Mill House Podcast

Capt. Jonathan “Stump” Hamilton is a respected fishing guide based in Homosassa, known for his deep roots in Florida’s outdoor heritage and his expertise on the shallow flats of the state’s Nature Coast. A 7th-generation Floridian, Hamilton grew up immersed in the traditions of hunting and fishing, learning the waters around Homosassa from an early age and developing a lifelong connection to the region’s coastal ecosystems.

With more than 15 years of professional guiding experience, Hamilton has built a reputation for technical sight-fishing and fly fishing in the crystal-clear flats of the Gulf Coast. He specializes in targeting tarpon on fly, while also guiding clients for species such as redfish, snook, speckled trout, and shallow-water grouper.

Hamilton operates guided trips throughout the Homosassa area—from nearby grass flats to offshore waters—offering both fly-fishing and conventional tackle experiences. His charters are known for blending modern angling techniques with traditional “Old Florida” culture, including the well-known Homosassa shore lunch, where fresh-caught fish are prepared and enjoyed along the water.

Beyond fishing, Hamilton remains active in the local guiding community. He has served with the Homosassa Guides Association, helping preserve the region’s long-standing guiding traditions. In addition to his work on the water, he also guides quail hunts during the winter months at a family preserve in Florida, reflecting his broader background as an outdoorsman.

Known by the nickname “Stump,” Hamilton is recognized for his knowledge of tidal patterns, fish behavior, and the unique estuaries of Florida’s Nature Coast. His approach combines local tradition, conservation awareness, and a passion for sharing the outdoors with anglers of all skill levels.

Capt. Nick LaBadie is a Florida native through and through. Raised on the Gulf Coast just minutes from Boca Grande, he grew up fishing one of the most renowned tarpon fisheries in the world. From the time he could hold a rod, he was hooked—spending his childhood on the water and developing a deep-rooted passion for life on the water.

After moving to the Florida Keys, Nick quickly became captivated by the technical challenges and endless opportunities of the flats. He poured himself into the art of sight fishing in shallow water, targeting a variety of species with both fly and spinning gear. The precision, patience, and strategy required to consistently succeed on the flats soon became his specialty.

Deep down, though, Nick is a permit junkie—and a highly accomplished one at that. His passion for chasing these notoriously challenging fish has translated into tournament success, including winning the IGFA Permit Tournament in 2020 alongside guide Brandon Cyr, the March Merkin in 2024 with angler Rob Dougherty, and the Del Brown Permit Tournament in 2025 with angler Kat Vallilee. These victories reflect not only his dedication to the species, but also his ability to perform at the highest level under pressure.

Since 2012, Nick has guided anglers throughout the flats and backcountry waters of Key West and the Lower Keys. From Big Pine Key to the Marquesas Keys, he has spent countless hours exploring and refining techniques that consistently put clients in position for success.

On today’s podcast, we answer a variety of listener-submitted questions, including: our favorite hooks for adult and baby tarpon, the moon phases we prefer for migrating tarpon, our most memorable stories from Alaska, whether the Florida Keys are getting too crowded, and practice tips for preparing for a saltwater fly fishing trip—plus a lot more.

These episodes are a lot of fun for us to record, so if you enjoy them, let us know and we’ll be sure to do more!

Have a question you’d like us to answer in a future Q&A episode? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on social. Hope you enjoy!

RJ Boyle is a legendary figure in the South Florida sportfishing world, based in Boca Raton, Florida. Born and raised in the area, Boyle grew up on the water, developing a deep connection to the ocean that would shape his life and career. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as one of the pioneers of daytime swordfishing in South Florida, helping transform what was once considered a nighttime-only pursuit into a highly refined and widely practiced technique. Building on the groundbreaking work of Vic Gaspeny and Richard and Scott Stanczyk—the true innovators of daytime swordfishing in Islamorada—Boyle adapted and applied those methods to the waters off Boca Raton and Hillsboro Inlet. Through decades of experimentation, innovation, and relentless time offshore, he has caught thousands of swordfish, including many giants weighing several hundred pounds, earning widespread respect among anglers around the world.

Standing 6-foot-4 with a larger-than-life presence, Boyle’s path to fishing fame has been anything but ordinary. Before becoming a full-time angler, he spent time as a minor league baseball pitcher, an experience that helped shape his discipline and drive. His creativity carries into his work today as an artist, entrepreneur, and educator. He is the owner of RJ Boyle Studio in Lighthouse Point, a one-of-a-kind space that blends a tackle shop, art gallery, and showcase for swordfish mounts and marine-inspired artwork. In addition to running charters and guiding anglers offshore, Boyle is deeply passionate about teaching—hosting swordfishing clinics and sharing hard-earned knowledge through reports, writing, and hands-on instruction.

Above all, the work Boyle is most proud of is his charity, Mission Fishing, which takes children with special needs and disabilities fishing, providing families with unforgettable marine experiences and lifelong memories. RJ Boyle is one of the most incredible people we have ever met and a true inspiration. We hope you enjoy this podcast as much as we did.

Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Shawn McKay has been fishing ever since he could hold a rod. At just 10 years old, he picked up a fly rod and hasn’t put it down since. Shawn honed his skills on his home waters of the South Holston and the Clinch River, developing a deep appreciation for technical fishing and the art of reading water at a young age.

Throughout high school and college, Shawn spent his summers guiding on the Henry’s Fork and Snake River in Idaho, fully immersing himself in the western trout scene. These formative years sharpened his instincts as an angler and guide while instilling a strong work ethic and attention to detail.

After college, Shawn hit the road and traveled south to the Florida Keys in search of a more stable career as a skiff guide. His unmatched drive and dedication quickly helped him establish a notable reputation in the highly competitive world of permit, tarpon, and bonefishing. For having only a handful of years on the flats, his skill level and knowledge are remarkable.

Shawn’s rapid rise was highlighted by a victory alongside renowned permit angler and guide “Sandflea” at the 2024 IGFA Permit Invitational, following a second place in 2023 and later in 2025. It was a pleasure to sit down and record a podcast with Shawn, as he truly represents the new generation of flats guides in the Florida Keys—already having earned a respected name for himself in one of the most technical and history-rich fisheries in the world.