Captains Collective Fishing Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Eeland Stribling: Comedy, Fly Fishing, and Better Conversations May 22, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Hunter sits down with Eeland Stribling, a comedian, middle school science teacher, former wildlife biologist, and fly fishing guide.

They talk about Eeland’s path into fishing and comedy, what bombing on stage has in common with getting skunked with clients, and why humor can help people step into harder conversations. They also get into race, identity, ego, social media, and the need for more spaces where people can think out loud, disagree, laugh, and stay in the room.

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Ben Whalley: Stripers, Sobriety, and Feeling Small May 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Ben Whalley to talk about guiding on the coast of Maine, chasing striped bass, and the harder parts of Ben’s story: addiction, sobriety, faith, and rebuilding a life with honesty.

They also discuss how time on the water can offer perspective, why fishing became a grounding force in Ben’s recovery, and how his own story shapes the way he guides and connects with people today.

Fit for Pursuit: If you’re ready to take a more honest look at your health, energy, focus, and longevity, take the quiz with Hone Health here:

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Owen Gayler: Living Life & Selling Out Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

In this podcast we sit down with Captain Owen Gayler less than a year after his stage four cancer diagnosis to talk through what that journey has actually looked like.

We cover the moment he got the call, the reality of treatment, and the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that came with it. We also talk about how the experience has changed the way he sees his life, his family, and his time on the water.

The conversation moves through identity, ego, faith, and what it looks like to have everything stripped away and rebuilt.

This isn’t a polished or overly structured interview—it’s an honest look at a difficult season and the perspective that’s come from it.

For the full project—including writing, photos, and video—visit CaptainsCollective.com.

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Drifter Fish Club: Year One Recap Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

A reflection on the first year of Drifter Fish Club.

In this episode, we talk through the trips, the lessons learned, and what’s surprised us most along the way.

This isn’t a polished recap—it’s a real conversation about what it looks like to build something from the ground up, and what Drifter is starting to become.

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Joshua Schwartz: Food, Fish, and Travel Creel Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with Joshua Schwartz of ⁠Travel Creel ⁠to talk about redefining fishing travel through food, culture, and intentional experience design. We dive into the idea of “controlling the controllables,” why hospitality matters more than ever, and what it really takes to run trips at a high level. This is a conversation about raising the bar—not just in fishing, but in how we travel, gather, and spend our time.

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Drifter Everglades Guide Roundtable Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

After a week fishing the backcountry around Everglades City, we sat down with the guide team for a laid-back roundtable conversation about the place, the people, and the stories that make the Everglades special.

Joining the conversation are guides Eric Herstedt, Brian Esposito, and Junior Popfinger, who share decades of experience fishing and exploring one of the wildest fisheries left in the United States.

We talk about:

• What makes the Everglades such a unique place to fish
• The lessons learned from decades of exploring the Everglades
• Why the ride out each morning feels like stepping into another world
• Camp life, wild stories, and the unpredictable nature of fishing trips
• The balance between growing the sport and protecting the places we love

More than anything, this episode captures the feeling of sitting around camp at the end of a long day on the water — swapping stories, laughing about the week, and reflecting on why wild places like the Everglades matter.

This conversation pairs with our full episode with Eric Herstedt and offers a deeper look into the guides, culture, and philosophy behind fishing the Glades.

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#128 Eric Herstedt: The Small Details That Make Great Anglers Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

Everglades guide Eric Herstedt joins the podcast during a Drifter Fish Club trip to talk about the small details that make great anglers—from sight fishing strategy and casting mechanics to the mindset guides use to keep learning on the water.

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Soul Fly Charleston: A Gathering Around Fishing, Music & Community Mar 08, 2026

Show notes

Something good is happening in Charleston on May 16th at the Refinery.

The idea is pretty simple. Bring people together around the things that make this community special.

Music.
Art.
Conservation.
Good food and good drinks.
And a bunch of people who care about water and want to have a good time.

Learn more at www.soulflyco.com

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#127 Woody Platt: Time, Bluegrass, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we talk about crossroads — the moments when something that once felt right starts to shift. We talk about burnout, family, and the importance of paying attention when your priorities begin to change.

Woody shares what it was like to build a band from nothing, win a Grammy, tour for more than two decades — and then step away at the right time. Not because things fell apart, but because he wanted something different.

At its core, this conversation is about timing, perspective, and what it really means to build a life you love — and have the courage to adjust it when it no longer fits.

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#126 Andy Prince: From Stages to Skiffs Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Andy Prince has spent years touring the world as a professional musician, but some of his most meaningful lessons have come far from the stage.

In this conversation, Andy and I talk about what it means to be new at something as an adult—about ego, imposter syndrome, mentorship, jealousy, and the courage it takes to learn in public. We explore the overlap between music, fly fishing, skating, and craft—and why none of them reward bravado for very long.

This episode isn’t about becoming the best.
It’s about becoming honest—and learning to love the process along the way.

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