Mill House Podcast

• Episode 142: Dean Butler - One Of The Best To Ever Do It

  I’m not exactly sure when I first met Dean Butler, but I remember the moment well—he carried an unmistakable aura of quiet assurance. Being an Aussie with that indelible accent only added to the intrigue. Dean had the weathered look only the high seas can carve into a fisherman’s face, hair, and attire. And that smile—like someone who’d just robbed a bank and knew he was going to get away with it. Long before I met him, Dean's reputation was already etched into the billfish world. Years ago, I became a disciple of Tom Evans and his tarpon game, and I’d heard about the two of them—catching all the world-record marlin you see in The Book. Dean’s done a lot in his fishing life. Sure, he’s caught his own marlin records. But I can’t help thinking one of his finest moments was gaffing Enrico Compozzi’s 735-pound marlin on 6-pound test—truly one for the ages. Or maybe it was that 600-pounder he gaffed for Evans, the one that broke the gaffs clean in half. That’s who Dean Butler is—a fisherman through and through. As Lefty once said, “Dean Butler is the best all-around fisherman in the world.” In 2015, Tom was inducted into the IGFA Hall of Fame. Dean followed in 2023. No doubt about it: Dean Butler and Tom Evans were the greatest marlin fly-fishing team ever assembled. On today’s podcast, we travel to Homosassa, Florida, to finally catch up with Dean—and hear the remarkable story of one of fishing’s true legends.

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• Episode 141: Capt. Bou Bosso - The Lawyer

  Bou Bosso is a fiery, articulate man that seeks out every ounce of everything he touches or talks about. We’ve seen his antics on the water chasing tournaments wins on the hit tarpon television show he created, “Silver Kings." It’s when he explodes at the man on his bow, you ask yourself why the discord… There really is no reason for all this but maybe it’s the will and perfection in others that he demands from himself? At a very young age he pursed giant bonefish while wading down the beach in front of his parents home in Islamorada, Florida. These fish deeply hit home and a life in guiding for him was a no brainer. At one point he thought of a more structured life. His father was a lawyer so he studied hard and passed the bar and a law practice was briefly dappled with. But the magnetic energy of the the ocean and the fish that he loved pulled him back to it, where he could create the magic he loved, watching giant Tarpon jumping out of it! On today's podcast, Bou weaves us through his compelling life’s story, filled with some heavy ups and downs and clearly explaining how he got back on top of his game…

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• Episode 140: Julian Robertson - Super J

  When athletes reflect on their careers, it's often the friendships that shine brightest—long after the trophies have gathered dust. One of my favorite people from those years is Julian Robertson. Julian first fished the Don Hawley in 2006. He was a young angler then—full of energy, curiosity, and kindness. His smile and bright eyes radiated joy. I loved spending time with him, fielding the endless stream of questions he’d throw my way. He didn’t notch his first tournament win until 2013, when he and Captain Joe Rodriguez took home the Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament title. Fast forward twelve years to 2025, and Julian has firmly established himself as one of the sport's greats—with victories in all three major tarpon tournaments: the Gold Cup, two Don Hawley titles, and two Golden Fly wins. Only four anglers have ever won all three, and if Julian takes the Gold Cup again this year, he'll be the only one to win each tournament twice. But beyond his achievements on the water, Julian is an even better father and husband—to his two children, Julian IV and Josephine (Jinny), and his wife Claire. On today’s podcast, we dive into his journey in the world of fishing, the tournament circuit, his father’s legacy with the Tiger Fund, and the pursuit of Junior World Records with his son.

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• Episode 139: Capt. Eric Herstedt - The Straight Shooter

  Capt. Eric Herstedt is a seasoned and versatile fishing guide based in Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys, specializing in light tackle and fly fishing. Whether it’s spin, bait, plug, artificial, or fly—Eric does it all, and he does it with the best of them. With decades of experience and an unmatched passion for the water, Eric has built a reputation as a top-tier guide known for his skill, adaptability, and commitment to providing unforgettable days on the water.Born in Miami and raised on Long Key in the heart of the Florida Keys, Eric developed a deep connection to the outdoors and the rich fishing grounds surrounding him. By the age of 3, he was already casting a spin rod, and at just 14 years old, he achieved his first Flats Grand Slam—landing a bonefish, permit, and tarpon in a single day. Though spin and plug fishing were his early go-tos, Eric discovered fly fishing at age 9 and quickly embraced its challenges and rewards.Eric’s talent and dedication have made him a fixture in the tournament scene. He and Nicky fished the Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament together for nine consecutive years, narrowly missing a victory a couple of times. In 2022, Eric and angler Mike Criscola finished as runners-up in the legendary Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament—further proof of Eric’s consistency and sharp instincts under pressure.Beyond the tournaments, Eric has contributed to conservation efforts with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), working alongside Capt. Doug Kilpatrick and Dr. Ross Boucek to help establish best practices for handling bonefish safely at the boat.Eric is known not only for his skills on the water but also for his honesty and authenticity—he’s a straight shooter who tells it like it is. Whether you’re chasing tarpon on fly or just getting your feet wet, Eric is the kind of guide who makes the day memorable.We hope you enjoy getting to know Capt. Eric Herstedt as much as we have.

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• Episode 138: Capt. Pauly Ross - New Generation of Guiding

  Capt. Pauly Ross is quickly becoming one of the most respected young guides in the Florida Keys, and for good reason. At just 24 years old, he’s already earning a reputation that many seasoned captains spend a lifetime building. Born and raised in Islamorada, Pauly grew up on the deck of the Relentless, the legendary offshore fishing vessel captained by his father, Paul Ross—an icon in the sportfishing world with seven Gold Cup Sailfish Series titles to his name. The Ross family name carries serious weight on the water, and Pauly is honoring that legacy while forging his own path in the backcountry and tarpon arenas. With a quiet confidence and humble nature, Pauly operates with the precision, calm, and instincts of someone twice his age. He’s a natural guide—sharp-eyed, tactical, and relentlessly focused on giving his anglers the best possible shot. Pauly’s list of accolades is already impressive. He’s a multi-time winner of the Poor Boys Tarpon Tournament and a champion of the Herman Lucerne Backcountry Tournament. His name is consistently in the mix during tarpon season, where he's recognized as a serious threat across all the major tournaments. Although, the most amazing accomplishment, I believe, is that he recently caught a super slam (Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Snook, & Redfish) solo on fly in one day! I am not sure anyone has done that to date - but could be wrong. But accolades only tell part of the story. What sets Pauly apart is his work ethic and presence on the water. Whether poling through skinny flats or chasing rolling tarpon at dawn, he brings the same level of preparation, quiet intensity, and deep respect for the sport every day. His guests quickly realize they’re fishing with someone special—a guide with both heart and heritage. Capt. Pauly Ross represents the next generation of elite Florida Keys fishing. And if his early success is any indication, he’s just getting started.

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