Trout/Smallmouth Bass: Light tackle spin gear

I started fishing the beautiful creeks of the Blue ridge Mountains near Boone North Carolina in 2013. My heart was captured by these crystal clear flows of clean water and quiet embrace of the thick riparian zone and towering trees. The start of my journey into guiding people’s outdoor experiences are rooted in these ancient mountains and it will always be my great pleasure to share the wonders of this place that I call my home. My hunger to be a better fisherman and guide lead me to the Tail waters of Watauga and South Holston Lakes in 2015. A highly Technical trout fishery that has always been highly populated by experienced guides with clients rather than new comers in their own boats. In 2016 I learned to row and by 2018 I was a float guide for High Country guide service, who I still work closely with. 2026 is my 7th year as a full time professional guide, and 10th year since I took my first wade trip for Steve at Watauga River Anglers, who I owe my first chance at my dream career. I ran 200 trips a year since 2020 and In 2022 I was invited last minute to be a guide/camp cook on week long trips up to 100 miles through the remote wilds of south west Alaska. We float the various drainages of the Kilbuck mountain range with a nomadic 5 tent camp loaded into 3, 16 foot rafts with 6-8 clients per week from early July until early September. Completing that season left me wanting more of the fishery, the Yupik culture and landscape. This will be my 5th season and I plan to pursue the Alaska opportunity for years to come. I spend my free time in the winters guiding the occasional client, catching redfish on the coast of the Carolinas and spending quality time with my family, fellow guides/friends and my fondest rivals, the large brown trout and musky of the NC, VA and TN borderlands.