Real Estate & Elegant Maine Living - The Way Life Should Be

Maine's Still Waters & Strong Minds: The Healing Power of Fly Fishing & the Maine Outdoors

Elise Kiely Season 1 Episode 28

There’s something truly special about life in Maine — where being active and outdoors isn’t a hobby, it’s a way of life.

In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, I sit down with my friend Tom Ackerman, an incredible storyteller, guide, and fly-fishing travel consultant, to talk about what makes the Maine outdoors so restorative and how a life connected to nature brings balance, joy, and adventure.

Tom’s career has spanned decades of helping people discover the beauty of Maine’s rivers, lakes, and coastline — from his years with L.L.Bean, where he taught thousands to fly fish, to hosting outdoor adventures for ESPN with guests like Bobby Knight, Herschel Walker, and Josh Beckett. His deep appreciation for the natural world and his belief that “life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful” shine through in every story.

Together, we explore:

  • Why living in Maine makes it so easy to lead an active, outdoor lifestyle — from fly fishing and hunting to hiking, birding, and boating.
  • How being outdoors in Maine encourages mindfulness, presence, and connection.
  • Tom’s years at L.L.Bean’s Fly Fishing School and the lessons he’s learned on Maine’s rivers and streams.
  • His incredible experiences guiding and filming outdoor adventures with world-class athletes and actors.
  • Why spending time outside — especially in Maine’s breathtaking natural settings — is more important than ever for adults, families, and kids.

Tom’s stories celebrate everything that makes the Maine outdoor lifestyle so powerful — its authenticity, accessibility, and quiet beauty. Whether you’re casting a fly on one of our many lakes, rivers or streams, hiking the Bold Coast or our majestic mountains, or simply watching the sunrise over Casco Bay, this episode will inspire you to reconnect with the natural world that defines Maine living.

🎣 Connect with Tom Ackerman


Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

  • Elise@EliseKiely.com

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.



People on this episode