Tim Carlile was born in San Diego, CA in 1949. His father, Cliff, introduced him to the outdoors at a very young age, and like many others, found a way to pursue a career out of his passion. Tim, following in his father’s footsteps, became a fishing guide out of Sugarloaf Marina in the Florida Keys from very early on. He recalls his first trip was at age 11 years old! Tim is now 72 years old and still puts in at that same marina every day. He has been guiding for 61 years and shows no sign of slowing down - the guy is a super human.  Tim not only is an incredible fishing guide, he is one of the funniest people you will ever meet. He loves pulling a good prank whether it’s hiding in the ice cooler, or putting a fake alligator in the shrimp tank. His laugh is infectious and the more you are around him, the more time you want to spend with him. It is a honor to call him a good friend and every time I see him, it’s hard not to smile and give him a big hug. Today, Tim speaks about his near death experience when him and his late wife, Gloria, sunk his Hewes Bonefisher while dolphin fishing. He also talks about what serving in the military meant to him, early backcountry fishing in the lower keys, and the one time he found a cuban refugee boat in the mangroves. This is one you won’t want to miss. Thank you so much for coming on, Tim. Can’t wait to see you again soon…

Mill House Podcast

Episode 30: Capt. Tim Carlile - Heart of Gold

Tim Mahaffey, without question, is one of our sport’s greatest anglers of all time. His tournament success is astounding having won six of the major invitational bonefish tournaments and all three major tarpon tournaments. His three tournament guides consisting of Mark Krowka, Rick Murphy, and Duane Baker systematically honed their skills and methodology to target success against the top anglers in the Keys. Their focused crosshairs didn't miss too often. Here too is an important foot note to all this; for decades the major fly events were the Spring and Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament, The Gold Cup, and The Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament. To this day, Tim is the only angler to win all four. He is not only a phenomenal angler but an outstanding person with a beautifully kind way about him. Once he decided to move on from the tournament scene and not wanting to be off the water, he became a guide. There too, he’s made his mark. He guided Heidi Nute to a monster 152 pound world record tarpon caught on 12lb test (that later over tested and fell into the 16lb class category) and finished runner up in the Fall Fly. From either end of the boat Tim Mahaffey is incredibly fishy. ﻿On todays podcast, we dive into his success on the water. We hope you enjoy!

Episode 29: Tim Mahaffey - Tournament Maestro

Every once in a while, amidst your life travels or daily routine, you will meet someone special. Someone who embodies integrity, passion, loyalty, and work ethic. They not only make you feel good when you are in their presence, but they make you a better person. Doug Kilpatrick is one of these people. He has been a brother ever since I met him and I deeply cherish our friendship. Ever since Doug was a little kid, he has been enamored with the water and the scaly creatures below. Doug worked on charter boats all throughout high school and college, and in 1994 received his captains license. He later moved down south to chase his dreams of becoming a flats fishing guide in the Florida Keys. Capt. Tim Carlile and Capt. Steve Huff would quickly become Doug’s idols who he'd look up to and try to emulate. Kilpatrick has become a role model for many of the younger guides. Throughout his career, he has accumulated over 45 world records and won many prestigious tournaments including: The Del Brown Permit Tournament, two March Merkin Permit Tournaments, The Key West Super Fly Tournament, and the 2004 Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament with myself as the angler. His accomplishments speak for themself. Today, Doug speaks about the early years in the Lower Keys, close calls with bear attacks, and the conservation efforts being put in place to protect the flats species. I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as Nicky and I did.

Episode 28: Capt. Doug Kilpatrick - Tireless Pursuit

In the Permit world, Kathryn Vallilee is a force to be reckoned with. In 2020 she set two incredible world records. With Capt. Nick Labadie she caught a 9.5 pound permit on 4 pound test and a 22 pound permit on 6 pound test with Capt. Brandon Cyr. She capped the year with a 3rd place finish in the IGFA permit tournament against a 19 angler field. 18 men and her! Too, against her husband, Nathaniel Linville, considered by many to be the best permit angler in the world. Capt. Doug Kilpatrick, her guide in that event, says she wasn't lucky, she's as good as anyone he fishes. He went on to say that Kat is the hardest working angler he knows and will win at some point soon! Kat is an inspiration to all. She is focused, determined, and incredibly talented.... And beautifully humble. Listen closely and many of your questions on how to succeed in the permit game will be answered.

Episode 27: Kat Vallilee - Raising the Bar

Paul Tejera is one of my closest friends on and off the water. His enthusiasm for life is second to none. He'll dive head first into anything that just appears to be fun and then he'll excel at it. Tennis, Golf, Snowboarding, Kite Boarding, Surfing, and Softball, but his fishing prowess is world class! Having won 6 tarpon tournaments (Paul is one of only a handful of guides to win all three major tarpon tournaments; The Gold Cup, The Don Hawley, and The Golden Fly), two All Tackles, The Spring Fly Bonefish tournament, The $25,000 Biggest Bonefish Shootout, and The Best of The West Casting tournament puts him among one of the world's most sought after guides. Paul and I won 5 of his 6 Tarpon tournaments together and he lived with me in my home is Aspen for a spell. If there's one person you can count on to have the time of your life with, it's Paul Tejera!! I hope you enjoy his stories...

