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Years Fishing?
20+
Years Guiding?
15-20
Who introduced you to fly fishing?
I saw an old man fly fishing on a jetty in New York when I was a kid. That's how I became interested.
Can you tell us a little about your home waters and the fish you pursue there?
I guide in Marathon, Florida Keys. I mainly target Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit but will chase other species in the winter time like Redfish, Snook, Barracuda, etc. Permit fishing is my favorite, bar none. It's the biggest challenge.
What's the height of the season for you? What time of year is your personal favorite?
Height of the season is Feb Through July. My personal favorite time is July.
What are your favorite travel destinations? What's on the bucket list?
I've been to Brazil to catch Peacock Bass, which was absolutely amazing. I would say that was my favorite. Alaska is on my bucket list.
What you like most about Thomas and Thomas rods? Which rods do you fish?
I personally think that T and T rods cast better than any other rod on the market. When my clients are casting with their rods and I suggest to use one of the T and T's, the client always casts better. T and T rods make you better. Its a proven fact. I see it every day.
What's your current go-to fly?
Since I guide for so many different species, I do have many go to flies, mostly custom patterns that I tie myself. Cant go wrong with a shrimp pattern in he Keys, right?
Other than fly tackle, what piece of gear do you find indispensable?
My Power Pole
My favorite thing about guiding is:
Watching the joy of a client catching a fish of a lifetime. I also love teaching people and watching them progress through out the day. I get a lot of first time fly fisherman and the moment the cast that rod correctly for the first time is priceless. It something that will last them a lifetime.
From the angler’s point of view, what do you see as the main value of going on a guided trip?
Learning, knowledge. The more they know, the better fisherman they will be. I know in my world of guiding, learning to feed the fish is a big step especially with big tarpon. I think the techniques they learn on a guided trip can be used all over the world.
What can new fisherman expect to get out of a guided trip? My favorite thing to teach a client is ...
A lot of clients that I get are fairly new at fly fishing so I think people want to learn to be better at casting and in general, being a better angler. My favorite thing to teach is fly casting, in general.
What's your ideal lunch when on the water? What do you actually pack?
Well, since Im Italian, my wife always packs me a sandwich on hearty Italian bread with some ham, mortadella, tomatoes, some oregano and mozzarella. But deep down inside, the best lunch for fishing is the saltiest fried chicken you can find
What fly fishing blogs/magazines do you read regularly?
I read Midcurrent and Moldy Chum blogs.
When I'm not fishing you'll find me:
Watching New York Rangers Hockey or at the gun range.
