As a high school Art teacher and Track and Cross Country coach, it only seems fitting that I partner my skill and passion for teaching with my love of fly fishing. As I see it, a fly fishing guide should be a teacher first and a fisherman second.
I was started in the sport of fishing as soon as I could hold a rod. My first memorable experience was catching a bullhead on a nightcrawler around the age of four. My parents let me take it home where I kept it in a bucket for a day before releasing it back where I caught it. This is where my fixation for the sport began. In the coming years, I became more skilled and started experimenting with the old Berkley Cherrywood my dad had purchased for his first fly rod. Since those early years, I have fished on some of the most sought out water in the country from the big tailwater rivers of the Southern US to the high mountain lakes of Colorado, and of course the famed rivers of Montana.
Although I love many of the various waters I have fished, my heart remains here in Michigan with the vast amount of fishing opportunities. Some of my favorite waters include the Flint, Huron, Grand, Ausable, and Manistee, although I never pass up the chance to acquaint myself with the countless other fishable waters of the state. Very few other states offer such a variety of fishing opportunities as Michigan.
I am thrilled to share my passion and look forward to letting others feel the excitement of exploring new waters and catching the big one! Fish on!
Hometown: Clarkston, MI (Home of the “Union Woodshop”)
Rivers Guided: Flint, Huron, Ausable, and Manistee, but I’m always looking to add more to the list.
Favorite Method of Delivery: “STRIPPIN’ STREAMERS!”
Favorite Fly: Toss up between “The Rattlesnake” and “The Circus Peanut”
Favorite River: Whatever’s fishin’
Flyfishing Hero: My dad
Secret Spot: If I told you I’d have to kill you!
Species: Anything that bites!
Other Favorites: Photography, Camping, Fly Tying, Scuba Diving, Mountain Biking Duck Hunting, my wife son, and daughter.
The gear used on trips: New gear coming spring 2022!!!!