Louisiana Fly Fishing Guide

Capt. Max Hamlin was introduced to fly fishing early in life as his father would drag him along on his fishing trips to Key West multiple time each year. As soon as he was old enough, Max bought his own boat and started fishing as hard as he could. Spending years figuring out the Lower Keys fishery on his own terms, he honed his guiding skills in the summertime taking anglers on the Henry’s Fork in Idaho. By 2020, Max had earned the respect of the Key West guide community and decided to focus his efforts guiding clients in the Lower Keys.

Max’s fly fishing career has introduced him to a bunch of new places, Louisiana being one of them. As his relationships with his clients began to grow, many of them enjoy fishing with him so much that they asked him to take him redfishing in the winter. He began offering his clients fly fishing trips in Louisiana, and enjoys spending a couple months in the marsh every winter.

Q&A With Capt. Max Hamlin

Q. Describe your guiding style?
A. Patient and intense.

Q. Why did you decide to become a guide?
A. As a kid, I came to Key West with my family and fished with Capt. Jared Cyr. I was 14, hooked a tarpon on fly and was absolutely ruined. After that experience I told Jared “I want to be a fishing guide down here.” I want to provide the thrill of catching these fish for others. Trying to capture that ‘Once in a Lifetime’ moment.

Q. What is your most memorable catch?
A. 11LB World Record Bonefish in Biscayne Bay with Johan Vannieuwland.

Q. What is your most memorable client catch?
A. Grand Slam on fly the day before Hurricane Ian.

Q. Do you enjoy fishing as much as you enjoy guiding?
A. I enjoy guiding more. This is a team sport and it’s the guide’s job to find the fish and position the boat and angler properly for the shot. I love the challenge of taking a client and walking them thru the process. My favorite part is watching the fish react to the fly or lure and eat it - whether I’m on the front or back of the boat.

Q. Who got you into fishing?
A. Family friend at a local trout club and support from my parents allowing me to pursue the passion.

Q. What is your favorite fish in the world to fish for?
A. Tailing bonefish.

Q. Music or no music on the boat?
A. I have a sound system and music is welcome.

Q. What can everyone do to help the environment of the Louisiana marsh?
A. Be respectful of the flats and where other guides are fishing. Treat people the way you would want to be treated. Be mindful of what others are doing. Etiquette on the water means a lot to me.