Alvin Dedeaux - Living His Dream

Published: March 24, 2022, 2:10 a.m.

Alvin Dedeaux is a renowned Austin-based fly fishing guide who is one of the Lone Star State\u2019s most sought-after experts in the pursuit of everything from Guadelupe Bass in Central Texas to Redfish on the Texas coast. Alvin is an ambassador for well-known brands such as Howler Brothers and Yeti, and he\u2019s twice been a finalist for Orvis\u2019s Guide of the Year award. And on top of all of that, Alvin produces informative and entertaining videos on his popular Youtube channel, where anglers of all experience levels can learn from Alvin\u2019s decades of experience.

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Alvin was born and raised in Houston, and he has been a committed fisherman, hunter, and all-around outdoorsman for as long as he can remember. At age 12, he began teaching himself to fly fish, and what started as a hobby quickly became one of the most important aspects of his life\u2013 a passion that remains the centerpiece of his personal and professional lives to this day. Alvin\u2019s story has many fascinating chapters, and each one could be its own three-hour podcast episode\u2013 he\u2019s owned a construction company, been a singer in a very successful touring band, worked at the world-famous Austin Angler, and is now the head guide and owner All Water Guides. With a background like that, it\u2019s no surprise that Alvin has become one of the most well-known fly guides in the country.

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Alvin and I connected virtually and had a fun hour-long conversation about all aspects of his life and career. We started out chatting about his upbringing in Texas, and how fly fishing has been a mainstay in his life throughout all its various stages. We talk about his decision to leave college to pursue life as an entrepreneur, and his path to becoming professionally involved in fishing. We discuss his formative years working at the Austin Angler, and how that particular shop started the careers of some of the country\u2019s most well-respected guides. He offers excellent insights into finding one\u2019s dream job, the importance of conservation in Texas, and how COVID has affected Texas\u2019s valuable fishing resources. We also discuss his popular Youtube channel and why he devotes so much time and energy toward sharing his wisdom. And, as you\u2019d expect, Alvin offers some excellent book and music recommendations.

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I loved talking to Alvin, but felt like we only scratched the surface of his wildly unique life. Be sure to check on the episode notes for tons of links to everything we discussed. Hopefully we can do a part 2 at some point in the future, but, until then, enjoy this fun conversation with Alvin Dedeaux.

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TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • 4:00 - Alvin\u2019s background and childhood
  • 6:00 - Alvin discusses how fly fishing entered his life
  • 8:00 - Alvin talks about his decision to leave college
  • 16:00 - Alvin talks about his job at the Austin Angler, his first job in the fly fishing industry
  • 23:15 - Alvin discusses how he began guiding in Colorado
  • 27:45 - Alvin talks about how long it took for him to feel like he had a sustainable business going in the fly fishing industry
  • 32:00 - Alvin explains why he became interested in the use of social media for his business
  • 37:00 - Alvin talks about finding the one thing you\u2019d \u201ceat shit all day\u201d for (aka dream jobs)
  • 45:00 - Alvin explains how COVID-19 impacted his business and limited fishery resources
  • 51:00 - Alvin gives advice for anybody to become more conservation-minded
  • 53:45 - Alvin talks about how he got connected with Howler Brothers
  • 57:45 - Alvin\u2019s book and music recommendations\xa0\xa0

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