Mill House Podcast

• Episode 147: Dave Preston - 4 Time Gold Cup Champion

  Today, we’re diving into one of the most storied arenas in saltwater fly fishing —the Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament. Since 1964, it’s been considered the Super Bowl of tarpon fishing, attracting a who’s who of legends—names like Billy Pate, Ted Williams, and Glen Flutie, who famously won it five years in a row. I’ve been fortunate to win it five times in six years myself. And now, there’s a new name knocking on the door of tournament history: Dave Preston. Fishing alongside Louis Cortez, Dave has won four Gold Cups in the last five years, putting him third all-time in wins—a staggering achievement in a field that’s more competitive than ever. An avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman, Dave was born and raised in Miami, and spent the 80s and 90s exploring the waters of Florida Bay, the Everglades, Biscayne Bay, and the Keys. He’s a proud University of Florida alum, and since graduating in 2003, has worked across the state as a commercial real estate broker. These days, he lives in Jupiter, but come spring and summer, you can usually find him anywhere tarpon are swimming. Beyond the tournament leaderboard, Dave is deeply committed to conservation. He serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Everglades, and works closely with a number of organizations tackling the urgent water issues affecting South Florida’s ecosystems—from the Everglades to the coastal estuaries. Today, we talk to Dave about what this tournament means to him, how his upbringing shaped his passion for the water, and why protecting Florida’s fragile ecosystems is more critical now than ever.

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• Episode 146: Capt. George Gozdz - Unfathomed Fishing

  George Gozdz’s first fishing experience was with his father—just like it is for many of us. He fell in love with the sport early on and began dreaming of one day making it big in the fishing world. Five decades later, that dream became a reality. Today, George is a renowned TV host of Unfathomed and a brand ambassador for numerous companies. Before diving into life on the water, George worked as an emergency room nurse for 15 years. But eventually, the call of the ocean became too strong to ignore. In 2004, he earned his captain’s license and began guiding professionally full-time. He had fished his home waters throughout his life—even during his nursing days—so transitioning into guiding came naturally. Still, his ultimate dream was to host a TV show. That dream came true in 2010 when he landed his first hosting gig on the popular Reel Time Florida Sportsman show, which he led for eight years. Then came his breakout success: Unfathomed—a show that takes viewers on unforgettable journeys to remote destinations, documenting not just the incredible fishing but also the surrounding flora, fauna, and some true giants from the deep. On today’s podcast, we dive into George’s incredible journey—chasing dreams, embracing change, and living a life defined by passion and adventure.

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• Episode 145: Earle Waters - 80's in Homosassa

  I fished the fabled Homosassa flats for a few years in the late eighties, before it was obvious I couldn’t get much better at this game because of the lack of fish. Sure, they came and went—big ones too—and great records were caught a few years after, but I wasn’t fishing for records. I wanted to be around the best anglers and see what this big tarpon house was all about. Some of the famous names were still there, like Billy Pate and Tom Evans, and Doparik, of course. I stayed in Bayport, where there were a number of rooms all in a line. This is where the guys I gravitated to took residence for the month of May. All the boats would be lined up, with their batteries charging after the long days of fishing. I loved every second of the tarpon pulse that you could feel in the air. I wanted to meet everyone and ask every question I had. There was a name that I heard often but never met: Earl Waters! I read everything I could about this tarpon fever that had a hold of me. Earl was one that had his hand in about everything over there—whether he was guiding a famous name or writing about how he was catching all these great fish. I know that many went to him when they had trolling motor issues, because he was a genius with the air switches that would turn them on and off with a step of your foot on a button on the tower. Then there was his big cobia he became famous for—and yes, a thirty-pound world record permit he caught on 6-pound test. He was a local with the desire to unturn every rock to find the answers of this incredible fishery he called home. On today's podcast, he gives us a detailed look at how he built a life in fishing around one of the greatest tarpon flats the world has ever known: Homosassa, Florida.

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• Episode 144: Larry Dahlberg - The Hunt for Big Fish

  Larry Dahlberg didn’t just fish—he redefined the very essence of the sport. As the creator and host of the groundbreaking TV series, "The Hunt for Big Fish," Larry captivated audiences for over two decades with a rare blend of adventure, expertise, and innovation that set a new standard for what fishing could be. More than a television host, Larry was a true visionary and master angler. He had an uncanny ability to read water, analyze structure, understand thermoclines and bait movement, and then apply that knowledge to target species most had only dreamed of. Whether it was giant peacock bass in the jungle or Nile perch in remote African rivers, Larry consistently arrived in unfamiliar territory and fished it better than most locals—often teaching guides new strategies for their own waters. Over a span of 27 years, Larry traveled to 87 countries, armed with custom-made plugs, advanced sonar, and a tackle arsenal built for any possibility. His five-minute TV segments delivered more trophy-class fish than many full-length series combined. While world records almost certainly passed through his hands, Larry never cared for the spotlight—he fished for the love of the chase and the thrill of discovery. Larry also developed several highly influential flies, including the iconic Dahlberg Diver and the introduction of the Flashabou fly, both of which were groundbreaking innovations at the time. His lure designs were equally ahead of their time, with creations like the Whopper Plopper and Clackin’ Crayfish standing out as some of the most effective baits in modern fishing. Larry isn’t just an expert fisherman—he’s the embodiment of what it means to be a complete angler. His knowledge, creativity, and relentless curiosity have left an indelible mark on the sport. For us, sharing a few days with Larry was not only a privilege—it was one of the greatest gifts we’ve ever received.

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• Episode 143: Oliver White - Fly Fishing Adventures & Entrepreneurship

  Oliver White is a world-renowned fly fishing guide, lodge owner, entrepreneur, and conservationist whose career bridges wild rivers and Wall Street. He began his guiding journey in college after a skiing injury, quickly developing a reputation as a skilled and passionate angler. This passion led him from the rivers of North Carolina to international waters in Argentina and the Bahamas. Along the way, a chance encounter with hedge fund manager Bill Ackman opened the door to a brief but formative stint in finance, sharpening White’s business acumen and laying the groundwork for his future as a fishing industry entrepreneur. In 2008, White channeled that experience into building Abaco Lodge in the Bahamas, followed by partnerships in other elite destinations like South Fork Lodge in Idaho, which he co-owns with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. His lodges have become known not only for their world-class fishing but also for their immersive guest experiences and commitment to sustainability. White continues to guide and host trips around the world, sharing his expertise with a growing community of anglers while advocating for the health of the ecosystems they explore. A dedicated conservationist, White co-founded Indifly, a nonprofit that empowers Indigenous communities through sustainable fly fishing tourism. The organization has helped transform remote villages like Rewa in Guyana into thriving ecotourism hubs, ensuring local control and environmental stewardship. In recognition of his contributions to angling, conservation, and community development, White was recently honored with the 2025 Heritage Award by the American Museum of Fly Fishing—the highest distinction the museum bestows. His life reflects a rare blend of adventure, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

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