WorldAngling Media CREW
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Living in the Keys as a young boy, Will has spent a lifetime connected to the water. What began with cleaning boats to earn gas money when he was 11 years old, has matured into a "250 days a year on the water" guide schedule. Will became a professional fishing guide in 1999 at the age of 19. After Graduating from Loyola University in New Orleans with a degree in philosophy , Will moved back home to pursue guiding full time. Intrigued by the emerging popularity of documentary style independent films, Will set out to film and create a new genre of saltwater fly fishing video; one that illustrated the difficulty, the inherent beauty and the comedic elements of the sport. In 2007 his first film Tarpon Season won Best Fishing Film at the Drake magazine film contest in Denver. Will partnered with Dave Teper, a friend and fellow film maker, in the summer of 2007 and the two have formed the World Angling Media Group, a film and multimedia production company. |
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Dave Teper grew up fishing the warm water rivers and lakes near his hometown of Chicago, IL. Dave's passion for fishing continued as his interests in skateboarding, and rollerblading emerged. He decided to focus his attention solely on aggressive rollerblading and turned Pro at the age of 16. He toured in events like The X Games and Vans Warped Tour. With the amount of time on the road skating and traveling, Dave decided to purchase some analog video gear, and document his lifestyle by dubbing tapes and handing out skate videos to his friends and sponsors. In 1996 Dave’s skating career landed him in his current hometown of Naples, FL, where he partnered with communities to design, build, and manage skate parks designed for tournament coverage on ESPN. In 1997 and 1998, The ASA (Aggressive Skaters Association) held their world championships at two of his five skate parks, sparking a surge in business. Since selling his partnership in the rollerblading business, his focus on has turned back to fly fishing, and travel. From his background in video production as a rollerblader, Dave's knowledge about all facets of multimedia production has developed into a multi-tiered business that handles everything from IT consultation, design, implementation, and support, to web design, multimedia production, and programming. With an industry diverse resume of clients to his credit, Dave now has the ability to devote time on the water and behind the lens. His passion takes him on the road frequently, so if you can’t catch him on his cell phone or email, most likely you’ll find him on the front of a skiff in the Bahamas, Everglades or Keys. For the past 5 years, Dave has been a partner/developer in the fly fishing mega site fliesandfins.com, and is taking everything to a whole new level with his partnership in World Angling Media Group. |
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Captain William Houze grew up in the Catskill mountain region of New York state. With the Delaware, Wilowemac and Beaverkill in his backyard, Bill soon became a young expert in the arts of catching fish. As a boy his family came to the Keys often on vacation, where Bill would spend time fishing. He caught his first permit on fly when he was thirteen years old. While in high school Bill had the opportunity to travel to Europe and Russia with his hockey team as a defense man. After graduating high school he decided to join the Navy. After completing the prestigious BUDS training, Bill chose to leave the Navy and was honorably discharged in 2000. He moved to Key West and decided saltwater fishing was his true passion. After many adventures in building boats, working in a shipyard, and living on a sailboat, he focused his attention on the local waters. Whether it was poling his skiff in the back country or trolling marlin baits offshore, Bill wanted to learn as much as possible about the different kinds of fish and the angling techniques used to catch them. In his professional career, Bill has fished all over the Caribbean and South America as a mate in sailfish and marlin tournaments. He guided to a third place finish in the 2006 Del Brown Permit Tournament fishing with his friend Will Benson and was featured in the June 2007 edition of Saltwater Fly Fishing. With his diverse background including photography and fly tying, and his expertise in offshore big game fishing, Bill is an integral member of World Angling. "The Captain" can be found catching bait in the gulf during the winter, on the lookout for tailing Permit out West in the summer, and behind the computer photoshoping his latest image on his days off. In his own words on what fishing and guiding mean to him he states plainly "whether it be bonefish, or marlin, I have dedicated my life to putting hooks into fish and helping make people smile." keywestpermitfishing.com |
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Originally from Oklahoma City, Mark began fly fishing at an early age. He bought his first fly tying kit when he was eight and started to fish local ponds and creeks. After many years fishing in fresh water, Mark began to wonder about the allure of tropical sand flats and the strength of fish such as bonefish and permit. At twenty-two he began to developed and hone his skills as a saltwater flats guide when he spent a year and a half in the Cayman Islands. Having transformed his lifelong affair with fly fishing into a career as a guide, Mark took to spending winters on the West coast of Florida chasing tarpon, redfish and snook and summers in Alaska guiding from float planes and drift boats. Now based full time in Key West, Mark represents perfectly the "new age" keys guide; one that comes from a lifetime of fly fishing around the world and understands the nuances of different fish and different ecosystems. World Angling is very lucky to have a guide of Mark's caliber on our staff. He is hard working and always a patient teacher. If you ask Mark how he feels about his career he'll tell you, “I love what I do and I look forward to every day on the water. No bad attitudes, I only wish to make sure your fishing experience is top notch and everyone has a safe, good time!” www.keywestinshorefishing.com |
