Michael has been fine tuning his casting and freshwater fly fishing techniques for over 30 years. A self described “casting-aholic” his favorite target is wild brook trout in small mountain streams. As a competitive angler, he has matched loops with some of the best in the business. Currently Michael serves on several industry Pro-Staffs and is a casting instructor and freelance writer.
Competitive Fly Angling
2002 ESPN Fly Fishing Challenge, Buffalo, WY
2002 ESPN Great Outdoor Games Fly Fishing, Lake Placid, NY
2003 ESPN Fly Fishing Challenge, State College, PA
2003 OLN Fly Fishing Masters Eastern Regional, State College, PA
2004 ESPN Fly Fishing Challenge, Eagle, CO
2004 OLN Fly Fishing Masters Eastern Regional, Wilmington, NY
2005 Au Sable Two-Fly, Wilmington, NY
2005 Orvis-Morris Cup Fly Casting Competition, Denver, CO
2006 US National Fly Fishing Team – Midwest Regional Qualifier, Newaygo, MI
2006 US National Fly Fishing Championships – Boulder, CO
2007 US National Fly Fishing Team – Midwest Regional Qualifier, Newaygo, MI
Thoughts on fly fishing Fly fishing is an activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime and shared with others. By following and understanding a few basic casting principles and regular practice, anyone can become an effective fly angler.
Long casts are not needed to be successful but accurate casts increase your success rate dramatically. If you can’t get the fly to where the fish are you won’t catch fish.
Reading the water properly is more important than choosing the right fly. You will catch fish in productive water with the wrong fly but you will not catch fish with a productive fly in unproductive water.
