Mill House Podcast

One lesson we’ve all learned over the years is to never judge a book by its cover—especially when the subject is Carter Andrews. This towering figure, both in size and hair, is eclipsed only by the immense love he has for his family and his passion for fishing. His obsession is woven into every breath he takes. Carter is all in—every second, every day. While we’re all connected by water and the creatures that call it home, few of us live and breathe it the way Carter does. We turn to those who bring the vibrant stories of fishing and adventure to life, whether online or on television. For me, it was Flip who sparked the fire, Jose’ who carried the flame, and Curt—well, who can forget "The American Sportsman"? Life is made up of chapters that lead us to the next, and Carter Andrews is currently writing his at the highest level. His hit show, The Obsession of Carter Andrews, is nothing short of captivating—at times, even awe-inspiring. His journeys seem endless, chasing stories far beyond the horizon to remote places most of us will never visit. Yet, through his lens, I’m right there with him—on the edge of my seat—because he’s the real deal, and his team brings the magic to life. On this podcast, we had the privilege of visiting Carter’s home, farm, ranch, and yes, even his “cave.” We had a blast exploring the immense world of his life. Trust me, you can’t help but love the man.

Tim Choate is a pioneering force in Billfish Conservation and one of the most influential figures in the world of sport fishing. Growing up in Islamorada, Florida, Tim was introduced to the world of blue-water fishing by his close friend, Bucky Stark. His passion for marlin fishing quickly became an obsession, leading him to set numerous records that left the sport stunned. In 1995, his boat Magic caught an astonishing 2,140 billfish in a single year. Choate's fishing adventures took him to the Great Barrier Reef, where he spent five years honing his skills. In 1982, alongside Captain Peter Wright, he helped land the season's largest black marlin, weighing an impressive 1,212 pounds. While Tim’s early career was defined by record-breaking catches and an insatiable drive to land the biggest fish, his passion eventually shifted toward conservation. Witnessing the detrimental impact of commercial fishing on marlin and sailfish populations, Tim became a key advocate for their protection. His efforts culminated in the passing of the Billfish Conservation Act of 2012, which banned the commercial sale of marlin and sailfish in the continental U.S. In addition to his legislative work, Tim co-founded the Billfish Foundation, an organization dedicated to highlighting the economic and ecological value of recreational sport fishing over commercial harvesting. He was also an early advocate for circle hooks, pushing for their use long before scientific studies proved their effectiveness in reducing fish mortality from gut-hooking. Tim’s contributions to the sport and conservation were recognized with numerous honors, including: 2012: Frank Johnson Trophy for Personal Achievement in Advancement of Big Game Sport Fishing, awarded by Guy Harvey Outpost. 2013: IGFA Conservation Award. 2016: Inducted into the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Hall of Fame. Tim Choate’s legacy is one of unmatched dedication to the preservation of billfish and the broader marine environment, and his impact continues to be felt by anglers and conservationists alike.

George Anderson is the owner of Yellowstone Angler in Livingston, Montana, a fly shop he founded in 1979. His fly-fishing journey began in the Catskill Mountains of New York and was further honed in the Rocky Mountain West while attending the University of Colorado and working summers at a fly shop in West Yellowstone. After earning his business degree, George and his wife moved to Livingston, where he spent six years as assistant manager at Dan Bailey’s before opening his own shop. In 1985, the current Yellowstone Angler location was built, just south of Livingston on Highway 89. Throughout his career, George has written for prominent fly-fishing publications, including Fly Fisherman, Trout, Big Sky Journal, and Saltwater Fly Fishing. He is also known for his success in competitive fly fishing, winning top honors at the Jackson Hole One-Fly in 1989 and 1990, setting records for the number of trout caught using his signature George’s Rubber Legged Brown Stone nymph. George has appeared as a guest angler on numerous television shows, including Fly Fishing the World with John Barrett and Spanish Fly with Jose Wejebe, and he has filmed several ESPN segments with Trevor Gowdy in Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina, targeting bonefish, tarpon, and permit. A passionate saltwater fly fisher, George leads annual trips to Caribbean destinations and hosts trout fishing excursions to Alaska, Argentina, and other world-class locations. When not on the water, he enjoys golf, alpine skiing, scuba diving, bird hunting, and cycling.

