IGFA World Records - Meredith McCord

Captain Nick Labadie runs Tailing Water Expeditions in Key West, Florida, specializing in flats fishing for bonefish, tarpon, and permit. A guide with five years of experience under his belt, Nick recently guided Tom Rowland to a birthday slam while filming for Saltwater Experience. But what happens when you put two of the most competitive fishermen on the same boat? Nick witnessed something hilarious when Tom and Rich Edwards both geared up with dual rods, and the race was on. What Nick reveals about watching these two fish together is just the beginning of insights from a young guide who's quickly making a name for himself in the Keys.

The Birthday Slam That Almost Wasn't

Tom Rowland's birthday fishing trip with Captain Nick Labadie turned into a memorable day on the flats in Key West. Nick guided Tom to a slam while cameras rolled for Saltwater Experience, creating both a personal milestone and content gold. The day brought together fishing, filming, and the kind of moments that make for great stories. What made this particular day special wasn't just the fish—it was who was on the boat and how the competitive nature of certain anglers came into full display. Nick's perspective as the guide watching it all unfold gives a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when fishing meets television production.

When Competitive Anglers Collide on the Casting Deck

Nick Labadie witnessed something that still makes him laugh when people ask about filming with Saltwater Experience. Tom Rowland and Rich Edwards were both on the boat, fully geared up with one rod in hand and another in the belt, ready for action. When the first bonefish showed up, Tom made a perfect cast way out in front of the school. The fish were coming right to it. Then Rich ran up, almost shoving Tom out of the way, and cast over his line. The competitive fire between these two wasn't just for show—it was real, raw, and exactly the kind of authentic moment that reveals character. Nick's front-row seat to this interaction gave him insights into what drives elite anglers and how competition pushes performance. Nick tells the full story of watching Tom and Rich compete for that first bonefish early in the episode.

Five Years of Guiding in the Florida Keys

At the time of this conversation, Nick had been guiding for five years in Key West, building his business Tailing Water Expeditions. His experience targeting bonefish, tarpon, and permit on the flats has given him a deep understanding of the fishery and the challenges anglers face. Working with clients ranging from beginners to television hosts has shaped his approach to guiding. Nick shares what he's learned about reading water, understanding fish behavior, and managing the expectations and emotions of anglers on his boat. The Keys flats fishery presents unique challenges, and Nick has developed his perspective through thousands of hours on the water. His insights into what makes a successful day go beyond just putting clients on fish—it's about the entire experience. Nick discusses his guiding philosophy and what he's learned in five years on the water throughout the conversation.

Behind the Scenes of Saltwater Experience

Filming for television while trying to guide a successful fishing trip adds layers of complexity most anglers never consider. Nick got to experience this firsthand when Tom and the Saltwater Experience crew came to Key West. The dynamic between making good television and actually catching fish requires balance. Watching two competitive anglers like Tom and Rich operate with cameras rolling revealed how certain people perform under pressure. Nick describes the setup with both anglers geared with dual rods, ready to pounce on any opportunity. The intensity wasn't manufactured for TV—it was genuine competition between friends who wanted to catch fish. This behind-the-scenes perspective shows what really happens when the cameras are rolling and the fish show up. The full behind-the-scenes story of filming with Tom and Rich is revealed in Nick's opening story.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I had an absolute blast fishing with Nick on my birthday. Getting a slam while filming for Saltwater Experience made it even more special, but honestly, just being out on the water with a guide who knows his stuff and loves what he does—that's what made the day. Nick's a great young guide who's building something real with Tailing Water Expeditions in Key West.

What made me laugh about this trip was Nick's perspective on watching Rich and me fish. He nailed it—we're both competitive, we were both geared up with two rods, and when that first bonefish came in, it was game on. Rich literally almost shoved me out of the way to get his cast in. That's just how we fish. There's no pretending when you're really trying to catch fish.

If you're looking for a guide in Key West who knows the flats and can put you on fish, Nick's your guy. But more than that, this conversation gives you a guide's perspective on what it's like to fish with people who take it seriously. It's honest, it's funny, and it's worth listening to the whole thing.