It’s my pleasure to bring to you today the first of a two part interview with Steven Palmer, the Fishing Manager at Orvis Plano (DFW metro). I had the pleasure of meeting Steven several years ago, and have found him to be one of the most patient, easy-going, and knowledgeable guys in the Texas fly fishing arena.
He in particular has a knack for networking with some of the best in the game around the country and for teaching others (particularly those new to the game) the practical skills to get started, something that should run deep in the DNA of all fly fishers, but clearly (sadly) doesn’t.
Steven and his store team (point of disclosure – my wife is the manager of Orvis Plano/Orvis Area Manager for the DFW region) put on what have been some of the most highly attended (outside of Orvis’ national Rendezvous) events in the Orvis system every spring featuring guides from around the country.
Please tell us a bit about your fly fishing bona fides – what were your first exposures to fly fishing and what ‘turned the tide’ to make you want to work in the industry full time?
My father is the person that got me into the sport of fly fishing inadvertently. He did not teach me how to do so but gave me the freedom to find adventure and discover these things on my own. Like most Texans I grew up going on vacation to Colorado with my family doing everything outside camping, hiking, fishing and building the love of the outdoors.
My earliest memory of fly fishing was not with a fly rod, but an ultralight open face spinning rod and reel loaded with a wonder bobber for weight, so I could cast the unweighted dry flies that I would use to catch bluegill and bass while my father fly fished next to me at our local creeks during the spring/summer. Something we still enjoy doing when we can.
I eventually would start to borrow my dad’s fly rod and venture out on my own going anywhere I could to fly fish around Texas and southern Oklahoma to the Lower Mountain Fork River for trout (before I knew lipping a trout like a bass was not normal). Eventually I would purchase my own fly rod from our local Orvis and at that point started to really focus on teaching myself to become a better fly fisherman. I was not looking to work in the industry but at the time I was also in a job slump, within three years I worked for two companies that went belly up landing me in a job driving a concrete truck. During my breaks I would stop at the local Orvis shop and hang out with the folks working that day.
I got to know the Orvis guys and one day I mentioned to James at the Orvis Dallas store I was thinking about changing careers to work in the fishing industry with a friend at the time. At that point he mentioned he was looking for a new Fishing Manager and told me to apply. Sometimes you’re just in the right spot at the right time.
You’re one of the most respected and sought-after Orvis Fishing Managers in their entire system, what have you really appreciated about working with them? What could/should Orvis do better?
Thanks for the kind words! I really respect and appreciate what Orvis has created with their fly fishing classes. Teaching newcomers and opening the doors to anyone that wants to learn and taking them on a journey to start out as a beginner and end as an expert.
I think they are doing an excellent job and the one thing I can think of is to establish Orvis schools here in Texas. We as a store system teach 101,201 and 301 classes. We also have hosted trips which help customers learn on many levels but incorporating a two-day bass specific school or a two-day redfish specific school here in Texas would be a killer learning experience for customers trying to excel to the next level.
You’ve had a chance to travel a bit in your work with Orvis; what’s been your most fun and fishy trip in the past couple of years?
I have been fortunate to travel a bit which I’m always super grateful for. I personally have been to many wonderful places all over the world. It’s a hard decision to just choose one. They all have their own special characteristics that make me want to continue going back.
One place that really has touched me is the Florida Everglades, every time I go it’s like rediscovering something new. There is always so much life to see and so many things going on while you’re there, not to mention all the species that live all around Florida, Honestly I really just love exploring.
What’s your favorite Texas-based species to fish for and why?
MAN O MAN, great question probably my favorite native species would be the Guadalupe Bass. Our Texas state fish that has beautiful markings, explosive eats and only found here in the Lone Star State.
Non native species would be Carp, I love sight casting to any species and since I cannot get down to the Texas coast for redfish on a regular basis carp adds a skill set that will help in every other form of fishing from training your eyes to see the fish to being super stealthy.
What do you consider your home water and what about it keeps you coming back time after time?
I consider anywhere in North Texas with water my home water. There are so many great creeks, ponds and rivers that can be found around Dallas/Fort Worth and I tend to hit various locations every time I fish.
You’re the key guy behind the upcoming Texas Carpnado (fly only Carp tourney benefitting Patriot Anglers 11-12 August); tell us a bit about the event please.
The Texas Carpnado is a tournament for the entire state of Texas. We really wanted to make a fun event for the local carp enthusiast that will raise money for a great nonprofit like Patriot Anglers. Its a two-day tournament that contestants can fish their favorite carp waters anywhere in Texas. Fly Fishing for Carp is very location specific, and everyone has their favorite secret spots that they are familiar with so it’s fitting to make it open to the entire state. We have received some very gracious donations from many great people and companies in the fly fishing world like Paul Puckett Art, Orvis, Falcons Ledge, Scientific Angler, Loon Outdoors, All Water Guides, Skinny Water Culture, Fly Geek Custom Flies, Howler Bros, FishChaseFlies, Montana Fly Company, Feather and Fly to aid in participation.
When the tournament is all said and done we will have the awards ceremony at one of the premier brewery’s in DFW, Tupps Brewery in McKinney. They have been a giant help with letting us host this event at their location. You can check it out at TexasCarpnado.com for more details!
Part 2 of Steven’s interview to following tomorrow.
