Presenters

Tony is President and Policy Director for the American Saltwater Guides Association. He has over two decades of experience in advancing science-based and equitable policies that protect and restore marine ecosystems and fisheries. Prior to ASGA, for eight years he was the Executive Director of CCA-Maryland. Through CCA, he worked with large groups of recreational fishermen, listening to their concerns and acting on them through grassroots advocacy. From the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, he used his influence to better the resource with the help of dedicated volunteers that believed in putting the resource first.

Tony is a lifelong angler, a former saltwater fly fishing guide, and professional fly tier.  He was founder of the Lefty Kreh TieFest, the largest independent fly fishing show in the Mid-Atlantic. His favorite species on fly rod is the striped bass, which has suffered greatly due to poor management and provides the inspiration for his dogged determination to save other species from poor management decisions.  Recently, he was heavily involved in the battle to restore Louisiana redfish to it's former glory after the last seven years in decline. When he's not fighting conservation battles, he hosts the "The Guides Post" podcast, available on Spotify.

Tony will be the Keynote Speaker for the 2024 Classic.

Matt is a previous full-time commercial fly tyer and the owner of Fly Geek Custom Flies.  While having a varied interest in many different types of fly fishing, Matt most enjoys both tying flies and fishing for the native bass species of the Texas Hill Country and exploring the waterways in southwestern Louisisana.  Most of Matt's patterns have a broad universal appeal to fish species all over, and he very much enjoys sharing his tying and fishing knowledge with others.  Matt has fished the waters of southwestern Colorado since he was a teenager and especially enjoys chasing native Cutthroat trout in creeks throughout the San Juans. 

Matt is a member of the Ahrex Hooks, Dr. Slick and Raidzap Pro Team, a Renzetti Ambassador, and a member of Umpqua Feather Merchants Signature Fly Designer program.  His initial pattern, Bennett's Lunch Money, is available in fly shops all over the world.  Matt has previously served as the Education Director and Vice President of the Texas Council FFI, as well as President of the Austin Fly Fishers and was awarded the 2015 Charles E. Brooks Memorial Award by Fly Fishers International (FFI).  You can often find him behind the vise at many fly fishing events and shows throughout Texas, Louisiana and beyond.  Matt resides in DeRidder, LA with his wife, Amanda, and has tied nearly 100,000 flies during his time as a commercial fly tyer.  You can view more of his work on Instagram @flygeekmatt.

I’m a nature lover, born and raised in the picturesque town of Corunna, Michigan. It was here in the heart of the Midwest that my lifelong journey into the great outdoors began. From a young age, I was immersed in the rich traditions of hunting, fishing, and trapping, skills that would shape my identity and passion for the wilderness. My outdoor odyssey took an international turn when I proudly served in the United States Army for a decade. During this time, I found myself casting lines in the serene rivers of Germany, Italy, and Spain, experiencing the thrill of the catch against breathtaking European backdrops. From there, my journey continued to the vibrant landscapes of South Korea and back to the diverse terrains of the United States, including the wilds of Colorado, the rolling hills of Kentucky, and the scenic beauty of Tennessee.

In 1992, I discovered the art of fly tying, a craft that would become not just a hobby but a second adventure. By 1998, I took the leap and launched my career as a professional fly tyer, crafting intricate patterns that have found their way into the hearts of fellow anglers. Today, my creations are proudly marketed by Catch Fly Fishing, a testament to the quality and innovation embedded in each fly. Guiding fellow fly fishermen became a natural extension of my love for the sport. In 2006, I embraced the opportunity to share my knowledge, skills, and passion with others, guiding them through the nuances of fly fishing and helping them forge their own connections with the great outdoors.

At some point in my journey I started another adventure as an outdoor writer. I got published first in 1998 and since have been published worldwide on a myriad of outdoor topics. I have been published in the following fine publications: On the Fly magazine, FUR FISH GAME, Southeastern Fly Fishing, Fishing Facts, Tennessee Outdoor News,  Ohio Valley Outdoors, Mossy Oak, Midwest Outdoors and more.

Through my experiences, from the woodlands of Michigan to the rivers of Europe and the mountains of Colorado, I’ve cultivated a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the thrill of the chase. Join me on this journey, where every cast, every tie, and every expedition is a celebration of the incredible world we call our own.

Catch was a successful bass tournament angler shortly after college, but in 1984 discovered fly fishing and went down the rabbit hole.  In 1988, he had his first kayak fishing experience and got addicted to that also. He’s written articles on kayak fishing, was kayak fishing field reporter for Don Dubuc Outdoors Radio show, and continues to compete in kayak bass tournaments. He was fly fishing columnist for Louisiana Sportsman magazine for 20 years. In 1993, he became an FFF Certified Casting Instructor and has since taught hundreds of beginners how to fly cast.  He has taught college fly fishing and fly tying classes at LSU.   His creative flies have been featured in several books and magazines, including Gary Borger’s “Long Flies”.  He’s also a longtime rod builder, and taught rod building classes.

