Captains Collective Fishing Podcast

At the end of Drifter’s Tarpon Camp in Homosassa, Hunter sat down with five members of the Homosassa Guides Association for a roundtable conversation on one of the most iconic tarpon fisheries in the world. Together, the group talks through what makes Homosassa so unique: the history, the rocks, the old Florida culture, the etiquette between guides, the evolution of the fishery, and why this place...

In this episode, Hunter Leavine sits down with Three Percent Co. for a conversation about strength, brotherhood, the outdoors, and the quiet things a lot of men carry but don’t always know how to talk about. They discuss what outdoor culture can teach us about grit, humility, responsibility, and friendship, while also exploring what it can miss: honesty, repair, asking for help, and learning how t...

In this episode, Hunter Leavine sits down with Tyler Sharp, founder of Modern Huntsman, to talk about hunting, fishing, storytelling, tradition, and the tension between old ways and new tools. They discuss how outdoor culture has always been shaped by innovation, why not every new tool should be accepted without question, and how hunters and anglers can think more carefully about what is worth pre...

In this episode, Hunter sits down with Eeland Stribling, a comedian, middle school science teacher, former wildlife biologist, and fly fishing guide. They talk about Eeland’s path into fishing and comedy, what bombing on stage has in common with getting skunked with clients, and why humor can help people step into harder conversations. They also get into race, identity, ego, social media, and the...

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Ben Whalley to talk about guiding on the coast of Maine, chasing striped bass, and the harder parts of Ben’s story: addiction, sobriety, faith, and rebuilding a life with honesty. They also discuss how time on the water can offer perspective, why fishing became a grounding force in Ben’s recovery, and how his own story shapes the way he guides and connects...

In this podcast we sit down with Captain Owen Gayler less than a year after his stage four cancer diagnosis to talk through what that journey has actually looked like. We cover the moment he got the call, the reality of treatment, and the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that came with it. We also talk about how the experience has changed the way he sees his life, his family, and his tim...

A reflection on the first year of Drifter Fish Club. In this episode, we talk through the trips, the lessons learned, and what’s surprised us most along the way. This isn’t a polished recap—it’s a real conversation about what it looks like to build something from the ground up, and what Drifter is starting to become. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Joshua Schwartz of ⁠Travel Creel ⁠to talk about redefining fishing travel through food, culture, and intentional experience design. We dive into the idea of “controlling the controllables,” why hospitality matters more than ever, and what it really takes to run trips at a high level. This is a conversation about raising the bar—not just in fishing, but in how we tr...

After a week fishing the backcountry around Everglades City, we sat down with the guide team for a laid-back roundtable conversation about the place, the people, and the stories that make the Everglades special. Joining the conversation are guides Eric Herstedt, Brian Esposito, and Junior Popfinger, who share decades of experience fishing and exploring one of the wildest fisheries left in the Unit...

Everglades guide Eric Herstedt joins the podcast during a Drifter Fish Club trip to talk about the small details that make great anglers—from sight fishing strategy and casting mechanics to the mindset guides use to keep learning on the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Something good is happening in Charleston on May 16th at the Refinery. The idea is pretty simple. Bring people together around the things that make this community special. Music. Art. Conservation. Good food and good drinks. And a bunch of people who care about water and want to have a good time. Learn more at www.soulflyco.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we talk about crossroads — the moments when something that once felt right starts to shift. We talk about burnout, family, and the importance of paying attention when your priorities begin to change. Woody shares what it was like to build a band from nothing, win a Grammy, tour for more than two decades — and then step away at the right time. Not because things fell apart, but bec...

Andy Prince has spent years touring the world as a professional musician, but some of his most meaningful lessons have come far from the stage. In this conversation, Andy and I talk about what it means to be new at something as an adult—about ego, imposter syndrome, mentorship, jealousy, and the courage it takes to learn in public. We explore the overlap between music, fly fishing, skating, and cr...

