If you’ve ever wanted to turn fishing into a living—but felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start—this episode is for you.
After leaving a stable six-figure career, I’m building a real plan to fish more, work less, and still support my family—without chasing hype or blowing everything up.
In this episode, I break down my full 2026 business plan: how I’m using content, consulting, brand deals, merch, and long-term systems to turn fishing into a sustainable career—not just a dream.
I’ve spent over a decade working in marketing and brand strategy in the outdoor and lifestyle space. This is me taking everything I’ve learned and putting it on the line—publicly.
No gurus.No shortcuts.Just structure, tradeoffs, and accountability.
If you want to fish more, leave your job responsibly (or just make money from fishing), and build something real around your passion—welcome to Fishing For a Living.
I planned to release a new episode last week.
Instead, my second son came into the world MUCH EARLIER than was planned.
Life doesn’t care about your content calendar—and that lesson alone sums up what this episode is really about.
In this solo episode of Fishing For a Living, I break down the five biggest lessons I’ve learned so far since leaving my 9–5 to build a life around fishing, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.
This isn’t motivation fluff.
This is the real stuff people don’t talk about.
We get into:
Why your plan will break — and why that’s normal
The fear and excitement that come with real risk
The insane workload nobody sees behind the scenes
What “owning your time” actually looks like
Why community and networking matter more than talent
I also reflect on conversations with guests like Kevin VanDam, Kristine Fischer, Mark Daniels Jr., Carl Jocumsen, Bailey Eigbrett, Simón Valencia, and others who’ve shared what it really takes to build a life on the water.
If you’re thinking about:
🎣 Turning fishing into a career
🎣 Building a business around your passion
🎣 Becoming a creator or entrepreneur
🎣 Or simply wanting more control over your time
This episode is for you.
🎧 Fishing For a Living is available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
New episodes drop every Wednesday at 5pm—after the grind, when it’s time to clock into the dream.
👉 Subscribe wherever you listen or watch
👉 Follow @thekurrent on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
👉 Explore the gear side of this journey at thekurrentsupply.com
Send this episode to someone who’s been talking about “taking the leap.
EPISODE 5 — KEGAN WARD | OZARK KAYAK
So you think you want to start a kayak shop (or any outdoor retail business)…?
Today’s episode of Fishing For a Living features Kegan Ward, the owner of Ozark Kayak, one of Northwest Arkansas’ most trusted paddle shops and outdoor outfitters—and a guy who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Kegan grew up right here in the Ozarks. And only a stone's throw away from his current shop's location.He’s paddled it, fished it, hunted it, explored it, and built a business around helping other people experience it too.In this episode we cover:
– How Kegan started kayaking and eventually, kayak fishing
– How Ozark Kayak started
– Why Northwest Arkansas is an outdoor paradise
– His deep knowledge of the Ozark fishing opportunities
– What it’s really like to run a kayak shop
– Fishing, paddling, whitewater, community, conservation
– How to take risks, start small, and build something meaningful
– Why serving a community beats chasing “scale”
– What he’s learned about life, people, and passion while running a gear shop
– The local culture: changing ecosystem, transplants, paddlers, anglers, and outdoor families
– The unseen challenges & rewards of building a business in the outdoor spaceKegan is one of the kindest, most grounded guys in Northwest Arkansas
—someone who will drop everything to help another outdoorsman (including the time he offered me a kayak when my boat trailer was down).
If you love fishing, paddling, entrepreneurship, or the Ozarks…this episode will feel like home.
This is Fishing For a Living🎧 New episodes every Wednesday at 5pm
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Follow Kegan & Ozark Kayak:
📍 https://www.instagram.com/ozarkkayak/
🌐 https://ozarkkayak.com/
Follow The Kurrent:
🎣 https://www.instagram.com/thekurrent/
🛒 thekurrentsupply.com
🎙 Fishing For a Living Podcast
Today’s episode is raw, honest, and straight from the heart.
