Paul grew up fishing the spooky trout of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina. Paul learned from an early age how to catch fish with just a handful of flies and unorthodox techniques. This adaptive “outside the box” style has been a crucial to his success in competitive fly fishing. In 2009 Paul was invited to try out for the N.C. Fly Fishing team. He made the team and quickly found success. Paul says “I attribute competition experience, hard work, lateral thinking, and rock-solid gear to my success as a competition fly fisherman. I have used Peak vises for years. They can stand the abuse of cross-country travel and marathon tying nights pre-competition. The last thing you need with a win on the line is gear failure. At this level it is small adjustments that make you better than the guy next to you. I am always asking questions and watching other anglers to be receptive to successful ideas. I feel I can never learn enough and want to be better enjoys instruction as much as fishing.” He guides and teaches casting at Rivers Edge Outfitters in Cherokee, North Carolina as well as the Highland Hiker in Highlands North Carolina. A true fishing junkie, most of his days off are spent chasing fish. Between guiding and competition, Paul averages 150+ days a year on the water.