When I hear about folks looking to learn more about fly fishing, or fly tying, I’m always happy to help within my means. And as I lean more in to the golf world, I’ve been amazed at how many people find passion in both, or are just beginning their journey in one or the other sport.
I first connected with Harrison and Ian through social media. I happened to see Ian’s post about their journey in to chasing trout on the fly, and though I can’t recall exactly what led to the call, he looped in his buddy Harrison, and the three of us chatted about golf, fishing and life, and found we had tons in common. They were both excited to begin their journey, but Harrison really seemed to have been bitten by the fly fishing bug. At the end of the call, I asked for their address, and offered to send along a care package to help get them started.
I bounced out to the garage and knocked the dust off a couple of rods that weren’t being used as much as they should, and the next day I had a Lamiglass three weight, and a TFO four weight with some flies and tackle in the mail.
We started talking occasionally, and sending DM’s and shortly after receiving my care package, they asked if I’d build a couple of rods for them. Always open to a project, I was happy to accept. After sharing some ideas, I think we came up with an awesome build. (We’ll highlight the build in a later post.)
Being out East, Harrison has an amazing fishery at his fingertips, and plenty of places to go to experience different types of fishing. I’d fished the Appalachia area one time before, but not anything like what Harrison has access to within a few hours drive.
The more we talked, the more I wanted the chance to get out and spend some time, not only on the water with Harrison, but bouldering and pool hopping our way up mountain streams. As Harrison asked questions, and we did research on the different fisheries in his area, flies that historically produce fish and the best types of rods and gear to match, when he asked if I’d be interested in coming to visit, I jumped at the chance.
For someone who’d only been fishing on the fly for a couple of years, Harrison casted well, knew his flies, and knew his way around all the streams we fished. I brought out a full quiver of fiberglass rods, from 6’6” to 8’, three, four and five weights. We fished them all and had a blast.
Harrison brought me to five different streams. From high mountain streams flowing down from pool to pool of different sizes, to Driftless like spring creeks, blown out and running high. We bouldered our way up, finding wild brookies, hungry for a dry fly. And stripped streamers off the banks, through chocolate milk. Pretty sure Harrison out fished me two to one, but I’m confident I had just as much fun, or more, just enjoying the company and focusing on the sounds of the streams.
We found a variety of fish, catching both stocked and wild Rainbow and Brook Trout all day the first day, and found wild Brown Trout the following morning. It may not have been on the same day, but we definitely wrapped up the Virginia Trout Slam in a 24 hour period. Recognized or not, it was fun to land all three types of fish, three different ways - dry, nymph and streamer.
Moments before my camera went for it’s first and only swim. The last of the A7rii.
Off the water, we enjoyed good food, and I was finally able to learn what Ted Lasso was all about, as we binge watched Season One while slamming down some of the best fried chicken and mashed potatoes I’ve ever had. We hit up a couple of local breweries, even took a trip along the Blue Ridge Highway for some spectacular views.
Our conversation flowed, and I appreciated the insight he provided both personally and professionally. I enjoyed learning more about his background in politics, all kinds of golf and the golf industry, and how Sugarloaf Social Club came to life.
Harrison was an amazing host, even through my bouts of car sickness. I geeked out a bit at the small museum of SSC gear throughout his house. He was gracious in answering my questions and learning how far they’ve come, how much he and Ian and team have invested in to making it successful, was fun, especially as someone who’s got a growing collection. From sourcing to designing and development, it’s truly amazing what goes in to getting the gear in to your hands and in your golf bag.
The three days went fast, and seemed a blur. It’s a trip I’d take again in a heartbeat, and hope maybe he’ll consider a home/home series, where we add a trip to the Driftless, along with another trip to Appalachia, but only time will tell.