We’re 29 days into the Movember Challenge—30 days of fishing, filming, podcasting, and showing up every single day to raise awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. And while this journey has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, it’s also been one of the hardest.
I’ve missed days.I’ve battled sickness.I’ve juggled family, life, and the weight of this mission.
But I’m not quitting and I’m asking for your help to finish strong.
We’re sitting at $407 raised, with $593 to go to hit the $1,000 goal. Across all platforms, this community is more than 13,000 people deep. That means hitting the goal would take about four cents per person.
This isn’t a Black Friday or Small Business Saturday sale.
This isn’t a promo.
This is one guy chasing a dream, showing up for others, and spreading positivity in a world that desperately needs it.
If you’re able, you can support the Movember Fundraiser here:
👉 https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1
And if you’d rather support through The Kurrent Supply, 10% of profits this month go directly to Movember.
👉 https://thekurrentsupply.com
Thank you for following along, for showing up, and for helping me show others that they’re not alone.
Let’s close out this month the right way.
What happens when you go all-in on fishing, content, and your own dreams?
Bailey Eigbrett knows the answer—because he did it and is not only surviving, but thriving.
Today’s guest is a creator, entrepreneur, tournament angler, and the founder of the Serious Angler Podcast Network, home to Serious Angler, Business From The Bass Boat, Lure Lab, and Kayak Fishing Weekly. What started as a small passion project in college is now one of the most influential media platforms in the bass fishing world.
Bailey spent years behind the scenes working for brands like:
He’s seen the industry from EVERY angle—brand, agency, creator, tournament angler—and now lives full-time off his fishing content and business.
In this episode, we cover:
This episode is 100% loaded with value—not just for fishermen, but anyone dreaming of building a brand, creating a career in the outdoor space, or taking the leap into a a life that’s fully their own.
🔥 FOLLOW BAILEY
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BEtheFish
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bailey_eigbrett/ & https://www.instagram.com/seriousangler/
Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YM9ZUVNL9NRT4aUmKe4m4?si=4cbaf7c68fcc4dbe
🎣 FOLLOW THE KURRENT + FISHING FOR A LIVING
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekurrent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekurrent/
Podcast: Fishing For a Living (new episodes every Wednesday @ 5pm)The Kurrent Supply Shop: thekurrentsupply.com
Fishing For a Living — available on:YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Everywhere you listen
After you clock out. When you’re ready to clock into the dream.
Today is all about Man’s Best Friend.
For Day 25 of the Movember Challenge, I’m taking a moment to spotlight the one partner who shows up for me every single time—my dog, Midge.
Never complains.
Never asks when we’re going home.
Always excited.
Always loyal.
And honestly, one of the biggest reasons my mental health stays intact.
Whether it’s on a quiet morning launch, a long grind of a day, or the moments when life hits harder than expected… dogs have a way of grounding us in a way nothing else can.
This episode is sponsored by Redbarn, a brand I’m proud to partner with because they genuinely care about what goes into our dogs’ bodies—clean ingredients, ethical sourcing, and products I trust. Midge has been eating their treats long before today, and I’m stoked to have them support this mission.
Episode Highlights
• Why dogs play such a powerful role in men’s mental health
• How Midge has supported me through this challenge
• Why Redbarn aligns with my values
• The importance of companionship during hard seasons
• Updates from Day 25 on the waterSupport Men’s Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
This entire 30-day challenge is dedicated to raising funds & awareness for Movember.
If you’re able, please consider donating:
👉 Movember Fundraiser: https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1
Support the Mission (10% of November profits donated)Fish More. Work Less. gear + all Kurrent Supply drops:
👉 https://www.thekurrentsupply.comCheck Out Redbarn (Sponsor of Day 25)
If you want to feed your dog the same treats Midge loves:
👉 https://www.redbarn.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor-85vVsmp5ScwL_O5EVvOBheGH5W2srzs-fXe_qACzg-hEolhc
📸 Follow the Journey
IG: @thekurrent
TikTok: @thekurrent
YouTube: The Kurrent
Podcast: Fishing For A Living
About The Movember Challenge
I’m fishing, filming, and podcasting every single day in November — not for views, not for vanity, but to raise awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. If this message resonates, share the episode, tag a friend, or just check in on someone today.