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Travis Holeman has lived everywhere from Florida to Alaska. If you don`'t know Travis personally chances are he knows somebody you know. Always driven to compete, he has tried his hand at numerous sports such as mountain bike racing, wakeboarding, and snowbording. Following a near death experience while living in Colorado teaching snowboarding, his perception of life shifted. Fly fishing became Travis' outlet. While his adventurous soul remained, Travis found a balance between the calm and contemplative aspects of fly fishing and the extreme environment in which it takes place. He also justified his competitive demeanor as his attention turned to the innovative and technical elements of the sport. In 2003 Travis and his brother Brian placed 4th in the inaugural Fly Fishing Masters Championship and so began their career in professional fishing. Today Travis competes as a professional tournament angler in ESPN's Redfish Cup, and is working in a "state of the art" boat building company leading a think tank of individuals that will redesign the boating industry from the bottom up. Travis is adept to conceptualizing out of the box, and as such is an invaluable member of the World Angling Crew. The ever creative Travis Holeman preaches, "through friendships with like minded individuals whom maintain a vision of the future based on growth and spiritual freedom, we may able to achieve success and enlightenment through the many adventures that will surely follow us along the way." www.holemanbrothers.com |
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With a heart of gold and the stature of a Grizzly, Bryan is king of all things fishing. Growing up with his family Bryan was introduced to fishing at a very early age. He and his brother Travis used to share time driving the boat while the other did the days homework. Luckily, not much homework was done by either, and both Travis and Bryan perfected their talents with the rod. Their studies landed them in the inaugural Fly Fishing Masters Tournament where they placed fourth. Bryan attended the University of Tulsa where he played football as a defensive end. His teammates nick named him THE BEAR ! Bryan began to teach snowboarding at the Wolf Creek Ski Resort after college. He spent his summers fly fishing the San Juan mountain range and all of the creeks and backwaters of South West Colorado. In 2003 Bryan traveled to meet a friend Mark Phillips who had moved to Boca Grande in search of monster tarpon. And that's about it about that...the rest of the story you already know.
Bryan is a full time guide and professional tournament angler for the ESPN Redfish Cup, and the FLW. He and his Brother are the only team to double qualify in the eastern and western divisions for the championships. They currently rank 7th in the history of the tour.
Bryan now lives in Key West and balances his life as a guide and as a professional on the road. World Angling is proud to have THE BEAR as a member. |
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Greg Arnold is the proverbial Godfather of the bayou. From his home in uptown New Orleans he presides over hundreds of square miles of marsh from Cocodrie to Venice to St. Benard. Zipping through metropolitan traffic with his Hells Bay Marquesa in tow, he knows all the best redfish flats, Nawlin's eateries and shortcuts to get to them. Greg began fishing with his great uncle who ran a state lake in Tennessee when he was a kid. He took up fly fishing in college as an elective course that also included bowling. Needless to say he did very well and has gone on to distinguish himself in that field of study. He has many state and IGFA records as guide, including the largest Redfish on fly, a whopping 41 pounder caught by Conway Bowman. Greg also spends several months every year fishing for tarpon in Carrabelle Fl. If you want a shot at a world record Red, a trophy tarpon, or just a chance to spend the day with one of fly fishing's biggest personalities be sure to check out his website www.fishinthelandofgiants.com |
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Captain Kevin Mihailoff specializes in backcountry fly fishing and light tackle fishing for snook, tarpon, and redfish in pristine Everglades National Park. Captain Mihailoff has had the privilege to fish the area for over 20 years allowing him to understand the complicated landscape, giving anglers the opportunities to sight fish world class game fish in shallow water. Kevin has a reputation of going way out of his way to get to big fish. Studying satellite images and exploring the deep Everglades Backcountry has turned
him into the hardcore gladesman that he is. He has been featured in publications such as “Salt Water Fly Fishing,” “Florida Sportsman", “South Florida Sport Fishing Magazine”, and "Eastern Fly Fishing". Tournament wins as well as top finishes in prestigious tournaments, including the Redbone Series, the Redsnook, the Redfish Tour, and the Gene Doyle Charity Classic have shown Capt. Mihailoff to be one of the most knowledgeable inshore guides in the area. Check out his web stie: www.snookin.com |
