Capt. Max Leonard grew up in Gunnison, Colorado, where his passion for fly fishing began at just eight years old. From pursuing Brown and Rainbow Trout in mountain streams and rivers to targeting trophy Pike and Lake Trout in high-mountain reservoirs, Max developed an early appreciation for the diversity and challenge of the sport.
He knew from a young age that he wanted to turn his passion into a career as a fly fishing guide. That dream led him to guide anglers on Colorado’s Gunnison River before heading north to Alaska, where he spent summers guiding clients across the rivers and coastal waters of the Bristol Bay region.
In 2021, Max discovered the thrill of sight-fishing for Redfish on the shallow flats near Rockport, Texas. The experience sparked an immediate fascination with saltwater fly fishing and opened the door to an entirely new chapter in his guiding career.
Today, Max calls Seadrift home during the winter months, where he continues to explore and deepen his appreciation for the Texas Coast. From its remarkable wildlife to its unique and challenging saltwater fishery, Max is embracing everything this special stretch of coastline has to offer while sharing his passion for fly fishing with others. With a lifetime of fly fishing experience spanning mountain streams, Alaskan rivers, and the Texas saltwater flats, Max brings a diverse background and genuine enthusiasm to every day on the water with Bay Flats Lodge guests.