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The Full Story
Willow & Mangrove
Rooted in passion, shaped by experience — meet your captain and the story behind Willow & Mangrove.
About Your Captain
Florida native Captain Dylan Taylor has dedicated the last 12 years to guiding more than 250 days a year across some of the most iconic waters in North and South America. From the Rocky Mountains of the West, to the flats of the Caribbean, to the remote rivers of Chilean Patagonia, Dylan has built his career around a deep passion for fly fishing and a love for sharing that experience with others.
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Known for his exceptional patience and easygoing nature, Dylan ensures every day on the water is a great one — whether you're a seasoned angler refining your cast or a newcomer just picking up a fly rod for the first time.
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In 2018, Dylan first came to the Florida Keys between guiding seasons to spend some personal time fishing these legendary flats. It was during this trip that he met Captain Fernand Braun, a veteran Keys guide of over 30 years. Their friendship formed quickly, and before long, Fernand encouraged Dylan to pursue guiding in the Keys. From that moment, Dylan’s trips to the Keys became an annual tradition, until 2024, when he and his wife decided to leave Colorado, return home to Florida, and build their dream — Willow & Mangrove.
About W&M
Willow & Mangrove was founded from a shared love of fly fishing, exploration, and the incredible waters of the Florida Keys. After years of guiding across North and South America, we returned home to Florida to build something of our own — a company dedicated to creating custom adventures rooted in patience, experience, and a true respect for the places we fish.
We guide from a 2002 Maverick Mirage HPX powered by a new Suzuki 90, equipped with Thomas & Thomas rods, Nautilus reels, and Cortland lines to ensure the best possible experience on the water. Today, Willow & Mangrove reflects our passion for the water, the people we meet along the way, and the simple joy of a great day spent outdoors.