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Capt. Jeff Legutki is a laid back father of 3 and a native of the Everglades. Jeff has spent his entire life in and around the tannic waters of the 10,000 islands and the Everglades backcountry. He began fishing as a young kid from Naples, Fl. His professional guiding career started offshore as a wreck and light tackle fisherman. In 2000 Jeff went back to his roots in the many lost corners of the Glades as he began to guide fly fisherman in search of monster tarpon, snook and redfish. Capt. Jeff now balances his life between 200 days a year on the water guiding and the rest teaching his kids the fine art of fly fishing. As one of the coolest, most relaxed guides you will ever meet, Capt. Jeff exudes the kind of confidence and patience that comes after a life spent chasing some of the most remote gamefish in North America. Capt Jeff understands what it takes to catch his clients trophy fish, as well as what it takes to get the shot when out filming as a member of World Angling. If you want to step back in time and experience one of the most spectacular ecosystems on earth make sure to check out his website www.naplesfloridaflyfishing.com
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A native Floridian, Vaughn grew up in the art community of St. Augustine. He holds two fine art degrees from the University of South Florida. Arriving in Key West in 1972, Vaughn started his fishing career and became a member of Jimmy Buffet's Coral Reefer Band. "It was a great time to be in Key West", says Vaughn, reflecting on the early days; "I'm not sure how I survived."
Vaughn soon became one of the most respected fly fishing guides in the Florida Keys and his artistic inspiration was fueled by the majestic and surreal scenes he observed daily. For several years Vaughn left Key West to fish and paint in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It was there that he met his wife Jean. The two later managed Costa Rica's most famous fishing lodge, Parismina Tarpon Rancho, and recently they spent a year as the fishing managers at Belize's classic Turneffe Island Lodge.
Vaughn's artwork has received many awards and has been shown in numerous galleries and outdoor shows. His paintings and sculptures are held in private and corporate collections. Vaughn’s newest work was recently featured in a one-man show at the International Gamefish Association Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum gallery. Vaughn's powerful and popular Sumi-style Black Fly logo is perhaps the single most recognizable icon in all of saltwater fly fishing. He and his wife Jean live in St. Augustine and are owners of the Black Fly Outfitter, Jacksonville's premier fly shop and ecommerce storefront. |
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Jeremy Cameron lives in Portland, Maine and spends his time on the Northeast saltwater fly fishing for False Albacore, Bonito, Bluefin Tuna and Striped Bass from Maine to Montauk. After graduating from Northeastern University, Jeremy had commercial fished with floating long lines, sinking long lines, dragging nets and gill nets for virtually every sellable species of inshore and offshore fish from Maine to Alaska and was done with fishing. After which Jeremy put his college degree to use working as a certified SONY mobile video systems engineer. Jeremy traveled extensively integrating capturing devices and worldwide broadcast feeds with large scale video display architectures for customers such as PGA, NBA, ESPN, MLBA, NHL, NFL, Microsoft, etc. Jeremy then took his systems integration and coding experience to work as a Digital Product Analyst for Gartner Group, the world’s larges IT analyst firm. In 2001, Jeremy started Simple Solutions; an internet development and consulting firm. During his days working and traveling extensively with SONY, Jeremy was introduced to fly fishing. Instantly, his connection to fishing was re-born. Jeremy was drawn to the challenge of catching saltwater game fish on flies and the concept of catch and release. Once again, the playing field between fisherman and fish seemed balanced and fly fishing connected Jeremy to the outdoor natural resources in a more respectful and non-destructive way. In 2003, Jeremy created Flies And Fins. Ultimately, Flies And Fins is a reflection of Jeremy’s passion for fly fishing, his interest in promoting the preservation of natural resources through catch and release and framing fly fishing within the context of a bigger global picture and collaborative consciousness, understanding of internet social media development and dedication to the democratic nature of the world wide web to promote a better level of connectivity, understanding and sharing amongst people with common interests. |
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Benard Bevans is a Bahamas native from McLean's Town, Grand Bahama and and has been putting anglers on bonefish for over 10 years. He has guided for two lodges on the island, and has been on his own for the last 5 years. His ability to find and spot bonefish is second to none. His ability to get his client's fly where it needs to be comes through hard work and patient guidance as master fly caster. Known as Pittawe by his friends and clients, Bernard is an expert waterman, accomplished angler, fly tier, and instructor. From the back of his 15' Pathfinder he brings a laid back, professional attitude and will make sure that all of your needs are taken care of. Bernard is very good with beginners and expert alike. No matter what your skill level is with a fly rod, you will surely be a better bonefish angler after spending time on the water with him.
