Ben Whalley
Fly Fishing Guide
Intro
Based on the rugged coast of Maine, Ben turned his lifelong passion for striped bass fishing into a full-time profession after a decade in science and engineering. These days, he spends his summers guiding clients on sight-fishing adventures in Maine’s inshore waters. During his winters, you'll find him tying flies, teaching classes, and staying connected to nature. Whether he’s on the skiff, in the woods, or with his family, Ben lives a life tied to the outdoors. We’re proud to call him part of the Turtlebox crew.
If you’re interested in booking a guided trip or taking a class from Ben, visit https://www.benwhalleyfishing.com/.
Q&A
What is your profession? Did you always know this is what you would end up doing or was it something you “stumbled into”?
I am a fly fishing guide and fly designer targeting striped bass in the great state of Maine. I definitely didn’t stumble into it—if anything, I took the long way around. I spent a decade pursuing a career as a biochemist and engineer before eventually turning a part-time passion into a full-time gig. The decision to shift careers wasn’t spontaneous; it was a steady pull toward something that felt more aligned with who I am. Now, I get to spend my days showing people the magic of Maine’s inshore fishery—sight-fishing for stripers from mid-May through mid-October. In the off-season, I tie and sell custom flies and teach fly tying, which makes the whole lifestyle feel complete. It’s not the path I started on, but it’s absolutely the one I was meant to follow.
Favorite movie?
Scarface
Favorite book?
92 in the Shade
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”–Ralph Waldo Emerson
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
Spending quality time with my family, out on the water fishing, tying up new fly patterns, or in the woods hunting—whether it’s chasing fish or game, or just unwinding with the people I love—it’s all about staying connected to the outdoors and keeping things simple.
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
Permit Alley in Belize
Bucket list destination you haven’t been yet?
Mag Bay, Baja for roosters and striped marlin
You’re stranded on a deserted island - who is coming with you and why?
Bear Grylls. No hesitation. The guy could build a 5-star jungle resort using nothing but a shoelace, a coconut, and sheer willpower. I figure if anyone can help me survive—and entertain me with wild stories while we wait for rescue—it’s him. If Bear’s busy, I’ll take my best friend (my wife, Darcy), because if we’re going down, we’re going down with good music, bad jokes, and the questionable survival skills she’s gained from watching Naked and Afraid.
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) - who are you calling?
Bob Popovics. I would love to have one more conversation & drink with him.
What advice would you give an 18-year-old that wants to do what you do?
Surround yourself with people who push you to grow, spend as much time on the water as you can, stay humble and never stop learning.
Any guilty pleasures?
Gas station snacks. If you catch me walking out with a slice of heat lamp pizza in one hand and a questionable amount of caffeine in the other—mind your business. It's no-doubt a strategic move to survive guide season without flatlining.
Favorite wild meat/fish to eat? And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
No question—sweet habanero venison jerky. It’s the go-to snack: packed with protein, full of flavor, and perfect whether I’m on the water, in the truck, or in need of something while tying flies at the vise. A little sweet, a little heat—it checks all the boxes.
What’s your favorite element of Turtlebox?
What can I say—the sound is unreal, and it’s tough enough to handle my saltwater lifestyle without flinching. It's indestructible, waterproof, and built like a tank, which is exactly what I need on the water. Plus, the insanely long battery life means I can focus more on finding fish and the experience.
How do you use your Turtlebox?
I use my Turtlebox pretty much every day—whether I’m out on the skiff running charters, kicking back with the family in the backyard, tying flies in the office, the tunes are always bumping. It’s part of my daily rhythm.
Name the most famous contact in your phone?
Señor Brad Leone, an absolute legend!
