Today we’d like to introduce you to William Cochran.
Hi William, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born in Jacksonville, raised in Amelia Island, I spent a lot of hours avoiding homework by going fishing on the local golf course ponds. Never had I anticipated becoming a fishing guide until I was reinvesting in my education and founded a student organization focused on sport fishing. After collaborating with a multitude of manufacturers and earning a position amongst one of them at the end of my college career I chose to immerse myself in the sport fishing industry. A few different positions later I found myself still lacking the firsthand involvement I sought after, more fishing of course. To test my willingness to become more directly involved I started guiding on the side from a tandem kayak uniquely setup to tackle any environment one would care to put themself in. Not too long after, I began retaining repeat clients and decided to further invest in this outlet through pursuing my Captains license. To say the least, I’ve been at it for almost 7 years now. I still have the same tandem kayak for those seeking the ultimate purist pursuit, but have also added to the fleet a technical poling skiff, and a 22’ bay boat for those seeking bigger game. Now I’m fully vested in my community through fishing, sharing with others the great resources we have amongst us, but as well as to educate and advocate as to why we should sustain these resources. I look forward to sharing this passion for many years to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve been fortunate for the most part, but I definitely can’t say it’s been easy. There’s a lot of reinvestment involved, especially from maintaining your vessels and gear. Earning the Orvis Endorsement for Northeast Florida has been a very assistive attribute, but it’s not the end all be all. You have to be dedicated to the craft. There’s no doubt you have to be in it for the long haul.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My immersion into this career originated with fly fishing, particularly fly tying. I loved the idea of artistically creating my own lure and then catching a memorable species on it, something that has to be aesthetically pleasing, but also scientifically functional. I’ve recently expanded my creativness into the general category of Feather Art. Utilizing various species of fowl to create elegant displays of organic art, something one could hang in a home or put on a mantle in their office. I’m very meticulous, taking pride in each piece, and that is what tends to separate me from the herd.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Growing up I spent a lot of time at a lake my grandfather retired on in Orange Springs. My grandmother used to wake up and feed the fish off the dock every morning. I never knew it then, but often I would wake up and observe this interaction with a degree of obsession, not knowing how captivated I was by the reactions of the fish. Even after the fact when I would go golfing with my father he would have to wrangle me up after they teed off just from walking around the ponds and scouting for the biggest fish. I never made the connection until I was in college with my obsession of fish.
Pricing:
- Half Day $500
- 3/4 Day $650
- Floodtide $400
- Cast & Blast $500
- Nearshore $650
Contact Info:
- Website: Ameliaonfly.com
- Instagram: @Amelia_island_outfitters
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliaonfly?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cochsflies?si=j8mSi7sUkvAflLL-
