About Us
The Angling Company is Key West’s premier fly shop and guide booking service — home to IGFA world record holders, tournament champions, and one of the most knowledgeable fly fishing teams in the Florida Keys.
The Angling Company is a full-service fly shop and guide booking service located in Key West, Florida. Founded in 2009, we specialize in preparing anglers and guides to fish the shallow waters of the Florida Keys, targeting tarpon, permit, bonefish, barracuda, and other species. We serve anglers of all experience levels — from first-timers to seasoned fly fishers.
Our Story
Nathaniel Linville opened The Angling Company in 2009 to serve Key West and the Lower Florida Keys fishing community. His goal was to create a one-stop shop where anglers and guides could find everything they need to fish the most technical shallow-water saltwater fishery on the planet — where ultra-clear water, complex tides, and notoriously wary fish demand precise technique and delicate presentations.
From rods, reels, fly lines, flies, and technical clothing to a full selection of saltwater fly-tying materials, plus guide booking and casting lessons, The Angling Company can outfit you for just about any fishing trip you can imagine.
Nathaniel’s vision for the shop has grown alongside his personal achievements — tarpon and permit tournament wins, IGFA world records, and innovations in rigging. Today, The Angling Company is an invaluable community resource, with staff who offer expert advice on casting, fly tying, knots, and fish-fighting technique.
What We Do
- Guided Trips – Our carefully vetted roster of captains will connect you with experienced fishing guides who set the standard in professionalism and skill.
- Casting Lessons – Nathaniel’s casting curriculum works for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Whether you’re learning for the first time or working through a specific issue, we can help.
- Rigging – Complimentary reel rigging for all gear purchased in the shop.
- Retail Gear – Everything you need for a day on the water or a day at the vise.
- Online Shop – Not in Key West? Our online store has you covered.
Our Team
Nathaniel Linville
Tournament-Winning Angler | IGFA World Record Holder | Knot Innovator | Casting Instructor | Community Leader
25+ years of saltwater fly-fishing experience
Nathaniel’s passion for fly fishing brought him from the waters of the Northeast to the Florida Keys, where he served on the board of the LKGA for nearly a decade. His tournament record includes four wins at the March Merkin Permit Tournament, and victories at the Del Brown Permit Tournament, the Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament, and the Cuda Bowl (twice). He holds the IGFA world records for the largest tarpon ever caught on 6 lb. class tippet and the largest permit ever caught on 2 lb. class tippet.
Nathaniel developed the Cobranagle knot for connecting class and shock tippet — now widely used in competitive tarpon fishing for its strength and low profile. His casting curriculum addresses the specific challenges of saltwater fishing that other methods often overlook or get wrong.
Kat Vallilee
Tournament-Winning Angler | IGFA World Record Holder
10+ years of saltwater fly-fishing experience
Kat’s focus on permit fishing is reflected in an impressive record of tournament results and world records. She holds the IGFA Women’s World Records for permit on 4 lb., 6 lb., and 8 lb. class tippet and is the first woman to win both the March Merkin Permit Tournament and the Del Brown Permit Tournament.
Cody Miller
Florida Native | Fly Tyer | Experienced Angler
15+ years of saltwater fly-fishing experience
Cody is an experienced saltwater angler with a gift for explaining everything from fly tying to knot technique. He began fly fishing the waters around Tampa and eventually made his way to the Keys, where he’s been a cornerstone of The Angling Company ever since. Outside the shop, he ties custom flies for anglers and guides and gets on the water whenever he can. His favorite species to target in the Keys are tarpon, bonefish, and barracuda — though his favorite fish is still the snook!
Chase Purcell
Fly Tyer | Leatherworker | Angler
10+ years of saltwater fishing experience
Chase grew up fly fishing in Colorado before a career in the Coast Guard — and later the Key West Police Department — brought him first to California and then to the Keys, where he fell in love with saltwater fly fishing. When an injury prompted his retirement from the KWPD, Chase leaned fully into his passions: leatherwork (he makes exceptional custom wallets) and fly tying, which he’s taken to quickly and seriously. These days, his days off are filled with custom fly orders. On the water, he’s happiest chasing tarpon on the flats.
Our Brands
We stock only brands we trust and would use ourselves — whether it’s apparel, tackle, hooks, materials, or flies.
We carry Mako, Hardy, Scott, Hatch, G. Loomis, Scientific Anglers, Rio, Wapsi, Hareline Dubbin, Free Fly, Anetik, Simms, and more.
Our Commitment to Customers
You may find some of what we sell at other shops, but you won’t find a dealer with deeper product knowledge, a more liberal return policy, or a stronger commitment to their customers.
Location & Hours
*Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Located in the heart of Old Town Key West.
*Parking is available in the lot at the corner of Simonton and Eaton Streets, across from the church.
Our Conservation Commitment
We believe in the long-term health of the Florida Keys fishery. We support responsible fish handling and IGFA-compliant angling practices, and we actively participate in and support conservation efforts through partnerships with organizations like the LKGA and BTT.
