ABOUT
Bill
Passionate About Fly Fishing
I have been Fly Fishing since 1980. I enjoy Fly Fishing for Bass, Steelhead, Salmon, Tarpon, Bone Fish, Permit and Sharks, but my all-time favorite is Trout. To me there is nothing more peaceful than wading or floating a quiet stretch of water and enticing a Trout to take my fly.
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In the early years, on my days off, I would head to a stream to Fly Fish for Trout and sleep in the back of my truck. Once my wife, Cathy, and I had our children (Amy and Billy) we bought a Travel Trailer. There were not too many days, when I was off of work, that I did not take my family camping. What a coincidence, it was always at a campground near a trout stream. I have Fly Fished many rivers and streams throughout Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsula. I have also had the good fortune to Fly Fish in Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, Wisconsin, Montana, Smokey Mountains, Canada and the Florida Keys.
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With help from family and friends, I built a Drift Boat. In this boat, I honed my rowing skills. With good reason I nicknamed it the "TANK". For over 15 years l took family and friends Fly Fishing down the rivers in the "TANK". In 2014, l bought a brand new Clackacraft Eddy. I passionately named it “The Amy Lynn”, after my daughter. Let’s just say that after piloting the "TANK", the Clackacraft is a breeze.
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I retired, as a Lieutenant, from Law Enforcement after 28 ½ years of service. I am now very fortunate to be able to pursue my dream as a Fly Fishing Guide. When I am not guiding, you will most likely find me on the water, with a Fly Rod in hand, pursuing Trout. If not fishing, I will be hunting Whitetails or Black Bears.
In 2005, my wife and I built a Cabin just east of Curran, Michigan. It could not have worked out any better. It put us near my two favorite rivers (Au Sable and Manistee), my home waters for guiding.
I very much enjoy teaching others about the Outdoors. For over 20 years, I have been a certified DNR Hunter Education, ORV and Boater Safety instructor and have taught hundreds of students.
I am also an Fly Fishers International (FFI) Certified Casting Instructor. I am available for private lessons.
I believe, as in all the outdoor sports, the future of the sport depends on others being involved. If someone learns the fundamentals of Fly Casting I believe they too will get the passion and help carry on the sport. There is something magical about a Fly Rod!
I am conservation minded and practice catch and release. Not to worry, I will always have a camera ready and I am more than willing to take a picture of you with your fish. If the fish are not cooperating we can still catch a picture of a memorable moment with your friends and family.
I consider myself very knowledgeable and patient when it comes to all aspects of Fly Fishing. Whether you are new to the sport and need to learn how to cast, want to improve or get rid of bad casting habits, or just want to go down the river for a great Fly Fishing experience, I can and will get you there!!Don’t hesitate in giving me a call. I enjoy talking Fly Fishing and sharing information. I truly believe that not only can others learn from me, I also learn from others.
I would welcome an opportunity to be your guide!
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I also donate my time teaching Fly Casting to the following great organizations: The Michigan Fly Fishing Club, the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge Program, Michigan and Montana's Wounded Warriors Project Healing Waters and serveral Fly Casting Schools for the FFI in Montana.
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Certifications
Stage Headliner (Fly Casting Demos)
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MI DNR Licensed and Insured Guide, LLC
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Ultimate Fishing Show (Novi, MI)
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Ultimate Sport Show (Grand Rapids, MI)
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Woods-n-Water Outdoor Weekend (Imlay City, MI)