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.

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.

I’m not exactly sure when I first met Dean Butler, but I remember the moment well—he carried an unmistakable aura of quiet assurance. Being an Aussie with that indelible accent only added to the intrigue. Dean had the weathered look only the high seas can carve into a fisherman’s face, hair, and attire. And that smile—like someone who’d just robbed a bank and knew he was going to get away with it.

Bou Bosso is a fiery, articulate man that seeks out every ounce of everything he touches or talks about. We’ve seen his antics on the water chasing tournaments wins on the hit tarpon television show he created, “Silver Kings." It’s when he explodes at the man on his bow, you ask yourself why the discord… There really is no reason for all this but maybe it’s the will and perfection in others that he demands from himself?

When athletes reflect on their careers, it's often the friendships that shine brightest—long after the trophies have gathered dust. One of my favorite people from those years is Julian Robertson. Julian first fished the Don Hawley in 2006. He was a young angler then—full of energy, curiosity, and kindness. His smile and bright eyes radiated joy. I loved spending time with him, fielding the endless stream of questions he’d throw my way.

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!