Then
Started fishing
First fly rod in second grade. Guiding by 2007, from Colorado trout to golden dorado in Argentina and lodges in the Bahamas.
Capt. Kyle Schaefer
See the work
Guide.Lodge Owner.Conservationist.
Hey, I'm Kyle
For two decades I've guided, built a lodge, and fought for wild fish. At Soul Fly we build community and put people and planet first.
+ Two decades on the water01 / 07
Kittery, ME
2016
Launched Soul Fly Outfitters
Sight fishing stripers on the flats with conservation at the core. My very first client was Griz.
Kittery, ME
2020
Became the first carbon-neutral guide
The water I guide on is one of the fastest warming on the planet, so the business offsets everything it puts out.
Berry Islands, Bahamas
2021
Opened Soul Fly Lodge
Built with Griz around community and the Bahamian guides who know these flats best.
Washington, D.C.
2024
Testified before the U.S. Senate
A first-hand account, before the Budget Committee, of what a warming ocean means for the businesses that live by it.
Read the testimony
Charleston, SC
2026
Launched Soul Fly CHS
Our first full-scale festival. Music, fly fishing, and about $30,000 raised for Charleston Waterkeeper.
Berry Islands, Bahamas
Now
Teaching my son to fish
I dream of passing healthy businesses down to my son one day.
DriftWithPurpose
Ventures
What you'll find me working on.
A lodge, a guiding business, and an events brand, plus consulting for the operators and fisheries building what's next.
Book a guided trip
Conservation
The work off the water.
The fish are why I do any of this. Here's where that shows up beyond the boat.
Our best chance to restore abundance to marine waters.
Founding board member representing Maine, and consultant to the American Saltwater Guides Association.
About ASGA
U.S. Senate Budget Committee · 2024
Testifying for the businesses that live by the water.
A first-hand account, on the record, of what a warming ocean means for fishing businesses from Maine to the Bahamas.
Read the testimony
Striped bass
Stripers In Our Hands.
Helped spearhead a project on proper striped bass handling, to cut the number of fish that die after catch and release.
POW Athlete Alliance member
The first carbon-neutral fly fishing guide.
As part of the POW Athlete Alliance, I use my platform to push for climate action on behalf of the waters I fish. I measured, cut and offset the footprint of Soul Fly Outfitters through the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance, then took the story to the Gulf of Maine in New Blue View.
Watch New Blue View
01 / 04
Partners in the work
Patagonia, Scientific Anglers, Thomas & Thomas, Costa, and YETI back conservation and healthy fisheries, not just gear.
Media
On screen, on air, and in print.
Get in touch
Let's talk.
A lodge opportunity, a consulting project, a day on the water, or just to connect. I read everything that comes through here myself.
Email kyle@soulflyco.com
Based Maine in summer, the Bahamas in winter
Instagram @captkyleschaefer