Kelly Galloup’s personality is as vibrant and electric as a bag of smelling salts. He’s as raw and beautiful as my tarpon brothers in Homosassa. All this energy is exemplified by how he aggressively pursued the truth about streamers and how to fish them. Often he would submerge himself underwater and silently drift down the river examining where the fish were holding and learned that many big fish were in places he never targeted. His artistic mind exploded with fly designs and he started creating flies that would articulate and swim differently that the old standard patterns, which were thrown as an after thought when nothing else worked. Overnight he changed the game! Everyone started to streamer fish with his flies and began to regularly catch giants. People started to fish revered rivers differently, and he became famous with a cult like following. The older traditionalist didn’t like it at all. He is different, a disrupter, a dang force to be reckoned with, he is Kelly Galloup! On todays podcast, we cover all this and more in great detail…

Brian O'Keefe was a man born to be free of any kind of structure and fishing was the caveat to keep him running to the end of the rainbow where the best fishing holes lay. I recognize this because I have the same life text book which reads; ski, fish, eat, sleep! Seeing a photograph of him in his early life, upside down on a Powder Magazine cover, struck me deeply as I remembered this photo from many moons ago. I always wondered who this free spirited skier was. Jump ahead 15 years when I was cutting my teeth with a fish called Megalops, I heard of Brian catching a world record fish with Pate in Africa. Later, while at a trade show a number of years ago, I meet this mystery man, O'Keefe. Very rarely do you meet such a giant so gregarious and friendly. It was as if he was seeking to be hired for his first job. We didn’t spend much time together, but I knew instantly we could be incredible friends. Over the next 15 years I kept a keen eye on Brian’s work in many publications from every corner of the planet, and I always thought to myself when I’d see a photograph of him with an extraordinary subject , “what a lucky guy!” And finally we get to hear all about it.

Bob Rich is a giant in the world of fly fishing, conservation, and storytelling. I have known Bob for many years and he is the best fishing companion an angler could have. We have traveled the world together with President George H.W. Bush, Sandy Moret, Johnny Morris and countless others fishing destinations only one can dream of. Bob was a Bonefish Tarpon Trust Founding member, and has helped the Florida Redbone series with Gary Ellis to fight and find the cure for Cystic Fibrosis. He is also a very accomplished author with five books under his belt including, “Looking Through Water” which will appear soon on the big screen with actor Michael Douglas and son, Cameron. The movie is going to be called, “Blood Knot.” Later this month, Rich will receive the Lefty Kreh Award for Lifetime Achievement in Conservation, which is BTT’s highest honor, in recognition of his support of fisheries conservation. On today’s podcast, we cover the expansive life of one of my better friends, Bob Rich.

Heroes come in all forms and sizes. Most common are star athletes, television sensations, and our children who turn out to be wonderful people and future parents… A list of heroes can be endless but a hero has to be someone who moves you greatly like a celebrity who has influenced a generation. On todays podcast, Brad Probst, a hero of ours shares a very dark side he struggled through to get where he is today: The Manager of Bear Mountain Outfitters. This is where Nicky and I briefly guided elk hunts on a spectacular 18,000 acre mountain top ranch where the world is silent only to the sounds of nature, bugling elk and shimmering trees that have turned the brilliant colors of fall. Brad climbed to the top of this steep slope after a grueling battle with addiction. Near the bottom of this dark time, he flipped the switch and fought to get out, saving his family and his future. His chapters of survival are brilliant! Brad is also a "Cowboy" (he doesn't think he is) most of the year on the ranch when he is not guiding hunts or rodeoing. He recently went down to the Four 6's ranch to help out as a ranch hand as one thing's for sure, Brad's appetite for hard work is unmatched. We also talk about what it means to be a Cowboy, Elk hunting Colorado, Nuances of being an outfitter, Introduction of wolves, and his admirable climb out of addiction. On todays podcast, we cover the trials of one of the finest men I’ve ever known.

