"Thanksgiving is My Favorite" November 2025 Newsletter

Thanksgiving is upon us and I always reflect on what to be thankful for this Holiday Season.  As many of you know, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for many reasons.  For me it typically marks the end of my daily steelhead grind on the Manistee, a holiday that centers around family and friends, a time of reconnection after a busy fall as well as a look forward to the winter season and coming year.  Memories of Thanksgiving pheasant hunts, watching football, eating too much food and afternoon naps with the dogs after a long walk.  Lounging with family and friends, playing cards or a board game while sharing stories and dreams top the reasons why Thanksgiving is so special to me.

The autumn season is always incredibly special to me. Fall migratory fishing is amazing.  The weather is ideal on most days and being outside recharges the soul.  Feeling so connected to the river and the fish is so incredibly uplifting. Sharing my office and playground with all of you while making fun memories on the water is why I guide. I am thankful for our resources here in Northern Michigan and the support you have provided to help protect those resources from the chumming ban to the sturgeon weir battle and more recently the one fish steelhead limit on Michigan rivers all have all had a tremendous impact in helping our resources.  I spend a good amount of time driving to and from the river and this is the time I reflect on the day and give a nod of thanks to the fish and the environs in which they live. The fall season gives way to winter and Thanksgiving always seems to be that transitional period. A time that I always tend to reflect upon the year and look toward the future in my exhausted state from a busy season.  Reflecting on all the time spent on the river for the year, trips taken to incredible fly fishing destinations, and experiences throughout the year. It almost becomes overwhelming as feelings tend to overflow.

On a very recent drive home from the river, I was observing the late afternoon sun burn the leftover oak leaves to a reddish brown and thinking how truly blessed I am to be able to work at something that I have such a strong passion for, having customers that are truly amazing and have continually supported me through the many years of guiding, and a great shop with a great staff and stable of guides, that I hope to continue to grow while providing great gear and resources to fly anglers of all skill levels.  Years ago I had this vision of being able to have a fly shop and guide and through hard work and support of our customers and partners it has become a reality.  Running and maintaining a small business is not easy and it really does make a big difference to have your business and I am thankful to have earned that support from you, our customer.  So among many other things, I am thankful for you, our customers who in so many cases have become friends and it is my wish to you to have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day spent with family and loved ones.