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Hold on. There he goes. This week on Camera’s Off /Tarpon Diaries South African guide Scot de Bruyn takes us from South to North to East Africa, on a chase for giant bonefish, tarpon, parrotfish and yellowfish (and Cobras). We travel with from Socotra, Yemen to Gabon and dangerous grounds for Yellowfish inland. Scot has guided in the Seychelles and Norway and countless destinations with a fly rod - and off the grid with a tent as needed.  Raised in South Africa, Scot was part of a generation of guides who pushed deep into the outer islands of the Seychelles, exploring some of the most remote and extraordinary fisheries on the planet. Since then, his travels have taken him from Africa to Mongolia, Norway and beyond. Along the way, he’s collected the kind of stories that come from spending a life in wild places. This week, we hear about very big fish—and somebig snakes. From the flats to the rivers and coastlines of Africa, doing more living than dying (though he came close) so we can share it all. All episode information at HowardFilms.com

Hop on. This week we hitch a ride with Captain David Blinken on his flats skiff on a foggy Fall Long Island morning. David was among the first to explore Long Island's shallow water fishing by skiff. He has seen it all, from the explosion after the moratorium, to a decline in populations today. What he saw over three decades ago, changed his life. He is committed to seeing the fishery return to that healthy state.  After tracking striped bass, bluefish and false albacore and sight fishing the shallows - he has collaborated with conservation organizations like the American Saltwater Guide Association and lent his voice to the Striped Bass and the False Albacore populations and their need for management. His interest in saltwater sport fishing from Long Island to the Caribbean has salted and not only a life mission, but a love of fly creation for each mission - and led him to co-found Masters of the Fly, as a forum for anglers, tiers and conservation voices. Learn more and all season episode info at: HowardFilms.com Protect your passion in the outdoors with Cross Current Insurance. And start your angling journey with the pros pros at Madison River Fishing Company.

Carlos “Kechu” Marin Jr. has spent more than 30 years guiding the flats of Belize, and learning its secrets. .But his connection to the fishery goes back even further. From the grand history of the Mayans to Grand Slams on fly rods, the region has seen it all. He shares the wisdom of a life on the water, and trying to achieve the impossible for every anger, and the secrets of a fishery filled with expectations. His father was one of the first guides at El Pescador, his four brothers followed into guiding, and Kechu became one of the country’s premier fly-fishing guides—earning a nomination for Orvis Saltwater Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year. In this episode, we trace the story of Ambergris Caye from coconuts, lobster and conch to a world-renowned destination for bonefish, tarpon and permit. Kechu shares the family history behind that transformation, lessons learned from decades on the flats, memorable anglers, permit wisdom, and his concerns about protecting the fishery for the generation now following him. It’s a story about fly fishing—but also about an island, a family and a way of life that changed together. Full episode guide: HowardFilms.com

Arno Matthee : Gone + Fishing. Before Africa's Seychelles became one of the world's great fly-fishing nations, Arno Matthee was exploring it further. An unexpected opportunity out of South Africa gave him a start. And, he never looked back. From early days exploring the legendary flats of the Seychelles—where he stalked Giant Trevally and Bonefish, on the outer islands, and cracked the code for Milkfish. Then, he turned his attention west, exploring the remote rivers, estuaries, and coastlines of Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and beyond in search of giant tarpon, tigerfish, and waters few anglers had ever fished. There were no guidebooks. No established lodges. No skiffs waiting at the dock. So, Arno started with what he had: a kayak, a fly rod, a machete, a pack of food- and the curiosity to paddle beyond the next bend. Over time, those early expeditions evolved into pioneering explorations that helped establish a giant tarpon fishery, while navigating isolation, difficult logistics, and even the threat of piracy. It's a conversation about far more than catching fish; but the psychological give-and-take rewards, when looking for something off the grid. All episodes: Howardfilms.com #FlyFishing #AfricanFishing #Tarpon #Bonefish #GiantTrevally #Tigerfish #FishingPodcast #Adventure #Outdoors

There are few people who understand the world of bonefish, tarpon and permit from as many angles as Dr. Aaron Adams. Aaron is the Director of Science and Conservation at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and a Senior Scientist at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. But long before the Ph.D. and the research papers, he was an angler — fishing since he was five and developing an early fascination with not just where fish were, but why they were there and what they needed to survive. For more than 25 years, Aaron has worked throughout the U.S. and Caribbean studying fish, their movements and the habitats that sustain them. He has authored or co-authored more than 70 peer-reviewed scientific papers and three books, while helping turn that science into real-world conservation. Perhaps most importantly for anglers, he has a gift for taking complicated fisheries science and explaining what it actually means when we're standing on a flat with a fly rod in our hands. We covered a lot, and Aaron was ready! All episode summaries at HowardFilms.com