With his exceptional physical and intellectual scope, Carlos Duncan is one of the most impressive people I’ve ever known. He’s not only a Harvard graduate, he qualified for the World Championships in the Ironman, manages his families business, flies his own plane, hunts with a bow and is one of the finest Tarpon slayers the Florida Keys has ever known! And his efforts as the Chairman of The Board for the IGFA helped redirected its path that was never aspired to before. Fishing against Carlos was a difficult task. He an his guide Rob Fordyce were one of the most dominate teams. They were always challenging for the win and finished a record 7, or 9 times second (One says one the other says the higher) in the Legendary Gold Cup. On todays podcast, we talk about growing up in a high powered family (Coke) and finding great success on his own…

Tim Heng loves fishing, especially the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan rivers near Basalt, Colorado. He’s spent a large part of his life fishing them, loving them, and trying to preserve them for his fellow anglers. His efforts over the years were so compelling he was honored by the Roaring Fork Conservancy as the Conservator of the Year, the highest honor given in the valley. He is considered one of the pioneers of drift boat fishing on the Fork and Colorado River. He founded Roaring Fork Anglers in Glenwood Springs and later worked and managed the Taylor Creek Fly Shop in Basalt, Colorado for 29 years. While there he innovated fly patters that produced better than most others. He also took many trips with clients to Christmas Island and Los Roques, Venezuela. Essentially, Tim is one of the kindest, big hearted people you will ever have the pleasure of knowing! On today's podcast we cover the many nuances of a true blooded “River Keeper."

Jim Hancock is one of the finest people you’ll ever meet and one of the hardest working, too! I’ve know Jimmy a very long time, from Aspen of course, where he started working for the Aspen Ski Company in 1977. He worked in many fields for them: snowmaker, powder guide, instructor, race director, and by 1981 he’d proven himself to take on enormous responsibility when he became World Cup Chief of Course and ultimately the Chief of Race. He shined brightly. The team he assembled to prepare the slope for the high speed downhill and tech events for the best skiers in the world became his trusted family, and when anything was needed they dove in head first. He was beloved by all and they anointed him as their Pope. Jimmy is also embedded with hunting and fishing, and for the last 30 years has been an elk hunting guide every fall. He’s an adventurer at heart and doesn’t fear the unknown. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a narrow, daunting canyon with walls that stretch 2500 skyward. The river at its floor falls steeply and in some sections form giant rapids with the ability to flip rafts at the beat of a heart. But, too, it’s the home of the most amazingly prized rainbow and brown trout that have never seen the pressure that most rivers know too well. Many years ago Hancock saw something that few thought possible, fishing it by raft, and then sharing it with those that love to dare in the pursuit of great fishing in God’s country. His operation, Gunnison River Rats just sold to Elk Mountain Expeditions in Aspen, Colorado but he is still a guide taking multiple trips a summer down there. On today's podcast we cover the forging life of Jim Hancock!

Bert Scherb's journey from Chicago to becoming a beloved figure among the guides and anglers of the Florida Keys, as well as chairman of a prestigious bonefish tournament, is a testament to his passion and dedication to the sport. His 21-year tenure running the spring bonefish tournament reflects not only his organizational skills but also his deep connection to the local fishing community. In 1995, Bert achieved a significant milestone by winning the Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament alongside Tim Klein, showcasing his prowess as an angler amidst some of the best in the world. He also won the Spring Fly Bonefish Tournament in 1996 & 1999. This era was particularly notable for the Florida Keys as it boasted some of the largest bonefish ever seen, reaching impressive sizes like 13, 15, and 16 pounds. These fish, distinct from the smaller specimens found elsewhere in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas, captured the imagination of anglers worldwide. The period became known for its prolific fishing and record-breaking achievements, creating unforgettable memories for those involved. However, the idyllic period came to an abrupt halt in 2010 when a severe cold front devastated the local fish populations, including the prized bonefish, snook, and tarpon. This event marked a tragic turning point, signaling the end of an era of abundant fishing and record-breaking catches. In today's podcast with Bert, his life story unfolds against the backdrop of these legendary fish and his enduring friendships in the Keys. His experiences are a testament to the rich history of sportfishing in the Florida Keys and the enduring allure of pursuing these iconic fish species.

Capt. Aaron Snell embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation in fly fishing as well as conventional fishing. With a soft-spoken demeanor that belies his deep knowledge of the waters around Key West, Florida, Aaron is renowned for his unconventional approach and keen intellect on the water. Born and raised in the heart of Florida's fishing country, Aaron's passion for fly fishing was sparked at a young age. Over the years, he has honed his skills to become not only a respected guide but also a tournament winning guide. He and angler, Nathaniel Linville, won the 2014 Del Brown Permit Tournament. His peers hold him in high regard for his ability to consistently deliver results in both familiar and uncharted waters. What sets Aaron apart is his penchant for thinking outside the box. While many guides stick to proven spots, Aaron thrives on the challenge of discovering new fishing grounds. He prefers to roll the dice and explore uncharted territories, confident in his ability to find fish where others might not think to look. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, Aaron's patient guidance and intuitive understanding of fish behavior ensure an unforgettable day on the water. His dedication to his craft and his genuine love for sharing the thrill of fly fishing with others make him a cherished figure in the angling community. For Captain Aaron Snell, fly fishing isn't just a job; it's a way of life—one that he continues to pursue with unwavering passion and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the flats of Key West.

