The Story of Influences and Idols

A client from Japan

   Most happenings in life are brought upon people by the influence of others. Some influences can be good, and some can be bad. Another big impact on a persons life is seeing somebody as an idol, and wanting to be like them. Becoming a Fly Fishing guide was a hard decision for me to make at the age of 18, but what I realized was that I had an opportunity to do something I loved to do as not just a job, but a life style. Now  looking back, I couldnt of made a better decisicion in my life.
   It all started out with my father. Ever since I was a small child my dad had me out on the river fishing, and teaching me the ways of the Broad River. Frank is probly my biggest idol, not only when it comes to fishing, but in the way he has lived his life. Because of him I'am the person that I've dreamed of being, and I owe that all to my dad. My mother Therese was also a huge support and influence for me growing up. She is the one who taught me that anything is possible as long as you have the heart to do it. From her experiences, she gave me a sense of adventure to life, that every day should be the best day, and to never let something bring me down. I couldnt of asked for a better family, and parents that are both a huge influence on my decision to be a guide.


My Dad Frank with a nice Red

      Another major influence is the shop that I guide for called Bay Street Outfitters. Five years ago during my sophmore year of high school I started working for the shop, selling clothing and fly fishing tackle, which to me was the best job anyone could ask for! My manager Alice taught me how to be great with customers, and also how to learn the product I was selling. When you sell things like a fly rod, knife, or clothing you wear, it becomes fun to help people with the things you love as well. From Alice I learned how to be polite, and most of all helpful to people in the store. Before I knew it, I became one of those few people who love there job.
   Tuck is the head guide for the shop here, and ever since the first day I started, he was an idol of mine. A guy who took his passion and turned it into a career, which to me was better than being the president of the united states. Hearing his story's from trips, seeing the awesome pictures, and realizing how happy he was to be a fsihing guide was something that I looked up to. Tuck taught me a lot about guiding, and a lot about fly fishing for redfish and cobia in general. We soon became not only co-workers, but friends, strated to fish together, and learned new tactics from eachother.
   From working in the shop I realized that guiding was something that I was ment to do. My situation with Bay Street Outfitters was the best not only because I loved where I worked, but I had a chance to become an orvis endorsed fly fishing guide at a very young age, and do something not many people get to do. I graduated high school the summer of 2009, and never looked back. Tony Royal, who is the owner of the shop is the one who gave me the oportunity, and had the trust in me that I would be able to obtain the Orvis name. I knew the Broad River like the back of my hand, got my captains liscense, had a new boat, and the positive personality to be a successful guide. At the age of 18 my first charter was October 15, 2009, and for me it was the start to a new path in life, one that I loved.


Client with his first Red on the Fly

  Doug Gertis is another person who as always been an idol of mine. Doug is one of those guides who everyone knows, and everyone recomends. Not only is Doug one of the best fisherman in Beaufort, but he was born here just like I was. So I have always had a profound respect for him not only as a guide I've looked up to, but also as a true local to the waters here. I never had a chance to work with Doug here at BSO, but from the conversations and storys weve shared, he always seems to amaze me.
  Another guide I've always looked up to is David Murray, who is a Salt Water Fly Fishing Expert here in Beaufort. I can remember being a little kid and watching him do casting lessons down town, and remembering how amazed I was by the way he could cast a fly rod. When I though about Fly Fishing, David Murray is the guy who came to my mind. David doesnt guide any longer either, but he still does casting lessons for us here at the shop. Every time I watch him teach, there is always something new I learn. Ive done a few casting lessons for different clients, and it feels good to be doing something that I always thought was incredible, and never thought that I'd be doing the same thing David Murray was doing 15 years ago.
  I could go on for days about other people who have influenced my life when it comes to guiding, and most people know who they are. One day I hope to influence someone like all the special people have done for me.