Today on CAMERAS OFF (link in bio), Award-winning National Geographic photographer, filmmaker, and conservation storyteller Ami Vitale has spent her career documenting the fragile relationship between people and the natural world. Photograph the last living pair of northern white rhinos, orphaned, elephants, and pandas being introduced to the wild, as well as the rescue of Rothschild Giraffes trapped on an island. The stories go on and on…Named among the creators of Photography's 21 Most Important Photographs of the 21st Century, her work has helped bring global attention to some of Earth's most vulnerable species—from the last northern white rhinos and orphaned elephants to giant pandas—and the remarkable people fighting to save them. Through powerful visual storytelling, Ami reminds us that the greatest photographs don't simply document history; they have the power to change its course. To see all of the amazing photos and for a chance to make an impact go to AMIVITALE.COM All episode guests bios at HowardFilms.com Thanks to our partners, including: Madison River Fishing Co. Being a dependable source for fly fisherman in the know for over 40 years and to Cross mrfc.com Current Insurance for insuring those who want to protect their passion in the outdoors. crosscurrentinsurance.com #nationalgeographic #photography #endangeredspecies #outdoors #conservation

“The Kid” - Keys guide Shawn McKay joins us this week. Trusting the process has yielded some impressive results and the salt life he wished for.  I first met Shawn in Highland Park, Idaho while fishing The Henry’s Fork- his love of  fishing started early in TN., and wound its way through the American West, until he found his calling: Keys Fishing (with an emphasis on Permit). It’s been fun watching his journey unfold. Trout and bass first fueled his passion for fishing at home, and today, he’s testing himself in new ways—including the 2024 IGFA Permit Invitational Championship with his Angler Alejandro “Sand Flea” Vega—(and 2023 IGFA Permit Invitational Runner-ups) while doing whatever it takes to make a life on the flats. This conversation isn’t about trophies though. It’s about the need to explore, learn and discover. Finding Mojo on the water —trusting your instincts, and making the most of a Saltwater education. Where the next chapter of this journey may lead. And a couple of stories worth repeating. #permit #floridakeys #flyfishing #tarpon

I've known Tom a long time. He was an enthusiastic first participant in my experiment of fishing films and believed in the mission. Mini may not realize that he was a well respected fishing guide in the Florida Keys on before he was TV host. He went on to create his own TV series, Saltwater Experience, and he's been in media and angling ever since. We begin our story back in the 1980s as he set find his way on the water, with no playbook. It's been a productive journey with many highlights, including his competitive fishing days, along the way. He even co-founded his own streaming service, Waypoint TV. This is the story of how he got here, and what keeps him going.

The art of angling. This is the story of a journey across the planet with a passion for fish, an artistic eye and big fishing dreams. Long before he was chasing giant fish across the globe, Christiaan Pretorius was representing South Africa in international competition at just fourteen years old. Since then, his journey has taken him from the remote wilderness of Kamchatka, Russia—where he spent multiple seasons guiding on the legendary Zhupanova River—to the turquoise flats of the Seychelles, pursuing giant trevally in some of the most demanding conditions on earth. He is a leader in the sport with notable catches in both saltwater and fresh. (i.e. His GT hunts and big Roosterfish story does not disappoint.) Here's a chance to see fish, wild places, and moving water through his unique creative lens. Today, he uses that perspective to help support conservation efforts and indigenous communities around the world through organizations like the Indifly Foundation. In this conversation, we talk about finding purpose at an early age, life in some of the most remote fishing destinations on the planet, the challenges and rewards of guiding, photography, conservation, and why adventure still drives him after a lifetime on the water. #flyfishing #adventuretravel #tarpon

You may have heard the name, but do you know the man? In this down to earth conversation with the legend of television at 85, we look back at it all. The man, the myth, with the signature orange cap —Mr. Bill Dance. Before he became a household name on television, Bill built one of the most dominant tournament careers in fishing history. He is credited with catching the the first bass in B.A.S.S. history, and went on to win Bassmaster Angler of the Year three times (1970, 1974, and 1977). Since its very first broadcast in Memphis back on January 5, 1968, Bill Dance Outdoors has grown into the longest continuously running national fishing show in America, airing more than 2,000 episodes across networks like ESPN, TNN, and the Outdoor Channel. Bill dives deep into the evolution of professional angling, how he built his television legacy (including saltwater now), and the timeless strategies he uses today. You do not want to miss this conversation with a founding father of modern bass fishing - and teaching! Episode bios, streams and guests at HowardFilms.com.#largemouth #bass #pro #BillDance #bassfishing

