James Hughes
- Home water? My hometown is Manchester, MI and grew up spending as much time as humanly possible fishing for smallmouth, pike and carp on the Raisin River. In 2008 I moved from my hometown for college, so it’s been a few years since I have fished those waters. Then in 2013 I began guiding for Schultz Outfitters, and now I consider my home water to be the Huron River and spend a lot of time on the Huron doing what I always have, fishing for smallmouth, pike, and carp.
- What 2-3 lines do you use the most and why?
There are a lot of lines to choose from these days, and often we choose a line to do a very specific job. However, I do have a definite top three. First among them and seeing boat days all year around no matter the water temp, level, or clarity would be the SA Titan Intermediate. Both versions of this line are utilized, with the Full Intermediate being used in winter and spring and the standard Intermediate being used all summer long. The Mastery Bass Bug line is another favorite of mine, specifically for throwing poppers and frogs to smallmouth bass. My clients loved it the second I started using it, and I noticed right away that not only was it easy for the beginner to learn on and use properly but it also allowed the more experienced caster a more dynamic line thanks to an extended rear taper. Finally, the MPX. This line gets its moment in the sun when the water gets low and we start to downsize our bugs, leaders, and rods to adjust our presentation to a more discerning smallmouth as summer goes by. This is some of my favorite angling and guiding of the year, and the MPX’s ability to effectively cast an oversized hopper or Wiggly and still lay it down with the necessary delicacy is hard beat and no other line can do it the same way.
- Where would you most like to fish?
The one place I would really like to fish is South America for Peacock Bass.
- Two Truths and a Lie.
I have a degree in Biology, I own an English Setter named Dan, I am 6 feet tall