Grit. Hard times. Community. Redfish. Conservation. Purpose.
In this episode of Fishing For a Living, Kyle sits down with a close friend—Simón Valencia, founder of Current Culture Fly, guide, community builder, cyclist, former social worker, dog dad and a man whose life story is as powerful as the waters he guides on.
Simón's journey has geography written inside it—born outside the U.S., raised in Miami, forged in San Francisco, grounded in Richmond. His path mirrors Kyle’s own trajectory, making this one of the most personal conversations of the entire series.
This episode dives into:
This episode is about grit—the kind that isn’t loud, but steady.
It’s about joy—the kind you earn, not the kind you stumble into.
And it’s about building something meaningful even when the odds aren’t stacked in your favor.
If you’re dreaming about:
Simón’s story will hit you straight in the chest.
NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY @ 5PM
After the grind.
After the clock-out.
When you’re ready to clock into the dream.
Fishing For a Living — watch & listen on: YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts
Learn more about Simón: https://www.instagram.com/capt.s.valencia/
His Guide Service: https://www.instagram.com/currentculturefly/
And book a trip: https://currentculturefly.com/
#FlyFishing #ChesapeakeBay #FishingGuide #ChasingTheDream #FounderStory
Today’s episode is simple: do what makes YOU feel alive—not what makes the haters comfortable.
Earlier this week, I went out to Beaver Lake and caught striped bass on the fly using Livescope for the very first time. It was electric, chaotic, and one of the most fun days I've ever had on the water. And yeah… I already know some people are going to talk trash about how I did it.
But here’s the truth:People will ALWAYS find something to hate on.They’ll criticize things they’ve never tried.They’ll judge things they don’t understand.They’ll attack anything that challenges their little bubble.
But they don’t get a vote in your happiness.
In today’s garage-session episode, I talk about:
Why I’m expecting a wave of hate on the striper-on-fly video
Why haters get loud when you're doing something bold or different
How fishing every day for the Movember Challenge is reshaping my perspective
The joy and chaos of catching big striper on a fly rod with Livescope
Why the “noise” doesn’t matter when the mission is bigger than the moment
We’re halfway through the Movember Challenge—fishing every day, posting every day, showing up every day—to raise money and awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. We’ve raised $307 so far, and we’re pushing hard toward the $1,000 goal.
Remember:
Negativity is loud. Support is stronger. Keep casting.
🎣 Donate to the Movember fundraiser: https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1🛒 Shop The Kurrent Supply — 10% of November profits go directly to Movember: https://thekurrentsupply.com/▶️ Watch the daily videos on YouTube🎧 Listen to the daily podcast episodes📲 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement
WAYS TO SUPPORT THE CHALLENGESTAY IN THE KURRENT. KEEP CASTING.
If you’ve ever dreamed of fishing for a living, starting an outdoor business, becoming a full-time creator, or building a life on your own terms… this episode is the blueprint.
In Episode 2 of Fishing For a Living, Kyle McCann sits down with four of the most respected names in fishing — Kevin VanDam, Kristine Fischer, Mark Daniels Jr, and Carl Jocumsen — to answer the question everyone asks:
“How do you ACTUALLY make a living in fishing?”
These four legends share the real playbook:
Kevin VanDam (KVD) — the GOAT — explains why attitude, belief, and work ethic are the foundation of every great fisherman and entrepreneur.
Kristine Fischer breaks down the truth about failure, sacrifice, hard work, and keeping your circle tight.
