Lewis Hirsch
Howdy! Fishing runs in the family. My mom’s side stems from my great grandparent’s crappie fishing the Mississippi backwaters in Arkansas, my dad’s fishing journey began on the shores of Lake Lanier fishing for whatever would bite. Naturally, this was then passed down to my brother and I. I spent my childhood finding any little puddle I could cast a line into looking for bass and bluegill in Atlanta with worms, buzzbaits, and whatever else I could put on the end of my little blue ultralight rod. I am constantly reminded of this time by my uncle who reminds me of when I used to say “ Are you fishing with feathers again? Nothing is going to eat that here.” Little did I know I would be the next generation of feather throwers. By 14 I was properly introduced to fly fishing and competitive fly fishing. At one point, I was asked the question knowing nothing about Team USA youth or competitive fly fishing. How bad do you want to make Team USA? My answer 10/10! Having no idea, I signed myself up for quite the ride. I spent 2017-2018 preparing for my first youth nationals, I finished 11th that year and qualified for the team. 2018-2022 I spent every hour I had either in school, asleep, tying flies, driving to fish/compete, or fishing/competing. Between countless hours spent behind the vice talking about fishing and hours on the water, I put in my 10,000 hours during high school. In July 2022, I was fortunate enough to be competing in the 19th Cortland Youth World Fly Fishing Championship, in which our team placed 4th and I individually placed 12th. I have spent many hours since taking a break from competition, on the stream reflecting on fly fishing philosophy, conservation, the impact guides can have, and the importance of community in fly fishing. My conclusion, each day guiding is spent making sure I can better someone’s day through fly fishing. Don’t get me wrong I still grind on the water on days off, and I hope to get back into competition, but alongside competing teaching is my passion. I hope to see you on the water soon!
Zachary Northern
Being born and raised in SWVA, I could learn and fish some of the best water the southeast has to offer. The southern range of Appalachia is something that I hold dear, and being able to guide and teach clients in such an old, but beautiful, part of the world is something I’ll never take for granted.
I am dedicated to helping clients enjoy the beauty of fly fishing while learning new skills and techniques. Demonstrating and teaching euro nymphing techniques on smaller water with varying water types is something I enjoy the most. Smaller water forces us to be more adaptive and really study on approach. With varying water types I can effectively cater to different skill levels and interests, ranging from beginner lessons to advanced guided trips.
Having 9 years of fly fishing experience, casual and competitive, I strive to provide a personalized and memorable experience for each and every client.
I am dedicated to helping clients enjoy the beauty of fly fishing while learning new skills and techniques. Demonstrating and teaching euro nymphing techniques on smaller water with varying water types is something I enjoy the most. Smaller water forces us to be more adaptive and really study on approach. With varying water types I can effectively cater to different skill levels and interests, ranging from beginner lessons to advanced guided trips.
Having 9 years of fly fishing experience, casual and competitive, I strive to provide a personalized and memorable experience for each and every client.
Vincent Alderete
Hey there! I’m Vince, husband, father of two boys, Trauma Surgery PA, competitive angler, trout enthusiast, and fly fishing guide. My love for fishing started as a young child in Miami where I would fish the canal in our backyard for largemouth, peacock bass, and oversized panfish. When my family moved, I continued to chase anything that swims in the lakes, ponds, and rivers of my new home in North Carolina. In middle school, my obsession for fly fishing took off. I caught my first trout on a fly at the Smith River in Virginia, a tailwater that still holds a special place in my heart today. As I continued to grow on my fly fishing journey I began taking friends and family out on the water. As the requests became more numerous, I started guiding professionally and I absolutely love sharing my passion for fishing with others. My goal for each trip is to help clients learn, develop new skills, catch fish, and most importantly, enjoy a day on the water. When fishing for pleasure, you can usually find me euro nymphing or streamer fishing and I would be happy to help you learn or improve upon these techniques. If you prefer fishing traditional nymph or dry fly, I’ve got you covered. With over 25 years of experience in all of these techniques, I can provide a customized experience for each of my clients to help them be successful on the water during our time together and more importantly, as they continue their own fly fishing journey. I look forward to spending time on the water with you, and can’t wait to be your guide at Larry’s Lodge.
Josh Holubz
I was born in the Allegheny Mountains and grew up wandering the mountains of North Georgia. These Appalachian Mountains are my home. I’ve been a student of trout ever since I first picked up a fly rod, 26 years ago. I spend countless hours each year, exploring our native trout waters and studying these incredible fish, learning everything I possibly can about trout and trout behavior. I never pass up the opportunity to fish with other guides, pro anglers, and fly fishing enthusiasts, because there’s always more to learn about our amazing sport. I bring all of these things—both my personal experience and the tidbits I learn from others—to share with my clients on the water.
I’m an active member of my local Trout Unlimited chapter, and an enthusiastic conservationist. My own experience in war—earning the Purple Heart medal while serving in combat with The U.S. Army—has led me to volunteer with a local nonprofit organization called Veterans Fly Fishing. I am also the fly fishing instructor for the Sparta Project, which helps Veterans and law enforcement officers navigate the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress. I’m well acquainted with the awesome healing powers of fly fishing and being on the water, and I’m happy to share this.
If you’re new to fly fishing and trying to learn this craft— I believe a full day of guided fishing can drastically accelerate your progress. Even for the more seasoned anglers, there are always some fish who will humble you and school you—and there are always new tactics to learn and skills to be honed. I enjoy teaching the skills I possess and also look forward to learning new ones. Let’s go fishing!
I’m an active member of my local Trout Unlimited chapter, and an enthusiastic conservationist. My own experience in war—earning the Purple Heart medal while serving in combat with The U.S. Army—has led me to volunteer with a local nonprofit organization called Veterans Fly Fishing. I am also the fly fishing instructor for the Sparta Project, which helps Veterans and law enforcement officers navigate the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress. I’m well acquainted with the awesome healing powers of fly fishing and being on the water, and I’m happy to share this.
If you’re new to fly fishing and trying to learn this craft— I believe a full day of guided fishing can drastically accelerate your progress. Even for the more seasoned anglers, there are always some fish who will humble you and school you—and there are always new tactics to learn and skills to be honed. I enjoy teaching the skills I possess and also look forward to learning new ones. Let’s go fishing!