Emerging

Braker Bros, filmmaking fun!

The Braker Bros are favorite filmmakers in the fly fishing world. Based out of Fort Collins, Colorado, brothers Andrew and Eric Braker have taken the initiative to create films that conserve. Their motto says it all: “Using outdoor storytelling to spark sustainable change.”

Every Braker Bros film centers around a compelling story, and many of those stories support causes far bigger than the screen. From AI-powered trout identification to mountain lion conservation, these guys are always pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas.

Tune in to hear about their film projects, fishing adventures, film tour experiences, why brown trout are trash, and a whole lot more!

Heather Harkavy

Heather grew up in South Florida fly fishing with her Dad from a very young age. She always knew she wanted to follow a career bringing together more young people in the sport. Throughout her time at Florida State University, Heather worked with fishing lodges and brands which really sparked a desire to find a career in fly fishing, hospitality, and youth education. She even started the 5Rivers club there! 

After college, Heather helped found an organization called Fish for Change. F4C empowers young people to become global citizens through experiential education. They host one week international programs focused on cultural exchange and conservation stewardship. 

In this Emerging episode, we break down heathers Fish for Change journey, and her best advise to those entering the real world post college!

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Breakdown with Isabel Lower

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's mission is to conserve bonefish, tarpon, and permit—the species, their habitats and the larger fisheries they comprise. BTT pursues this mission through science-based conservation, education, and advocacy across Florida, The Bahamas, Belize and Mexico, as well as in coastal states from Texas to Virginia. Learn more at: www.BTT.org.

 

Our Guest Isabel is originally from Middlebury, Vermont, Isabel grew up in a family of environmentalists and fly anglers spending summers in Twin Bridges, Montana. After graduating with a literary studies degree from the New School in New York, New York, she moved to Sarasota, Florida, to be on the Gulf Coast and take up the arduous task of learning to cast a salt fly rod. Her career in digital marketing and social media management has led her through the worlds of publishing, fine art, museums, and higher education. Through her work at BTT she shares her passion for wildlife conservation through engaging digital storytelling.

 

 

BTT FACTS relevant to the podcast:

 

• Spinning fish in the Florida Keys were first reported to BTT by concerned guides in late 2023. BTT and partners jumped into action beginning January 2024 (more info is available here).
• An economic impact study by BTT shows that flats fishing for bonefish contributes more than $169 million annually to the Bahamian economy.
• An economic study by BTT shows: $240 million BZE from flats fishing tourism ($120 million USD); this is 6.7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), supports 200 + guides in the country, and a further 4000 jobs supported by flats fishing tourism. 

Makin' a CHANGE with Griz

Alec Griswold is a co-owner of Soul Fly Lodge and Executive Director of Elevate Youth Boston. In this podcast Alec talks about his passion for change, and excitement when it comes to sharing what he loves most. Fishing, people, and access to the outdoors is what he strives to protect!

 

• Soul Fly Co
• Events
• Music Festivals
• Permit Fishing
• Elevate Youth Boston

Redfish & more with Frank Praznik

Captain Frank Praznik is a national treasure. We took a deep dive in to his nuanced past in the fly fishing (and beauty) industry, from founding a fly shop to ruling the hackle market for some not so fishy reasons. Now, Frank is one of Louisiana's finest redfish guides and is poling the flats every day reeling in monster reds. 

 

Listen in to hear all about it! 

 

• Redfish on the fly
• State of the fishery
• Frank Praznik
• Captains for Clean Water
• Founding a Fly Shop
• Working in the beauty industry
• Ice fishing Fort collins

Building Community with Carter Abramson

Carter Abramson joins Emerging to talk about his path from leading the Five Rivers Club at Colorado State to working in social media and community marketing at Simms Fishing Products. We get into the chaos and charm of college fishing trips, his love for discovery and fishing, and the unexpected moments that pushed him deeper into the industry.

Carter breaks down what his job at Simms really looks like—organic marketing, events, community engagement, and the team effort behind the brand’s social presence. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at Simms’ Grateful Dead partnership, from the San Francisco activation to the upcoming film Mountains of the Moon.

We wrap with Carter’s thoughts on the future: balancing passion with a career, the appeal of freelance creative work, and why staying connected to the fishing world still matters most.

• Simms Fishing Products 

• Colorado State University

• College fly fishing trips and stories

• Guiding and industry entry paths

• Organic social media strategy in outdoor brands

• Grateful Dead × Simms collaboration

• Outdoor content creation

• Career growth in the fly-fishing industry

Filmmaking and FISH CAMP with Jon Kłaczkiewicz

Jon “JK” Kłaczkiewicz is the founder of Fish Camp and has over 20 years of experience in high-impact filmmaking and branded content. JK is a passionate and motivated media professional with a proven track record of leading and executing film, commercial, and marketing projects from development to distribution, while managing resources, budgets, crews, and talent.

 

As a director and producer, he has created dozens of films and campaigns that have won awards, reached millions of viewers, and inspired action. His credits include the critically acclaimed snowboard epic, “The Fourth Phase” for Red Bull Media House, the impact documentary “Tribal Waters” for Patagonia, and the annual signature ski and snowboard film projects for Teton Gravity Research. He loves collaborating with creative professionals, growing strong teams, and tackling a variety of challenges along the way with the goal to tell stories that matter.

 

In 2018 Jon directed “Beyond The Horizon” winning the Best Film at the Fly Fishing film awards. In this Emerging episode we talk about all of JK's film expirence, and his newest endeavor - FISH CAMP

Bennett Kittleson

In this episode of Emerging, we sit down with Bennett Kittleson, a 5 Rivers student whose time with the CU Fly Fishing Club has opened the door to a role with Flylords. Bennett talks about what drew him into the industry, the excitement of capturing authentic fly-fishing moments online, and the places he hopes the sport will take him next.

His enthusiasm for community, storytelling, and chasing new water makes this a fun look at someone building a life around the outdoors.

 
• Flylords internship and social media
• CU Boulder Fly Fishing Club 
• Dry fly fishing
• Colorado fly fishing
• Outdoor career paths
• International fly fishing aspirations

Craig Mathews

Craig Mathews has done it all - guide, author, conservationist, and one of the most respected names in modern fly fishing. Founder of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone and author of Pheasant Tail Simplicity: Recipes and Techniques for Successful Fly Fishing, Craig has built a life around clean waters and honest fly design. In this episode, we dive into his latest book, some of his trout fishing techniques, and many of his past story's from his journey! 

That's Yakoda!

At the 2025 Western Rendezvous, we were joined by Jason Faerman and Lincoln Key from Yakoda Supply, a proud supporter of Trout Unlimited’s 5 Rivers program. Yakoda was fired up to join the podcast and share their story! From Funky P Flies to their signature purple hip packs, Yakoda continues to stand out by doing things differently.

Tune in to hear how Yakoda was born, what the name means, and how Jason and Lincoln are inspiring others to give back and keep fly fishing creative, intentional, and just a little bit funky.