Records, Reefs and Road Trips. Carl Navarre Jr. joins us on the Tarpon Diaries series on CAMERAS OFF to tell it like it is - and what it was. Truths about early Keys and Homosassa flats a few myths busted. A rare opportunity to get a fresh perspective from the kid who was raised by a legend to understand the outdoors. Navarre is Chairman Emeritus of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and is uniquely qualified to share, angling history: From Billy Pate to Steve Huff, the origin of the flats tactics, and who helped in the evolution. Carl followed his father from field to stream to ocean and found his passion. He caught an IGFA fly-fishing world record bonefish that weighed 15 pounds, 1+ ounce (often cited as 15.3 pounds). He landed this trophy fish in the Florida Keys using 20-pound tippet, and and IGFA 36 lb 8 oz record permit still stands as the IGFA 12-pound tippet-class. All episode summaries: Howardfilms.com #tarpon #flyfishing #bonefish

The fish whisperer is back on CAMERAS OFF/Tarpon Diaries series. Champion angler and friend Captain Mark Krowka revisits the program - And, this time we're giving extra attention to Tarpon and strategies used on the flats and in tournaments. And then a little something beyond. Hint: The Navy scrambles jets when it's in the neighborhood. The fish whisperer shares his thoughts on the silver king, UFO's and life on the water. One of the most accomplished guides to pole the flats of the Florida Keys — has more than 60 championship tournament wins, 10 IGFA world records, and over 900 grand slams to his name. Mark has built a reputation as one of the most instinctive and respected anglers in saltwater fishing. Known for his unmatched ability to track tarpon, permit, and bonefish across the Keys, his career has become the stuff of legend among serious flats fishermen. But there’s another side to Mark’s story. Long before sunrise, while scouting the flats in the backcountry, Mark experienced something he still can’t fully explain — UFO encounters that have become part of his journey and a mystery surrounding his life on the water. Today, we talk fishing, instinct, obsession, and the unexplained with Captain Mark Krowka. Like, follow and subscribe so we can do more. thanks! And if you want to watch the first movie series ever made for television for tarpon, the award-winning Chasing Silver and Location X films stream 24/7 for life through HowardFilms.com More series information: Howardfilms.com

Frederik Jakobus "Jako" Lucas is the million mile angler. His passion for discovering how species can be caught and then sharing it (and the lessons learned) has few peers. His career is a relentless benchmark for angling/guiding adventures - paired with films documenting the journey along the way. He has been circling the earth since he left his native South Africa to work in a fly shop in London. He soon jumped to the Seychelles, and even lent a guiding hand there to the BBC when they filmed the iconic footage of Giant Trevally hunting Terns. His global angling has few peers , but more than just the fishing, it's the camaraderie and shared experiences of each conquest that drive him. His story is layered with lessons from the water and yes, the air - with a plane crash in Bolivia that he was fortunate to walk away from. As the force behind Captain Jack Flyfishing Productions, his work blends the physical demands of the outdoors with an instinct for storytelling that feels lived rather than staged. His journey has carried him across remote coastlines and flats around the world, where long days on the water and behind the camera have become part of the language he brings to each film. His films—including First Gangsters of the Flats, featured in the Fly Fishing Film Festival, along with Black Sheep and Full Circle—reflect both accomplishment and evolution. His passion is invaluable to both adventurers and armchair anglers alike. Enjoy. All films and episode summaries at HowardFilms.com

Speaking Tarpon --- Eizo Maruhashi went where no one had gone before in championship saltwater fishing: Past the language barrier to the podium. Japan’s pioneering saltwater fly angler was a bridge between Japanese tackle innovation and the golden era of tarpon fly fishing in the Florida Keys. Champion and veteran FL. Keys guide Randy Towe starts us off and paints the picture. He joins us to talk about the man he met in his early days in Florida, the friendship and tournament pairing that dominated the late 90's in saltwater. Who was Eizo? Where was he getting his training? What were the reasons for success and how did he communicate? These are some of the questions circling around Florida before he suddenly stopped tournaments at the start of the new century. Before he left, he won three straight Florida Gold Cup Tarpon victories with his guide Kenny Collette from 1997-1999. And the Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament in 1994, 1996 - 1999. And holds the world records for Trevally and Masu trout (and a potential tarpon record - story included) among other accolades in angling - and founded the angling retailer SABALO Fishing in Tokyo, Japan. All episode guests at: HowardFillms.com

On the 25th Anniversary of a legendary catch, it's time to hear about it in Jim Holland's words. He was in his mid-20s and Tarpon-obsessed. He and his father, Jim Holland Sr. flew across the country from Washington state to fish for giant tarpon. They had a wild dream, but just how exactly did it come true? And what happened after fate starting to go his way. For a kid, it would been training his whole life for it, it all came at once - on a mid May afternoon in 2001. For Jim and his guide Steve Kilpatrick one thing after another fell into place, and a fight with a legendary fish unfolded. All 202+ lbs. of her pulling hard against 20 lb. IGFA legal tippet like a truck rolling downhill.