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

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

Author: Mill House May 7, 2025 Duration: 1:27:43
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.

The Mill House Podcast digs into the rich, often overlooked narratives that flow through the world of fishing and the wider outdoors. While the cast of a line provides the starting point, these conversations quickly travel into deeper waters, exploring the lives, philosophies, and pivotal moments of the people who shape these pursuits. Each episode is built on a foundation of genuine curiosity, offering long-form discussions with innovators, legends, and quiet pioneers you might not have heard of before. The result is a collection of untold stories that are as much about human character, dedication, and connection to the natural world as they are about any specific sport or technique. Listening to this podcast feels like pulling up a chair in a weathered lodge after a long day outside, where the tales exchanged are compelling, authentic, and far from finished. You’ll hear the nuances behind industry shifts, personal epiphanies born on remote rivers, and the hard-earned wisdom that comes from a life spent looking to the horizon. It’s an audio experience for anyone who finds education in leisure and sees the wilderness as a source of endless story. Mill House weaves these threads together into a consistently engaging listen that redefines what an outdoor show can be.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Mill House Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 144: Larry Dahlberg - The Hunt for Big Fish [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:12
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 bl…
Episode 143: Oliver White - Fly Fishing Adventures & Entrepreneurship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:26
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…
Episode 142: Dean Butler - One Of The Best To Ever Do It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:53
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 we…
Episode 141: Capt. Bou Bosso - The Lawyer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:04
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 K…
Episode 140: Julian Robertson - Super J [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:38
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…
Episode 139: Capt. Eric Herstedt - The Straight Shooter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:06
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 d…
Episode 137: Phil O'Bannon - Chief of Boca Grande [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:26
Phil O’Bannon is a sixth-generation Boca Grande fisherman whose life has been defined by the water. He left college to chase giant bluefin tuna across the white sands of the Bahamas, a move that launched a global fishing…
Episode 136: Erik Compton - Inspiration to All [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:59
Erik Compton is truly an extraordinary individual and a dear friend! Diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy at just 9 years old, a condition that weakens the heart muscle and impairs its ability to pump effectively, Erik’s…
Episode 134: Manny Puig - Savage Wild [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:37
Manny Puig is a renowned wildlife expert, animal handler, and television personality, best known for his appearances on the hit TV shows Jackass and Wildboyz. With a deep passion for wildlife and a fearless approach to w…