A partner in Unicoi Outfitters, David is our resident "Mister Wizard" when it comes to his in-depth knowledge of equipment specifications. Often accused of memorizing manufacturer's catalogs, David is the person to ask when you are considering a major purchase of fly fishing equipment. As a native of the mountains of North Georgia, David grew up fishing and hunting with his father. A biologist with degrees from North Georgia College and the University of Georgia, he also holds a Captains's certificate with the U.S. Coast Guard.
A partner in Unicoi Outfitters, Jimmy has been fly fishing for over 25 years. He began guiding professionally in 1996 when his reputation as a local trout bum leaked out. At that time he was guilty of fishing between 150 and 200 days per year. Since becoming a partner in Unicoi Outfitters, Jimmy's guiding time has diminished, but his love of small mountain trout streams is as strong as ever.
The first person on our staff to quit a steady job to become a full-time trout fishing guide, John was initially regarded with some suspicion by friends and family. He has since established a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable fly fishers in the area and is now the manager of our fly shop. A serious student of the sport, small mountain streams have the strongest pull on him. When he is not sneaking under rhododendron with his 5'6" Sage LL, John is frequently found stalking the rivers of north Georgia pursuing the ever wily carp with an 8 weight fly rod.
Known locally as "Hoover" because he catches every fish in the river, Kyle holds a Masters Degree in Fisheries Biology from Clemson University. Introduced to fly fishing at an early age, he grew up along the banks of the Chattooga River in northern Georgia. Kyle is an expert fly tier and builds custom fly rods.
A native of northeast Georgia, David has walked the ridges and fished the waters of the southern Appalachians since childhood. A published nature photographer and master furniture maker, he has more than two decades of fly fishing experience. In addition to guiding, David also heads up Unicoi Outfitter's fly fishing school and he is a graduate of the Joan Wulff School for Fly Fishing Instructors.
"Coach Mac" as he was known to his students during 22 years of teaching school and coaching, George has more than 20 years of fly fishing experience. A professional guide for the past four years, he has been actively involved in youth educational projects and fund raising activities. One of George's goals is to ensure that children have a place to fish both now and in the future.
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Butch's father introduced him to the sport of fly fishing in 1955 when they fished for bream and bass in the lakes and ponds around their home; fly fishing has been a lifelong endeavor ever since. He owns a cabin in Northeast Georgia that gives him access to wilderness streams and the wild trout they hold. Butch also has a home in Cora, Wyoming near the Green River. Since retiring from teaching school in 1997, Butch now guides full time: July through October in Wyoming and from November to June on streams in north Georgia and North Carolina.
Born and raised in western North Carolina, Steve caught his first trout at age 2. With the help of his dad, he caught his first trout on a fly at age 13. Steve began tying flies in 1976 and loves fishing the mountain streams for native trout. He lives in Hayesville, North Carolina - just five miles from the Hiawassee River.
Hamp grew up fly fishing with his father and caught his first trout when he was three years old. Since that early start, he has fished for wild trout in Georgia and North Carolina. Unicoi Outfitter's youngest guide, Hamp began guiding when he was 18.
Having escaped the heat, sand, and mosquitoes of Waycross, Georgia, Philip moved to the mountains and small streams of Northeast Georgia 17 years ago. An avid outdoorsman, fly fishing was a natural fit for Philip. Although his passion is for wild trout, Philip's motto is "if you can catch it on a fly rod, I'll fish for it."
