LESS IS MORE: This was the unpopular stance by a young biologist named Dick Vincent in the 1970’s regarding wild rivers when seasonal / supplemental fish stocking was expected.
But the wild West was in Vincent’s DNA and he wasn’t backing down. Born in Bozeman in June of 1940, Richard “Dick” Vincent grew up fishing the waters of the Madison and Clark Fork rivers alongside his father and grandfather. Raised in a family of ranchers, Dick’s affinity for the outdoors was complemented by a growing interest in biology. “I grew up on it and it was the love of my life, it was the best river on the planet,” says Dick, recounting his early years on the Madison.
Soon, he would bring truth to power. Today, the Rockies are considered a model for rivers around the world - with their ability to maintain a healthy fishery year-round, and reproduce naturally. It was a battle to get there, and It was truly how the West was won.
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Stuart C. Apte. The fisherman is. the man, the myth...The martini maker. Apte was born near the water in Miami Florida in 1930. No matter how far he roamed after that, he always made sure that water was gonna be part of his life. He is the gold standard of modern saltwater flyfishing. Among his 44 world records, his Pacific Sailfish still stands. He was a constant friend and fishing partner to Joe Brooks and baseball. Great Ted Williams. The friendships were a testament to his devotion to the sport and to them. A boxer by trade since his teens, and a fighter pilot trained for the North Korean conflict, his aggression could be offputting at times. But for those who understood his passion, it was a lesson in how to succeed on the water (He introduced the renowned "down and dirty" fish tactic"). Today, he just wants to see the fish swim forever. He is a stalwart member of the BTT.: The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Since its founding in 1997, he has recruited captains and supported science in the study and conservation of tarpon, bonefish and permit. He was inducted into their circle of honor during a list of luminaries that changed the sport. He was long down, killing, tarpon and record chasing years ago. And while he's a bit mellower today, he is 95, he never slows of talking about his favorite fish and wildlife. It has blessed him.
When you know, you know. April Vokey knew at early age that fishing and the outdoors were going to be central to her life. Live from Australia at April's Eastern HQ (BC Canada the other) we discuss a busy life on the water and off. The pro steelheader's and outdoor adventurer story was lit during her childhood ventures with her parents in the outdoors. Fast forward to a burgeoning guiding career and growing media outdoor presence, then a car accident propelled April's focus - on what and where she was going - with that mission, and helped her reflect on how she might change her path using both role models and gut instinct. Soon she was guiding, writing, leading and learning everywhere possible, and she climbed the ladder of the sport she loves. Early on she found ways to support her self through restaurant shifts, waitressing and cocktail work at the casino, that ultimately overlapped with her dawn trips to the river for steelhead. And with her casino makeup still on, she got to the water at dawn. There were new and noticeable photos from then and he steelhead chases - it all added unexpectedly to her media platform growing base. And she kept at it. Now a married mother splitting her time between hemispheres, she has built a life and her brand from guiding, fishing, exploring and sharing knowledge. Her podcast "Anchored," and it's investigative cousin, "Into the Backing" as well as her Master Class series provide a growing archive of knowledge and legacy in the field and stream. In the end, it's all just a brief respite in between her ventures out the door to find new species and new adventures. More at Aprilvokey.com
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Bill knows best. The man on the bluff breaks down what swims beneath - and above: He's seen UAP's out there too. We travel to Montauk, NY to hang with the man who arrived pre-internet, amid giant blitzes, and no-sleep anglers. Bill Schulken made his truck into the cliffside outpost to see it all. One of the most dynamic anglers we've ever met. This former marine from Queens (via UPS - yes, the "King of Queens was this guy). He went his own way to commit his life every year to being there 24/7 to see where the adventure takes him. Note: we have a cameo in the episode from another passionate angler who drives up beside us while we're on the cliffs. It's an outdoor experience that's personal and candid (he shares the personal challenges) and valuable to anyone who wants to know what is being seen on the quiet point - that was once the center of the saltwater world. These chats were inspired by the moments between takes where we often discovered longer conversations and new topics that we did not have time to share at length in our feature films. Bill was in Running the Coast (HowardFilms.com) during the height of the striped bass population. What memories....Thanks for jumping in with us.
