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“I don’t care what your mind you’re in, it’s an escape. Whatever is going on, some stresses in life or work or what have you. You go fishing, it’s gone, it’s a vacuum. You’re in that world. The bummer is it ends because you got to drive home and it all comes back. But for that temporary relief, it’s great.”
– David Pitt
This week Ed and Reid talk with David Pitt, from KC Flats Company, a dedicated fly fishing guide outfitter in the Kansas City and Branson, MO region. In this episode, David dives into the rewarding challenges of being a guide, from carp fishing in Kansas to night fishing for trophy trout. He shares stories of KC Flats Co., a company he helped build to provide unique, saltwater-style experiences for carp fishing, offering locals the chance to train for trips to the saltwater flats.
David reflects on how fishing saved him from life’s stresses and emphasizes the healing power of the water. As a guide with Project Healing Waters, he provides veterans with therapeutic fishing trips and believes strongly in the importance of building communities centered around passion. Listeners can expect insights on mentorship, personal growth, and meaningful friendships formed by time on the water.
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Takeaways
- Fish for Peace of Mind: David emphasizes that time spent fishing can act as an escape from daily stress, allowing individuals to immerse fully in the moment.
- Third Spaces Matter: KC Flats and local fly shops serve as “third spaces,” places where people build community around a shared passion, which is vital in a world lacking connection.
- Practice for Saltwater Fishing: David explains how local carp fishing can prepare anglers for saltwater flats, with similar techniques in casting and sight-fishing.
- Guiding as Therapy: David shares the rewarding experience of guiding veterans, showcasing fishing’s therapeutic potential for dealing with life’s challenges.
- Finding a Fishing Family: David’s journey through fly fishing emphasizes the importance of building relationships and mentoring others in the fishing community.
- Lessons from Fly Shops: Local shops like K&K Fly Fishers are more than stores; they’re places of learning and gathering, bridging generations of anglers.
- Night Fishing Adventures: David shares the thrill of night fishing for trout with mouse patterns, an exhilarating experience reliant on feel and sound, not sight.
- Building Skills Through Carp Fishing: Carp fishing provides challenging but effective training grounds for anglers aiming to sharpen their skills before saltwater trips.
- Father-Son Bonding Through Fishing: David’s time fishing with his son highlights the role of shared outdoor activities in creating lasting family memories.
The Guys Fishing Weekly is a podcast dedicated to the camaraderie of men through fishing. Hosted by Ed and Reid, it’s where men gather to share not just the thrill of the catch but the deeper connections forged on the water. Each episode dives into stories, tips, and interviews that celebrate the bonds between fishermen. From tales of early morning casts to arguing about the size of the one that got away, it’s a space for men to connect over shared passions and experiences. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting, here’s where you find your crew, united by the love of fishing.
