Cameras Off / Outdoors

Dick Vincent: Walking on Water (SEASON ONE BONUS)

LESS IS MORE: This was the unpopular stance by a young biologist named Dick Vincent in the 1970’s regarding wild rivers when seasonal / supplemental fish stocking was expected. But the wild West was in Vincent’s DNA and he wasn’t backing down. Born in Bozeman in June of 1940, Richard “Dick” Vincent grew up fishing the waters of the Madison and Clark Fork rivers alongside his father and grandfather. Raised in a family of ranchers, Dick’s affinity for the outdoors was complemented by a growing interest in biology. “I grew up on it and it was the love of my life, it was the best river on the planet,” says Dick, recounting his early years on the Madison. Soon, he would bring truth to power. Today, the Rockies are considered a model for rivers around the world - with their ability to maintain a healthy fishery year-round, and reproduce naturally. It was a battle to get there, and It was truly how the West was won. Please like comment or share. It helps us keep this project going and stay connected with you. More: Howardfilms.

Stu Apte: A life in the ring.

Stuart C. Apte. The fisherman, the myth...The Boxer. Apte was born near the water in Miami Florida in 1930. No matter how far he roamed after that, he always made sure that water was gonna be part of his life. He became the gold standard for modern saltwater flyfishing. Among his 44 world records, his Pacific Sailfish and Dorado records still stand. He was a constant friend and fishing partner to Joe Brooks and baseball. Great Ted Williams. The friendships were a testament to his devotion to the sport and to them. A boxer by trade since his teens, and a fighter pilot trained for the North Korean conflict, his aggression could be offputting at times. But for those who understood his passion, it was a lesson in how to succeed on the water (He introduced the renowned "down and dirty" fish tactic"). Today, he just wants to see the fish swim forever. He is a stalwart member of the BTT.: The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Since its founding in 1997, he has recruited captains and supported science in the study and conservation of tarpon, bonefish and permit. He was inducted into their circle of honor during a list of luminaries that changed the sport. He was long down, killing, tarpon and record chasing years ago. And while he's a bit mellower today, he is 95, he never slows of talking about his favorite fish and wildlife. It has blessed him.

April Vokey: Steel Wheels

When you know, you know. April Vokey knew at early age that fishing and the outdoors were going to be central to her life. Live from Australia at April's Eastern HQ (BC Canada the other) we discuss a busy life on the water and off. The pro steelheader's and outdoor adventurer story was lit during her childhood ventures with her parents in the outdoors. Fast forward to a burgeoning guiding career and growing media outdoor presence, then a car accident propelled April's focus - on what and where she was going - with that mission, and helped her reflect on how she might change her path using both role models and gut instinct. Soon she was guiding, writing, leading and learning everywhere possible, and she climbed the ladder of the sport she loves. Early on she found ways to support her self through restaurant shifts, waitressing and cocktail work at the casino, that ultimately overlapped with her dawn trips to the river for steelhead. And with her casino makeup still on, she got to the water at dawn. There were new and noticeable photos from then and he steelhead chases - it all added unexpectedly to her media platform growing base. And she kept at it. Now a married mother splitting her time between hemispheres, she has built a life and her brand from guiding, fishing, exploring and sharing knowledge. Her podcast "Anchored," and it's investigative cousin, "Into the Backing" as well as her Master Class series provide a growing archive of knowledge and legacy in the field and stream. In the end, it's all just a brief respite in between her ventures out the door to find new species and new adventures. More at Aprilvokey.com All episodes: HowardFilms.com

Bill Schulken. What the Truck. (Stripers on the point with the actual King of Queens)

Bill knows best. The man on the bluff breaks down what swims beneath - and above: He's seen UAP's out there too. We travel to Montauk, NY to hang with the man who arrived pre-internet, amid giant blitzes, and no-sleep anglers. Bill Schulken made his truck into the cliffside outpost to see it all. One of the most dynamic anglers we've ever met. This former marine from Queens (via UPS - yes, the "King of Queens was this guy). He went his own way to commit his life every year to being there 24/7 to see where the adventure takes him. Note: we have a cameo in the episode from another passionate angler who drives up beside us while we're on the cliffs. It's an outdoor experience that's personal and candid (he shares the personal challenges) and valuable to anyone who wants to know what is being seen on the quiet point - that was once the center of the saltwater world. These chats were inspired by the moments between takes where we often discovered longer conversations and new topics that we did not have time to share at length in our feature films. Bill was in Running the Coast (HowardFilms.com) during the height of the striped bass population. What memories....Thanks for jumping in with us.

Leave No Mark. The Mark Krowka 6th Sense Story.

If you're a fisherman in the Florida Keys, chances are you've heard of Mark Krowka - especially if you are looking for tournament wins or records. But many people have not. And the gold standard keeps a pretty low profile - enough to sneak up on a few UFO's (true story) in the pre-light AM when scouting the flats. Mark Krowka's prolific 63 championship tournament wins, 10 IGFA world records, a stunning grand slam tally record (900+ and counting) and 450+ angling trophies add to his salty legend. How he does it is subject to speculation. But his love of the water is no small part. Mark took his own road early on. Despite his family (very) athletic background and the sports track that was planned for him, he knew the water was the only place he wanted to be. He turned that love into a lifetime pursuit and a legacy of the most tourney wins in the Florida Keys in Saltwater angling. He also has the most grand slams as well (Tarpon, bonefish, permit, and you can throw a snook in there if you want to). His unusual skill set for tracking fish using only his own senses has become legendary, and despite his low-key demeanor, he is an assassin on the saltwater flats. His knowledge is uncanny and so is his grand slam and species count, which mercifully his wife Marci keeps track of, as he stays focused on the experience and his clients happiness. It's been quite a ride. I think you'll agree after this listening to this one. The nicest guy in the Keys has a story to tell…Once you find him. More at: HowardFilms.com