I started fishing for bass, muskies, and steelhead at an early age in Minnesota and Wisconsin. My love for fishing landed me my first job at Burger Brothers Sporting Goods at the age of 15, selling fly fishing gear I worked in the fishing department there through my high school years, and seasonally while attending Bemidji State University. I met most of my lifelong friends while working there.
My fishing career was underway. I was hired as a fly fishing guide for Bristol Bay Lodge in Alaska in 1988. I worked over 10 seasons there, developing my fishing and guiding skills. I worked with some great people in Alaska, and learned a lot about hard work, customer service and fly fishing. In total, I have over 1200 days of experience guiding fly anglers. It is a priveledge to take people fishing, and to help them enjoy their day! I even guided one season in Mongolia for Sweetwater Travel as a taimen guide!
I worked for The Fly Angler from 1997 until 2023 as a salesman, manager, and buyer. I also instructed rod building, fly casting, and fly tying. I started hosting saltwater trips through the shop. Sight fishing for Bonefish, Tarpon, and Redfish is a blast! I returned to my home water and favorite fish, the smallmouth bass. I have been fishing and guiding smallies ever since! For me, the sight of a big smallie pushing a wake to your popper, then smashing it, is as good as it gets!
My love of designing and tying flies has been a big part of my fly fishing journey. I have always felt challenged to design and tie an original fly pattern for every new destination or species. Of course, I've tied some losers. I tied a bonefish fly at Andros called "Bunny Gotta Die". When it landed and started to sink, a big bonefish spooked so badly, it's probably still running! You will only find the proven winners on this site! Cheers! -Scott
