Mill House Podcast

Episode 164: Capt. Brian Dopirak - DOPE

Brian Dopirak grew up in a household driven by success. His father, Al Dopirak, was one of the most accomplished tarpon guides of his time. As a young boy, Brian spent countless May days in his father’s boat, watching anglers pursue giant tarpon across the flats. Al, alongside Tom Evans, landed two record-setting fish that may stand forever—a 191-pound tarpon on 16-pound tippet and an incredible 194.5-pounder on 12-pound test. Brian witnessed the glory days of Homosassa’s flats firsthand. While learning the sport, he occasionally got the chance to fight fish that his father’s clients had already hooked, giving him an early taste of the challenge and excitement. Despite his upbringing on the water, Brian had no intention of becoming a guide. His passion was baseball. As he grew bigger and stronger, his power at the plate earned him the nickname “Light Tower Power,” a nod to the towering home runs he launched. In 2002, Brian was selected in the second round of the MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs. At 22, during his first full fall season, he hit 39 home runs—just three shy of a Midwest League record. Over a 10-year professional career that lasted through 2011, he played in the organizations of the Cubs, Blue Jays, and Astros. Brian finished his minor league career with 162 home runs. However, persistent foot injuries ultimately prevented him from reaching the major leagues. After his baseball career came to a close, Brian traded the diamond for the poling platform. Returning to the waters that shaped his childhood, he began building a name for himself as a fishing guide in Homosassa—following in the footsteps of his father. Carrying on the Doparik legacy, Brian now shares his deep knowledge of the fishery with anglers, blending a lifetime of experience on the water with the same drive and determination that once defined his career in baseball.

Episode 163: Capt. Rick Murphy - Master Angler, Relentless Survivor

Rick Murphy’s impact on the world of fishing runs deep. Many know him from his television shows—Sportsman’s Adventures, Florida Insider Fishing Report, and Texas Insider Fishing Report—popular across the Southeast. But his true legacy is built on the water—as a Florida fishing guide and a relentless tournament competitor. Murphy is widely regarded as a tarpon fishing wizard, having won all four major tarpon tournaments. Yet what sets him apart isn’t just mastery of one species—it’s his rare versatility. He’s just as formidable offshore, with multiple sailfish tournament victories to his name. By his own count, he’s claimed around 150 combined inshore and offshore wins. Still, his most remarkable achievement isn’t a trophy-- It's survival. In 2022, Murphy was involved in a twin-engine charter plane crash while en route to the Bahamas when they ran out of fuel and crashed into the ocean. He suffered severe injuries, including multiple fractures to his face and back. Against the odds, he stayed alive by clinging to a cushion until a passing boat rescued them. That moment revealed something deeper than skill or success—it showed an unbreakable will. We’ve been pursuing his story for years, and now we’ve finally captured the most compelling chapters of Rick Murphy’s life.

Episode 162: Anthony Hsieh - Bad Company Fishing Adventures

Anthony Hsieh’s success in the mortgage industry is nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a simple application for a loan officer position turned into ownership of the very company he once hoped to join. From there, he built Loans Direct, selling it to E*TRADE in 2001. He followed that with HomeLoanCenter.com, which he sold to LendingTree in 2004. Then came his biggest venture—LoanDepot, founded in 2010—where he served as CEO and Chairman until 2022, before returning last year to once again lead the company as Permanent CEO and Chairman. But long before the boardrooms and billion-dollar deals, Hsieh’s focus was already undeniable. At just eight years old, he was helping his family work toward owning their own business. At the same time, he was a young fisherman with big dreams. Growing up in Newport Beach, California, Catalina Island wasn’t just a destination—it was a challenge waiting across open water. He cut his teeth on the Venice Pier catching thresher sharks, sold bait, worked as a deckhand on day boats, and ran down the Baja Peninsula towing a Boston Whaler, fishing all the way to Cabo. Alongside friends, he chased finning swordfish with harpoons. There was nothing he wouldn’t do in pursuit of fishing. That relentless drive carried over into big-game sportfishing, where he has become one of the most influential figures in the marlin world. Few—if any—have pursued giant marlin with the same intensity of body, spirit, and resources. His obsession with catching “grander” marlin is unmatched. Just as impressive is his commitment to conservation. Now four years into their global “World Tour,” which began in June 2022, Hsieh and his team operate two mothership programs in different regions, maximizing their ability to stay on the fish. The results are staggering: 445 blue and black marlin caught, including 185 over 500 pounds and 32 over 900 pounds (estimating). They’ve also deployed 50 satellite tags as part of their commitment to helping the IGFA study and protect billfish populations. Their tournament success is just as remarkable, including over $8 million in winnings at Cabo’s legendary Black & Blue Marlin Tournament. But as Hsieh himself might tell you—tournaments can sometimes get in the way of chasing thousand-pound fish. On today’s podcast, we dive into the mindset of one of the most driven and dedicated marlin fishermen to ever troll the open ocean.

Episode 161: Jack Nicklaus - The Untold Outdoor Life of Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus is widely regarded as an American hero—though it’s hard to measure a life defined by excellence, integrity, and generosity. He is far more than one of the greatest golfers in history; his impact reaches well beyond the game. What he and his wife Barbara Nicklaus have done for children’s healthcare is nothing short of extraordinary. Through the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, they have raised hundreds of millions of dollars to support pediatric care, benefiting Nicklaus Children's Hospital and a broad network of pediatric centers across South Florida. His contributions have been recognized at the highest levels. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the President of the United States, as well as the Congressional Gold Medal. He is also a recipient of the Lincoln Medal, honoring both his philanthropic and entrepreneurial achievements. As the golf world reflects on the approaching 40th anniversary of his sixth green jacket at Augusta National Golf Club during The Masters Tournament, demand for his time—and his story—has never been greater. We’re especially grateful he chose to share it with us. Away from golf, fishing has played a meaningful role in his life—something many people don’t realize. Over the years, he has pursued a wide range of game fish around the world, including landing a remarkable 1,358-pound blue marlin off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef shortly before winning the Australian Open in 1978. From bonefish and Atlantic salmon to permit and beyond, he has spent decades exploring distant waters with a fly rod in hand. In this episode, we talk about that unforgettable day at Augusta nearly forty years ago, how he managed pressure at the highest level, his legacy in and beyond golf, his philanthropic work, and his lifelong passion for fishing. Thank you, Jack, for the humility, kindness, and generosity you continue to show—qualities that define not just a champion, but one of our nation’s enduring heroes.

Episode 160: Capt. Jonathan "Stump" Hamilton - Homosassa Fishing Co.

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.