PREMIUM FISHING
SPEARGUNS & MORE

Riley Smith – Midland, Michigan “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” The Lorax I am a Registered Nurse, Michigan National Guard service member, active member of Michigan Spearfishing Association, and I am the Captain of the only Great Lakes spearfishing charter. Driven by a passion for adventure, conservation, and education, I strive to showcase the incredible spearfishing opportunities found throughout the Great Lakes region. As a husband to my wife, Ashtyn, and father to our son, Elijah, family and service remain at the core of who I am. The Great Lakes contain over 99,000 square kilometers of Michigan waters alone, offering an environment that feels more like an inland ocean than a freshwater lake system. My mission is to expand awareness of Great Lakes spearfishing while helping grow the sport and outdoor community across Michigan and beyond.

From Appleton, Wisconsin, Cal has been spearfishing for over 6 years, starting with 3-pronging panfish in Wisconsin’s inland lakes and eventually moving into the cold, clear waters of the Great Lakes. He regularly hunts species such as lake trout, walleye, and freshwater drum, and also spends time spearfishing in saltwater when traveling. Diving in low-visibility, cold-water environments has shaped his approach to gear, where reliability and maneuverability matter most. Cal is an active member of the National Freshwater Spearfishing Association (NFSA) and has contributed to the growth of the sport through photography, videography, events such as Freshwater Worlds, and helping manage NFSA media and social channels. Through @Base.camp.outdoors, he documents the reality of the outdoor lifestyle — from hunting and fishing to diving and exploration. Cal brings a dedicated freshwater perspective to the Aquila team and relies on his 120 cm Aquila Raptor and open-cell 5mm and 7mm Aquila wetsuits to perform in some of the most challenging spearfishing conditions in North America.

I like to say that I am in love with the ocean i first fell in love with it when I started learning to surf at 19 two years later I started spearfishing for food with my buddy victor I became obsessed with hunting the water for food about the same time i got a job for a fishing company and I have been spearfishing, Surfing, Fishing as my way of life for the last 15 years im 34 years old now I believe I will never know another way of life as it’s said do what you love never work a day

I started swimming in the Caribbean Sea doing snorkeling, and combined with my passion for rod fishing, I became intrigued by the world of spearfishing. Local fishermen from Playa del Carmen taught me — they lent me all their gear, showed me how to use it, accompanied me, and took me to beautiful places selflessly, demonstrating the kindness and brotherhood that exist among those who love fishing.   Being part of Team Aquila motivates me to improve my spearfishing and freediving skills, and to create high-quality content for the enjoyment of other fishermen.