When it comes to conservation, Catch has followed in his father and grandfathers’ footsteps and served on numerous conservation organizations, including CCA Louisiana, the Louisiana Nature Conservancy, the North American Lake Management Society and more.  He’s also been a past president of  Louisiana Photographic Society, Red Stick Fly Fishers, Kisatchie Fly Fishers, and Cenla Kayak Anglers. He served two stints several years apart on the FFI Southeastern Council board until helping to co-found the FFI Gulf Coast Council in 2006 and serving as its first president. In 2018, he returned to the GCC board serving as Conservation Director.  When not fishing, he enjoys sports and hiking with his wife and other members of the Louisiana Hiking Club.

Jeff’s interest in fly fishing started as kid in the early 1960’s fishing the Louisiana marshes and freshwater cypress lakes for bass and bream. He was introduced to the Instructor Certification Program in 2012.  He became a Fly Fishers International Certified instructor in 2013 and a Master Certified Instructor in 2016.  He serves serve on the Gulf Coast Council board and the FFI Casting Board of Governors for the past four years.  He received the CBOG Mentoring Award in 2022 and the FFI Board of Directors Mel Krieger Casting Instructor Award in 2023. He is a level 2 CICP examiner and event coordinator for the Louisiana certification event each March.  His preferred fishing is on the marshes of southwest Louisiana for redfish and speckled trout.

I am an owner of the Lost Angler Fly Shop in Daphne, AL. I have been an avid fly angler for most of my life all over the state of Alabama and the Northern Gulf Coast. I am lucky enough to have been able to share my love of fly fishing, fly tying, and fly casting here at the shop and on the Lost Angler channel on YouTube.

Robert was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. He received a bachelors degree in Geology from the College of Wooster, and then headed to work as a rig-site geologist in the gas fields of Northern Pennsylvania and West Virginia. His love for fly fishing was ignited after a weekend excursion along a Pennsylvania freestone stream where he caught his first native brook trout. After that, he became an avid fly fisherman.

In 2014, Robert and his wife moved from their home in Pennsylvania down to Houston, Texas. Robert’s passion for fly fishing continued, but in lieu of trout, he began fly fishing for warmwater species like bass, panfish, carp, and gar along the creeks and rivers in the Houston area. Robert’s first book, Fly Fishing the Sam, was published in 2020. His second book, Fly Fishing Houston & Southeastern Texas, was published in February, 2023 by Imbrifex Books.

Although Jeff ties many great patterns, he is recognized as one of the world’s top deer hair tiers. Jeff says, “I was born and raised in Amarillo Texas where I live with my wife and two sons. My love of trout fishing started in the 70’s at our family cabin in Eagles Nest New Mexico. That love for fly fishing has since expanded to include both bass and salt water fishing. My brother and I got our love for the outdoors from our dad from a young age. In 1982 when I was 12 years old my parents got me a fly tying kit for Christmas. That started my life long passion for tying flies. I like to push myself to think outside the box and tie new and different flies. I like to put artistic flair into my flies and I think I get that from my mom and her incredible artistic abilities.”

Allen Rupp is a passionate fly tyer and angler with an incredible 35-year journey in the world of fly fishing. Throughout the years, Allen has honed his skills, dedicating countless hours to perfecting the art of tying flies. His creations have proven their effectiveness by enticing fish from various corners of the globe. From the pristine waters of Africa and Belize, to the breathtaking landscapes of Chile, Mexico, Portugal, and the Seychelles, Allen's flies have been trusted companions for anglers. These meticulously crafted flies have seduced species far and wide, leaving no doubt about their unwavering appeal.

However, Allen is not solely confined to the tying bench. Despite his mastery of the fly tying art, he always manages to find time for his true passion: fishing. Each year, he embarks on thrilling adventures, seeking out the exhilaration of battling with various fish species. Whether it's the powerful strikes of Bass, the finesse required for Panfish, the explosive strikes of Stripers and Snook, or the delicate presentations needed for Trout, Allen embraces the challenges and joys of fly fishing with open arms.

With an unmatched wealth of experience and an unyielding love for the sport, Allen continues to push boundaries, constantly exploring new fishing grounds, and sharing his expertise with fellow enthusiasts. His dedication to the art of fly tying and the pursuit of fish is an inspiration to both seasoned anglers and novices alike.