Today we’d like to introduce you to Troy Schmidt.
Hi Troy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was growing up, fishing was a big part of my life. My father taught me how to tie flies at the age of 14, but to me it was just a craft project. I then started flyfishing around the age of 17 to try something new. Naturally, I started with panfish and caught the occasional bass. At 21, I hooked my first big smallmouth bass and immediately was consumed by flyfishing. As time went on, I drew quite a bit of attention on local waters because flyfishing was not very common in our area. I started teaching my friends and family how to flyfish and it became just as much fun to teach as it was to catch the fish myself. I have always been interested in the fishing guide life, but it wasn’t until the last few years that it became a driving factor for my future. Through encouragement from family and my good friend, Nick Retka, I pulled the trigger on my dream boat and decided to dive in. In November of 2023, I started an open tie night with some friends at a major sporting goods store in Rogers, MN. Through my efforts and attendance to other events, I have surrounded myself with the right people, who helped take my dream and turn it into my reality.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. I never never really came from much. Everything I have is because I worked for it. Some of my other struggles included time management from having a young family with hectic schedules and a full time cracker route on top of all this.
As you know, we’re big fans of STRIP SET FLY. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
One thing I’m proud to specialize in is teaching beginners and children how to flyfish. Something I’d like your readers to know is that I specialize in getting anglers to the next level. I can take a novice and get them proficient in casting in a very short time. I can also take a seasoned angler and teach them how to get better. I’m very proud to say I don’t just put my clients on fish, but I give them the knowledge to continue the chase after we part ways.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the upcoming season, I will be securing my Captains license. In the next few years, I see myself available from Minnesota, all the way to Kansas and maybe more. I see myself continuing to grow the flyfishing community in the Midwest. I will be starting efforts with local school districts to begin a community service class to help our youth get started.
Pricing:
- $600- full day (8hours)
- $300-half day (4hours)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stripsetfly.godaddysites.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strip_set_fly?igsh=MWpueWowbml1MmZmMw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YZEpAE7fU/
