13 Burpees, Cold Showers And Overcoming Doubt

Derek DeYoung is a renowned marine artist known for his trout, saltwater, and abstract artwork, currently living in Big Pine Key, Florida. In this episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, Derek shares what it's like to build a career as a marine artist while pursuing his passion for solo fishing in one of the most challenging environments in the world—the Florida Keys backcountry. Tom and Derek dive into the intersection of art and fishing, the discipline required to learn unfamiliar waters alone, and what drives Derek's creative process. If you've ever wondered what it takes to master both an artistic craft and the technical demands of Keys fishing, this conversation reveals the dedication behind both pursuits.

Living the Artist's Life Across Three States

Derek DeYoung doesn't just maintain one studio—he splits his time between Montana, the Florida Keys, and Northern Michigan, each location feeding different aspects of his artistic vision. This nomadic lifestyle allows him to stay connected to diverse fishing environments and artistic inspirations, from the trout streams of the West to the saltwater flats of South Florida. Tom recognizes this unique approach to both life and work, noting how Derek's commitment to experiencing these different worlds firsthand informs the authenticity of his marine artwork. The conversation reveals how Derek balances the demands of building an art career while maintaining deep connections to the waters that inspire his most compelling pieces.

The Challenge of Solo Fishing in Big Pine Key

When Derek came to Big Pine Key, he didn't just arrive as a tourist—he brought his own huge red fisher and set out to learn the water independently. Tom admits he has "really high respect" for anyone willing to tackle Keys fishing solo because of how difficult it is to learn the water patterns, avoid running aground, and develop the local knowledge that typically takes years to acquire. Derek fishes with friends occasionally, but he genuinely loves fishing by himself, navigating the backcountry waters right out his back door. The frustration and discipline required for this approach reveals a character trait that likely serves Derek well in both his fishing and his art—the willingness to put in solitary hours mastering a craft without shortcuts.

From Marine Art to Saltwater Experience

Derek's reputation in the marine art world led him to an opportunity to film an episode of Saltwater Experience with Tom and the team. This collaboration brought together two people who share a deep respect for both the technical and aesthetic sides of fishing. Tom's immediate impression—that Derek is "super cool, like, really super cool"—speaks to an authenticity that translates from Derek's canvas to his personality. The episode captures not just an artist discussing his work, but a genuine angler who understands the experience he's depicting. This crossover between artistic excellence and actual fishing skill is rare, and it's what Tom believes sets Derek apart as potentially the top artist in the marine industry right now.

The Discipline That Connects Art and Angling

What emerges from this conversation is the common thread between mastering an artistic craft and learning to fish unfamiliar waters: both require patience, observation, and the willingness to fail repeatedly before achieving success. Derek's choice to fish solo in one of the most technically demanding environments speaks to the same discipline that allows him to create artwork recognized throughout the marine industry. Tom understands this parallel intimately, having built his own career on the principle that fishing isn't just about catching—it's about the process of learning, adapting, and pushing through frustration. Derek's story illustrates how these disciplines transfer, whether you're holding a brush or a rod.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I've got to tell you, Derek DeYoung really impressed me. Not just with his artwork—which you see everywhere in the marine world—but with who he is as a person. When he came down to film Saltwater Experience with us, I quickly realized he's not just an artist painting fish he's heard about. He's out there living it, grinding it out in Big Pine Key with his own boat, learning water that takes most people years to figure out with a guide.

The fact that he loves fishing solo tells me everything I need to know about his character. Anyone who's willing to put themselves through that learning curve in the Keys—dealing with the frustration, the groundings, the trial and error—has the same mindset that creates great art. It's about putting in the time when nobody's watching, making mistakes, and getting better through repetition and observation.

This conversation really highlighted for me how the skills we develop in one area of life transfer to others. Derek's dedication to his craft, whether it's painting or fishing, shows that excellence isn't about talent alone—it's about showing up and doing the work. This one's definitely worth your time.