Episode 159: Capt. Nick LaBadie - Tailing Water Expeditions
In this episode, Nick talks to us about what he learned mating with Capt. Ed Walker in Boca Grande, the daunting move to Key West to become a fishing guide, and his success in the permit tournaments.
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Show Notes
Capt. Nick LaBadie is a Florida native through and through. Raised on the Gulf Coast just minutes from Boca Grande, he grew up fishing one of the most renowned tarpon fisheries in the world. From the time he could hold a rod, he was hooked—spending his childhood on the water and developing a deep-rooted passion for life on the water. After moving to the Florida Keys, Nick quickly became captivated by the technical challenges and endless opportunities of the flats. He poured himself into the art of sight fishing in shallow water, targeting a variety of species with both fly and spinning gear. The precision, patience, and strategy required to consistently succeed on the flats soon became his specialty. Deep down, though, Nick is a permit junkie—and a highly accomplished one at that. His passion for chasing these notoriously challenging fish has translated into tournament success, including winning the IGFA Permit Tournament in 2020 alongside guide Brandon Cyr, the March Merkin in 2024 with angler Rob Dougherty, and the Del Brown Permit Tournament in 2025 with angler Kat Vallilee. These victories reflect not only his dedication to the species, but also his ability to perform at the highest level under pressure. Since 2012, Nick has guided anglers throughout the flats and backcountry waters of Key West and the Lower Keys. From Big Pine Key to the Marquesas Keys, he has spent countless hours exploring and refining techniques that consistently put clients in position for success.