Ben Willis is an avid outdoorsman, devoted father, and skilled craftsman who has dedicated his life to sharing his passion for fishing, hunting, and faith with his family. Growing up in eastern North Carolina, Ben was immersed in the outdoors from a young age, influenced by his father’s background as a commercial fisherman and his family’s deep-rooted hunting traditions. Now, as a father of two daughters, he focuses on passing down these experiences in a way that fosters appreciation for nature, patience, and ethical outdoor practices. In addition to his love for fishing, Ben has turned his passion into a craft by building custom fishing rods, a skill he enjoys sharing with his children and others in his community. Strong in his faith, he believes that time spent outdoors is an opportunity to connect with God, instill values in the next generation, and create lasting memories with loved ones.

TOPICS

Introduction & Early Outdoor Life

02:43 - Ben’s outdoor legacy, growing up in eastern North Carolina.

05:30 - His father’s background as a commercial fisherman and the impact on his childhood.

08:50 - Early experiences with duck hunting, fishing, and time on the water.

Faith, Family, and Outdoor Traditions

12:15 - Raising two daughters and introducing them to the outdoors.

16:30 - The difference in how children connect to hunting and fishing.

19:45 - How faith plays a role in outdoor experiences and fatherhood.

23:00 - Teaching kids the importance of God’s creation through nature.

27:15 - The balance of letting kids explore the outdoors at their own pace.

Fishing & Custom Rod Building

30:40 - Ben’s transition into building custom fishing rods.

34:55 - Teaching his daughters how to make their own rods.

38:20 - Why personalized gear makes outdoor activities more special.

42:00 - The excitement kids have when using their own fishing rods.

46:30 - Ben’s growing business, making rods for friends and family.

Outdoor Ethics & Conservation

50:45 - Instilling respect for wildlife and conservation in children.

55:10 - The importance of ethical hunting and fishing practices.

59:30 - How Ben’s father’s journey from commercial fishing to medicine shaped his view on conservation.

Faith, Parenting & Passing Down Traditions

01:02:50 - How leading by example strengthens children’s faith.

01:07:15 - The importance of fathers being present in their kids’ lives.

01:11:30 - Avoiding forcing kids into outdoor activities they’re not ready for.

01:16:45 - Teaching patience and resilience through outdoor experiences.

01:20:30 - Final reflections on faith, fatherhood, and the joy of being in nature.

Shop: https://www.greatoutdoorspodcast.com/category/all-products

Ben Willis’ Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coresounderben/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556672720616