We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Farag and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
While it may seem a bit offbeat to categorize a fishing podcast as an artistic or creative career, it truly is. Growing up, I was always captivated by the beauty of the ocean, the mysteries it holds, and the satisfaction that comes from the challenge of fishing. The thrill of the catch, the peace of being out on the water – these were feelings that words could barely do justice to, and I wanted to share that with others.

I grew up in New York City and rarely had the chance to do more than sit at a lake or beach and throw a rod in the water with my grandfather. It was simple but I loved it. In college, while studying at the University of Miami, my passion for fishing only grew stronger. I began to fish more and more as I was surrounded with more opportunity to get out on the water. It was also during this time that I began to notice the richness of the stories that were intertwined with this pastime. The narratives of fishermen were not just about the act of fishing, but about patience, resilience, environmental awareness, and the camaraderie that is often formed between people who share a love for the ocean.

I realized that there was an avenue to merge my love for fishing and storytelling, and that was through the creation of a podcast. It was an opportunity to bring these stories to life, and connect with others who shared a similar passion. This platform allowed me to showcase the art and creativity involved in fishing – the strategies employed, the anticipation and patience, the relationship between the fisherman and nature.

In this way, the podcast became my creative outlet. It has allowed me to engage with fishing in a new, fulfilling way, sharing experiences, knowledge, and stories with a community of people who are as passionate about it as I am. And the beauty of it is that it is always evolving, always providing opportunities to learn, grow, and create. So, even though it might not be a conventional artistic career, it’s certainly a deeply creative and rewarding one for me.

What should our readers know about your business?
After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law in May 2022, I joined a small boutique firm in Coral Gables, Florida, practicing commercial litigation. What sets our firm apart is our personal approach and commitment to our clients. We truly believe in the importance of understanding our clients’ unique needs and circumstances, and we fight for their best interests with everything we have. It’s this dedication that has helped us build strong relationships with our clients, and that’s something I’m really proud of.

Getting to where I am today was not easy, and the path was fraught with long hours, rigorous study, and the constant pressure to excel. But I’ve always been someone who thrives under pressure, thanks in part to my love for fishing. Fishing, in many ways, has taught me patience, resilience, and the ability to stay calm even when the situation is challenging. These qualities have been invaluable in my legal career.

In overcoming challenges, I’ve learned that much like fishing, success in law isn’t just about getting results—it’s about how you handle the journey. It’s about maintaining integrity, even in the face of adversity. It’s about learning from your failures and using them as stepping stones to success. And most importantly, it’s about balancing work with passion and maintaining that vital work-life balance.

In terms of my brand and story, I want the world to know that it’s entirely possible to pursue a demanding career while also nurturing your passions. For me, it’s law and fishing, but everyone has their own unique combination. It’s this balance that makes us well-rounded individuals and adds a valuable perspective to our professional life.

So, whether it’s through my podcast where I talk about fishing, or in the courtroom where I stand for justice, my journey has been about chasing passions, embracing challenges, and making a difference in my own way. And this journey, this narrative of work and passion co-existing, is what I believe truly sets me apart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s how I would plan a week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Start with a hearty breakfast at ‘Threefold Cafe’ in Coral Gables. Then head over to ‘Vizcaya Museum & Gardens’ – a beautifully preserved estate with stunning gardens and art. Afterward, drive down to ‘Calle Ocho’ in Little Havana, where my friend can experience the rich Cuban culture. Grab lunch at ‘Versailles’, a famous Cuban eatery. In the evening, take a stroll down the vibrant ‘Miami Design District’ to see some unique shops and art installations.

Day 2: Spend a day at ‘Miami Beach’. In the morning, take them fishing off the pier at South Pointe Park and see what we can catch then have lunch at ‘Joe’s Stone Crab’. In the evening, explore the Art Deco Historic District and then have dinner at ‘Prime 112’.

Day 3: Start the day and head over to ‘Wynwood Walls’ and then head over to ‘Key Biscayne’ for some beach relaxation. For dinner, ‘KYU’ in Wynwood is an excellent option offering Asian-inspired dishes.

Day 4: Take a day trip to ‘Everglades National Park’ for an airboat tour. It’s a unique opportunity to see alligators and other wildlife up close.

Day 5: Spend the day at ‘Biscayne National Park’, go snorkeling or diving to explore the marine life. Have lunch at the ‘Black Point Ocean Grill’. In the evening, relax at ‘The Wharf’.

Day 6: Wake up early and head to the Marina to get some offshore fishing in. Hopefully, have some fish and get it cooked up at ‘Monty’s’ and enjoy some nice PK3s.

Day 7: Start the day with a relaxed brunch at ‘Rusty Pelican’, then spend the afternoon exploring the ‘Miami Seaquarium’. As a special treat for the last night in town, have dinner at ‘Zuma’.

If my friend is a partier then any evening can be wrapped up with a visit to some of the hottest spots like ‘LIV’, ‘E11EVEN’, or ‘Vendome’ for some music and dancing. I much prefer the chiller spots to enjoy craft beers and some live music!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I’d like to thank my parents. They instilled in me a love for nature and taught me the value of patience and hard work – qualities that are fundamental to any angler. Their constant support and encouragement have always been my anchor.

A huge shoutout goes to God for the beautiful world He’s created, a world I’ve had the privilege of exploring through my passion for fishing. The diverse marine life, the majestic oceans, the peaceful rivers – all of it inspires me and reminds me to appreciate the world we live in.

But most notably, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my grandfather, Markram. Grandpa Markram wasn’t just a fisherman; he was a storyteller, an adventurer, a mentor. He shared with me not just fishing techniques, but life lessons. He taught me to respect the water and its creatures, to appreciate the quiet moments, and to be humble in victory. His passion for fishing was contagious and his wisdom immeasurable. Many of the stories I share and the knowledge I pass on through my podcast is directly from him.

I am incredibly fortunate to have had such amazing influences in my life. They have shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I am deeply grateful. They deserve every bit of credit and recognition in my story.

Website: thescienceoffishing.com

Instagram: @scienceoffishing

Facebook: Science of Fishing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@scienceoffishing

Other: Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KYIs4OslZNdMOdgiWyWh3?si=88a111717f274acd Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-science-of-fishing/id1671272574

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