Stephen Rockarts is the owner and lead guide with Fly Fishing Alabama guide service. With his unceasing passion for fly fishing, he primarily targets  several native species of fish such as Alabama Bass and the Storied Redeye Bass. Pound for pound these fish are some of the strongest fighting fish you will encounter. They live in the most beautiful untouched waters that Alabama has to offer.  His trips lead people on an adventure to encounter these tremendous native species.  Not only is he a gifted guide but he is also passionate about hospitality, offering an incredible creekside burger that turns the best days fishing and some of the worst days fishing into a good time on the water. Funny how a good burger will do that. Although I have never had the pleasure of enjoying one of those burgers, I salivate everytime one pops up on my instagram feed. One day we will have to remedy that.

Stephen serves as a Cahaba River ambassador, and as a Calico fly rods Pro guide. We cover in the episode how much of an impact our pal Wade Blevins has had on Stephen as he serves as a Sam’s one bug pro angler. Fun fact it is because of Stephen that I learned about the Sam’s one bug. He is also the Vice Chair on the board of Native fish coalition. He is a newly inducted member of the River rat rafts pro guide team and also a Cortland line pro angler. The thing I love about Stephen is his love for his family and desire to be present with them. He takes being a Dad seriously.

We cover so much in this episode and we laughed a great deal. If anyone has spent anytime around Stephen he will make you feel good about yourself and have a good time. I have no doubt that translates to his guide service. We discuss his gifting in hospitality and what role that plays in guiding along with his philosophy of what are components of a great trip. Obviously we had to spend some time in discussion about the shore burger and Stephen gives out some secret tips on what makes it so special. I promise you won’t want to miss this episode.

Follow Stephen and his Fly fishing adventures on Instagram @flyfishingalabama 

To book a trip with Stephen (and you really should) visit www.flyfishingalabama.com

If you have any questions, comments, or request we would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]

Music written and recorded by Brad Hill