Why do you love fly fishing?

I love fly fishing because of the hunt. It’s just you, the landscape, and the goal of making something happen. Every trip presents a new challenge—whether that means locating fish, reading the conditions, making the right presentation, or learning from the days when nothing goes according to plan. Even when the fishing is difficult, I usually leave the water having learned something new.

How did you get started in the sport?

Unlike many anglers, my introduction to fly fishing actually began at the vise. I had stepped away from painting bass hardbaits and was looking for another creative outlet when I discovered fly tying. That interest eventually led me onto the water and introduced me to an incredible community of people who shared the same curiosity, creativity, and ambition. What began as another way to create fishing lures quickly turned into a genuine passion for the entire sport.

Where is your favorite place to fish and why?

My favorite place to fish is the flats around Charleston. That isn’t simply because I live here—the variety and accessibility of this fishery are what make it so special. You can wade a flood-tide flat, explore by paddleboard, or pole a skiff through miles of marsh. Every approach offers a completely different experience, and the constantly changing tides and conditions ensure that no two days are ever quite the same.

What is your dream destination to fish?

My dream destination would be the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean. The remote coral atolls, expansive lagoons, and horseshoe-shaped island formations make the entire place look like it was designed for fly fishing. The opportunity to explore such a unique environment while targeting powerful fish in clear, untouched water would be an unforgettable experience.

Why is the Atollas brand special to you?

Atollas is special to me because the brand is genuinely designed for the minimalist angler. It doesn’t promote the idea that you need every piece of equipment available to enjoy fly fishing or be successful at it. Instead, the products encourage anglers to carry what they actually need, stay organized, and focus more on the experience than the amount of gear they bring with them. That philosophy closely matches the way I prefer to fish.

What Atollas product(s) are in your everyday carry? 

My everyday carry is really more of a dedicated wading setup. I bring an Atollas Fly Caddy and a 1GO Fly Box, which give me everything I need while keeping the setup compact, lightweight, and easy to access on the water.

Which one is your favorite and why?

The 1GO Fly Box is probably my favorite. It fits perfectly inside a YETI pouch without taking up much room, yet it still holds the right number of flies for a full day of wading. Its smaller size also forces me to be intentional about what I carry. Instead of standing on the flat sorting through countless patterns, I can spend less time choosing a fly and more time focused on finding and presenting to fish.