Lunch Anyone?

Well..... it's finally time to begin the onslaught of fall guide trips after the long (and HOT) summer hiatus. The oldest daughter is in kindergarten and the trees are beginning to show their fall colors. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I always enjoy the lazy summers in the air conditioning, hanging with the family, and tying away in the shop but miss being in my office on the water. Not to mention, I need to work on reducing the beer induced greater omentum that was created this summer.

In the southeast, our trout season is a lot different than that of the west. Sure, we can battle poisonous snakes, heat, rhododendron, and walk miles to catch a few wily small stream trout (and char); but, for the most part, once mid June hits many southern trout anglers either hang it up for the summer, travel to troutopia (tailraces of Tennessee, Montana, Colorado, etc.), or fish for various warm-water species.

Then, September arrives. September in the southeast means cool nights, perfect days and the change of the seasons. Anglers begin gearing up for one of the longest trout seasons that I know- September through June. This is the period that I prefer to be on the water, either fishing for fun or chaperoning other anglers because this is the time of year when trout are most active; with the exception of the cold snaps in dead winter.

For many, a guided fishing trip is a treat. It's an opportunity to fish new water, meet others that share the same passion, and maybe even learn a thing or two. Fly fishing is a hobby, a passion, a religion, a way of life, or whatever you want to call it. Many people enjoy it because it's an activity that we are always learning new tactics, techniques, and methods. It's an activity in which we're always on the move. Those that reach a plateau and believe that they've Mastered it are doomed. Every fly angler needs to have an open mind and learn whatever they can, when they can, for their entire existence.

Some anglers believe that hiring a guide only means one thing; catching fish. I know I'm in for a long day when someone asks, "how many fish are we going to catch today?". Sure, that's the underlying reason of why we are out there (and some hire guides); however, as guides all we can really guarantee is hope and the "experience". After all, it's called fishing, not catching. Regardless of how good the catching is, I want my friends/clients to go away with the best "experience" imaginable. Catching fish is something I work hard to achieve but so many factors weigh in on a continual basis.

I've been a guide/instructor for over 20 years now and guiding for me is about meeting new people, seeing old friends, teaching what I know, experiencing what Mother Nature has to offer, blah, blah, blah. Some anglers are beginners, some are advanced, and others fall somewhere in between. Whatever the case, I always strive to provide the best experience possible.

Part of the "experience" is knowing a little geography, history, hydrology, science, culinary arts, you name it. As a guide, I have to be a Jack of all trades and Master of none. Call me a net boy, cameraman, chef, psychiatrist, knot tier, de-tangler, Saint, tree trimmer, etc. but it's what I do to create the ultimate "experience".

Whether the morning has been tough, average, or a barn burner, lunch always seems to settle the smoke. It's a time to recoup, hydrate, and energize oneself (in actuality, most are ready for a nap after). I take a lot of pride in my lunches and work diligently to make them another piece of the puzzle. Some guides may find this offensive but a soggy, 6 day old deli sandwich and a bag of chips purchased from the 711 usually isn't a good route to take as far as lunch is concerned.

It's about being treated special. Just like the feeling you get when you go over to grandma's for Thanksgiving dinner. Some days it's grilled beef tenderloin, fresh green beans, and homemade chicken noodle soup, others it's grilled chicken breast, fresh asparagus, and homemade white chili, and others it's crock-pot beef roast, mixed vegetables, and potatoes. Regardless of the flavor, it's about putting the extra work in and showing the friends/clients that they are an important part of the "experience".

After all, life's not about having the most and best toys, it's about the "experiences" we encounter though life. He/she who dies with the most and best "experiences" always wins.

Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide

Casters Fly Shop Fly Fishing Guide Service

Jurassic Park Rendition

Well..... summer is about to lose its grip which means fall is right around the corner. It's just about time for me to head back to the place where the GIANTS lurk. Jurassic Park, Pigville, Hogland, call it what you'd like. All I know is there are opportunities for a trout of a lifetime on a daily basis. Without having to spend 1000's of dollars and traveling half way around the world.

Charlotte with a TOAD. Fish blew out the 15lb. net scale.

There are trout in the 12lb. plus range that we see time after time, year after year. These fish have PhD's in fly identification; therefore, they are often extremely difficult to trick. Your angling skills will be tested but the experience will be noteworthy. Always remember that "luck is a skill" when it comes to angling.

Stream X has one of the heaviest bio masses of any stream sampled in the lovely Commonwealth of Virginia. These fish eat like sows in the proverbial pig trough. The shallow flats part with life with each wading step- dace, sculpins, craws, shiners, chubs, suckers, horny heads, you name it. Not to mention, the abundant aquatic and terrestrial insects. I've seen 10lb. fish come to the surface and devour 8-10 inch horny heads that we had at the end of the line. Only to take it to the bottom and snap the line with a massive gator role. Incredible sight!

I do what I do because I love it. I love the smiles but mostly the excitement in peoples eyes when something special happens. Experiences are what life is all about. In fact, one can never have too many experiences, especially good experiences.

"It was a real treat to observe a very large trout in his feeding zone go through the process of picking out the fly moving toward him, assessing whether or not it was worth eating, and then positioning himself to take the fly. Then.... actually watching him turn, open his mouth, and take the fly. Exciting stuff to watch for any fly fisherman. I also very much appreciated observing how a true professional guide goes about his business. I found it interesting how you assessed our personalities and then tailored your attention and support to each of us. Thank you for a day full of memories." Lee Rinehart

"Just wanted to say thanks again for the trip in Virginia yesterday. Al and I both had a fantastic time and would like to do it again sometime. I don't think either one of us will soon forget that 'hog' stripping out his line into the backing!" John Meier

"Just wanted to thank you for an amazing experience. Elizabeth and I went to bed laughing because all we could see were fish in the river when we closed our eyes. Truly an amazing way to begin. Not to let you down on our excitement about the size of the fish, but we really enjoyed the lessons just as much. I can't tell you how much more confident we both are from one day with you. You are where you were meant to be." Jamie Ference

When the conditions are right and the stars are aligned, this is sight fishing for trout at its best. To me, there is nothing better than spotting a feeding fish, positioning the angler, directing he/she where to cast, watching the fish rear up on the fly and flare the gills, then shouting "Set the hook". I enjoy the hunt and watching the process unfold more than being the one holding the rod. In fact, it's more of a rush for me to assist and coach during this process.

Join me for a day on the water. Fishing is fishing not catching but I can bet you will still have a memorable experience. And, maybe even a decent stream side meal :)

Dave Hise- Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide

Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide 

and on and on......