DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
WELCOME TO STOMPING GROUNDS, A BLOG SERIES WHERE WE FOLLOW OUR AMBASSADORS BACK TO THEIR HOME TURF TO FIND OUT WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE, AND HOW IT INFLUENCES THE WAY THEY PLAY IN THE OUTDOORS.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE SIT DOWN WITH PROFESSIONAL ANGLER, GUIDE, AND USCG LICENSED CAPTAIN, TYLER WOOLCOTT, TO GET HIS INSIDE SCOOP ON LIVING & FISHING IN THE DAYTONA BEACH AREA. TYLER KNEW FROM A YOUNG AGE THAT HE WANTED TO MAKE THE WATER HIS "OFFICE" AND HE HAS A PEARL OF WISDOM OR TWO ABOUT HOW YOU MIGHT DO THE SAME.
How did your love of fishing begin and when did you know you wanted to make it a career?
I grew up fishing for both saltwater and freshwater species, but I started competing in freshwater tournaments at the age of 11. I always knew where my passion lay, but at such a young age, it's challenging to define your future. As I progressed through high school, I realized I wanted to turn my love for fishing into a career. I aspired to be my own boss and have my "office" out on the water.
Fishing is a huge part of the culture in Florida, how did growing up there shape you as an angler?
I grew up in Daytona on the East Coast of Florida, surrounded by both fresh and saltwater. This unique location allowed me to target a variety of species: bass in freshwater and redfish, tarpon, and snook in saltwater. My experience with both types of fishing has equipped me with a diverse skill set that I now share with my clients. During the summer, I guide saltwater fishing trips, and in the winter, I focus on freshwater guiding on some of the best bass lakes in the state.
What were some of your favorite fishing spots or fishing memories as a kid growing up in Florida?
My favorite fishing spot and some of my greatest memories in Florida come from the lake in the backyard of my childhood home. For as long as I can remember, my dad would take me on day trips to go offshore fishing. Even after a full day out on the saltwater, I’d come back and fish for bass in our backyard lake. It's mind-blowing to think about the sheer amount of time I spent on that lake growing up, a place I still see every day.
What sets Florida apart as a destination for anglers?
In Florida, we have a unique blend of freshwater and saltwater fishing. While most people associate Florida with saltwater species like tarpon, redfish, and snook, our freshwater fishing is equally impressive. The bass here are also some of the biggest in the USA, offering an unparalleled experience for anglers. Born and raised in the great sunshine state and living here my whole life, I'd explain Florida to someone who has never been here as a true waterman's paradise.
What places in your home waters do you consider essential to your life as an angler?
I fish New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet with 95% of my clients, and it's undoubtedly my "cream of the crop" location. This small town, just down the road from where I live, boasts an extensive stretch of nearshore saltwater fishing. I can always count on a ton of fish passing through Ponce Inlet, making it an ideal spot.
How would you describe your experience fishing in tournaments and what ultimately led you to take another direction?
I fished in professional bass tournaments for five years from 2018-2023, but my journey began much earlier when I started competing in tournaments at 11 years old. Throughout my tournament career, I've focused on freshwater fishing, targeting smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass. I began guiding when I started competing professionally. Given my frequent absences for competitions, guiding was the perfect way to earn a living while staying connected to the water. Eventually my passion for sharing my love of fishing took over, and I've recently taken a step away from competing to focus more of my energy into my guide business and to help provide a better experience for my clients.
What does it take to become a US Coast Guard licensed captain?
Obtaining a USCG boating license involves a week-long course and passing a test with about 100 questions covering general boating knowledge and navigation. While earning the license may not be overly difficult, the real challenge lies in building a clientele, staying busy and relevant, and ensuring your clients are having fun out there — which is the most rewarding part that keeps me coming back.
What types of guided trips do you do? What species are you targeting?
I have many out-of-state clients, primarily from the Northeast. During the summer, I take them on saltwater trips, targeting various inshore and nearshore species. In the winter, you'll find me guiding clients to my favorite freshwater spots for bass fishing. My main focus when getting people out on the water is to make sure they are having fun and enjoying their time out there. Catching a big fish or loading the boat is all just a part of the process.
Do you have a favorite type of guided trip?
Redfish and tarpon trips during the summer are my all-time favorite excursions. These challenging fish are not easy to catch, so it's incredibly rewarding to see clients land them and experience their excitement.
How is the landscape of sportfishing changing in Florida?
I’m concerned about the management of our fisheries and the protection of Florida's natural resources. There are ongoing debates and efforts to implement changes that aim to ensure the long-term health of our ecosystems. It's crucial that we address these issues to preserve the future of sportfishing in the state. I always try to do my best to educate others on issues at hand and advocate for the long term safety and health of the amazing fisheries Florida has to offer.
Have there been any stand-out teachable moments with your clients that you’d like to spread the message on?
One important lesson I emphasize with my clients is the impact of changing environments, whether due to human activities or natural processes. I always stress the importance of leaving our fishing spots in better condition than we found them, or at the very least, leaving no trace. It’s crucial that we all contribute in our own small way to preserving these places for future generations.
What pearl of wisdom do you have for anglers just beginning their fishing journey?
My advice for those starting their fishing journey is simple: focus on having fun. Spend as much time on the water as possible, as this experience is far more valuable than competing, securing sponsors, or landing the biggest fish. Enjoy the process and let your passion for fishing guide you.
What Chums products do you consider to be essential to your kit as an angler? Which are your favorites and why?
As an angler, I consider several Chums products essential to my kit. My top pick is the Tideline Adjustable fishing retainer, which is incredibly versatile and reliable. I also rely heavily on the Neoprene keychain to keep my keys secure and afloat while I'm on the water. Additionally, the Storm Series dry bags are fantastic for keeping my gear and tackle safe and dry, even in challenging conditions.
What are some other things you’d like people to know about you and what you have going on in life right now?
Since stepping back from competitive fishing, I’ve rebranded my business to Florida Big Fish Adventures. Instead of focusing on my personal brand, I’ve shifted the emphasis and all of my energy into growing my charter business. This change means attracting clients who are looking for a great fishing experience, regardless of my personal career. My goal is to provide exceptional experiences on the water and connect with more enthusiastic anglers, ensuring every outing is memorable. Growing Florida Big Fish Adventures into a thriving charter business and showing my clients the happiness of being on the water and catching awesome fish is ultimately the passion that I chase the most. However, competitive fishing will always be in my blood and I will always have that urge to compete with my peers. When the time is right I will get back into the tournament scene.