Counter Culture | Matt Hartman | Northern Angler
Counter Culture | Matt Hartman | Northern Angler
When I moved back to Michigan in 2014, I knew I needed to find a fly shop. After several years of working out west and exploring the deserts, canyons, and rivers of Utah, fly fishing had become a complete obsession. If I wasn’t fishing in my free time I was tying furiously to fill my boxes with new patterns. I think for me, fly fishing offers endless opportunities to explore, learn something new, and share time outdoors with friends.
After stopping in on almost a daily basis, Brian eventually asked what I was doing for work and the next week I started working the counter. Since becoming the manager, I’ve worked hard to keep the shop focused on accommodating anglers at all levels. Sharing in our customers adventures has been extremely rewarding for me and it’s something I hope to stay involved with for a long time.
From a water diversity perspective, being in Traverse City is amazing. Whether you’re an angler who just wants to go out and catch some trout or someone who’s looking for a unique experience, it’s all within reach. We are surrounded by countless inland lakes and two very large bays connecting to Lake Michigan plus we have a great river that runs right through downtown. It’s truly a town that supports fishing every day of the year.
Being back in Michigan has forced me to become a very adaptable angler. I tell tons of visiting anglers that success in Northern Michigan is not easy but if you’re an angler that enjoys problem solving and trying something new, you will never be bored here. It’s wild to think about all the different species we can chase throughout the year: Trout, Salmon, Steelhead, Smallmouth, Largemouth, Bluegill, Pike, Musky, Lake Trout, Carp, Bowfin, and I’m sure I’ve missed others as well.
Located on Front Street in downtown Traverse City, The Northern Angler has been helping anglers get on the water for well over ten years. Since I’ve been here, we’ve really expanded in the digital realm offering an online storefront, stepping up the social media game, and offering as much free online education through YouTube as possible.
This is a great industry to be a part of. It’s plenty competitive but at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to help anglers get on the water to experience the excitement this sport has to offer. I’m excited to see what’s next for fly fishing, I’m sure the next big trend is right around the corner.
