CAPT. AUSTIN ABERCROMBIE
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Growing up in the village of Palmetto Bay, just south of Miami, Captain Austin Abercrombie’s love for fishing started at the age of six. Introduced to the flats of Biscayne Bay by his father, Austin was hooked from the start. By 13, he was navigating the waters on his own, exploring Biscayne’s legendary fishery with his brother in a 16-foot Jon boat.
Together, they created an extensive journal of every fishing expedition, capturing tides, weather patterns, bait, and fish encounters—a practice that shaped Austin’s deep understanding of the water. As Austin grew older, his passion extended beyond Biscayne Bay, taking him and his brother into the Everglades in search of snook, redfish, and tarpon. This diverse, unique ecosystem sparked a new level of exploration and learning. |
Despite his passion for fishing, Austin pursued a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus on accounting at the University of Alabama. He worked in the accounting field for a couple of years before realizing that the desk job wasn’t for him—his true calling was to become a fishing guide. With advice from mentors like Joe Gonzalez, who urged him to consider the challenges of a career in guiding, Austin took a practical route by becoming a firefighter with Miami Dade County Fire Rescue in 2018. This career path gave him the stability he needed to eventually fulfill his dream of becoming a guide.
In 2018, Austin made a pivotal move when his mentor Randy Crenshaw offered to sell him his cherished 17’8” Hells Bay Whipray Professional. It was the boat Austin had always dreamed of owning. Now the proud owner, he spent countless hours on the water, guiding friends, family, and clients on unforgettable fishing adventures.
It was through his work as a firefighter that Austin met fellow angler and firefighter Ryan Booth. The two bonded over their shared passion for backcountry fishing, and soon they were guiding together, combining their skills and knowledge to offer exceptional fishing experiences. In 2025, they merged their businesses under their own outfitter, creating a team dedicated to putting clients on world-class fish, including tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, and redfish.
Whether it’s helping a client hook into a massive tarpon on fly or sharing tips on reading the tides, Austin is driven by one thing: watching the smiles on his clients’ faces when they land that perfect catch. His lifelong love for the water and dedication to guiding others on it is what makes every day on the flats a thrilling adventure.
In 2018, Austin made a pivotal move when his mentor Randy Crenshaw offered to sell him his cherished 17’8” Hells Bay Whipray Professional. It was the boat Austin had always dreamed of owning. Now the proud owner, he spent countless hours on the water, guiding friends, family, and clients on unforgettable fishing adventures.
It was through his work as a firefighter that Austin met fellow angler and firefighter Ryan Booth. The two bonded over their shared passion for backcountry fishing, and soon they were guiding together, combining their skills and knowledge to offer exceptional fishing experiences. In 2025, they merged their businesses under their own outfitter, creating a team dedicated to putting clients on world-class fish, including tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, and redfish.
Whether it’s helping a client hook into a massive tarpon on fly or sharing tips on reading the tides, Austin is driven by one thing: watching the smiles on his clients’ faces when they land that perfect catch. His lifelong love for the water and dedication to guiding others on it is what makes every day on the flats a thrilling adventure.
VESSEL: 2001 HELL'S BAY whipray 17'8"
