Arno Matthee

Years fly fishing?

45

Years guiding?

30

Who introduced you to fly fishing?

A friend 

Can you tell us a little about your home waters and the fish you pursue there?

Gabon where I fish for tarpon.

What's the height of the season for you? What time of year is your personal favorite?

October to the end of May.

What are your favorite travel destinations? What's on the bucket list?

West Africa

Bucket List: South America 

What you like most about Thomas and Thomas rods? Which rods do you fish?

They're perfect for my needs.  

What's your current go-to fly?

Black and purple tarpon deceiver 

My favorite thing about guiding is?

You get to see the whole picture. 

From an angler's point of view, what do you see as the main value of going on a guided trip?

You get the luxury of a guide's knowledge but without having to physically explore.  

What's your ideal lunch when on the water? What do you actually pack?

 Boiled eggs and bananas, ham and cheese sandwiches along with fruit.

Other than fly tackle, what piece of gear do you find indispensable?

Leatherman Waive Pliars

What can new fisherman expect to get out of a guided trip? My favorite thing to teach a client is ... 

Years of knowledge and how to present the fly.

What fly fishing blogs/magazines do you read regularly?

The Mission Mag, The Drake, This Is Fly  

When I'm not fishing you'll find me:

Shooting