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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
When absolute devastation hits, everyone has a part to play in helping pick up the pieces. Here is an ongoing list of ways that YOU can help. We will continue to update this list as we continue to hear of ways to help. Please email Hunter@CaptainsCollective.com to share relief efforts.
In this episode, we sit down with Gray Drummond of Florida Outdoor Experience (FOE) and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from business success to scent control. We also get into the close relationship between hunting and fishing, as well as some of the key factors in becoming a great outdoorsmen.
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.
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.
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.
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%
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.
In this podcast we sit down with David Mangum of Shallow Water Expeditions and talk about his history as a guide, and what it has looked like for him to go all in on Tarpon. We also discuss the importance of focus, scouting, and the “necessary evil” of social media.
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
In this episode, we sit down with Captain Jim Farrior and discuss a variety of topics including fly tying, the importance of patience, working fish with other guides, and dealing with client’s who can’t cast…
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.
In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Nat Ragland. Nat was a guide in the keys for over thirty years and has a lifetime of interesting stories. During … Continue reading #008 Nat Ragland: The Early Keys, Innovation, and Stories from a Pioneer Angler
In this episode, we sit down with Tom Rowland of the Tom Rowland Podcast and the television show Saltwater Experience. Outside of filming fourteen seasons of Saltwater Experience, Tom also guided for over fifteen years in fresh and saltwater.
In this podcast, we sit down with Captain Jim Long of Homosassa Outfitters and talk about Homosassa style hospitality, the benefits of a great guide association, and how to get the most out of mentorships. Jimmy has been a captain for over 30 years and is a third generation guide who is native to Homosassa.
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.
In this podcast, we sit down with Scott Burgess of Skinny Situation Charters. Scott guides all along Florida’s Forgotten Coast and in this episode, we get to hear how he … Continue reading #004 Scott Burgess: Sight Fishing and Starting From Scratch
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.
In this episode, we sit down with former Marine, John Swanson, and talk about his transition into guiding in the Big Bend, working with clients, marine electronics, and a new … Continue reading #002 John Swanson: From The Marines To Marinas
In this episode, we interview Harry Spear who after 30 years of guiding in the Keys relocated to the Florida Panhandle to start a new adventure of building skiffs. To … Continue reading #001 Harry Spear: Pony Tails, The Florida Keys, And Building Great Skiffs
