A Father and Son

My Dad and I on fathers day

     In the world of fishing one of the best bonding experiences is a father and son getting there lines wet together. All dads out there know that the feeling and smile of watching there son reel in a big fish, and being as proud as a father could ever be. The son on the other hand remembers these days of fishing with his father like it was yesterday. Having a mind full of pictures, knowledge, and experience from the days out on the water with his dad is something a son will never forget. This bonding experience of fishing is a tradition in most outdoor family's, and goes on through generation to generation as the passion of fishing is past down from father to son.
    Growing up on the Whale Branch River is something that has made me who I'am today, not only a professional fishing guide, but a low country local who truly respects and loves the place I live. Being born and raised around the smell of the marsh, feeling of the salt water air, the cool river breeze, and constantly changing tides is something that becomes a part of you. The few who have grown up here know the feeling, and others move here to live the coastal dream. Ever since I could walk I was on the dock throwing a cast net, crabbing, fishing, swimming, and simply enjoying the river. My father is the one who taught me everything I know when it comes to things like that, especially fishing.
   I knew how to drive a boat before I could ride a bike, cast a fishing rod before I could read, and got my own boat before I could multiply and divide. Most people knew me as the kid who was always on the water either fishing, hanging at the sandbar, or just enjoying a great sunny day. Fishing was always my favorite thing to do, and ever since I caught my first redfish Ive been hooked. Frank Plair is my father and is the one who encouraged me to be the person I'am today. He taught me how to drive a boat, cast a rod, tie the right knots, use the right bait, navigate the waters, and of course find the fish. What he taught me was something I couldn't learn in school, or do on my own. His knowledge and passion for fishing was passed down to me from father to son, which i hope to do one day with my own son.
  As I got older fishing grew to be a part of my life. Whether it was the latest clothing, a new boat, or fishing stickers all over the back window of my car since I could drive (which is still the case). But as you get older you soon learn you need money for things you didn't pay for before like gas for the car and boat, dinners with girls, and so much more. So my sophomore year of high school I got a job at a local fly fishing shop called Bay Street Outfitters, which was a dream come true. The more days I spent working the shop the more I loved the environment because I was surrounded by everything I loved to do. Soon I was known to work here whether is was from friends, family, or anyone who saw me with the countless Bay Street Outfitters hats, shirts, etc.
  From working in the shop I soon got very involved with fly fishing, and became amazed with all the different equipment, tactics, and sheer art of it. Tuck Scott who is the head guide here at the shop is the one who really taught me a lot about fly fishing for redfish, whether it was on the boat, or walking around in the grass flats. Tony Royal who is the owner of the shop taught me almost everything I could learn about about fly fishing in general. From the rods, flys, gear, and casting, Tony taught me all that could be known. After working in the shop for 3 years I soon realized that I wanted to be fishing guide, the job Ive always dreamed of.
   During my senior year I got my captains license after I turned 18 and gained the title Capt. Owen Plair, which was something Ive been looking forward to for years, and I know made my father proud. Before I knew it I was out of school, got a new boat, my own house, and became an Orvis Endorsed fly fishing guide for Bay Street Outfitters. My dream had come true, and I was living the life I know I was meant to live. Taking people out on the water and sharing with them my passion and experience of fishing here is one of the most rewarding feelings. Watching them be amazed by the tides, catching fish, and enjoying a great day on the water where I live is my job, and my passion. Guiding is something I hope to do my whole life, even if its only part time, its something I will always do.
  Being the youngest Orvis guide in America is an honor, and I owe the knowledge and experience to my dad, who taught me everything I know about the rivers that I fish. As a guide one of my favorite trips to do are with a father and son. Watching them bond like I do with my father always makes for a great day whether the son is 5 years old or 45 years old, the bond is always the same. I also enjoy having younger kids on the boat as well, and teaching them things i remember my father teaching me and watching them progress in there ability as the day goes on. It gets me excited to have my own children and pass down my knowledge to them like my father did with me.

Father and Son Clients