Pro Shop | James Hughes | Schultz Outfitters
Pro Shop | James Hughes | Schultz Outfitters
As the interest in warmwater fly fishing continues to grow, so has the guiding opportunities. James Hughes is a native Michigander based out of Schultz Outfitters in Ypsilanti. His focus is mainly smallmouth bass and he covers a large portion of southern Michigan on several different river systems. Hughes also targets carp and does some steelhead guiding in the winter.
James started fly fishing at age 12 and using a combination of gear and fly techniques became well-versed with the waters he frequents. He started guiding full-time after graduation and says his favorite thing as a fly-fishing guide is, “when you can take an otherwise experienced angler, and show them a completely new experience that makes them light up as if they were totally new to the sport again”. The worst part of guiding is “38 degrees and rain”.
Hughes’s “go to” lines for his guiding are the are the Bass Bug Taper and Titan Full Intermediate. These lines see the majority of the use through the course of the smallmouth season. The Titan Intermediate shines during the early season for delivering big flies easily. It is super durable and handles well, with minimal tangles, during cold weather.
The Bass Bug line is easy to cast and versatile. It will handle the large flies but can also deliver smaller poppers delicately. This line can also be used to cast small streamers during low summer flows.
James says the best tip he can give other guides is to spend time keeping up with your routine “guide work”. This includes cleaning equipment, phone calls and emails to clients, and updating your calendar. Make sure it’s something that leads to progress for the next day.