Episode 26: Capt. Paul Tejera - Zest For Life

In all sports there are a handful of extremely talented, smart individuals who move the bar, inspiring others to chase that glass ceiling. In doing so they show the world the impossible is attainable. John O'Hearn has been "That Guy" for a long time now. He is the Dali Lama on the water. His cerebral intelligence is second to none. Along with his demeanor a day on the water with him is cherished like a diamond in your pocket. I have fished with John, taped shows with him and lost tournaments against him. He is a force to be reckoned with, challenging you as an angler, guide, and good person. I have 40 some years of looking for fish in skinny water behind me, and those handful of days I've spent on his bow are some of my favorites. The sport, us anglers, guides, and his friends are privileged to be blessed by this special man!I hope you enjoy your time with John as much as we did.

Episode 25: Capt. John O'Hearn - Rethinking the Game

Willy Benson grew up in Sugarloaf Key washing boats for old time guides after their day on the water. He was a marina kid soaking in all the information those salty guides would give. Soon after, Willy rocketed onto the flats of Key West like a comet shooting across the horizon, blowing rooster tails like contrails off a jetliner. His insatiable desire made Benson aggressive on the water, challenging the best fishing holes. He chased fish and dreams like he had one day left.As he matured, he went from Willy to Will and during that transition he began to find his calling. Time has done Benson well! He now has profound respect among his peers. Incredibly versed, he used his World Angling Company to showcase his love and Key West's resounding resource, and recently used its visual impact to show the destruction of the big money world of cruise ships. Will has filmed and produced some of the most amazing short films in fly fishing. From his famed Permit film, “Satori” to “Silver Lining,” Will has an incredible gift at telling a story through the lens of a camera. Whether you just want to see some “fish porn” or get pumped up for your last minute trip down to the Keys, I highly recommend you check out his World Angling Films. Today, Will speaks about the state of Permit fishing in Key West, fighting off cruise ships, and how science helps us paint a clear picture of what’s happening to our fisheries. World Angling 

Episode 24: Capt. Will Benson - Permit, Cruise Ships, & Conservation

A few years ago I was making a presentation in a Miami fly shop when a man came to me and introduced himself. “Hey Andy, I’m Norman Duncan.” Oh my God, I thought, here he is! I was so excited, really. Here was one of the disciples.Flip Pallot, Chico Fernandez, Little John Emery, and Norman Duncan were as important as anyone in South Florida to initially grow the sport of Saltwater Fly Fishing. This group of four were something to behold. They had heart, passion, and creativity to catch fish, but without the sufficient tools to support their fire. They designed everything they needed because there was nothing available, and many of their innovations are still used today.We know the story of Flip and Chico, they became rock stars in the fly fishing world. “Little John,” as Emery was known, passed at a young age from melanoma after putting his stamp on history. But where did Norman go? What happened to him? He was smart and ingenious, pushed and shoved as hard as the others, but he stepped aside and the iconic fame the others attained passed Norman by, even though we all know his name.Today, Norman brought us out back to his porch and gave us an inside look into his eventful life.

Episode 23: Norman Duncan - The Innovator

Over the last 12 months we've had an open door to some of the mostprolific men and women in fishing. In each interview we've had theprivilege of listening to profound stories that have helped forge oursport to where it is today. This week we visit with one of the most remarkable people i've evermet, and one of the most significant men in fishing, Hall of Fame member,  AlPflueger Jr.Pflueger's fishing prowess blew minds with incredibly lofty numbersand sizes, ask Flip.....or anyone else, and he did most of it alone,self guided. In this sensitive world of 2020 and his age of 87 years young,we were blessed beyond words to have been welcomed into Al's home.I was astounded by not only Al's huge life, but his kindness - andeyes! Look closely and you'll see something special.Kiss your heart Al, Thank you!

Episode 22: Al Pflueger - Gentle Giant

For the last 50 years Bob Branham has chased his chosen fish, Bonefish, over the shallow flats and edges of Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys. You can't count out all the great permit and tarpon he's captured over the years, but Branham is a bone-fisherman! Albula Vulpes is his DNA. He knows where they're going to go next before they know where they're going to go next. Aside from his fishing genius, Bob Branham is one of the most remarkable people we know. Nicky caught his first saltwater fish with Bob and I caught my first Bonefish and Tarpon on fly with him. You can say he had a major influence in our ever growing passion for fishing.Bob's heart is the size of Texas. He's fought and won the biggest bonefish tournaments, beat the giants, who after congratulated him with the tightest of bear hugs. He is respected and cherished by all of his peers.Here he is, our beloved friend, Bob Branham.

