andy mill news
MIAMI Fla. — With the new Hell’s Bay Biscayne he recently bought, Andy Mill is back fly fishing the flats and will be talking about it as HB Boatworks hosts the two-time U.S. Olympic Alpine Skier, author and tarpon fishing champion at the Miami International Boat Show.
Mill will be signing copies of “A Passion for Tarpon.” his new 509 page coffee table sized book, Friday, Feb 18th from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hell’s Bay exhibit #3198. Published by Wild River Press it’s filled with action photography and has been described by reviewers as the “most well-rounded fishing book” and “the most technical and up-to-date book about how to catch giant tarpon with a fly rod.” Hell’s Bay will have copies available for purchase.
Over two decades Mill dominated tarpon fly fishing’s Triple Crown of tournaments, all centered in Islamorada, the “sportfishing capital of the world.” From 1998 to 2006 he tallied a long and impressive string of wins in the Golden Fly, the Hawley and the Gold Cup.
But then the angler known for being meticulous and a perfectionist suddenly laid down his rods and directed all of his attention to his family spending time and solace with his sons.
Five years later after finishing his book and working on the development of new fly rods and reels, plus quality time fishing with his boys, he accepted an invitation to test the newly re-designed Biscayne. Targeted specifically for anglers and guides to pursue tarpon and permit, the versatile 16’, 4” flats skiff was the vehicle Mill needed to re-spark the passion.
“The boat instantly hit my hot button especially with the fishing and family aspect with my sons,” Mill said, adding he was convinced it was time to re-embrace saltwater fly fishing.
“This new boat has no equal, has no weakness. It could possibly be the best all-around flats skiff ever developed by Hell’s Bay,” said Mill. “It floats shallow, has a seven inch draft with two anglers and a 70 hp engine. It’s super quiet when poling the flats and gives a comfortable dry ride through rough water with a hull I’m convinced will be around for the next 25 years.”
You also hear in his voice the drive and competitiveness that made him famous on both the ski slopes and the Florida Bay flats. When the question arises of his once again competing against other highly skilled fly anglers for the high flying silver kings, he grinned and said, “I’m not sure, but I’m thinking about it. It’s not out of the question, and if I do I have the boat for those tournaments.”
Hell’s Bay Boatworks owner Chris Peterson said “It’s great to have Andy in the new Biscayne. As many years as he’s been chasing tarpon, winning tournaments in all kinds of weather, his testament speaks volumes for this boat.”
For more on Hell’s Bay, visit its website at hellsbayboatworks.com for a look at all eight models, their features and benefits, news and upcoming special events and promotions.
