Hunter's journey into the world of fly fishing and podcasting is a testament to the power of curiosity and connection. From humble beginnings to launching The Captain's Collective, Hunter shares his experiences, challenges, and the meaningful relationships that have shaped his podcast and his approach to fishing. Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced angler, his story offers insight into the personal growth and community that fly fishing fosters

Hunter, what’s your journey into fly fishing, and how did it inspire the Captain's Collective podcast?

First off, I just want to say I feel like I am early on my journey. Far from a “trail guide,” but happy to share some of the tidbits I have learned. I grew up experiencing a wide range of outdoor activities. My father was a FWC officer who would later turn into a guide. Although we didn’t have much money when I was growing up, my family prioritized getting me in the woods and water. The experiences they gave me I know see as investments that have had a compounding effect in my life. When I was younger I had played with a fly rod some…and by played I mean launched my dads hand tied parachute Adams into branches.It wasn’t until I was in my mid 20’s that I really picked it up and got the bug. As I began to fly fish, I had the desire to learn and grow and that eventually led to me starting the show. I thought, best case scenario, I would get to meet some great people I looked up to and didn’t initially think it would grow into a big part of my “job.”

What sparked the idea for the Captain's Collective podcast?

I had been listening to a lot of podcasts at the time…stuff like The Tim Ferriss Show and Joe Rogan. I was hanging out with some friends and thought that it would be cool to see a similar style podcast but focused on interviewing fishy people. Thankfully I had some great people who believed in me and encouraged me to go for it. I scraped together a little bit of money, bought the gear, and just started reaching out to everyone I could. I was honestly surprised how welcoming everyone was. My friends actually set in on a lot of my first few podcasts to help and encourage me. I still hold a lot of gratitude for how they supported me.

How has your fishing background shaped the stories and guests on your podcast?

Hmmmm. I actually haven’t thought a ton about how my “fishing background” has shaped things. As a kid, I got the chance to fish with a lot of blue collar anglers. I didn’t know any “influencers” or anything like that. Just amazing men and women who loved the outdoors, cared about the relationships forged over those activities, and appreciated all aspects of what they pursued…from conservation to cooking. I think being exposed to that kind of thing really helped me see what matters the most. I try to draw those things into the show as much as I can.

What do you love most about hosting the podcast?

The first podcast I ever recorded was with Harry Spear who lives twenty minutes down the road from me. I remember being so excited to get the opportunity to sit down and listen to him and learn from his experiences. Six years in, and I still get that feeling. I honestly get more excited interviewing some of the lesser known guests because I have less to “go off of” and my curiosity is higher. Every guest has something to give if you are open to receive it.

Can you share a memorable episode or guest from your podcast?

I have had the chance to interview some legends in the industry that I have looked up to for years… but my most memorable episode was probably my second interview with my father. That felt like the most meaningful podcast I have recorded so far. It was not just special because it was my father (a little nepotism perhaps), but was also meaningful because of what he talked about. My dad has never cared about “growing his platform” or anything like that…he went on the podcast because he wanted to share with others what he felt was a burden to share with me. That’s the good stuff.

What challenges have you faced in running the podcast?

I sat on this for a moment and cycled through a few routes I could have gone. Logistics, technology, and stuff like that have all been a challenge, but if I am being honest the hardest challenge for me has been pressing through even when my personal life has had seasons where it feels like it is falling apart.

To be honest, I have laid on the concrete pad outside my house on more than one occasion in tears seriously considering giving up. (I like to consider myself “theatrical” not dramatic…and to be honest, the fly fishing world doesn’t need any more bravado, so just going to keep it real)

I am really glad that I didn’t but I am not going to act like it has been easy. It is in those moments where I have felt like I was inches from giving up that I have experienced the most growth as a podcaster, but more importantly as a man. If you are reading this from your own proverbial “concrete pad” acknowledge what you are feeling but delay your decisions. Having good friends around me to encourage me to keep going has been key. My inner critic can beat me down, but I am grateful I have had so many people around me to carry me along when times get tough.

What are your future goals for the Captain's Collective podcast?

Is now the time I can plug the thing? We just started a private fish club called Drifter and I am super proud of how it has taken shape. It feels like I get to use every tool in my belt on this one and I am pouring my all into it. In short, Drifter is a club that is focused on building community through creating fun and immersive experiences around fishing. We have events, “camps,” luxury and adventure travel…but more importantly we have a really amazing community of anglers taking shape and are already having a ton of fun. I won’t turn this into an infomercial but folks can go learn more at www.drifterfishclub.com. I am recording almost half my interviews in 2025 during cocktail hours and campfires on these trips. The club is a way to pull all my efforts together in a way that I think adds value to everyone involved. A rising tide lifts all ships, right?