Little Rock, Arkansas – In a heartfelt recognition of Arkansans who embody the spirit of the state, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the third installment of Faces of Arkansas, a monthly series meant to showcase the people who give the state its strength and identity. The latest profile features Eric Watts, a Little Rock fishing guide whose life, career, and sense of purpose are closely tied to the waters of Lake Maumelle and the broader vision of the Natural State Initiative.
The Faces of Arkansas program aims to spotlight individuals who represent the heartbeat of Arkansas — from everyday workers and community leaders to those overcoming adversity or driving their industries forward. Each honoree is featured through a portrait, video, and written profile displayed prominently outside the Governor’s office, reminding staff daily of who they serve.
For February, that face belongs to Eric Watts, whose story reflects how Arkansas’ natural beauty not only inspires a way of life but sustains entire industries. Through his company, Natural State Fishing, Watts leads people from all walks of life into the wilds of Lake Maumelle. But his role extends beyond guiding.
“This is my natural state of being”
Watts describes being on the water not just as work, but as something spiritual. “This is my natural state of being,” he said. “And I think it’s most people’s natural state of being – when you’re one with nature, connected with the outdoors, connected with God.” The stillness of the water, the feel of the line, and the joy in a first catch are not just memories for clients — they become life-long experiences.
He guides everyone from curious first-timers to seasoned anglers and professional athletes. “My favorite part is seeing people light up,” Watts said. “They leave with a memory and a skill.” But more importantly, he teaches them to fish independently, emphasizing understanding, patience, and stewardship. “It’s not about you catching a bunch of fish with me. I want you to be able to go out and replicate the same things on your own.”
A Foundation in Family and Faith
Fishing was etched into Watts’ life early on. From trips with his grandfather, father, and uncles in Mississippi and the Gulf Coast, to unforgettable battles with offshore sharks, his memories run deep. Yet the simplest moment — as a child riding in his uncle’s boat, hand trailing in the spray — is what stayed with him. That same scene plays out now with the children he guides, instinctively reaching toward the water as if answering something primal.
His journey wasn’t direct. Watts spent eight years in furniture manufacturing after leaving the University of Arkansas. But fishing always pulled him back. Eventually, with the support of his wife, he turned passion into purpose.
Building Community Through Conservation
Watts’ work aligns closely with the goals of the Natural State Initiative — a project led by Governor Sanders and her husband Bryan Sanders. The initiative aims to preserve and expand outdoor recreation across Arkansas, supporting small businesses, increasing educational opportunities, and strengthening ties between people and nature. It has contributed to developments like new visitor centers and trail networks near Pinnacle Mountain State Park and other conservation zones.
Outdoor recreation is Arkansas’ second-largest economic sector behind agriculture, contributing over $7 billion to the economy in 2023 and supporting around 70,000 jobs. Fishing alone has seen value-added growth of over 36 percent in recent years.
Watts sees guiding not just as business, but as a way to educate others about respecting natural resources. He teaches clients to observe fish behavior, read weather, and appreciate the land and water they enjoy. “We help each other out. If someone’s in trouble on the water, you’re there. That’s just how we operate,” he said.
The Natural State as a Way of Being
Whether helping first-timers cast their lines or sharing conservation knowledge, Watts lives what the Natural State stands for. The outdoor legacy he helps shape is built not just on catches, but on connection — to people, to place, and to something deeper.
Faces of Arkansas continues to uplift stories like his, showing how the outdoors, when embraced fully, can become more than a backdrop — it can be a way of life. For Eric Watts, it already is.
