#120 Steve Kilpartick: Behind the Curtain of Breaking World Records

In this special episode of the Captains Collective, I share what eight years and over 200 interviews with some of the world’s best captains, guides, artists, and storytellers have taught me. From the power of curiosity and community to time on the water and the importance of asking “why,” we unpack the lessons that connect great anglers—and great people. Subscribe to my Substack Newsletter HERE. Check out Field Notes: How to Hunt and Fish More Learn about our hosted travel through the Drifter Fish Club HERE. Brought to you by Skinny Water Culture, Purpose Built Optics, YETI Coolers, and MyCaptain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Captains Collective, we sit down with veteran Florida guide Jeff Legutki for a deep dive into what it really means to fish “the old school way.” From the wide-open waters of the 80s and 90s to today’s crowded flats, Jeff reflects on how culture, technology, and pressure have reshaped the sport—and what lessons from the past are still worth carrying forward. We talk about the value of slowing down, learning from the water itself, and embracing the hunt without shortcuts. Jeff shares raw thoughts on the tension between tradition and technology, the influence of social media, and why respect and patience remain cornerstones of the craft. Whether you’re a new angler looking for guidance or a seasoned fisherman nostalgic for the way things used to be, this conversation offers timeless wisdom on how to approach fishing, guiding, and life on the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast, we share some stories and insights from an incredibly loaded panel around the life and legacy of Lefty Kreh. Special thanks to the ASGA for putting on this event and allowing us to recorded this conversation from some of the leading voices in fishing today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary tarpon guide Steve Kilpatrick is best known for the 202½-lb world record on fly, but there’s more to his story. In this episode, we dive into his childhood, leaving corporate America for guiding, the culture of Homosassa, and what it really takes to build great anglers—and a long career on the water. Monte Burke's book Lord's of the Fly: HERE Millhouse Podcast Episode: HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special tribute episode, we revisit two conversations with the legendary Flip Pallot—combined here to honor his life, legacy, and lasting impact on the outdoor world. Recorded on his front porch, these interviews explore Flip’s early days exploring the Florida Everglades, the creation of Walker’s Cay Chronicles, his thoughts on innovation in the outdoors, and his deep love for storytelling, archery, airboats, and wild places. Whether you grew up watching him on Saturday mornings or are just now discovering his story, we hope this episode helps you appreciate the depth of Flip’s wisdom and the spirit he passed on. Photo by @williamhereford Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Nguyen, founder of the After Work Fish Club, to talk about fishing, community, and his unique tournament—the Red Spot Round Up. Designed to be accessible for anglers of all backgrounds, the Red Spot Round Up invites weekend warriors, guides, and everyday fishermen to compete for incredible prizes while supporting an important cause: the Ronald McDonald House and other local nonprofits. In this podcast, Sean shares the story behind the After Work Fish Club, how fishing fits into life for those balancing jobs, family, and passion, and why he believes anyone can find more time to get on the water. We also dive into how the Red Spot Round Up works, the surprising story of last year’s winning fish, and why this tournament is more than just competition—it’s about giving back and building community. Whether you’re a seasoned guide or an after-hours angler, this conversation will encourage you to fish when you can, support a great cause, and enjoy the small windows of time that get us outside. Learn more and join the Red Spot Round Up at: afterworkfishclub.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Captains Collective, we sit down with acclaimed author and storyteller Monte Burke, whose work spans the worlds of college football legends, titans of fishing, and the tangled history of tarpon on the fly. Together, we explore what it means to chase a good story—on the page, on the water, and in life. This episode also includes a special live Q&A recorded at Bar Fly in Safety Harbor, Florida, in support of Tampa Bay Water Keeper. OUR SPONSORS: Skinny Water Culture: https://www.skinnywaterculture.com Turtle Box Audio: https://turtleboxaudio.com Florida Fishing Products: https://www.floridafishingproducts.com YETI: https://www.yeti.com/ Purpose Built Optics https://purposebuiltoptics.com My Captain https://www.mycaptain.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final episode, the mic is flipped—AI joins the conversation. Using voice technology and scripted prompts, Hunter, Casey, and Jay engage in a first-of-its-kind round table where artificial intelligence gets a seat at the table. It’s strange, funny, and at times surprisingly insightful. But beneath the novelty lies a real question: how do we want to live with this technology? And what does it mean for our relationship with nature, each other, and ourselves? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of the series, we’re joined by longtime guide and outdoorsman Jay Johnson to talk about how AI might shape our world—both the one we live in and the ones we escape to. Together, Hunter, Casey, and Jay unpack the deeper philosophical and ethical questions AI presents to outdoorsmen, storytellers, and anyone who values real experiences in wild places. What should we be excited about? What should give us pause? And how do we hold on to what matters in the process? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first installment of our three-part mini-series, we explore the basics of artificial intelligence and how it’s beginning to intersect with the outdoor world. From language models to digital companions, we lay out the groundwork for understanding what AI is and where it’s going. Hunter Leavine sits down with Casey Anderson to discuss the opportunities, concerns, and unknowns AI presents—not just in the tech space, but in the woods and on the water. This episode is a primer, a reflection, and an invitation to think critically about what’s next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices