In my tenure as an editor of fishing magazines I have been fortunate enough to deal with some of the best captains, guides and manufacturers in the fishing world. Below is a list of those that I feel are especially worthwhile.


Recommended Guides/Guide Services

Local

Peter Piconi: Peter runs perhaps the finest inshore fly fishing operation in San Diego. He literally knows the bays around here like the back of his hand. There is no one better.

Other Areas

First Light Anglers: Nat and Derek at First Light practically pioneered the bluefin on fly fishery in New England.

Dave Skok:  Dave is a guide in New England and is a great photographer. He is also one heck of a fly tier and his site offers some tips and techniques for his patterns, like the Mushmouth.

Jim White: Jim runs White Ghost in Rhode Island and is one of the best in the area at everything from bluefish to bluefin.

John McMurray: John runs a guide service in and around New York City and out around Jamaica Bay. He has a unique flats fishery up there and is also a fantastic photographer.

Shore Catch: Gene Quigley, Jim Freda and the rest have one of the best guide services in New Jersey. These guys also have an amazing bluefin fishery. 

Flat Out and Fly Girl: Brian Horsley and Sarah Gardner are probably two of my favorite people and definitely two of the finest guides you will ever find. They work harder at finding fish for their anglers than any others I have fished with. If you want to fish North Carolina, these are your people. Whether its giant stripers, huge redfish, albies at Harkers or sailfish in Costa Rica, they can do it!

Jon B. Cave: Jon is undoubtedly the finest student of fly fishing I have ever encountered, and I was fortunate enough to work with most of the best. His passion and understanding of the sport of fly fishing are incredible. He is hands down the finest casting instructor I have ever worked with and a great guy to fish and travel with. If you want to learn to fly fish, he runs the oldest school in the south and one of the oldest in the country. He also hosts some very unique trips to some out of the way spots. His brother Paul is pretty good too.

John DePaneuil: John is one of the best charter captains on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and really knows the local waters.



Fishing Sites

Dan Blanton: Dan is one of the Gurus of West Coast fly fishing and his site is required reading for those looking for info on fishing out here.

Marlin Nut: Southern California Marlin Online. Everything you wanted to know about billfishing in So Cal or Baja.

San Diego Sportfishing: A good Web site with a basic overview of fishing in So Cal.

Ocean Skiff Journal: A local So Cal Web Site that covers fishing from skiffs and outboard run craft.

Beyond the Breakwater: A new site run by the editor of Ocean Skiff Journal. It covers all types of So Cal saltwater fly fishing beyond the beach.

Bill Boyce: Bill is a world-renowned underwater photographer and a great angler. He's been in the water with practicaly every gamefish imaginable and he's been the host of a couple of TV shows. Stop by his site and take a look at his photography -- it's good stuff.


Manufacturers

Mako Fly Reels by Jack Charlton: I could say more, but the name says it all. Probably the most anticipated reels ever produced and without a doubt the finest fly reels ever made. 'Nuff said...

Rio Fly Lines

Cam Sigler: The originators of the most popular billfish fly in the world (great for sharks, too). They make some of the best saltwater fly rods around, and they're the ones you'll find on board Paradigm Shift.

Rising Fishing: Makers of the Lippa fish grabber and a bunch of awesome tools, not to mention the best fishing jacket I've seen.

Jones Brothers Marine

Nikon Cameras

Renzetti vises: The best fly tying vises you will ever find.

Gamakatsu


Miscellaneous

Vaughn Cochran: Vaughn is probably my favorite marine artist. His Black Fly Collection is just plain cool!

Sea Level Flyfishing Adventures: A great fly shop in Northern California. They also offer some great trips.