My fly fishing life began as the son and grandson of trout fishermen on the banks of the Carmel River. Throughout my forty plus years with fly rod in hand, I've always chased trout. From California to Georgia, Texas to Minnesota, and most all states in-between, I have been blessed to fish for many species of trout in many different environments.

One of the things I've enjoyed the most is fishing different waters and learning the techniques associated with success around the country. It's strange how techniques have remained localized, even to this day. I still discover things around the country that amaze me. I am a life-long student of the sport.

I have caught many different species, through the years. I have enjoyed being a resident fly angler in many regions. I really enjoy hunting redfish in skinny water. I try to make a few trips a year to Charleston, South Carolina or the Gulf Coast of Texas. There are a few things better than stalking tailing reds. Steelhead and Salmon in the Northwest is majestic. Steelhead in Lake Superior's tributaries is outstanding as well. You'd better have an "A" game on these waters. To this day, I still make a yearly trip for bedding bluegill. It's good to revisit your beginnings. Texas and Tennessee Stripers and Hybrids on the fly are highly addictive. Fish a good "blitz" and you know what I mean. I've had great fun fishing for these out of control heart stoppers. I've had many wonderful days in my Old Town canoe fishing for Smallmouth bass in Minnesota.

Currently I reside in the mountains of Western North Carolina and spend my days fly fishing the waters in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Speck (Brook Trout) fishing, in tiny mountains trickles, is one of my favorite things to do. Crawling around to make a 15' cast to a small plunge pool is rite cathartic. Sight fishing technical tail waters with gossamer tippets, tiny flies on long stealthy casts, to giant wild brown trout is a real test of any anglers' skill and one I enjoy very much. In less than two hours, we can be on 4 of the top 100 trout streams in the country.

I receive far more enjoyment from helping people catch fish than catching them myself. Many guides make that claim, I live it everyday. Come on, let's go fishing!

At Rocking L Fly Fishing, we are happy to share our knowledge, experiences and fish tales as part of the Pro Staff for Ross Reels. To learn more about our partnership, visit our Pro Staff page.

guided fishing trips, fly fishing, fishing in NC, fishing in TN, smallmouth bass, trout