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:

• Growing up between cultures and finding belonging on the water.

• Navigating hard times as a kid and the role fishing played in grounding him.

• His experience as a social work and the lessons it taught him.
• Why Richmond felt like “home”—and how that led to Current Culture Fly.

• Building a fly shop from scratch with nothing but belief and community.

• The highs of creating a home for anglers.

• The heartbreak & lessons from closing the doors.The rebirth into guiding full-time.
• Why redfish became his obsession.
• How cycling, conservation, and community hold him together.
• What being a guide really looks like—the truth no one talks about.
• Advice for anyone thinking of opening a shop, becoming a guide, or dropping the 9–5 for a passion-led life.

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:

• Starting a guide service
• Opening a fly shop
• Working in the outdoor industry
• Building community
• Or chasing fulfillment over comfort…

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