Ben’s obsession with fly fishing began at a very young age in south Florida with a box of old flies and his dad’s old fiberglass rod. Most of his youth was spent in Brasil. When he wasn’t breaking horses or working on the ranch, he was exploring the wilderness and waterways searching for natural materials he could spin up to imitate local berries and forage fish.

In 2003, Ben moved to Maine where his obsession with wild salmonids and striped bass was born. By 2015, he began offering guided wading trips part-time for trout and striped bass. As both angler and guide, Ben continues to draw inspiration from Florida and South America, chasing stripers on the beautiful, expansive flats in the Gulf of Maine.

His saltwater flies are known for being functional and realistic, heavily influenced by the brilliance of Bob Popovic’s creations. As mentor and friend, Bob’s influence and guidance continues to heighten Ben’s ability to bring salty creations from behind the vise and teach others any chance he gets.

In 2022, Ben decided to leave his career as Sr Engineer & Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt to pursue his calling and passion, founding Ben Whalley Fishing LLC to guide full-time.