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How many years have you been fishing?
24+
How many years have you been fly fishing?
7+
How many years have you been guiding?
6+
Who introduced you to fly fishing?
My dad did on a trip to New Mexico visiting family. We snuck in a fishing
trip on the San Juan!
Can you tell us a little about your home waters and the fish you pursue there?
November- May I guide primarily for trout on the Toccoa River in Blue Ridge. February- October, I guide for spotted bass, coosa redeye bass, and striper in the Etowah River and other parts of the Coosa drainage system. What I love about where I live is that there are overlapping seasons with multiple species. One day, we may throw dries to rising trout and the next, we may be throwing 6-inch swim flies to pre-spawn bass!
What's the height of the season for you?
I would say the height of my season is the dog days of summer, July, August, and September, when spotted bass and redeye bass are feeding on top. I personally don’t think it gets any better than seeing my client's reaction to a big bass slowly rising to a well-placed popper.
What time of year is your personal favorite?
I have to say my personal favorite time of year is late winter into early spring. We have an awesome black caddis hatch at about the same time big pre-spawn bass are eating huge flies. The best of both worlds in our area.
What are your favorite travel destinations? What's on the bucket list?
I would have to say Arkansas is one of my all-time favorite destinations. I love going out there during summer and mousing for big browns! As far as my bucket list goes, I would love to catch peacock bass in Brazil or dorado in Bolivia!
What do you like most about Thomas and Thomas rods?
I not only love that every rod is handmade but they’re handmade in the U.S.!
Which T&T rods do you fish and why?
I fish the Exocett SS (88) in a 350 and 250 for throwing big swimmy streamers as well as striper fishing. Where I fish and guide the fish really hold to structure, so it's nice having a rod that can punch flies under cover, as well as keeping a big fish from wrapping you up in the logs.
I also love a 6wt Sextant with a fighting butt for poppers. It can put a popper just about anywhere! It also has the backbone to keep fish from structure!
What's your current go-to fly?
My current go-to fly has to be an olive and white sluggo.
Other than fly tackle, what piece of gear do you find indispensable?
A solid pair of shades.
My favorite thing about guiding is:
My favorite thing about guiding is creating a memory that the angler and I will both share and the possibility of landing the big one every time!
From the angler’s point of view, what do you see as the main value of going on a guided trip?
Being able to have fun while sticking to the mission, getting the right shots in and getting a good laugh in.
What can new anglers expect to get out of a guided trip?
A new angler can expect a very laid-back approach to the art of fly fishing. I feel like the worst thing you can do for a new angler is putting too much pressure on them. Having fun is the main goal.
My favorite thing to teach a client/new angler is...
The roll cast, I think when clients learn it, they see how it opens up a lot of water/possibilities in places where you can't get a good back cast in.
What’s your ideal lunch when on the water? What do you actually pack?
The ideal lunch is some cold fried chicken, but I typically don’t eat very much when I’m fishing. I mostly just drink the lime liquid deaths and that’s it.
What fly fishing blogs/magazines do you read regularly?
What other anglers/guides do you follow closely on social media? Who comes top of mind?
Marcelo Perez, those videos catching Golden Dorado get me hyped up!
The most important thing I've learned about fly fishing is...
To relax and be patient in critical moments like landing a big fish, choosing the right fly, or choosing the right line down a river.
When I'm not fishing you'll find me:
At home with my wife Cynda, raising my son Arlo.
