The Fishing List™

I used to obsess over Orvis-endorsed guides and lodges when I was younger. I read their descriptions with great interest and dreamed of fishing in far off places. I wanted to have all my trusted guides and lodges in one place—outfitters I recommend, who I’m happy to pay for when I fish myself.

Just a reminder that all of fishing stories on The Contender can be found here—advice, low-key commandments and travel ideas. For those of you who not into angling there are Style and Travel sections for more greatest hits.

I’m going to update this list as I find more great people to fish with. You can revisit and know that it’s always current.

UNITED STATES

NEW YORK

Brendan McCarthy. New York. A legend in his own time. On the North Fork, Montauk and occasionally Jamaica Bay for striped bass, false albacore and profanity in the morning.

-Urban Angler. New York. One of the great stores anywhere that can outfit you for any place you’re going. Jon Fisher, the owner, can also advise about travel or reveal what it was like to fish with Hranek 30 years ago.

-Dette Flies. Livingston Manor. A Catskills institution. Four generations Dettes have made this a wonderful store. All flies tied in the region, a beautiful thing to see. Can also arrange guiding in the area or just point you in the right direction if you’re on your own.

IDAHO

-Taite Pearson. Silver Creek Outfitters. Ketchum. Taite is a great friend and a truly great guide. Whether you want to try your hand on Silver Creek (it’s technical!) or any of the incredible rivers around Ketchum then Taite is your man. Book him early.

WISCONSIN

-Kyle Zempel. Blackearth Angling Co. Madison. Enlightened smallmouth bass fishing on the Wisconsin, a tidal river, so the bass move around chasing baitfish. Extremely comfortable fishing out of a John boat, expect a grilled lunch on a sand bar. A superb day on the water.

-Stu Neville, Hayward Fly Fishing Company, Hayward. Stu is a wonderful guide for smallmouth, trout and muskie (if you want to get serious). But stop by the terrific store just to say hello, and visit the Moccasin Bar right around the corner.

SOUTH CAROLINA

-Tuck Scott. Bay Street Outfitters. Beaufort. Redfish on the marsh flats off Beaufort is a great experience and it’s even better with Captain Tuck.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

These places are perfect for groups with varied interests (something I would know nothing about!)

-Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. Stanley, ID. One of my favorite hotels in the US. You can float down the salmon and cast to the banks for cutthroat trout. Verlon Herndon, who you can book through Silver Creek Outfitters, is your man on the oars.