Willy or “Will” is a Full-Time guide in the East Central parts of Florida. Born on the Island of Guam with a Vietnamese background, Will was 1 year old when he, his Mom, Dad, and 5 siblings moved to Florida in 1980. He grew up fishing the lakes and ponds of Orlando and the saltwater flats from Flagler County down to the Florida Keys. Willy has always been a huge supporter of Castaway Customs and SeaDek Marine Products, we’re proud to consider him a “Castaway Captain.” Get to know Willy a little bit better by checking out his responses to our questions below.
I started Native Fly Charters in 2010.
Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon, and Banana River Lagoon.
My favorite species to target is definitely tarpon on fly.
When I’m not on the water I enjoy surfing, skateboarding, and looking for anything interesting to photograph with my DSLR.
My bucket list fishing destination would be Hawaii because I like the Hawaiian culture, I like bonefishing, and I like surfing, so Hawaii is what I dream of.
I have a lot of people that I consider mentors, but if it wasn’t for Flip Pallot, I would not have started my business. It was his words of wisdom that pushed me to get my captain’s license and start guiding. I’ve learned a lot from Flip, not only fishing related but history, nature, and life.
I gotta give thanks to Maverick Boats, RCI Optics, Howler Brothers, Gloomis, Shimano, Cortland Line, V-Marine, Strip and Feed Research, Evolution Platforms, Wang Anchor, Castaway Customs, D.O.A. Lures, Mustad Hooks, E.P. Flies, Hoo-Rag, Simrad, and Yamaha Outboards, I hope I didn’t forget anyone.
For the next generations of guides, just put your time in, be courteous of other anglers/guides, keep your “secret spots” to yourselves if you want it to be still be a “secret”, don’t take photos showing backgrounds of your spots, practice catch and release, and most importantly, just have fun and show your clients a great time on the water even if the fishing is slow.
SeaDek is a must for anyone, especially when it comes to standing on the poling platform day in and day out. The 13mm SeaDek on my platform definitely lessens fatigue in my feet and lower back as well as provides excellent traction even when wet.