Mark Daniels Jr (MDJ) talks about dealing with naysayers, negativity, haters, and staying focused through the grind.
Carl Jocumsen shares the raw story behind his mantra “Fear My Heart”, and how he sold everything, moved across the world, and chased the Elite Series with no Plan B.
Whether you’re:
- a tournament angler
- a fishing content creator
- someone dreaming of quitting the 9–5
- a dad trying to build a life with more time on the water
- or just someone searching for passion & purpose…
This episode will change the way you think about your journey.
How to fish for a living (from the pros who did it)
The truth about making money in the fishing industry
How the best anglers handle failure and pressure
Why most people quit too early
How to deal with haters and negative energy
The mindset behind elite tournament fishing
How to start your own outdoor brand, guide business, or creator career
Why belief, work ethic, sacrifice, and attitude are everything
Kevin VanDam (KVD) — 4× Classic Champion, 7× AOY, the greatest tournament angler of all time
Kristine Fischer — Hobie BOS TOC Champ, Bassmaster Kayak Champ, one of the most respected anglers in the sport
Mark Daniels Jr (MDJ) — Bass Pro Tour hammer, known for grit, honesty, and outworking the field
Carl Jocumsen — First Australian Elite Series winner & the definition of persistence
Fishing For a Living is a weekly series produced by The Kurrent Studios, sharing real stories of:
Professional anglers
Outdoor entrepreneurs
Creators
Guides
Small business owners
People who traded comfort for passion
New episodes EVERY WEDNESDAY at 5pm — after work, after the grind, when you’re ready to clock into the dream.
Subscribe, leave a review, drop a comment, and share this episode with someone who dreams of a different life.
To support our dream:
Shop: https://thekurrentsupply.com/
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/thekurrent/
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@thekurrent
Support: https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1
This Veterans Day, two fishermen came together for something bigger than fishing.In this special episode of the Movember Challenge & Fishing for a Living, I sit down with Jose Cinco—Army Veteran, storyteller, outdoorsman, and Relationship Manager for KastKing—to talk about mental health, purpose, and turning your passion into peace.We cover Jose’s journey from service to civilian life, how he built Fish With Intent LLC (aka @bait_n_boujee), and what it really means to build a life around the water while staying grounded in what matters most.What you’ll hear in this episode:Jose’s story of transition, struggle, and rediscovery after the ArmyHow humor, storytelling, and fishing became therapyWhat “intent” really means when you’re chasing your dreamThe realities of men’s mental health—especially among veteransA challenge to every man watching: keep casting, keep showing upVeterans Day Special:Use code KEEPCASTING at thekurrentsupply.com for 11% off through Sunday at 11:59 PM CST.Additionally, 10% of November profits go directly to Movember, supporting men’s mental health and suicide prevention.Fishing for Mental Health. Fishing for a Living.Because life’s better when you’re chasing something worthwhile.If you’re a veteran, know one who could use support or want to get involved—Jose shared a few incredible organizations doing real work to help.These groups provide everything from mental health resources to fishing and outdoor programs that bring veterans together and back to purpose: Warriors for Freedom — Programs and resources supporting veterans’ mental health and overall wellbeing. (Jose is actively involved in this one.)Cohen Veterans Network — Mental health care for veterans and their families, including therapy and counseling. (Another organization Jose supports directly.)Heroes on the Water — Uses kayaking and fishing as therapy to help veterans and first responders relax, reconnect, and heal.The Fallen Outdoors — Builds camaraderie and healing through organized hunting and fishing trips for veterans.Army Bass Anglers — A nationwide community of active duty, retired, and veteran service members connecting through competitive fishing and the outdoors.If you’re struggling, reach out. There’s a brotherhood and sisterhood out there waiting to help.
Life can be as hard or as simple as the decisions you make.
Today, I put that to the test — cleared the boat of everything except swimbaits and swimbait rods and hit the water with a simple plan: trust my gut, slow down, and fish with intent.
