Joe Mahler is a fly casting author, illustrator, and sought-after casting coach whose work has appeared in Fly Fisherman, Outdoor Life, and Salmon & Steelhead Journal. He conducts casting clinics and private instruction across the region, helping anglers of all levels improve accuracy, distance, and efficiency. A popular speaker at fly clubs and events, Joe is known for his clear instruction and dry wit.

A native Hoosier, he’s spent the past 25 years fly fishing and teaching in Southwest Florida. While he enjoys backcountry saltwater species, his first love is stalking Florida’s native freshwater species by canoe. In 2024, he launched Florida Casting Games—now hosting weekly training sessions and six statewide tournaments—helping turn Florida into the most active casting games state in the country and coaching two students to a place on the USA Fly Casting team.

Joe will be teaching a series of paid and open classes for us at this year’s festival. Please check back later for updates on Joes classes.