It’s great to have an opportunity to catch up with you Hank, and thanks for joining us today. Getting right into it, if you had to point to one aspect, what do you love most about fly-fishing?
“It’s the solitude. It’s pretty basic for me and ironically doesn’t have much to do with the fishing, I like to get with good people and enjoy the wild …and away from civilization.”
Tell us about the Angling Destinations fly fishing program, how is it unique and what makes you stand-out?
“We’re small, we’re boutique, so it gives us the capability of providing highly personalized service. We like to work with the offbeat type of places that aren’t mainstream, and where the fishing will totally blow your mind. Where our guests truly have a great experience. We’re all fishermen. Our slogan is “Adventures Crafted by Fishermen for Fishermen.” We love fishing and we send people where we think they will love to fish.”
With everything going on this year, what surprised you most about fly-fishing travel and what gives you confidence in the road ahead?
“We actually didn’t see a downturn. Most of our clients fish no matter what else they have going on in their lives, so instead of flying overseas, they road tripped out west to fish our local waters. The last time we saw fly-fishing traffic like this was when A River Runs Through It was released. We were quite busy all summer and fall, and brought a lot of new people into the sport of fly fishing. We believe that if we show new anglers the fundamentals of what makes a great fishing outing, they will become repeat clients, and that’s what we pride ourselves on.
There was a big slowdown in overseas travel but the few trips that went out were very successful. We had some small groups in Mexico, the Bahamas and Belize, places that are open and people feel comfortable and safe visiting. The lockdown might’ve even been a blessing in disguise, and the Florida Keys is a great example because when it shut down there was no fishing pressure, there weren’t as many boats going out. The fish, specifically the tarpon, returned to their natural swimming patterns. The lack of pressure changed the angling experience immeasurably and most anglers I’ve talked with said their on-the-water experiences have been remarkable.”
You fish with guides all over the world. What are some great qualities that you look for that set great guides apart from others?
“I want a fun guide for sure, but it’s always more fun when the guide has expert knowledge. Without the knowledge piece, I usually fish without a guide, because part of the fun is figuring it out. You know a great guide when they are always booked and you basically have to wait for a cancellation to get on their calendar. Any time I have that opportunity I always go for it. The number one thing I look for in a guide, young or old, is their ability to teach. I don’t expect a guide to have control over the conditions, but they can control the energy they bring to the trip. “
You’ve spent your entire career in travel and outdoor recreation business. Tell us about your role models and a little bit about your professional goals?
I didn’t have the classic influences like Lefty Kreh or those big crazy names, like Lee Wulf, and Billy Pate. I grew up in the middle of Wyoming and my dad taught me some things, but I learned the most by hanging out with all the guides at Rock Creek Anglers, people like Clark Smyth, Tim Benson and Mike Dawes. Those were my role models, because I would always learn things from them, and they helped me become a guide and ultimately an outfitter, plus they are great friends. I had other major influences too, one of my first clients is now like my big brother, he has taught me a lot about life in general, we have fished all over the world together and in many ways my life wouldn’t be the same without him. Fishing has always been a source of positive experiences in my life so I do it as much as possible.
As for my professional goal, it’s simple… always be better. Do my job, do it well, try to do it better the next time.
If you could travel to any fishing destination in 2021, where would it be and what species would you fish for?
It’s such a hard question. When people ask me my favorite place to fish I always tell them whatever one I’m on at the time. I’ve been thinking about the Seychelles and the northwest coast of Australia, but there are trout streams within an hour of where I’m at right now, that I’ve never fished, and I think about those just as much. It doesn’t matter. I just like to go cool places. Put me on a plane or a car. I’ll go.
One last question, when it’s happy hour, what’s your order?
Give me your best tequila. I love tequila. I’d rather not put it on ice if I don’t have to, but whatever the local custom is.”
That’s easy, the next time we see you Hank we’d love to buy you a round. Thanks for spending time with us and we hope you get a chance to unwind and enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