Drew Moret is a highly acclaimed skiff guide and the son of fishing legend, Sandy Moret. You can only imagine his childhood growing up with that DNA in the Sport Fishing Capital of the world, Islamorada, Florida. Sandy’s friends are the who’s who in the flats fishing game; Steve Huff, Flip Pallot, Chico Fernandez, Stu Apte, Billy Knowles, and many others. The inspiration to be somebody in fishing was everywhere you looked. All the kids of that generation became great fishermen and if you loved to fish, guiding was the door to financial security. Drew took to tarpon in a big way. The bonefishing was off the charts during these formative years, but Drew became a backcountry genius knowing when and where these silver kings would be, showing their voracious bite to a well placed fly. Regardless of the time of year or the weather, he’ll be looking for the poon and most likely he’ll find them. He prides himself on fishing for tarpon year round, although he can do it all. From cobia fishing on the wrecks, to tailing redfish and sunning snook. On todays podcast, we cover a number of adventures from the life of a Megalops addict!

Thane Morgan has earned the right to be called one of the greatest tarpon fly anglers of our time. Although, no one wins alone, ever. Thane Morgan and his guide, Dustin Huff, have been a highly successful team in pursuit of a 4 pound world record tarpon and winning the biggest tarpon tournaments in the world. They won the Gold Cup twice and set a tournament record in one of their three Don Hawley wins, 27 tarpon in five days - a record which may never be beat! Just like their 119 pound tarpon on 4 pound test… On todays podcast, Thane tells the stories of their legendary fish fights that are as riveting as any fishing story you will ever hear, period. Thane also talks about the many commitments and sacrifices made to win at this level. Also, how they, along with Chittum Skiffs, designed the most incredible tournament boat ever built - an 80 mile an hour “widow maker!” A pole-able 21 foot all carbon fiber boat with a 300 Mercury race engine! Everyday when these guys are on the water they are refining everything they touch and see; from their flies, rods, reels and boats, they are asking, demanding “How can this be better to catch more fish?” It’s the mind set of guys like Thane and Dustin that’ve raised the bar in saltwater fly fishing. Those questions asked and answered are essential in perfecting the imperfect to win at the highest level. And today it’s Thane’s story all the way…

Jake Jordan is a legendary figure in the blue water world. He is neither humble nor reserved when he speaks about his exploits over his six plus decades of catching tarpon, marlin and sailfish; we’re talking incredible numbers here. He prides himself with a technique he refined that has proven itself to many anglers that chase billfish. He’s not a record chaser, he is a numbers man. How do you document 10,000 sailfish he said he’s caught? For tarpon, he fishes at night under bridges in the lower keys. April and May, during a certain night time tide is when these fish let their guard down and catching a tarpon is almost a given. There’s no poling under a high sun, seeing fish swim down the flat here. But being 80+ years old it’s all but impossible for him to do the daytime game anymore. You got to hand it to him, he’s still out there getting it done! Jake is a kind man. I’ve known him for years and see him at the trade shows. When asked, he said he'd like to be remembered mostly as an innovator, teacher and mentor. He’s been honored with the Chester H. Wolf outstanding Sportsmanship Award by the IGFA in 2022, and was inducted into the Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Fame in 2023. Thanks for coming on, Jake...

On board for this podcast, is a man that has lived fully in many forms; dentist, angler, artist, and as a free spirit that many only dream of doing successfully. Yes, Fred Troxel has excelled profoundly at all of these. Many know him as a highly professional dentist that has worked bare footed for years. Oxymoron? No, because working close to Key West where the liberty to live your life in whatever form works. He has won three All Tackle World Championship Bonefish Tournaments. All of them with the two greats: Harry Speer (1) and Michael Guerin (2). Troxel is also close with many famous writers/fishermen who used to skirt over to the Bahamas where the bonefish were as plentiful as the conversations were vibrant with intellect, nonsense, and always humorous… In this podcast, we talk about his love for hunting big bonefish, his spectacular road kill art, passion for his friends, and his excursions to Burning Man. Today we get a taste of it all! Thanks for coming on, Fred!