If you're a fisherman in the Florida Keys, chances are you've heard of Mark Krowka - especially if you are looking for tournament wins or records. But many people have not. And the gold standard keeps a pretty low profile - enough to sneak up on a few UFO's (true story) in the pre-light AM when scouting the flats. Mark Krowka's prolific 63 championship tournament wins, 10 IGFA world records, a stunning grand slam tally record (900+ and counting) and 450+ angling trophies add to his salty legend. How he does it is subject to speculation. But his love of the water is no small part. Mark took his own road early on. Despite his family (very) athletic background and the sports track that was planned for him, he knew the water was the only place he wanted to be. He turned that love into a lifetime pursuit and a legacy of the most tourney wins in the Florida Keys in Saltwater angling. He also has the most grand slams as well (Tarpon, bonefish, permit, and you can throw a snook in there if you want to). His unusual skill set for tracking fish using only his own senses has become legendary, and despite his low-key demeanor, he is an assassin on the saltwater flats. His knowledge is uncanny and so is his grand slam and species count, which mercifully his wife Marci keeps track of, as he stays focused on the experience and his clients happiness. It's been quite a ride. I think you'll agree after this listening to this one. The nicest guy in the Keys has a story to tell…Once you find him.
More at: HowardFilms.com
A truly great guide is a combination of things. A friend. A coach. An ally. A steward of the resource. And, of course, the person that knows where the fish are. Checking all these boxes made Paul Dixon one of the top guides in fly fishing. He spent a lifetime figuring out not only where the fish are, but how best to share them with others. He has been recognized for his efforts with The Izaak Walton Award, and the Bonefish Tarpon Trust Lefty Kreh award among others. He went his own way towards the point of Montauk. And that's where we find him today - in his fishing man cave, a few miles down the road from Montauk - having a chat in between fishing seasons for him (Florida and New York). Paul (seen in HowardFilms Running the Coast) found the Stripers in a skiff before the internet. We discuss the early days in Montauk and the shared footage that caused such a stir the fire marshall told Paul Dixon and Bob Popovics (the cameraman) to stop their presentation because of the number of people eagerly blocking the hallway at a flyfishing show to get a look. And so it began..
(Sequel episode on guiding in later life, the high living years, and the decisions to ensure the resource's future, as well as his own.)
PAUL'S BIO:
Paul Dixon, a native of Newport Beach, CA.
In the mid ’80s, Paul moved to the East Coast, and began fishing for striped bass and blue fish in the waters off of Long Island. He ran the fly fishing department of Orvis New York for five years, and with Randy Carlson, began one of the first Orvis salt water fly fishing schools. In 1994, Paul opened Dixon’s Sporting Life in East Hampton, while developing To the Point Charters. Paul has been featured on: ESPN’s fishing shows Guidehouse Montauk,The Walker’s Cay Chronicles and Spanish Fly as well as numerous articles and magazines, including Fly Fisherman.
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Greg Myerson rocked the fishing world in 2011. As the news spread, he was one of the last to know. The most famous record in fishing, the IGFA's heaviest Striped Bass mark brought the world to his door. And while he was happy to welcome it, there was more to the story than just the fish. This episode defies typical description. It is in many ways an audiobook of a life that breaks convention from the earliest years. a reckless and tumultuous childhood, and later some reckonings with his mortality kept him on edge. A life, that today is still being crafted by an inventive mind and a creative streak that has seen Greg become an inventor, a business owner, and a paid consultant for his natural gifts in the electrical consulting field. But perhaps most of all, a guy devoted to discovering the meaning of life, the meaning of nature, and what his place is in it, even if it means going it alone. Striped bass anglers will get inside the mind of a striped bass whisperer, and as we follow him off the water, they will learn who he is today away from him that world. After being subject of countless articles, a book and a deal on Shark Tank, he has seen it all. But there's more to the story. At the end of the day, the outdoors is where his soul resides, no matter what it takes to get there. Today, he pauses at the edge, after spending so many years trying to jump over it.