A couple of solid bites on the Gracely Baits Commode proved the point—sometimes less is more. Whether it’s fishing, business, or life, simplicity creates clarity.
This episode is part of my Movember Challenge, fishing every single day this month to raise awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
🎗️ Fishing for Mental Health. Stay in The Kurrent. ⚡
💰 Donate to Movember → https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1
🛒 Shop The Kurrent Supply (10% of profits go to Movember) → https://thekurrentsupply.com/
Day 8 of the Movember Challenge is about gratitude—and how damn lucky we are to have this passion.
Not everyone wakes up knowing what makes them feel alive. But for us, it’s fishing. The cast, the calm, the chaos—all of it. It’s our escape, our therapy, our reminder that purpose doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this episode, I reflect on what it means to be thankful for the water, the chase, and the community that surrounds this sport. Because when you think about it, every cast is an act of gratitude.
Fishing for Mental Health. Fishing for Purpose. Stay in The Kurrent. ⚡
💰 Donate to Movember: https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1
🛒 Shop The Kurrent Supply (10% of November profits go to Movember): https://thekurrentsupply.com/
Today’s lesson hit home.
A 13-year-old named Clayton reached out and offered to handcraft me a glide bait. It showed up in the mail, and it’s one of the most beautiful baits I’ve ever seen — not just because of how it looks, but because of what it represents.
In this episode, I talk about why I don’t see anyone as competition.
We’re all running our own race, chasing our own dreams, and if I can help someone else win, I will — because that’s how we grow as a community.
This is Day 7 of the Movember Challenge, raising awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
Stay kind. Stay humble. Stay in The Kurrent. ⚡
Check out Clayton's Baits here: https://www.instagram.com/claytons_customs8/
Support the Mission:
Donate to Movember → https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1
Shop The Kurrent Supply (10% of all November profits go to Movember) → https://thekurrentsupply.com
This one’s for everyone who’s ever looked at someone winning and said, “must be nice.”
Day 6 of the Movember Challenge is about destroying the myth of luck.
I sat down with former Bassmaster Elite angler Harvey Horne after a long day on Bull Shoals to talk about what it really takes to win—in fishing, business, and life.
We dive into:
How Harvey won nearly $200K on the Big Bite Baits Fighting FrogThe story behind his Bassmaster Opens victory
Why “luck” is just preparation meeting opportunity
What he learned fishing alongside legends like Rick Clunn
How the sport needs to evolve for the next generation
Even with shingles kicking my ass, I showed up—because this challenge is about doing it for the guys who can’t.
Support Men’s Mental Health:Donate → https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1Shop The Kurrent Supply (10% of profits go to Movember) → https://thekurrentsupply.com
Stay in The Kurrent. ⚡
After a decade climbing the ladder in the outdoor and lifestyle industry—working with brands like Facebook, Smith Optics, Canyon, and illycaffè—I realized I’d been building someone else’s dream instead of my own.
So I walked away. From comfort, from a steady paycheck, and from the “safe path.”
In this first episode of Fishing for a Living, I sit on both sides of the mic to share how it all began—from marinas and sportfishing boats to tech giants and marketing at some of the biggest outdoor and lifestyle industry brands, and finally, to betting everything on myself.
We’ll talk about how my passion for fishing evolved, what led me to create The Kurrent, and how I’m building a life and business around what I love most.
🎙️ Featuring a lightning-round Q&A from my wife and a transparent look at how I plan to turn passion into profit.
🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday at 5PM—after the grind, after you clock out… clock into the dream.Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Support the Dream:
👉 Donate to the Movember Challenge: https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1Shop
The Kurrent Supply (10% of profits this month go to Movember): https://thekurrentsupply.com
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekurrent/
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thekurrent
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekurrent
Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hu/podcast/fishing-for-a-living/id1849510614
Day 3 of The Movember Challenge—I’m fishing every single day this month to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
Today’s challenge?One bait. One hour. One lake. One lesson.It’s about proving that just getting outside can change everything — even if it’s only for a few minutes.
