saint Joe, Hurricane Michael, how side hustles helped build his business, and his family’s love for the water. Jordan’s mother helped instill in him at a young age a love for the water. After receiving a degree in Marine Biology, Jordan began to build a business in his home waters of Northwest Florida. To follow him online check out SaltwaterObsessions.com or follow @Saltwater_Obsessions on Instagram.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#015 Larry Hastings: Sixty Years of Stories, Bonefish, and Shooting Stuff from Helicopters

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Hastings who spent over sixty years of his life working on the water. During this interview, we got a chance to hear about how he went from being a deckhand in Ocean City Maryland to running the prestigious fishing yacht the Buckpasser. From the early days of bonefishing to shooting turkeys from helicopters, this episode is filled with interesting stories that took a lifetime to gather.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#014 Jonathan “Stump” Hamilton: Looking for Patterns, Building a Reputation, and Giving 110%

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan “Stump” Hamilton and discuss his views on how to identify patterns in the fishery, how he has worked to build his business, … Continue reading #014 Jonathan “Stump” Hamilton: Looking for Patterns, Building a Reputation, and Giving 110%

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#013 Chip Leavine: Celebrating Fathers, Investing In Clients, and Always Learning

In this special Father’s Day episode, we sit down with Captain Chip Leavine of FC Charters located in Carrabelle Florida. In this podcast we celebrate the life of Bob Wells, discuss the significance of fathers, how to invest in clients, and what it means to be always learning.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#011 Lionel James: Having a Fighter’s Mindset, Marketing, and Fun-First-Fishing

In this episode, we sit down with Lionel James of Lions Tale Adventures, and Cali Hlavac, and discuss marketing, social media, and how mixed martial arts influenced Lionel’s approach to guiding. Lionel and Cali are located in Destin Florida. They run their business as a team and in this podcast, they share a lot of insight into how they are continuing to expand their influence. To find out more visit LionsTaleAdventures.com

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#009 Eugene Shuler: Leading a Guide Staff, Knowing History, and Smokey Mountain Trout

In this episode, we interview Eugene Shuler of Fly Fish the Smokies. Eugene is our first freshwater Captain on the podcast and has been guiding for over 20 years. Eugene was recently inducted into the Southern Trout Hall of Fame, is a third generation guide in the Smokies, owns a fly shop, and leads a large guide staff of over 20 guides. In this episode, we talk about how to scale up a guiding business, hire the right staff, invest in the next generation, and how knowing the history of your area can help on the water.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#005 Rob Fordyce: Dedication, Details, and Dialing In On Tarpon

In this podcast, we sit down with Rob Fordyce from the tv show The SeaHunter. Rob has been a professional guide, tv host, and athlete for 30 years. Rob is a serious tournament angler and has placed top three in over 130 tournaments. Rob also wrote a great book on Tarpon fishing, Tarpon on Fly. Follow Rob on Instagram @TheVoodooDaddy.

By Hunter Leavine Posted on

#003 Bou Bosso: Guard Your Passion, Tips On Guiding, and Chasing Fish In Your Underwear.

In this episode, we sit down with Bou Bosso of Islamorada Florida. Bou is a world-class flats guide, a passionate angler, and was as a founding member of Silver Kings TV.  We … Continue reading #003 Bou Bosso: Guard Your Passion, Tips On Guiding, and Chasing Fish In Your Underwear.