I grew up in the upstate of South Carolina but my family roots go back several generations in the mountains of Western North Carolina. When I was in graduate school, my father gave me an inexpensive fly rod kit and a book about fly fishing.

The first fish I ever caught with it was a rainbow trout on the Chattooga River that darted out from under the bank to snatch my dry fly. That one fish turned an interest into a passion and I still remember it very clearly even though it was almost 15 years ago. Since that day, I have chased freshwater and saltwater species around the country and world. I tie my own flies as a member of the Hilltop Fly Tyers (8 years) and was invited to the join the Team Stonefly competitive fly fishing team in 2012.

After teaching and guiding friends of all skillsets for many years, I realized that I loved watching someone else land a fish as much as I enjoyed doing it myself. Some of the greatest lessons I have learned about fly fishing have come while teaching others.

Every day on the water is a learning experience whether I am with a client, a friend, or just by myself. It is one of the things I enjoy most about this sport. Becoming a professional guide was an easy choice for me and has allowed me to pass along the skills that were so patiently taught to me.