Bathurst, Australia
After catching his very first fish at age thirteen, Josh Hutchins discovered an endless thirst for adventure. He’s gone on to tour the world in search of its best-kept secrets — seeking out their most exotic experiences. In fact, he once hit up 15 countries in one year. His restless passion for growing the sport of fly fishing is what hooked us in the first place. Grab a cold one and kick back as we get to know this globe-trotting angler even better.
What goes through your head, when you first wake up in the morning?
What’s the weather look like, and where’s the coffee?
What are the three most essential things you need for your category?
A camera, fly rod, and endless thirst for adventure.
Where’s your favourite place to fish?
My favourites are flats fishing in Northern Australia and chasing giant trevally in Cosmoledo, Seychelles.
What sound or noise do you love?
The implosion of a fish eating a surface fly, especially Barramundi and Murray cod…that and the crackle of a campfire.
How do you up your game, year after year?
Set goals each year and make a plan to achieve them.
What part of you, or what you do, reflects a spirit of restlessness?
Always wanting to catch the next fish, explore around the bend, and not take no for an answer.
If you could do anything better, what would it be?
To cast better, fish better, take better photos…everything is a constant learning exercise…figured if I get to the stage where I think I know it all, well, there’s probably no point in continuing in the craft.
If there’s any love-hate relationship with an aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?
Love traveling to new and far-flung places…having a young family, hate being away for too long.
If you could bring anybody in the world (dead or alive) fishing with you, who would it be, and why?
Honestly, it would be my three boys. It’s early days yet, but it’s my greatest wish that Hunter, Judah, and Harry can all enjoy fly fishing with me in the future.
I am happiest when…
I’m with my wife and three boys (or connected to a giant trevally on the flats.)
Tell us your favourite story from a day out fishing?
Hard to nail down one…have a fond memory of throwing surface flies at sharks on the flats in the Wessel Islands. On this particular occasion, I was with Jako Lukas…he thought that looked like fun…“Ah Jako, I don’t think that is a shark.” I called out as he lunged his fly onto a nearby crocodile.
Who are your heroes? And who do you look up to?
I’m not a person with particular heroes…I look up to and respect those who love their family, men who honor women, those who work hard, and people who not only dream, but who follow through.
What would be your day job, if you weren’t doing what you’re currently doing?
My first ten years after university, I worked in the food industry…travelled the world auditing, and fishing after every job…ditched that to work full time in fly fishing and have not regretted a moment.
What haven’t you accomplished that you aspire to do in your lifetime?
To be the best father and husband I can be…to get to the end and be proud of the race I’ve run.
What does YETI mean to you?
Quality gear…built tough and made to last.
How would you explain what YETI represents?
If you’re looking for gear that will last through any adventure, there’s no one else but YETI.
What does it mean to be built for the wild?
Knowing that the gear will endure and perform in even the harshest of conditions.
What’s the one YETI product that you can’t do without?
My Loadout® GoBox…absolutely love those things…being able to bash them around, stand on them, organise gear, and trust they’ll protect my cargo has been a game changer.
How has the LoadOut® GoBox changed what you do, or how you do it?
Photography is a huge part of my work…managing cameras on boats was always a challenge. My LoadOut GoBox has been revolutionary…protects my cameras, while keeping them easy to access.
Which other YETI products do you use?
The Tundra® 45 Hard Cooler is another go-to for me.
It lives in my 4x4 and it’s the perfect size to take in and out of the car when needed.
What’s your one favourite aspect or feature of your YETI gear?
YETI gear is built tough…it does what it’s meant to do, even after taking a beating.