Episode 44: Gordy Hill - Fishing's Unsung Hero

Explicit content warning

09/27/21 • 96 min

Dr. Gordy Hill is one of the most remarkable men I’ve ever met! He was literally a pioneer in both the medical and fly fishing world. He was the 6th surgeon to perform hip replacements and at one time had done more hip replacement surgeries than anyone. He was nominated for a Nobel prize in medicine when he and Dr. Roger Haugen figured out how to successfully process a patients own blood for an infusion. This was monumental at the time because of the aids crisis.

Gordy was not one of the first, but the first person to run his skiff behind Big Pine.

His life in fishing was as large as his medical career. He was a global fisherman who captured a variety of great fish including large swordfish and marlin, and still holds a 15 pound world record bonefish caught in the Bahamas.

Joe Brooks and his father, Pop Hill, were his mentors. His early tackle consisted of silk fly lines and gut leaders. He loved fishing alone and stood on the engine cowling to pole his skiff.

Yes, Dr. Gordy Hill is one of our sports living legends, and at 91 (next month) he still has a memory bank sharper than a steak knife! We hope you all enjoy this one!

Gordy was not one of the first, but the first person to run his skiff behind Big Pine.

Joe Brooks and his father, Pop Hill, were his mentors. His early tackle consisted of silk fly lines and gut leaders. He loved fishing alone and stood on the engine cowling to pole his skiff.

Yes, Dr. Gordy Hill is one of our sports living legends, and at 91 (next month) he still has a memory bank sharper than a steak knife! We hope you all enjoy this one!

Previous Episode

Episode 43: Capt. John Donnell - Life of "Dozer"

I’ve always had great affection for being in John Donnell’s presence. When I first met him over 30 years ago he was affable with a heart felt care for how well he was received... It’s important for him to be liked and loved he is, by all. Many of us came to know John though Flip’s “Walker's Cay Chronicles,” as he was a guest on the show more than any other.

When I asked Flip about his good friend, he said that John’s greatest trait was that he’s reliable - “He’d jump onto the table to give you a kidney if needed....”

Whether poling an edge for hefty tarpon, pushing the shallow flats of Louisiana for 40 pound redfish or pulling the trigger of a shotgun, Donnell was born a child of the outdoors, destined to roll through life with the wind in his face chasing big stuff.

John has seen the great evolution of the the Florida Keys, from its prolific fishery to the halcyon years of drug running. On today's podcast, our friend relives his vivid, adrenaline filled life.

Thank you John for your honesty, and willingness to tell your story with us...

Next Episode

Episode 45: Capt. Michael Guerin - Cornell to Conch Republic

Over the last 34 years Capt. Michael Guerin has been one of the top guides in the Lower Florida Keys. At a young age he knew his heart was connected to fishing and he pursued his passion to the fullest with a bachelors degree in fisheries science from Cornell University. After his last exam, his future wife, Bridgette, picked him up outside the school building and they headed south.

He started guiding in 1987 where he shared the empty flats with our sports greatest guides like Steve Huff, Harry Speer, and Nat Ragland. Tournaments have always been important to the Keys guides and their top anglers. Guerin was in the mix too. He and his angler won The Del Brown Permit Tournament and finished second twice. He also won the Islamorada All Tackle Tournament twice and finished second three times. Pretty heavy stuff considering these were wins against the best guides and anglers in the world.

At 57, he's still as hungry and determined as anyone. I’ve never fished with Mike but have always relished being in his company and hearing about his day on the water, which is usually remarkable.

Today, we relive some of the great memories of the early years in the Keys and the great Keys bonefish of yesteryear....