Welcome to our new series in which we profile members of the Orvis Outfitter Team, the customer-service folks who answer all your tackle and fishing questions via e-mail (fishing@orvis.com), telephone (800-548-9548), and live chat on our website. Spread out around the country, these experts have the experience and knowledge to help Orvis customers make the right choices and become better anglers. Our fourth subject is Travis Lawson of Roanoke, Virginia.
1. When did you start fly fishing?
Roughly 15 years ago.
2. What’s your favorite water?
The New River, and West Virginia creeks and Blue Ridge streams.
3. What’s your favorite species to chase with a fly rod and why?
Smallmouth bass! I grew up chasing smallies with my family and brothers, and they are pound for pound the hardest fighting fish.
4. What’s your most memorable fly-fishing moment?
My first hook up with a muskie on the fly and boating it. I had been on several trips, just casting at water, and when it finally happened, I was overcome with joy!
5. What’s your most forgettable fly-fishing moment?
Losing a 30+-inch wild brown trout in West Virginia.
6. What do you love most about fly fishing?
“The Tug”: the fight on a fly rod is unmatchable.
7. What’s your favorite piece of Orvis gear and why?
My Helios D fly rod, as it is the cream of the crop and really helps makes the fishing and overall experience better. It’s strong, lightweight, and deadly accurate.
8. What’s your go-to fly when nothing else is working?
The Woolly Bugger, in various sizes and colors.
9. What was your favorite fly-fishing trip?
For my Bachelor Party, we did a three-day float trip on the New River.
10. How has working as a member of the Orvis Outfitter team affected your own angling?
Learning all the aspects of it and sharing the joy. Also having members throughout the country has assisted in my knowledge base in areas I have not fished personally.