Mike Garrison July 2023

FEATURED ANGLER PROFILE

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Mike Garrison
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/mike.garrison.73  
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/
Twitter:  @blueridgeflyguy
Business:  www.caniborrowyourcar.com
Blog: Guide Waters: Exploring Fly Fishing & Life

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Tell us about yourself:  I am a husband, father of a special needs adult, proud US Army veteran, published author and business coach/consultant.  18 Months ago, I was brought back into fly fishing by a client and was amazed at how much mental and emotional health I experienced as a result.  It is the only thing that turns all the noise in my head off.  I found tenkara while trying to learn as much as possible about how to be better at fly fishing. I think it was a blog about fishing tenkara in the winter that started me down the rabbit hole.

Tenkara history:  
New to the 18 months and about 50 sessions

Favorite rod:  I would have to say it is the One Type 1 with the Riverworks ZX-4 ’ being a closing second.  My preferred way to fish is tactical nymphing, but I am falling deeper in love with ONI style after a guided trip with Rob Worthing.

Favorite fish: Native Brook Trout

Favorite book:  Essentialism by Greg McKeown.  No matter one’s ideological background, doing what is most essential is critical to the best expression of our own humanity.

Favorite fly:  Wow, this is difficult.  I would say Walt's worm
(sexy too) for nymph and Jason Klass’s version of the Balloon Caddis for dry.

Learn to tie Jason's version of  the Balloon Caddis here!

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Favorite place to fish:  The Blue Ridge Mountains of SW VA, WVA, NC and TN.  Specifically, two freestone streams within an hour of where I live in Roanoke, VA that are full of native brook trout and some wild rainbows.  

Favorite quote:  
“No is a complete sentence” Greg McKeown “Essentialism”

Words of wisdom:  Tenkara IS fly fishing, and you can do it and other forms of fly fishing.  The bonus is that I find that my time spent with Tenkara makes me even more effective when I fish western rod and reel.  Don’t fall into tribalism…nothing is better than fly fishing…however you do it.  If you are ever near Roanoke, VA let me know and let me show you, my area.