Capt. Andy Thompson is, in my book, one of the greatest people you’ll ever have the pleasure of knowing, both on and off the water. He’s soft spoken, but his words carry incredible weight. Why?Because he’s truthful, genuine, and his integrity is gold! He’s also one of the greatest guides in the game. Andy grew up in Miami and at a very young age gravitated to fishing and never looked back. He refined his craft and eventually started fishing against the best in the world, in the biggest tarpon tournaments. He and his angler Mark Weeks won the Don Hawley twice, cementing their names in the history books. Thompson's knowledge is also incredibly vast. He can confidently fish from Chokoloskee to the Marquesas and when the fall arrives, he’ll head west to Louisiana where the monster redfish cruise the shorelines. Nicky and I have had some of our best days there with him, where our minds were blown apart by what he knows and what we caught. Andy also loves to hunt - turkeys, waterfowl, deer and elk. Yes, he’s an extraordinary outdoorsman, but he’s even better as a father, husband, and unwavering friend!

Capt. Al Dopirak is arguably the best fishing guide to ever chase world record tarpon! He and Tom Evans have put more big tarpon in their boat than anyone. Records are meant to be broken but their 194.5 lb tarpon on 12 pound test is beyond imagination, well mine anyway! They also caught a 190.5 lb tarpon on 16 pound test that broke Billy Pate’s 188 lb record that stood for 25 plus years. Tom Evans has been inducted into the IGFA Hall of Fame, and a very large part of that success story, unquestionably, has to do with Al Dopirak. Tom said, “Al is the greatest. I fished with Al for 42-43 years. Best tarpon fisherman I ever fished with. And as a person - Just the tops!” Dopirak is much more than a great fisherman, he is a loyal, loving husband, father and friend. When Evans ended up in the hospital while fishing with Al in 2022, Dopirak stayed with Tom 7 hours a day, never leaving his side. Al’s wife, Penny, and son, Brian, are his pride and Joy. I’ve been around this game along time and I can honestly say that you can put Al’s name on that very short list of, “legendary guides."

I have fished with many superstar guides throughout my career. Many were on my hit list for years before seeing that day on their bow, but there was one whose boat I never made it on and he was as famous as anyone, Butch Constable! Butch doesn’t just fish his water around Jupiter, he plays it like Hendrix did with his guitar. Inside and out he knows the timing of the fish that migrate through there as well as those that live there. I guess and presume he loves snook more that anything because is email has the word snook in it, but don’t let that fool all you other fish, because if his eyes hit yours, your dead meat! Top water or on the bottom he covers the water column like no other. Offshore sailfish to inlet snook, he knows the game and is the best at it. Butch also helped pioneer bilge pump live wells, offshore live chumming, and Jupiters’ tarpon and snook fishery. He’s also a great fly fisherman. Trust me, Butch Constable is a master at everything fishing! Another great guide, Scott Hamilton said, “Butch is one of the most talented and intuitive guides I’ve ever met. His feel for the environment would justify him having gills!” And the best yet, he’s one of the most humble, kind men I know!

Rachel Finn is a fearless, free spirit that everyone loves. After attending Yale University in graduate school, she followed her heart and began guiding up in the Adirondacks some 30 years ago. Rachel is also a wonderful artist, friend, and inspiration to never grow up and never stop chasing your passions. Finn is a well-known presence in the Adirondack guide scene throughout the fishing season. Serving as the head guide at the Hungry Trout Fly Shop in Wilmington, New York, she accompanies clients on expeditions across the numerous rivers, streams, and ponds nestled within the breathtaking mountains. Additionally, for many years during July and August, Rachel lead summer float trips in Alaska. She holds positions as a pro staff member for Scott Fly Rods, Airflow, and Nautilus Reels, while also being enlisted by Patagonia as one of their fly fishing ambassadors. Finn also is an ambassador and hosts a couple trips a year for SET Fly Fishing in Argentina. Her expertise has been showcased on ESPN's Great Outdoor Games and the Outdoor Life Network's Fly Fishing Masters.