The first time I hooked into a trout was in the early 1950's. It was not a big fish but certainly one that from that time set me on a path in my life which has taken me fishing in many distant parts of the world. Fly fishing since the 1960's has been the means by which I have made my living. No you will not make a fortune from fly fishing as a profession, but you will be involved in a world of friendship and learning like no other that I know of.

There are so many aspects involved in the fly fishing business that it would indeed be very difficult to pick one as first choice. I have to admit that after spending many years manufacturing and selling fly fishing products, becoming a consultant to many of the fly fishing organizations that exist around the world, and being involved with many organizations that are there for the betterment of stream and river habitat and other related aspects, there is no finer place to be than on the water fishing.

No mater if the fish are little guys in a high mountain creek, or catching the big guys in a big river, it all amounts to the same thing, that you are able to come to terms with the fish's world, and enjoy the pure ambiance of the surroundings that you find yourself in at that time. Fly fishing demands a number of relative skills, each one taking a period of time to perfect. Not all of you have that fortunate opportunity to spend the time on the water as I have done. That said, I too learned by making the same mistakes and figuring out the way to go.

I learned many things from other fly fishers around the world, and built up my background of knowledge and skill that I am able to pass on to you. I chose to make my permanent home here in the Ozarks. I will never forget the first time I fished here with my dear friend, Dave Whitlock, who has been one of my close fly fishing friends for many years. On that day I caught the White River Grand Slam in 4 consecutive casts - that is a brown, cutthroat, rainbow, and a brook trout. I could not have asked for a better introduction to this unique part of the world.