Capt. Eric Herstedt is a seasoned and versatile fishing guide based in Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys, specializing in light tackle and fly fishing. Whether it’s spin, bait, plug, artificial, or fly—Eric does it all, and he does it with the best of them. With decades of experience and an unmatched passion for the water, Eric has built a reputation as a top-tier guide known for his skill, adaptability, and commitment to providing unforgettable days on the water.Born in Miami and raised on Long Key in the heart of the Florida Keys, Eric developed a deep connection to the outdoors and the rich fishing grounds surrounding him. By the age of 3, he was already casting a spin rod, and at just 14 years old, he achieved his first Flats Grand Slam—landing a bonefish, permit, and tarpon in a single day. Though spin and plug fishing were his early go-tos, Eric discovered fly fishing at age 9 and quickly embraced its challenges and rewards.Eric’s talent and dedication have made him a fixture in the tournament scene. He and Nicky fished the Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament together for nine consecutive years, narrowly missing a victory a couple of times. In 2022, Eric and angler Mike Criscola finished as runners-up in the legendary Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament—further proof of Eric’s consistency and sharp instincts under pressure.Beyond the tournaments, Eric has contributed to conservation efforts with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), working alongside Capt. Doug Kilpatrick and Dr. Ross Boucek to help establish best practices for handling bonefish safely at the boat.Eric is known not only for his skills on the water but also for his honesty and authenticity—he’s a straight shooter who tells it like it is. Whether you’re chasing tarpon on fly or just getting your feet wet, Eric is the kind of guide who makes the day memorable.We hope you enjoy getting to know Capt. Eric Herstedt as much as we have.

Capt. Pauly Ross is quickly becoming one of the most respected young guides in the Florida Keys, and for good reason. At just 24 years old, he’s already earning a reputation that many seasoned captains spend a lifetime building. Born and raised in Islamorada, Pauly grew up on the deck of the Relentless, the legendary offshore fishing vessel captained by his father, Paul Ross—an icon in the sportfishing world with seven Gold Cup Sailfish Series titles to his name.

Phil O’Bannon is a sixth-generation Boca Grande fisherman whose life has been defined by the water. He left college to chase giant bluefin tuna across the white sands of the Bahamas, a move that launched a global fishing career—from big-money marlin tournaments to captaining motherships for the elite. But it was fly fishing for tarpon in his home waters that made him a legend.

Now 72, Phil is still regarded as the most respected name in Boca Grande—widely known as the Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World. He’s chased Tarpon with the best, from John Emory in the Keys to Billy Pate in Homosassa, and to this day, he still fishes IGFA leaders with old-school precision. But it was his guiding career with the Bush family that secured his legacy, and having President Bush as his friend for two decades remains as some of his fondest memories.

On today’s podcast, we talk about the early years, his father “Fingers,” a life on the water, and the enduring magic of Boca Grande.

Erik Compton is truly an extraordinary individual and a dear friend! Diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy at just 9 years old, a condition that weakens the heart muscle and impairs its ability to pump effectively, Erik’s journey has been one of incredible resilience. This condition led him to undergo two heart transplants—one at the age of 12 and another at 29. Yet, despite these challenges, Erik has spent 24 years playing professional golf. He’s competed in six major tournaments, even finishing second in the 2014 U.S. Open.

In 2009, during the Masters, Erik was honored with the prestigious Ben Hogan Award, which is given each year to a golfer who has overcome a significant illness or physical challenge.

As a long-time golf fan, I followed Erik’s career for years before finally meeting him on a driving range—a truly lucky day for me!

We hit it off immediately, bonding over our shared love for golf and fishing.

Despite his heart condition, Erik’s zest for life is infectious. His eyes light up when he talks about catching a big snook or that giant tarpon we landed together, or when he shares stories about his daughter Petra and her impressive golf skills.

For years, we’ve been trying to get an interview with Erik, and we’re thrilled to finally have him with us.

Here he is, Erik Compton—an absolute hero!

In this podcast Brian talks about growing up surfing, skating, and snook fishing south Florida, later becoming a highly respected guide and boat builder.

Manny Puig is a renowned wildlife expert, animal handler, and television personality, best known for his appearances on the hit TV shows Jackass and Wildboyz. With a deep passion for wildlife and a fearless approach to working with dangerous animals, Manny became a fan favorite on these unconventional, often outrageous, programs. His expertise in handling animals such as alligators, snakes, and crocodiles earned him recognition in the world of animal handling and made him a standout character in the Jackass universe.

In addition to his work on these shows, Manny also starred in his own TV series. He had a show on the Outdoor Channel called Savage Wild, where he showcased his skills and knowledge in dealing with the world's most dangerous animals. Later, he became a central figure in Gator Boys, a popular series on Animal Planet that focused on capturing and rescuing alligators, especially in the Florida Everglades. In both shows, Manny's calm demeanor and expertise with reptiles and other wild creatures shone through, making him a trusted figure in the world of wildlife conservation and animal rescue.

Manny’s career as a wildlife expert extends beyond television. He has spent years studying and working with exotic animals, including sharks, venomous reptiles, and large carnivores. His commitment to conservation and animal welfare is evident in his efforts to educate the public about these often misunderstood creatures, despite the more chaotic nature of his on-screen appearances. Puig's fearlessness and devotion to wildlife have solidified him as a memorable figure in both the reality TV and wildlife communities.

