Flyfishing Coach
Personalized Flyfishing Coaching
Interested in learning to Flyfish?
I can trim a LOT of time off of your flyfishing learning curve!
I am a retired high school teacher and coach (36 years) and a flyfishing guide for the past 21 years. I have retired from both teaching and guiding, but continue to coach! I'm leaving my previous website info below, so scroll on down to check my history.
Long story made short is: I've retired to the Gulf Coast. Currently living on St Joseph Sound in Dunedin, Florida. I am NO LONGER WORKING AS A GUIDE. What I am doing, is offering my services as a flyfishing coach,
If you are interested in this game, whether as a new hobby here in central Florida, or if you have an upcoming trip to a far flung flyfishing destination- I can help you get prepared.
How does this work?
Text or call me with your particulars. If I don't feel that I can help, I will let you know, and direct you as best I can to a better person. I have taught "Introduction to flyfishing" classes at both the University and High School where I worked in Alabama, as well as publicly offered courses during the decade that I ran an Orvis shop. I have taught hundreds of people how to get started in this great sport. Contact me if you're interested, and I can talk you through it more easily than trying to bullet point the options, Someone who is interested in fishing the flats of central Florida will have vastly different needs than someone interested in travelling to fish small Smoky Mountain streams or big Rocky Mountain tailwaters.
I've always recommended that if possible, it's best to take a lesson and test drive some of my gear before making an investment in your own- but, if you you've been gifted some gear and just need to learn to drive it, that's ok (my 36 years as a teacher were as a driver ed guy........)A basic lesson for a novice will include hands on experience with different types (lengths and weights) of rods, reels, lines, and flies. I follow that with actual casting practice to learn different types of presentations, retrieves, hooksets, etc... How to get out there on your own! I currently can be had for $50/hour.
Again - I am gonna leave the old guide site info below this for a bit, just so you know where I'm coming from, Holler if I can help ya!
Photo Gallery
FLY FISH on the tennessee river in north alabama
Captain Tony Cox
Born and raised fly fishing on the Tennessee River, and a licensed USCG captain here since 2005. I've also been a high school baseball coach and teacher since 1989. I gladly guide the experts who are new to our waters, but am right at home "coaching up" anyone that wants to learn how to catch their first fish on a fly! I offer casting/fly fishing lessons, wade and canoe trips, tailrace trips below Wheeler and Wilson Dams, and lake trips on Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick Lakes.
Being Up a Creek in the Shoals is a Good Thing!
Smallmouth bass are the main target for anyone fishing the Shoals area of Northwest Alabama. I offer smallmouth trips (as well as for largemouth, stripers, and white bass) in the world famous tailraces of Wheeler Dam and Wilson Dam. But some great fish - that get less pressure - are available on Cypress Creek, Shoal Creek, and Bluewater Creek.
Single angler trips are greatly preferred- You will need a valid Alabama fishing license. All fishing gear is provided, and there's always a cooler of water on board the boat. All fishing is catch and release, and we do it all on the fly. I'll be as flexible as possible to make sure your trip is enjoyable!
- WADING @ private access points on any of multiple creeks.
- CANOE FLOATS - drift boat style, in Old Town Sport Boats
- TAILRACE TRIPS - in the Sea Ark Jon below Wheeler/Wilson
- MAYFLY HATCHES - running the lakes (Wheeler, Wilson, or Pickwick) in the Renegade Nomad flats boat in mid June during the big Hexagenia hatches.
- TRIBUTARY RUNS- Jonboat runs up from the Tennessee River into multiple creeks and in to wadeable water.
GUIDED LESSON
- Half day of hands on instruction. We will cover the basics of rigging up, knots, rod and line weights, terminal tackle, flies and all the things you need to know to get started on your flyfishing adventures! Includes casting lesson and time on the water fishing. Designed to get you independent and on your way!!