Mill House Podcast

Brian Dopirak grew up in a household driven by success. His father, Al Dopirak, was one of the most accomplished tarpon guides of his time. As a young boy, Brian spent countless May days in his father’s boat, watching anglers pursue giant tarpon across the flats. Al, alongside Tom Evans, landed two record-setting fish that may stand forever—a 191-pound tarpon on 16-pound tippet and an incredible 194.5-pounder on 12-pound test.

Rick Murphy’s impact on the world of fishing runs deep. Many know him from his television shows—Sportsman’s Adventures, Florida Insider Fishing Report, and Texas Insider Fishing Report—popular across the Southeast. But his true legacy is built on the water—as a Florida fishing guide and a relentless tournament competitor.

Anthony Hsieh’s success in the mortgage industry is nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a simple application for a loan officer position turned into ownership of the very company he once hoped to join. From there, he built Loans Direct, selling it to E*TRADE in 2001. He followed that with HomeLoanCenter.com, which he sold to LendingTree in 2004. Then came his biggest venture—LoanDepot, founded in 2010—where he served as CEO and Chairman until 2022, before returning last year to once again lead the company as Permanent CEO and Chairman.

Jack Nicklaus is widely regarded as an American hero—though it’s hard to measure a life defined by excellence, integrity, and generosity. He is far more than one of the greatest golfers in history; his impact reaches well beyond the game. What he and his wife Barbara Nicklaus have done for children’s healthcare is nothing short of extraordinary. Through the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, they have raised hundreds of millions of dollars to support pediatric care, benefiting Nicklaus Children's Hospital and a broad network of pediatric centers across South Florida.

Capt. Jonathan “Stump” Hamilton is a respected fishing guide based in Homosassa, known for his deep roots in Florida’s outdoor heritage and his expertise on the shallow flats of the state’s Nature Coast. A 7th-generation Floridian, Hamilton grew up immersed in the traditions of hunting and fishing, learning the waters around Homosassa from an early age and developing a lifelong connection to the region’s coastal ecosystems.

With more than 15 years of professional guiding experience, Hamilton has built a reputation for technical sight-fishing and fly fishing in the crystal-clear flats of the Gulf Coast. He specializes in targeting tarpon on fly, while also guiding clients for species such as redfish, snook, speckled trout, and shallow-water grouper.

Hamilton operates guided trips throughout the Homosassa area—from nearby grass flats to offshore waters—offering both fly-fishing and conventional tackle experiences. His charters are known for blending modern angling techniques with traditional “Old Florida” culture, including the well-known Homosassa shore lunch, where fresh-caught fish are prepared and enjoyed along the water.

Beyond fishing, Hamilton remains active in the local guiding community. He has served with the Homosassa Guides Association, helping preserve the region’s long-standing guiding traditions. In addition to his work on the water, he also guides quail hunts during the winter months at a family preserve in Florida, reflecting his broader background as an outdoorsman.

Known by the nickname “Stump,” Hamilton is recognized for his knowledge of tidal patterns, fish behavior, and the unique estuaries of Florida’s Nature Coast. His approach combines local tradition, conservation awareness, and a passion for sharing the outdoors with anglers of all skill levels.

Capt. Nick LaBadie is a Florida native through and through. Raised on the Gulf Coast just minutes from Boca Grande, he grew up fishing one of the most renowned tarpon fisheries in the world. From the time he could hold a rod, he was hooked—spending his childhood on the water and developing a deep-rooted passion for life on the water.

On today’s podcast, we answer a variety of listener-submitted questions, including: our favorite hooks for adult and baby tarpon, the moon phases we prefer for migrating tarpon, our most memorable stories from Alaska, whether the Florida Keys are getting too crowded, and practice tips for preparing for a saltwater fly fishing trip—plus a lot more.

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.