Bernard, his wife Vanessa, and their two children live in McLeans Town, and are known for their generousity and devotion to God.
www.bonefishingbahamas.com |
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Capt. Tom Shadley began a quest to have the premiere full service fly shop of Southwest Florida, it started by opening Mangrove Outfitters Fly Shop Inc. in 1994. Tom was certified as an FFF fly casting instructor in 1996 and has worked with hundreds of people, both novice and able casters. Capt. Tom was the guide to the fly fishing team division champions of the 1999 YMCA of Collier County Redsnook Tournament. Capt. Tom is a soft spoken guide who takes pride in seeing a student make a good cast to a fish and catch his or her first saltwater fish on fly. Capt. Tom has a passion for fly tying and the way materials work in the water so the fly might attract a fish. Tom is also a contract tier for Fly H2O and instructs fly tying class year round every first and third Tuesday at the shop on the East Trail in Naples, FL. |
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Growing up as a kid in New Hampshire in the mid-70’s, Peter was always hanging around Dick Surrette's Fly Shop in North Conway. As a young trout bum, Peter would hang around the shop for hours when there wasn't any fishing going on. Eventually Dick grew weary of Peter's incessant questions and put him to work. His first job was tying Black Bear Green Butts. After many excited attempts that were probably thrown out, Peter was soon keeping the fly bins filled from the tying bench in the back of the shop.
After finishing college and years of teaching science to high school students, Peter finally returned to the tying bench. His commercial tying business started out tying trout and saltwater flies for shops in the Northeast. Over the next couple of years, twists and turns conspired to make Peter and his company SSflies.com, the premier source for saltwater flies. From his shop in Maine, he is in constant contact with anglers plying the waters of the Keys and Caribbean. Always talking about flies and fishing, tying everyday, and collaborating with some of the best guides in the industry, has lead to a deep understanding of the demands put on flies. Whether it’s reworking the venerable Gotcha or developing the next great tournament fly, Peter is always finding ways to improve his client's success through innovation and attention to detail. |
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Alexis was born in France in 1982 but spent most of his life in Gabon on the equator on the central west coast of Africa. He started fishing there as a kid, and came to fly fishing when he was 18 years old. In early 2006 he had the oportunity to travel to Guadeloupe, where he found a nearly untapped fishery for bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook, and in his research he realized that there had never been a flats fishing guide of any sort on the island. It didn't take too long for him to realize that he could live his dream of fly fishing for bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook on an island in Carribean on flats and in mangrove estuaries where fish have never seen a fly. Less than six months after his visit, he made the move to Guadeloupe with his wife and dog Shadow to start the first guide service in the French West Indies : EkwataFly . Guadeloupe is a very special fishery where you have the chance to catch a "Super Grand Slam", snook, tarpon, bonefish, permit, which Alexis and Dave Teper accomplished in April of 2007. If you are looking to be one of the first people to present a fly to a big French permit, then Alexis is the guy to know.
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Michael O’Brien has been shooting photographs both above and below the ocean for close to twenty years. He has exhibited his work in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and is showing new work at Harrison Gallery in Key West this November, 2007. Michael’s photographs are in several prominent public and private collections including the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, Arizona, Polo, Ralph Lauren, NYC, and Goldman Sachs. More recently, Mike has focused his eye on Florida Keys game fish. His passion for saltwater fly fishing coupled with his lifelong affection for aquatic photography have produced some terrific photos. Some of these images are abstract views of breaking waves, the others are of Keys game fish.
Check out Michael's web site
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After more than 10 years of guiding and professional tournament fishing, Capt. Bill Faulkner has become one of the most recognizable faces in the sportfishing industry. A graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism, Capt. Bill has been an outdoor writer and photographer for nearly 15 years and currently serves as contributing editor for Florida Sportsman Magazine. In 2007, Faulkner was half of the most successful single season team effort in professional redfish tournament history. Capturing both Rookie and Team of the Year honors in the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup, Bill is excited to be fishing this year with World Angling crew mate Kevin Mihailoff.
As a full-time fishing guide in Everglades National Park, Faulkner is one of the most respected and sought after fly fishing guides on Florida’s west coast. Capt. Bill is known by his friends, clients and colleagues as a dedicated and honest individual who is constantly seeking knowledge and insight into the arts of guiding and fishing.
www.gulfcoastguideservices.com
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