Episode 169: Paul Puckett - Artist, Angler, & Musician

Paul Puckett is an acclaimed sporting artist, illustrator, and lifelong angler whose work captures the beauty, adventure, and emotion of life on the water. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Puckett developed an early passion for fishing, art and music, spending countless summers on the bass lakes of East Texas with his father and grandfathers—experiences that continue to inspire his work today. He earned a degree in advertising design from the University of North Texas before embarking on a career that blended his artistic talents with his love of fly fishing. After working in fly shops in Dallas, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Atlanta, Puckett relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, where he committed himself full-time to creating fine sporting art. His paintings are recognized for their expressive brushwork, vibrant color, and remarkable ability to capture not only the likeness of fish and wildlife but also the memories and stories behind every catch. Puckett's signature "Catch and Release" paintings have become especially sought after by anglers. These highly personalized works often incorporate the fish, the fly used, the location, and handwritten notes that commemorate a memorable day on the water. In addition to fine art, he is widely known for his humorous fishing illustrations, editorial artwork, and graphic design, bringing personality and authenticity to the outdoor lifestyle. His artwork has appeared in leading angling publications, galleries, conservation organizations, and sporting events throughout the United States. One of his original works is part of the permanent collection of the American Museum of Fly Fishing, a testament to his enduring contribution to the sport and its artistic heritage. In 2025, Puckett was also the subject of the acclaimed short film Time Will Tell, directed by Hilton Graham. The film chronicles his journey as an artist and fly fisherman and, in 2025, Paul and Hilton Graham's Time Will Tell received an Emmy Award, further recognizing the impact of Puckett's story and creative legacy. An avid traveler and dedicated fly fisherman, Puckett has pursued fish across North and South America, the Caribbean, the Seychelles, and beyond, drawing inspiration from each destination and translating those experiences into paintings that resonate with anglers and art collectors alike. Today, Paul Puckett continues to paint from his studio in Charleston, creating original oils, watercolors, illustrations, and commissioned works that celebrate the enduring connection between anglers, wildlife, and the waters they cherish. His art reflects a simple philosophy: the greatest fishing stories are about far more than the fish—they are about the places, the people, and the memories that last a lifetime.