We’re looking forward to introducing you to Captain Brian Jill. Check out our conversation below.
Brian, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am walking a path and I have a very focused outlook on my guiding operation in Tampa Bay, Florida and the fishing lodge in Mexico called Perla Negra that i have been helping build for the past 6 years.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Tampa Bay native who has been guiding these waters for over 15 years. Growing up on Florida’s Gulf Coast gave me a deep connection to its unique ecosystems and the fish that call them home.
My fly fishing career has taken me far beyond my home waters, to remote destinations across the globe—Central and South America, Iceland, Greenland, New Zealand, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, the South Pacific islands, Australia, and more.
As a co-founder of the Angling Exploration Group (AEGmedia), I helped pioneer a new adventure-driven style of fly fishing films. I earned my degree in Anthropology from Colorado State University, and after five years of mountain living, I returned to my saltwater roots in Florida to continue my fly fishing lifestyle.
When I’m not guiding, you’ll find me working on my fly fishing lodge in Mexico called Perla Negra.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child growing up I did not realize that anything was possible if I wanted it badly enough. With hard work and dedication I learned that I could accomplish what I set out to do.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
It has made me a tougher person and more resilient to failures. Which ultimately help me get back on my feet faster and continue pushing forward toward my goals.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, i am a very humble person and do not feel the need to inflate my ego by showing off or making myself look like something i’m not. Keep it real!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will tell the story that I helped to pioneer a new style of adventure driven films within the fly fishing industry. Also, that i was dedicated and hard working and loved what I do for a living.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lostcoastanglers.com / www.perlanegrafishing.com
- Instagram: @captbrianjill
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/captainbrianjill
Image Credits
Captain Brian Jill
