Captains Collective Fishing Podcast
The Captains Collective Fishing Podcast is dedicated to gathering wisdom, knowledge, and stories from fishing captains and other industry leaders.
In this episode, we sit down with Andy Bowen of Cohutta Fishing Company, and discuss his upbringing in Georgia, chasing bass as the son of a farmer who eventually found his way to owning a guide service in the mountains of north Georgia. In this podcast, we discuss leading fishing trips to international destinations, chasing Roosterfish, the importance of listening, and why anglers shouldn’t overlook fishing in his home state.
In this episode, we sit down with Captain John Irwin of Charleston South Carolina and discuss a wide range of topics spanning from world travel to family balance. John also shares some interesting information about Cobia, and how a project with the DNR taught him how to sew.
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Peterson, owner of Hells Bay Boat Works, and discuss the early days of his childhood in Florida, his fight with cancer, the importance of listening to guides when building skiffs, and how he went from being a kid exploring with a flat-back canoe to owning the world renowned Hells Bay Boat Works today.
In this episode, we sit down with Jake Ellington and discuss the Charleston fishery. We also cover the advantages of running bay boats and flats skiffs, tips on getting families in the outdoors, and of course, food.
#045 Paul Puckett: Art, Travel, Sketchy Stuff & Smoked Okra . In this podcast, we sit down with Paul Puckett of Flood Tide Company and discuss his childhood chasing bass in Texas, how he learned that guiding wasn’t for him, his career as an artist, travel, fishing, and the importance of enjoying the moment. Paul also shares with us why he loves sketching in his infamous notebook, and a smoked okra recipe for the Traeger (Smoke’ra). To learn more about this podcast, head to CaptainsCollective.com
In this podcast, we sit down with Alvin Dedeaux, and discuss how he got into guiding, his love for Texas fishing, trailer maintenance, fly fishing for bass, and the need for challenging conversations about race in the outdoor community.
In this episode, we sit down with Billy Rotne and discuss his home fishery of the historic Mosquito Lagoon, and how his background in biology has helped him as a guide. During this podcast, Billy shares with us the his love for targeting trophy class fish, tips on learning new fisheries, and how a purchase at a flea market as a kid led to a life long love of fishing.
In this episode, we sit down with Flip Pallot on his front porch and discuss Florida values, outdoor innovation, the early days of his childhood exploring the Everglades, and how a chance meeting on an airplane led to the legendary show, Walker’s Cay Chronicles.
In this episode, we sit down with Alycia Downs of Captains for Clean Water and discuss her background in the outdoors and marketing. We also discuss the power that good … Continue reading #041 Alycia Downs: Sharing Stories, Setting an Example, and Championing Stewardship
In this episode, we sit down with Captain Rick Ruoff and discuss his career of 50+ years of guiding. Rick began guiding in 1969 as a college student studying biology, and has spent a lifetime on the water. Rick guides in the Keys and Montana, and has helped scout different fisheries around the world. In this podcast Rick shares with us tips on scouting, dealing with change, and how to keep your ego in check.
In this episode, we sit down with Drew Chicone of Salty Fly Tying and discuss how he started his business and career in the outdoor industry. We also discuss family, food, and the importance of slowing down and passing knowledge of what you love along. Drew is a father, author, photographer, fly-tier, instructor, and a well-respected voice in the fishing community.
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.
In this episode, we sit down with Captain Jay Carson, and discuss the importance and best practices of utilizing your time on the water, the significance of building relationships with those you teach, and tips on polling for redfish.
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Wittman, cofounder of Captains for Cleanwater. After two decades guiding, Chris made the decision to go all in for conservation and fighting … Continue reading #036 Chris Wittman: Conservation, Sacrifice, and Going All In
In this episode, we sit down with Andy and Nick Mill and discuss the a wide variety of topics ranging from fatherhood, to tarpon, to fishing with George Bush. We … Continue reading #035 Andy & Nicky Mill: Fishing, Family, and Learning to Win
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.
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.
In this episode, we sit down with John Turcot, aka “The Dude,” and discuss 40+ years of fishing Mosquito Lagoon. We also discuss the history of the lagoon, how to deal with change, and what John believes is the secret to remaining chill.
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
In this episode we sit down with CA Richardson of Flats Class University and discuss his background, how he developed as an outdoor educator, tips on growing as an angler, boat snacks, and his smoked rib recipe.
In this episode, we interview Scott MacCalla and discuss the influences that shaped him as a guide, a lifetime of fishing the Mosquito Lagoon, tips on scouting, the significance of the “little things,” and his pan-seared Pompano recipe
In this episode, we sit down with Ke’Mari Cooper of Tallahassee and discuss his viral bass video, fishing with his dad, and get the chance to hear about the joys of experiencing the outdoors through the eyes of an eleven year old.
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.
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
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.
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