In this episode, I talk about:
The mental benefits of being outdoorsHow fishing has helped my own mindsetWhy simplicity sometimes creates the biggest breakthroughs
GIVEAWAY ALERT:
I’m giving away a brand new Bucca Brand Trick Shad!To enter, you’ll need to:1️⃣ Listen for the code word I mention in the episode the full Day 3 video on my YouTube channel — The Kurrent — and comment the code word + how fishing helps your mental health.
2️⃣ Make sure you're following The Kurrent on Instagram🎁 Bonus entry if you donate to Movember or shop TheKurrentSupply.com.
Support the Mission:
Donate to Movember → https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1
Shop The Kurrent Supply (10% of all November profits go to Movember) → https://thekurrentsupply.com
This challenge isn’t about the fish — it’s about the mindset.
Because sometimes… all it takes is a little time outside.
Stay #InTheKurrent.
Today wasn’t a win on paper — but it wasn’t a loss either.
I fished a tournament on Beaver Lake and completely missed the mark. The bite changed, my plan fell apart, and I let stubbornness take the wheel. But that’s exactly what this challenge is about — learning through the losses, and finding gratitude in the grind.
Day 2 of The Movember Challenge — I’m fishing every single day in November to raise awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention through Movember.
In this episode, I share 4 things worse than losing a tournament—lessons that apply far beyond the water.
Fishing for Mental Health | The Movember Challenge
Donate to Movember → https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1
Shop The Kurrent Supply (10% of November profits go directly to Movember) → https://thekurrentsupply.com
This is where it starts.
A fresh shave, a clean slate, and a 30-day commitment to raising awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention through Movember.
For the next month, I’ll be fishing every single day, posting daily videos and reflections about life, mindset, and what it really means to take care of yourself—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
This is my story, and maybe it can help inspire yours.
Donate to Movember → https://movember.com/m/thekurrent-fishinformentalhealth?mc=1
Shop The Kurrent Supply (10% of November profits go directly to Movember) → https://thekurrentsupply.com
This is The Movember Challenge.
We’re fishing for mental health.
Stay in The Kurrent. ⚡
It’s officially Movember—and this year, I’m going all in.
For the next 30 days, I’ll be fishing every single day to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health and suicide prevention through Movember. This challenge isn’t just about fishing—it’s about showing up, staying consistent, and taking care of your mental health one cast at a time.
This short trailer kicks off the journey. Starting tonight, I’ll be posting daily short podcast episodes sharing reflections from the water—real stories, daily lessons, and reminders that it’s okay to not be okay.
I’m also donating 10% of all profits from TheKurrentSupply.com this month directly to the Movember Foundation, and my personal goal is to raise $1,000 for men’s mental health.
If this message hits home, subscribe, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and follow along for the next 30 days of fishing, growth, and honest conversations.
This is The Movember Challenge.
We’re fishing for mental health.
Stay #InTheKurrent
Imagine waking up every day, building someone else’s dream… while your own slips further away.
After a decade in marketing for some of the biggest outdoor and lifestyle brands in the world, I realized I’d fallen into that trap myself. So I walked away—from comfort, from paychecks, from the “safe path”—to chase the one thing that’s always called me back: the water.
I’m Kyle McCann, a fisherman, father, husband, and founder of The Kurrent—and this is Fishing for a Living. This series is about the people who made the leap—the pros, creators, small business owners, bait makers, and misfits who found a way to turn passion into purpose and profit. It’s about what it really takes to build a life around fishing, the wins, the losses, and everything in between.
New episodes launch every Wednesday at 5PM starting November 5th, 2025—streaming on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Clock out, tune into the dream and tune out the BS.
Subscribe now and join the movement: because someday isn’t guaranteed—and your dream won’t chase itself.
——— Follow The Kurrent: