Local TikTok streamer growing roots near Roaring River

By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Stranded on Highway 76 with a broken-down vehicle, Kyle Campbell did not know what his life held next.

An outcome he didn’t expect is his station now — tying fishing flies for a living live on TikTok.

Campbell, 32, of Cassville, said he and his girlfriend were working their way to possibly living in Kentucky in 2021. Having lived in Carl Junction for some time, he knew Mark Twain National Forest and Roaring River would be good places to camp until his disability came in.

“Our car broke down, and we were stuck at hilltop,” he said. “Some guys came to help fix the car, and out of that, I was offered a job. We were staying at the old Sportsman’s Lodge when some construction work I had fell through and Carless Conner asked us to run the hotel. He had a fly-tying setup there, and I asked him how to show me a little bit.”

Campbell said because he could do black ants, Tim Homesley, owner of Tim’s Fly Shop, asked him to contribute.

“I said I was just getting started, but he said to go home and tie me 10 flies and send him a picture,” Campbell said. “I did that, and he said, ‘OK, tie me 100.’ It took me four days, but I did 100, and when he gave me the pay for it, he said to go do 300 more.”

Having seen some do TikTok live streams with making jigs, Campbell thought he could stream his work, but he did not expect the feedback. In August 2022, he had about 43,000 followers when his account was banned for mass reporting, but that did not deter him.

“I started over and had to get 1,000 followers to go live again,” he said. “With some help from some friends, I got it back by September [at HealthyObsessionOutdoors]. I’ve kept grinding and grinding, and it’s up to 50,000 followers, which is cool and a blessing.”

The social interaction also helped craft his nickname — Knot Willie.

“One day in July I bought this American flag bandana, and one person said I looked like Willie Robertson,” he said. “I kept saying, ‘I’m not Willie,’ and someone else commented, ‘Knot Willie, like tying a knot.’ I just ran with it.”

Campbell ties about 300 flies per week and said he can churn out 100-150 a day if he shoots for speed. Streaming the work has also led to extra revenue from the social media company.

“Once you get to 10,000 followers, you can receive gifts,” he said. “I get less than 50 percent, but last month I made around $900.”

He also feels like he is making a difference in the lives of his viewers.

“I had one guy comment he was autistic and watching me brought him a lot of peace every day,” he said. “I also have a lot of support from other fly tiers in the industry.”

Money aside, Campbell said the work has given him a purpose, and the people of Cassville and Roaring River helped make that happen.

“I’ve never been more satisfied in my life,” he said. “I’ve found a level of happiness I’ve been searching for my whole life. I was in the Marine Corps and am diagnosed with PTSD. I worked in construction, insurance and sales, but never found anything that fit.

“We’ve settled here because of the small-town atmosphere and so many people who helped us in the beginning. Carless is like a grandfather to me. He and the mentor I have had in Tim make me feel like I have lived here my whole life and am a local when I’m not.”

That kind of treatment and acceptance, Campbell said, has led to humility on his part.

“I try to be as humble as I can, because it can all be taken away from you at any time,” he said. “That’s what my mom tells me, ‘I’m proud of your success, but be humble.’ Sometimes, I have the feeling this is what I am supposed to be doing, and so far, it’s working out.”