Episode 21: Capt. Bob Branham - Bonefish Brilliance

In this episode, we chat about ethics on the water, IGFA rules and regulations, and address an important comment a listener wrote in about being a hypocrite when promoting the great outdoors. 

Episode 20: Andy & Nicky -TALKIN' SHOP- Ethics On The Water, IGFA Rules, & Overcrowded Outdoors

Neal Beidleman is no ordinary man. Raised in Aspen, CO his heart had a big outdoor spirit. Pain became a close companion as he started chasing high mountain summits and running 100 mile races.His job is even abnormal - as an aerospace engineer he designs deployable antenna structures for NASA and holds over a dozen patents on designs and devises he has worked on over the years. This guy is what you call - brilliant.While working as a guide for Scott Fischer's 1996 Everest expedition which ended in tragedy, Neal was credited a large role in assisting clients off the mountain to safety. After summiting, a large rouge storm encased the top of Everest with plummeting temperatures, high winds, and zero visibility. The harrowing night had them exposed to the brunt of the storm without shelter at 26,000 feet. Eight people perished...Years later in 2011 and 2018 he successfully summited again, healing the deep wounds of the 96' tragedy.Today he still lives life to its fullest with more big mountain ascents in his near future.His photography has documented his stories which have appeared in National Geographic, TIME, Newsweek, Men's Journal, and the cover of Life Magazine.

Episode 19: Neal Beidleman - Hero on Everest

Being slighted by the US Ski Team in 1978, Lonny Vanatta spent the rest of his career trying to prove something and that he did. Turning pro he became the top American on the world pro ski racing tour for many years. He won 20 races and won the slalom title in 1980 - finishing 3rd overall in the season title.Even though he was smaller in stature and weight than most of his competition, he had the heart of a lion that many people feared. His success was profound and was inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame in 2018. Throughout his career, his passion for hunting was paramount, as intense as it was for smashing his competitors on a race hill.His archery stone sheep in 1989 was the largest Pope and Young sheep ever killed at the time. He completed the grand slam of North American sheep - only the 54th bowhunter at the time to do so. He has 34 Pope and Young animals to his name. Lonny recently sold his successful outfitting business of 31 years.Vanatta is a cancer survivor but continues to attack life the only way he knows, head on - a true inspiration to all.

Episode 18: Lonny Vanatta - Backcountry Bulldog

Capt. RT Trosset is one of the greatest fisherman of all time… period. When you think of the words Key West and light-tackle offshore fishing, Ralph Delph, Jose Wejebe, and certainly RT Trosset are the first people that come to mind. He has been guiding anglers in Key West and making their dreams come true for over 40 years. He is a machine and is more passionate about fishing now than ever before.In 2004, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) and in 2019 the IGFA honored RT with the Tommy Gifford Legendary Captains Award, the most prestigious honor a captain can receive.I’ve fished with RT, produced TV shows with him, and have fished next to him. There’s no kinder, more giving fishing legend I know. It seems like his smile and warm heart are infectious. People love him, but under his sun worn skin is a lion to be reckoned with. If you are seeking a world record, few will fight as hard or have the ability as RT.Having amassed 239 world records, he’s as cagy as they come. In this episode, we chat about the early years of Key West, the origin of shrimp boat tuna fishing, and the shark problem that's taking place on many wrecks.This episode of the podcast is proudly presented by AFTCO - The American Fishing Tackle Company innovating fishing tackle and clothing since 1958. Use discount code "MILLHOUSE10" to receive 10% off all products on https://aftco.com/

Episode 17: Capt. RT Trosset - The Dean of Key West

At the tender age of 4, after watching Franz Klammer win Olympic gold on TV, Ryan Smalls knew he wanted to be a ski racer. Growing up in the greatest of all ski towns, Aspen, Colorado, it all made sense. He trained hard and eventually made the U.S. Ski Teams talent squad, raced in Europe, and was fulfilling his dreams. He, the only child of his parents Ray and Karen, was their pride and joy.Ski racing is hard and fast and dangerous. His racing longevity succumbed to the odds with a terrible injury. Along the way, Ray showed Ryan the outdoors like few people knew it. After graduating from college, Ryan came home to the rivers and animals of his fathers tutelage. As a plane circles for the weather to clear, so did Ryan's identity. But that didn't take long - he became a guide..... He guided fishing, hunting, and skiing.As a big hearted, passionate man, I know Ryan Smalls to be a perfectionist, world class in everything he cares for.In this episode, we chat about being caught in an avalanche, getting addicted to fly fishing for Tarpon, and being successful in the elk woods. 

Episode 16: Ryan Smalls - Ski Racer, Addicted Angler, Traditional Archer

Mill House is not just a Fly Fishing podcast. It is comprised of in depth conversations with innovators, legends, and pioneers of the outdoors. Get ready for educational outdoor content along with listening to some riveting, untold stories from industry leaders.