Matt Miles wasn't looking for accolades when he was recognized as guide of the year by Orvis. He was more concerned with following the fish. He's been on his own path since going his own way after high school. He headed west with his snowboard to see if he could make a life out of the sport. But life had other plans. And a chance meeting with a fishing guide, sparked his natural gift and started him on a different path: The zen guide. He removed anything that was going to complicate his fishing life. No fly shop. No staff. No merchandise and no trips unless he was on them. We share his office - and discuss life on the water and off, when trying to beat the odds, survive as a fishing guide and cracking the code with clients that trust him for fish fooling answers for Trout. Musky (maybe, we get into this topic). Smallmouth. Striped bass. Today, we are looking for summer smallmouth with cicadas buzzing in the warm Virginia air.
Matt's website: mattmilesflyfishing.com
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All episodes and movies streaming at: Howardfilms.com
Brian O'Keefe's life begs the question, what does it take to live a life of adventure? Can a passion be sustained year after year? What sacrifices are required? Brian O'Keefe has spent seven decades answering that question. As one of angling's north stars, one could measure their days against his skills, air miles, fish catches and most of all, his stories . He's stood across from militia in Sierra Leone Africa, whose eyes were so red from sniffing gunpowder and cocaine they looked like fireballs - and yet the fishing and photos went on. Like they always do. His unceasing photographic record helped chart the rise of modern fly fishing. As an expert photographer, skier and reluctant world-record holder, Brian has done laps around the globe. (Fittingly, he is the new ambassador for Yellow Dog Flyfishing outfitters) His photographs have chronicled the rise of modern fly fishing (especially saltwater, fly fishing) from A-to-Z. He brought some of the first images home from Bikini Atoll and Baja to Cuba Bahamas, Belize, Christmas Island, Yukatan, New Zealand and beyond. His iconic photo of a weekend warrior being yanked off of his JetSki with a Scott Flyrod's "unmatched lifting power" (look it up) was a perfect example of being anywhere and everywhere from the 80's on. Brian hit the road as a kid, exploring local waters, then after college, headed way east to New Zealand and beyond. and wherever he landed, he supplied visions that put people on planes to follow in his footsteps. Brian's expert skiing also resulted in testing more boundaries, which we touch up on as well. Sit back and enjoy the ride in this interview on location in Idaho with flyfishing's favorite adventure photographer. And a guy who will likely catch every fish in the water before you get there - but leave some nice photos to enjoy! *Brian is also an expert at predicting double yolks in eggs, and finding the best tacos within driving distance of any river, among other talents.
Brian's website: Brianokeefephotography.com
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Films and all episodes summaries at: HowardFilms.com
BONUS EPISODE: "Clark Kent Syndrome" PART II of Mic Drop.
This short call with Hall of Fame angler Mike Iaconelli before our trip to Philadelphia adds insights into how he started bass fishing (without permission) and survived as a pro in an outdoor sport with more ways to fail than succeed. His personality helped: He was the face of ESPN's competitive fishing In the early 2000's. Hall of Fame angler Mike Iaconelli follows up our day in Philadelphia with a call to share how a "mild mannered guy" ends up known worldwide for his outbursts, his love/hate relationship with technology, his mentality on the water now, and he shares it with his son, and the stories of the highs and lows of life on the road...
It wasn't easy, but Mike is the only angler to have won Bassmaster Classic (2003), Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, and a B.A.S.S and a Nation Kayak Series Championship. But he's not resting on his laurels in a sport without a guaranteed future. He made that clear in this conversation. Enjoy.
Mike Iaconelli's website: mikeiaconelli.com
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All films and podcast episode info at: HowardFilms.com
PART I (PART II next Tuesday. 3.18.25): Meet Hall of Fame angler Mike Iaconelli, where it all started - in Philadelphia on his home waters. Discover another side of one of America's most famous competitors (and celebrators) as we fish our way up the Schuylkill River. The story is about a lot more than bass. It's about family, finding your own way, and not giving up… "Ike" became the face of professional Bass fishing as the sport grew fast in the late 90s and the early 2000s. A sport dominated by anglers from below the Mason Dixon line with not much precedent for a kid from New Jersey. A DJ, a break dancer and a kid with so much energy and flare that there were rumors his enthusiasm was not all real. But after day on the water with him, we can assure you it is. This guy loves fishing any water habitat he can get to, and the chance to share it with anyone. Mike also happens to be the only anger to have won Bassmaster Classic (2003), Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, and a B.A.S.S and a Nation Kayak Series Championship. But resting on your laurels in a sport without a guaranteed future kept him running. And in PART II he shares what it takes for professional angler to survive and the mentality he's trying to share with his son. "Never give up!"
