As early as Eric can remember, he has always loved fishing. Growing up in rural Maryland, north of Baltimore, provided numerous opportunities to fish for trout in places like Little Falls, Beetree Run, Deer Creek, and the legendary Gunpowder River. Eric and his father would also fish the local ponds and reservoirs for bass, sunfish and crappie. Like most kids, Eric learned to fish on conventional spinning gear.
When Eric was about 15, a fly shop opened in his home town of Hereford, MD. On The Fly was just 3 doors down from his house. The Owner, Wally Vait, took Eric under his wing and taught him to tie flies. The shop was just steps from the Gunpowder and primarily focused on trout fishing. As happens with many teens, Eric’s attentions turned to other interests.
Fifteen years later, Eric found his way back to fly fishing and tying. Though he started chasing wild browns and brookies on Maryland’s trout streams, thoughts eventually turned to his first love, warm water! Eric’s varied fishing background became the basis for his tying style. He developed many original patterns for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish and Carp; along with some really sweet terrestrial flies that can be fished for multiple species! Eric’s patterns have been fished and refined over many seasons. They have caught fish in many parts of the country and in varied water types and conditions.