In this episode of the Captains Collective Podcast, I sit down with artist and lodge owner Vaughn Cochran for a thoughtful conversation that moves from destination fishing to life design. We talk about building lodges, creating art, navigating failure, and the small decisions that shape a meaningful life. Vaughn shares perspective from decades of blending creativity, business, and time on the wate...

Every few months, I’ll share where I’m headed, what I’m working on, and where our paths might cross—at festivals, events, and boat ramps. This Spring 2026 edition covers upcoming events and Drifter Fish Club trips, a look at what I’m building behind the scenes, and a short story at the end of "A Fish That Saved A Friendship." If you enjoy this episode, you can read the full written version—along w...

Recorded during a Drifter Trip to Los Locos, this episode features a late-night conversation with legendary guide Arno Matthee. We talk about milkfish, giant trevally, pirate encounters, mothership expeditions, and the lessons learned from exploring fisheries with no roadmap. It’s a conversation about curiosity, patience, and why a successful day on the water isn’t about numbers—but about the feel...

In this episode, we sit down with George and Rudy, founders of Los Locos in Magdalena Bay, to hear the story behind their operation and what it takes to chase striped marlin on fly in one of the wildest fisheries on the planet. Recorded after a fresh seafood dinner at Los Locos HQ, this conversation offers an honest look behind the scenes—how the operation began, the challenges they’ve faced, and...

This year, we decided to do things a little differently. Instead of scrolling through another massive online retailer, we teamed up with our friends at Strike Zone Fishing in Jacksonville, Florida — one of the best local tackle shops in the South — to put together a holiday guide built around real-life use, local connection, and good gear that lasts. In this podcast, Chase Hancock and Hunter Leavi...

In this episode, Hunter Leavine sits down with legendary guide Steve Huff — a man widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in saltwater fly fishing. From Everglades City to the Florida Keys, Huff has spent a lifetime chasing fish, freedom, and purpose while quietly shaping the standard for what it means to be a professional guide. In this podcast, Steve opens up about what it means to ...

In this episode, Hunter sits down with Louisiana guide Ty Hibbs to talk about life in the marsh — raising kids in Cajun country, fighting for local fisheries, and what it means to stay rooted in the place you love. From shrimp boils and haunted car washes to the Jack Project and the next generation of conservation, Ty shares his heart for family, community, and the Louisiana coast. This conversati...

In this special episode of the Captains Collective, I share what eight years and over 200 interviews with some of the world’s best captains, guides, artists, and storytellers have taught me. From the power of curiosity and community to time on the water and the importance of asking “why,” we unpack the lessons that connect great anglers—and great people. Subscribe to my Substack Newsletter HERE. C...

In this episode of the Captains Collective, we sit down with veteran Florida guide Jeff Legutki for a deep dive into what it really means to fish “the old school way.” From the wide-open waters of the 80s and 90s to today’s crowded flats, Jeff reflects on how culture, technology, and pressure have reshaped the sport—and what lessons from the past are still worth carrying forward. We talk about the...

In this podcast, we share some stories and insights from an incredibly loaded panel around the life and legacy of Lefty Kreh. Special thanks to the ASGA for putting on this event and allowing us to recorded this conversation from some of the leading voices in fishing today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary tarpon guide Steve Kilpatrick is best known for the 202½-lb world record on fly, but there’s more to his story. In this episode, we dive into his childhood, leaving corporate America for guiding, the culture of Homosassa, and what it really takes to build great anglers—and a long career on the water. Monte Burke's book Lord's of the Fly: HERE Millhouse Podcast Episode: HERE Learn more ab...

In this special tribute episode, we revisit two conversations with the legendary Flip Pallot—combined here to honor his life, legacy, and lasting impact on the outdoor world. Recorded on his front porch, these interviews explore Flip’s early days exploring the Florida Everglades, the creation of Walker’s Cay Chronicles, his thoughts on innovation in the outdoors, and his deep love for storytelling...