Mike Iaconelli's website: www.mikeiaconelli.com
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All films and podcast episode info at: www.HowardFilms.com
BILLY ON THE BEACH.
After a glass of bourbon, and a walk-through, the last 50 years in Part I, it was time to hit the beach. The other side of Montauk's lone year-round shore guide, Bill Wetzel, is on the water. Things begin somewhat calmly in the sand and the dunes in the afternoon. By the time we meet again that night in a Fall rain, blasting through potholes and dunes on back roads, and finding dark abandoned coves, he's in his element. The sound may not always be perfect, but enthusiasm is always on point. Hope you enjoy the ride.
Bills website: www.surfratsball.com. An online community of striped bass conversation, research, data and stories 24/7. Heck, Bill even puts his own fishing logs on there.
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PART 1/2: : Part 1/STUDIO + Part 2/SHORE
("Bill Between Casts") When Bill "Billy" Wetzel got his license, he knew exactly where he was going. The point of Montauk. And he has been there ever since. Studying the water. Walking its shores. And ranting into his Instagram live feed in the middle of the night (for any one lucky enough to be awake) to keep himself awake on the ride home another drive home. The only year-round shore guide on the point of Long Island he's found himself one of one. A guide, multi tourney winner, popular saltwater speaker, and founder of his own surf ratsball.com to keep salt water culture alive on the beaches of Long Island and beyond - even as the striped bass population has dropped consistently - since the end of the last moratorium. With the help of a little bourbon, and the benefit of a cold winter break, we had a chance to take a break and share some of his best stories from a kid from Ohio via the inner city (he's got stories) before ultimately making it to Long Island (he's got more stories). If a striped bass can migrate hundreds of miles to Montauk, so can he.
Bill's Website: www.Surfratsball.com
PART. 2: We take the mics out of the studio and onto the beach as we head to the Point of LI. and then into the dunes that night during a storm (of course) to fish with Bill Wetzel.
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He's one of the faces of fishing, but what do you really know about him? As a kid in Carolina, Oliver White discovered his life required water. He built a plan around exploring his world as a guide, and eventually a globally active angler. Still, there's a little more to the man behind the beard and the hat, and those well-lit images you'll discover.
We float down the Snake River in Idaho, chatting about a life of exploration, and rising again after adversity, including: a major ski accident as a youth, finding his fishing mentors, trying a big city job with few to any obvious qualifications, or losing his dream lodge in Abaco, Bahamas to a hurricane - only to discover things can actually get worse in the recovery. Today, when not in the waves of Oman or the jungles of Guyana, he's still focused on getting things right on the water, as a lodge partner (South Fork Lodge in Idaho). The ability to come full circle with a new life in the Rockies, also provided the motivation to give back, and sparked the creation of Indie Fly, a nonprofit vehicle to provide economic solutions and protection of natural water resources, through the hands of local citizens. We discuss it all while floating down the South Fork of the Snake River, just steps from the South Fork Lodge. With salmon flies in the air and fly rods in hand, we take another stab at the meaning of life, that'll last at least to the boat ramp.
Links:
www.oliverwhitefishing.com
www.southforklodge.com
www.HowardFilms.com
What a ride. A candid conversation with Andy Mill: After a life running at full speed with a commitment to testing himself through competition, Mill takes a moment for a philosophical break to look back and ahead. Mill's life as USA's best downhill Olympic downhill skier, and TV producer, were his first chapter before finding his real footing as a fishing ambassador, champion angler (14 total Florida Keys fly tournament wins, see full list below) and co-host of "Mill House Podcast" (with his son Nicky). I first met Andy Mill when I jumped on a flats skiff in the early 2000s to find tarpon with my camera, and bear witness to an angler (Andy Mill) and guide (Tim Hoover) at the top of their game. Andy didn't know me from Adam, but he said to get on board and to do this thing. It was an attitude I appreciated from day one.
