Fly Fisherman Christmas Gift Guide: Guided Experience

We’ve finally come to the last part in our Fly Fisherman Christmas Gift Guide series. Thank you for following along. If you want to go back and revisit some of the other ideas you can do so here.

So what do you get the angler who seems to have it all? They have all the newest rods, reels, waders, and other fancy stuff. Well, get them somethings they can’t just pick up in any store, get them an opportunity to go out and experience something new. Booking a guided fishing trip is a fantastic way to create memories and spend precious time. Our most important resource is time which makes this gift invaluable.

There’s a saying, “a rising tide lifts all ships” so in this article, along with my service, I will share some of my favorite guides from different parts of the country targeting a variety of species. I have fished with every one of these guides, on multiple occasions, and I feel confident you’ll have a great time with them.

Jon Ray of Mangled Fly with a gorgeous steelhead in northern Michigan. Photo courtesy of Jon Ray.

If you or your angler are looking to target steelhead, trout, or smallmouth bass then Mangled Fly in northern Michigan are your guys. With more than 56 years of guiding experience Jon and his crew of guides run an extremely professional operation and know their water inside and out. Located in near Traverse City, Michigan the fishing is phenomenal and the surrounding area is conducive for family vacations and beach outings. The Mangled Fly crew fish in some of northern Michigan’s most pristine rivers. Not only will you have shots at fish of a lifetime but you’ll get views of scenery you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re interested in chasing steelhead on the swing or smallmouth bass up north, then Jon is your man.

Wesley Hodges staying organized. Photo courtesy of Wesley Hodges.

Farther down south, located in Virginia, is Wesley Hodges Fly Fishing and Bird Hunting. Wesley and his guides have a little something for everyone. Whether you want to target trout, smallmouth, or muskie, Wesley and his crew have you covered. They are extremely knowledgeable about the water and natural surroundings. They fish the James and New Rivers which have breathtaking views of the Appalachian mountain range. If you’re into bird hunting on your day off the water, Wesley and his trained dogs will get you out chasing wild birds in the mountains. Besides the excellent care and attention to detail, what makes Wesley Hodges stand out most are his lodging options. He has gorgeous property right on the James River where you can stay in a fully decked out canvas tent (think glamping) or stay in his hunting lodge right on the property. There are options for all inclusive stays with meals prepared by a local chef. You cant go wrong with Wesley Hodges Fly Fishing and Bird Hunting.

EJ Stern holding a beautiful Stripped Bass. Photo courtesy of CJ Lord.

If you keep heading south you’ll eventually run right into Raleigh, North Carolina. Here you’ll meet up with EJ Stern of Raleigh Fly Fishing. EJ is an Orvis Endorsed Guide specializing in a variety of species right in the heart of North Carolina. You can target bass and shad right in town or head a little farther out and target smallmouth, stripped bass, or trout all within striking distance of Raleigh. When you’re not on the water with EJ, you can enjoy the many things Raleigh and North Carolina has to offer like amazing food, hiking, music, and the great people.

To target larger species in a warmer location, keep heading south until you reach Everglades City, Florida. Here, you’ll meet up with Capt. Mark Cherney and put your skills to the test targeting tarpon, snook, and redfish. I’ve fished with Capt. Cherney many times and each outing has been one to remember. Capt. Cherney knows the waters well and is easy to fish with. We’ve all heard the rumors about guides in Florida, well he’s not one of them. Capt. Cherney is professional, laid back, and committed to getting you on fish. The Everglades are a special place and Mark is the right guide to get you out exploring the mangroves and coves.

Client and Colorado guide Andrew Elenbaas holding a beautiful smallmouth bass in west Michigan.

And last, but certainly not least, you can book a trip with me right here in West Michigan. I have a passion for teaching and taking folks out sharing the outdoors and fly fishing. West Michigan is an excellent place to target smallmouth bass and northern pike. Within an hours drive of Grand Rapids, Holland, or Kalamazoo my clients find that excellent fly fishing doesn’t have to take you far from home. As I expand my offerings, trout and steelhead will find a place in the line-up soon. While catching fish is the goal, I believe that customer service and treating others with respect is the foundation of any good guiding service. You can start booking trips for spring and summer now right here.

Fly anglers can be tricky to purchase gifts for and I hope you’ve enjoyed the series and found it helpful. As the year wraps up and Christmas nears, I want to thank you all for being a part of the blog, going out on trips with me, and following along!

Merry Christmas,

Allen