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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.