Built To Hunt - Catch & Release Fishing

Every now and then someone asks me about my little motto: Catch. Release. Repeat. Some folks take it to mean that I’m against harvesting fish—but that’s not the case at all. I’ve harvested plenty over the years. Truth is, I’m not a big fish eater, but I’ll never pass up a plate of fried bluegill. Here’s where I stand: if you’re following your state’s regulations and enjoy keeping fish, I have zero problem with that. My message isn’t about judgment—it’s about making people stop and think about why I personally choose not to harvest.

Some assume this mindset is a “fly fishing thing,” but it’s bigger than that. For me, it’s about protecting our native smallmouth bass and Neosho bass here in the Ozarks. I don’t keep trout from Roaring River—not because I think it’s wrong, but because I don’t like eating them. If you do, that’s perfectly fine. What puzzles me is why some folks get hung up when I let my fish go.

When I step into a river or creek, harvesting is the last thing on my mind. I’m there to explore, to hunt for fish, to connect with nature. My joy comes from catching, releasing, and knowing that fish might be there again next time—maybe for me, maybe for you, maybe for the next generation. That’s what fires me up.

That’s also why you’ll hear me whisper “thank you” as I release a fish. I’m thankful for the moment, the challenge, and the memory it gave me. It’s a blessing every single time.
Built to Hunt. Those words capture who I am. I’ve gathered skills over a lifetime—from family, from friends, from trial and error—that shaped me into a man who thrives on curiosity and adventure. I love discovering what’s around the next bend, and I share that passion so others might find it sooner than I did.

Life hasn’t always been easy. For a long time, fishing wasn’t my focus. But I did remember all the amazing fishing trips I had growing up I wanted to go back there or at least start again and life just kept throwing me curveballs which now looking back was really just me not making good decisions and not taking care of myself. One day I woke up and decided I wasn’t going to keep putting it off. I went out, rod in hand, and started living the life I’d always dreamed about.

Check out my YouTube episode “Chasing Smallies and Life’s Biggest Dreams”

That’s the same way “Catch. Release. Repeat.” came to be. One day it just clicked. It summed up what I do on the water. Nothing more complicated than that.At the end of the day, it’s simple — the world’s got enough problems, and fishing shouldn’t be one of them. I’m not here to judge how you fish or what you keep. You do you, and I’ll do me.