We hope you enjoy Manny's story as much as we did. He is truly one of the most remarkable humans we’ve had the privilege of interviewing on our podcast. Manny's upbringing is nothing short of extraordinary, and his journey could easily fill an entire podcast on its own. Raised in Cuba, his childhood was marked by hardship, including the trauma of his mother being imprisoned and his father’s tragic murder. Despite these unimaginable challenges, Manny’s resilience and passion for wildlife propelled him to become the incredible person he is today.

We hope his story inspires you to feel a deep sense of gratitude for your own journey. Thank you again for joining us, Manny. Your story is one that will stay with us for a long time.

Capt. Karl Anderson embarked on his professional career at just 13 years old, securing his first paid job as a mate in the competitive world of big game fishing. Over the years, he has risen to become a globally recognized authority in the sport. His fishing journey has taken him across the globe, from the vibrant waters of Key West to the remote coastlines of Australia, and from the cold waters of Nova Scotia to the distant reaches of the Caribbean.

Today, Anderson serves as the captain and manager of several custom sport fishing yachts, guiding them to some of the world’s most prestigious sport fishing destinations. With thousands of billfish and tuna releases under his belt, his skill and experience are unparalleled. His reputation as a master captain is not just a reflection of his technical prowess but also of his deep passion for the sport.

In addition to his exceptional career at sea, Anderson is a talented journalist whose work has earned him recognition in multiple fields. His writing, photography, and video contributions have appeared in an extensive array of prestigious industry publications, garnering numerous national awards. His insights into the sport and its culture have shaped the way enthusiasts and professionals alike engage with big game fishing.

Karl's expertise also extends beyond the deck, as he serves as an International Representative for the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). In this role, he has a direct influence on the global fishing community, advocating for best practices and ethical standards. Furthermore, he chairs the Rules and Recognition Committee of the IGFA's North American Regional Council, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of sport fishing regulations and ensuring the preservation of the sport for generations to come. In 2023, Karl was inducted into the Captains & Crew Hall of Fame by the IGFA.

Capt. Greg Dini is a highly respected flats fishing guide with expertise in saltwater fly fishing and light tackle angling. Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, he developed a love for fishing early on, spending his high school years honing his skills in Mosquito Lagoon. This passion led him to the University of Miami on a Division I baseball scholarship, where he further refined his angling techniques in the bountiful waters of South Florida.

After transferring to Tulane University in New Orleans, Captain Dini immersed himself in the Louisiana marshes, dedicating thousands of hours to this iconic fishery. His commitment to the sport has earned him a reputation as one of the most skilled and respected guides in the region.

Greg is a founding guide at Flywater Expeditions in Islamorada, Florida, where he continues to share his wealth of knowledge and passion for fishing with clients. Alongside guiding, he is also a published photographer and videographer, capturing the beauty and essence of the fishing world through his lens. In 2023, Dini and his angler Evan Carruthers triumphed in both the prestigious Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament and the Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament, solidifying their place as a formidable force in the competitive fishing world.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Greg is a devoted family man who cherishes time with his wife and three children.

This is his story - we hope you enjoy!

Guy Harvey is one of the most prolific and influential artists in the world of fishing. Known as the king of the fishing t-shirt industry, he has captivated generations with his iconic murals depicting billfish and marine life. His passion for these creatures has taken him to the farthest corners of the ocean, where he has had the privilege of observing them up close in their natural habitat.

But who is the man behind the legendary name and his signature long-legged lettering? Having met Guy before, I was struck by the depth of his curiosity and creativity, traits that define his life’s work. Beyond his artistry, Guy is deeply committed to marine research and conservation. His dedication is evident in his founding of the Guy Harvey Research Institute and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, both of which are at the forefront of efforts to protect marine ecosystems.

In this conversation, we catch up with Guy as he heads to Palm Beach, Florida, to receive yet another well-deserved honor. We discuss his lifelong passion for fishing, his love for art, and his unwavering dedication for billfish conservation.

John Abplanalp has lived an extraordinary life centered around fishing, including being one of the pioneers on the flats of Montauk, where he was among the first to sight-cast for striped bass from his skiff. His family was fortunate to pursue big dreams, thanks to his father, who designed and invented the aerosol valve used in spray cans. Fast forward a few years, and after his father purchased the small island of Walker's Cay in the Bahamas, John found himself chasing his newfound passion for bonefish. Walker's Cay became the jumping off point for Flip Pallot’s iconic show, Walker's Cay Chronicles, which captivated audiences and drew them in heart and soul.

John and a group of like-minded friends often used the island's freighter, the Sea Lion V, as their base for fishing, sleeping, and partying—all without a care in the world. Years later, many of these individuals, including legends like Kreh, Pallot, Cardenas, Popovics, and Dixon, have become household names, representing some of the luckiest and most influential figures in the fishing world.

In today’s podcast, John takes us on a nostalgic journey back to those unforgettable days, sharing his passion for both the sport and his ongoing efforts to support Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) in their mission to preserve these incredible species for future generations.