After retiring from a successful television career as the producer and host of "Sportsman's Journal with Andy Mill," Mill devoted himself to competing in saltwater fly fishing tournaments in the Florida Keys. His background as a fearless competitor was clear. Mill challenged himself to be the best, but it wasn't all wine and roses on his way to setting a new gold standard in Keys saltwater fishing tourneys. There were challenges and sacrifice.
Full BIO: Mill was a skier in the U.S. downhill from 1974-1981. He skied in two Olympics and four World Championships. For his 1976 Olympic performance in Innsbruck, Austria, Mill placed 6th while skiing on a severely injured leg, and was awarded the “Olympic Skiing Award." In 1993 he was inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame.
Mill spent 20 years covering two Olympics Games, two World Championships and "Sportsman's Journal with Andy Mill" won the Teddy Roosevelt Award for excellence in outdoor programming. Mill has won: 5 Gold Cups, the most prestigious tarpon tournament in saltwater fly fishing, 6 Golden Flies, a Don Hawley, Fall Fly Invitational Bonefish and the Del Brown Permit tournament, and was the first of only three anglers ever to win a bonefish, tarpon and permit tournament on fly.
In 2020 he and his son Nicky started the Mill House Podcast, interviewing the great icons of fishing. Their goal is to preserve the rich history of not only fly fishing but all aspects of sport fishing. He is the author of the instant classic, “A Passion for Tarpon” and a respected angling ambassador.
Andy has also worked closely with a number of companies including Hardy, designing saltwater fly rods, and reels.
Honors:
The City of Aspen Hall of Fame
Colorado Ski Hall of Fame
Curt Gowdy Media award from Bone Fish Tarpon Trust
Heritage Award from the American Museum of Fly Fishing
Joe Brooks Award by the International Game Fish Association
Bob Popovics (1948-2024) passed suddenly in 2024, due to injuries sustained from a hit and run accident near his Shady Rest Restaurant in Bayville, NJ. We honor his life and legacy with this podcast. Bob stated that one of his proudest moments in his life, was his famous Tuesday Nights (a fly fishing event built on saltwater fly tying, food and drink - and word of mouth) at his house in Seaside Heights, NJ. from 1986-1992. Outgrowing the space to become the Atlantic Salt Water Fly Rodders.
We assembled Bob's closest friends on a Tuesday night in his honor to share personal stories and add to his memory with candid moments of their friend and fly tying pioneer. Like Lefty Kreh, he was a friend to all he met, from the jump, and his Marine Semper Fi loyalty was real in all aspects of his life from work to friends. He didn't crave the spotlight, just the opportunity to invent and have a shared light shine on all.
Note: The Bob Popovics Memorial Scholarship Foundation was established by Bob's friends in his name. Donations may be sent payable to the foundation at: 414 Barramore Ave, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734. The fund will build capital to support students with an interest in outdoor sports, natural resources and conservation.
Note: the episode will air here Tuesday, January 14, 2025. (recorded December, 2024)
The unexpected loss of friend, outdoor ambassador and fly tying craftsman Bob Popovics prompted this unplanned early episode of Cameras Off. We honor his unprecedented life through the candid stories of his closest friends - sharing laughter and reflection inspired by his memory. Stories include a look back at Bob's Tuesday night gatherings in Seaside, New Jersey, shared road trips and the quiet times of reflection treasured by those that knew, loved and miss their lifelong friend - Bob.
A memorial foundation to support students with an interest in flyfishing, the outdoors and conservation has been established: Donations may be sent payable to The Bob Popovics Memorial Scholarship Foundation, 414 Barramore Ave, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734.
Contact us at info@howardfilms.com if we can assist you in finding more information.
Note: Cameras Off is a new podcast from HowardFilms celebrating The Path Less Taken. It continues the film legacy of deep dives into candid, raw and unexpected places to bring unprecedented stories that need to be told, as we celebrate, going your own way. Following people doing what they love, where they love to do it. First season guests will include, NFL players, National Geographic photographers, fishing guides, game, wardens, and adventurers that follow their own inner voice instead of the path of least resistance.
(Bob Popovics is exactly that person.)
