Guest Angler Q&A Series: Cody Rubner
In this monthly series, we sit down with guests from across to angling community to bring new perspectives and share a glimpse into different aspects of the sport, fisheries and watersheds, and culture. This month, we spoke with Captain Cody Rubner of High Roller Guide Service. Enjoy!
Photo credit: Dan Zazworsky
Tell us about yourself and when did fly fishing come into the picture
I grew up on cape cod chasing striped bass on the beaches and largemouth in the kettleponds. Fly fishing came into the picture around high school when my great uncle passed down one of his old Sage 8 weights and taught me how to cast in the front lawn.
What was your path to becoming a guide?
I’ve always wanted to be a guide. I used to film fake fishing shows and videos on an ipad when I was a teenager pretending to be a guide. I enjoy educating people about the ecosystem and enabling others to find join in what I love more than I do personally experiencing it.
We anglers tend to “geek out” on gear. Tell us about your 23’ Pathfinder and why it’s your boat of choice for the fishery around Jupiter.
A 23 foot bay boat is the most versatile vessel for my fishery. I have fishing ADD. I prioritize two experiences: what is best that day and whatever provides variety. That means we could fish 3 feet of water and 350 feet in the same 6 hour trip. The gulf stream is so close to the shore here that we are blessed with the variety of chasing highly migratory species and inshore species within a handful of miles from each other. A high performance mid size bay boat allows me to float shallow when needed but also handle reasonable open seasons, as well as accommodate 2-3 anglers which is standard for the area.
You’ve been involved in a number of different conservation projects over the years from tagging Striped Marlin in Mexico to fighting for cleaner water in Florida. What is your recommendation for today’s angler in terms of the biggest difference they can make?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. One of the biggest hurdles that stops people from getting involved in conservation is a fear of sounding “out of the loop”. The more you know about your fishery and your ecosystem, the better angler you’ll be and the more apt you are to be an effective steward of your waters. Lean on conservation organizations to get a good baseline of the species you love to chase.
Once you feel up to speed on the latest conservation campaigns, use your voice! It is always shocking how many people care and want change but are anxious about taking that first step. Sometimes it only takes a few dozen people engaged in an issue to drive a management decision that could dramatically improve the trend of a fishery. The conservation minded fishing community is infinitely more powerful and impactful than we often realize.
There are a number of different species you can find in your home waters. Do you have a favorite?
It would be really hard for me to say anything other than Tarpon. But Jack Crevalle are really fighting for the throne. 30-40 pound fish, massive schools, epic eats on the surface… c’mon.
There are a number of different species you can find in your home waters. Do you have a favorite?
If I get time in the boat alone, I tend to use it trying different techniques, locations with the hope of adding something new to the “professional arsenal” I can offer my anglers. That being said, on the rare occasion that I’m in the boat solo and trying to decompress, I find myself dialing things down and doing something simple. Walking the flats for Pompano. Sheepshead in the river. The things that don’t kick my butt for 45 mins and require a 10-12+ weight. Those experiences can make you feel like a kid again. Simple, dialed down, no urgency.
Thanks Cody for sitting down with us and sharing your story!
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Your Name: Cody Rubner
Location & Home Water: Stuart, Florida - Indian River Lagoon, St Lucie River and the Treasure Coast (Atlantic Ocean)
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Favorite Species: Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, Permit
Favorite Fly Pattern: Hollow Fleyes, Baitfish Patterns
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Favorite Rod / Reel Set-up: Hardy Fortuna x Hardy Zane Pro
