Mill House Podcast

Roland Martin is one of the most influential and successful figures in the history of professional bass fishing. A nine-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year and winner of 19 Bassmaster tournaments (19 times runner up as well), Martin helped define competitive bass fishing during its formative decades. Known for his versatility, consistency, and deep understanding of bass behavior, he was a dominant force across multiple fisheries and techniques. Beyond competition, Martin expanded the sport’s reach through television, most notably as the longtime host of Fishing with Roland Martin, educating and inspiring generations of anglers. Inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, his legacy extends far beyond trophies—he is widely regarded as a pioneer who helped turn bass fishing into a modern professional sport. Martin’s impact goes well beyond his tournament resume. He developed a scientific, pattern-based approach to bass fishing that was far ahead of its time. Roland became known for adapting quickly to changing conditions and mastering a wide range of techniques, from shallow vegetation to offshore structure. His sustained success helped him become one of the first professional bass anglers to exceed one million dollars in career tournament prize money, a milestone that reflected both his dominance and longevity in the sport. Off the water, Martin played a major role in shaping bass fishing’s legacy and credibility. He became the first angler ever inducted into all three major fishing halls of fame: the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Fishing Hall of Fame, and the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. Through television, seminars, and decades of competition across multiple generations, Martin helped elevate bass fishing into a modern professional sport. Today, he is remembered not just as a champion, but as a pioneer whose influence continues to define professional angling.

Honson Lau is a respected part-time fishing guide based in South Florida, balancing his time on the water with a professional career in IT at Baptist Health South Florida. Every opportunity outside of work is devoted to the flats, where Honson has built a reputation as a technical, and highly skilled guide. While well-versed in targeting all flats species, Honson’s true specialty is hunting big, intelligent bonefish on fly. His success is reflected in competition results—together with angler Jeremy Alderman, Honson has captured two Spring Fly Bonefish Tournament wins and two Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament wins, firmly establishing their team among the very best in competitive bonefishing. Honson began fishing the waters of Miami, Biscayne Bay, and Everglades National Park in the 1990s, where he was mentored and influenced by accomplished anglers & guides Frank Perez and Tim Mahaffey. Those early years laid the foundation for a lifetime of learning, observation, and respect for South Florida’s complex fisheries. He officially began his guiding career in 2009, and since then has continuously refined his skills to become a top guide for all species on the flats, including bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and redfish. Beyond guiding, Honson is an accomplished fly tyer, photographer, hunter, and cook, pursuits that reflect his deep appreciation for the outdoors and the full experience of life on the water. Analytical by nature and passionate by choice, Honson brings a unique blend of technical expertise, competitive experience, and genuine enthusiasm to every day on the flats.

Drew Chicone is a renowned fly designer, author, and educator based in Fort Myers, Florida. Widely respected throughout the fly-fishing community, he is best known for his innovative saltwater fly patterns, hands-on teaching style, and deep knowledge of the species and ecosystems on the west coast of Florida & the Bahamas. A lifelong angler, Drew has devoted his career to studying fish behavior, refining fly-tying techniques, and creating patterns that solve real-world challenges on the water. His work has been featured in numerous national publications, and his patterns are fished by guides and anglers across the country. Drew is the founder of Salty Fly Tying, a platform through which he teaches classes, produces instructional materials, and shares the research and experimentation behind his designs. He has authored 17 fly-tying books, many of which have become staples for saltwater anglers and tiers seeking to improve their craft. He also collaborates with leading brands, guides, and conservation groups to support responsible fisheries and help anglers elevate their skills. When he’s not writing or teaching, Drew can usually be found on the flats or in the backcountry around Southwest Florida—testing new materials, observing local fish, and refining the patterns that have made him one of the most recognizable names in modern fly tying.

Leslie Green, founder of Bonefish Sailor Lodge on Mangrove Cay in the Bahamas, has spent a lifetime mastering the art of bonefishing. Born and raised on Andros, Leslie grew up on the water, developing an intimate understanding of the island’s vast flats, hidden creeks, and winding mangrove channels. Many of today’s local guides began their careers under his mentorship, learning not only how to find bonefish but how to read the water, respect the environment, and welcome guests with genuine warmth. Leslie’s skill on the flats is matched only by his passion for sharing the experience with others. Whether guiding seasoned anglers or teaching newcomers their first cast, he brings patience, enthusiasm, and a deep love for the pristine ecosystem he calls home. His uncanny ability to track the elusive “ghost of the flats” comes from decades of exploring both the East and West sides of Andros, often navigating remote areas known only to him. Bonefish Sailor Lodge is the realization of Leslie’s long-held dream: a place where the stories, camaraderie, and spirit of bonefishing could be shared with like-minded adventurers. While the Lodge provides comfort and community for visiting anglers, it ultimately serves as an extension of Leslie himself—his values, his experience, and his desire to introduce others to the thrill of pursuing bonefish in one of the most extraordinary environments on earth.

Brandon Soucie is a full-time fly-fishing guide at Taylor Creek Fly Shop in Basalt, Colorado, and one of the most recognized local experts in the Roaring Fork Valley. Born and raised in Basalt, Brandon grew up fishing the Fryingpan, Roaring Fork, Crystal, and Colorado Rivers — waters that would later become both his playground and his office. He picked up his first fly rod around the age of eight and began spending every spare moment learning the local honey-holes and trout behavior. By fourteen, he was working in the fly shop, and just a few years later, at eighteen, he transitioned to guiding full-time — beginning what would become a lifelong career on the water. Guiding more than 200 days a year, Brandon has built a reputation for his deep understanding of local rivers and his patient, educational approach to guiding. He’s known not just for putting clients on fish, but for helping them understand why the fish are there and how to catch them. His calm, friendly personality and ability to tailor each trip to a client’s experience level make him a favorite among both first-time anglers and seasoned fly anglers. Whether floating the Colorado, walking the Fryingpan, or wading the Roaring Fork, Brandon brings an unmatched level of local insight and enthusiasm to every outing. Outside of his professional guiding, Brandon continues to live and breathe the fly-fishing lifestyle. When he’s not working with clients, he can be found fishing with his wife and daughter, tying flies, or exploring new fisheries for both freshwater and saltwater species. His lifelong dedication to fishing and his deep roots in the Roaring Fork Valley make him not just a guide, but a true ambassador for Colorado fly-fishing — someone who embodies the passion, patience, and respect for the water that defines the sport.