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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [email protected] or DM us on social. Hope you enjoy!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.