Some Introductions: Chef Mike

Who is Chef Mike?

Chef Mike isn’t just a name; it’s a testament to a life well-lived and a passion deeply cherished. Trained in the art of French cuisine and once a skilled hibachi chef, Mike’s culinary expertise is rivaled only by his love for the outdoors, particularly fly fishing in the majestic Catskills.

Retirement has granted Chef Mike the freedom to pursue his true passion—fishing. Almost every day, you’ll find him casting his line, but his journey to becoming the angler he is today wasn’t always smooth sailing.

In his early days on the Upper Delaware, Chef Mike was a novice, sporting jean shorts as he waded into the river. It was here that he stumbled upon a group of fishermen patiently awaiting a hatch. Intrigued, Mike struck up a conversation, not realizing that this encounter would ignite his love affair with fly fishing.

Starting with a modest $100 fly fishing kit and a wooly bugger, Chef Mike dove headfirst into the world of fly fishing. He quickly learned that it wasn’t just about catching fish; it was about mastering a craft—a craft that continues to evolve and challenge him every day.

The allure of the Upper Delaware lies in its abundance of rivers and access points, offering endless opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. For Chef Mike, it’s not just about the fish; it’s about the constant learning process that comes with fly fishing.

“You’re always a student in this sport,” Chef Mike remarks, emphasizing the ever-evolving nature of fly fishing techniques. From worm fishing to lures, nymphing, and eventually using dry flies, the progression in fly fishing is both challenging and rewarding.

Chef Mike’s favorite challenge? Using the dry fly. It’s a game of patience and precision, requiring him to spot the fish and target it with accuracy. Fishing with a dry fly is akin to hunting, and for Chef Mike, that’s where the thrill lies.

While Chef Mike has cast his line all over the East Coast, the allure of the Delaware River remains unmatched. The river’s wild and cunning trout offe

r a challenge like no other, one that Chef Mike wouldn’t trade for the world.

But for Chef Mike, fly fishing is more than just a solitary pursuit—it’s a family affair. It has brought him closer to his brother, son, and daughter, creating bonds that are as strong as the lines they cast into the water.

Chef Mike’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of nature and the joy of pursuing a lifelong passion. His story is a reminder that in the quiet solitude of a river, life’s most precious moments are often found.