Guide Bio: Bob Simonis
Most people call me Bob. I’m the oldest of 3 siblings. I grew up on a 180 acre ranch in Oak Run just east of Redding in the foothills. I love hunting, fishing, snowboarding, yoga, surfing and spending time with my family and friends.
Q&A with Bob Simonis:
How did you get started in fly fishing?
I grew up spin rod fishing ponds and creeks around my house with my dad and cousins. I was Introduced to fly fishing when I was 10 and went out on the Lower Sac in a drift boat with a guide who is a good family friend. I struggled to cast the rod, keep a drift, and hook a fish. I remember seeing some nice trout swim in shallow water and just wanting to use my spinning rod and lure to catch them. Later, when I was 19, my cousin took me out on the Lower Sac in his drift boat and I caught my first trout on the fly. I was hooked after that! I made it my obsession to learn to cast, mend, get good drifts, hook sets and fighting the fish.
How did you get started as a fishing guide?
I enjoy being outdoors and taking people fishing and decided I wanted to spend as much time as I could with people and becoming a fishing guide was just a logical choice. Once I started, I couldn’t get enough of it. Being able to get people onto their first fish, or just having a great time on the river is about as good a job as there is.
If you had one piece of advice to give to your guide clients, what would it be?
There is so much more to fly fishing than just catching fish, having fun on the river should be your primary objective. Relax, slow down and have fun!
Favorite Fish to pursue?
They are all fun, Salmon are pretty, bass are fun, but rainbow trout! They come in so many different color variations and are just pretty fish.
What fly fishing destination is on your Bucket List?
Canada and New Zealand – both are beautiful locations, but the Steelhead in Canada…wow! And stalking giant trout in New Zealand would be awesome.
Favorite Fly Rod and Why?
My favorite fly rod is The Fly Shop Indicator rod because it’s a great bang for the buck, it comes with two tips, compares to all of the name brand rods and if it breaks I can take it to the shop to get it fixed.
Favorite Reel and Why:
My favorite reel is the Sage large arbor because it reels line in really fast and has a smooth drag.
Favorite Fly and Why?
My favorite fly is the rubber legs because it looks cool and works in diverse waterways. You can catch fish in just about any freestone river with one.
What is your greatest fly fishing extravagance?
My drift boat or Sage rod. Being able to float into areas you can’t wade can’t be beat.
Which living or non-living fly fisher would you want to spend a day Fly Fishing with?
Shyanne Orvis – a guy can dream.
Who are your favorite writers?
Billy Molls, he has led such an interesting life in Alaska.
What single issue in fly fishing do you feel has the greatest adverse potential?
Social media can have an adverse impact on the fisheries by drawing attention to fragile ecosystems and give people unwarranted expectations of what they can expect.
What is your most memorable fly fishing trip you’ve taken?
Fishing the Pit River this summer with my friends, we were wet wading, swam the river and had a blast. It was dry flies, rattlesnakes, a bear, and some deer. Perfect!
Which talent or natural gift would you most like to have?
Super Speed.
Who are your heroes in real life?
God, Billy molls, my mom, my sisters and brother
What is your Fly Fishing Pet Peeve?
I don’t really have any.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
Probably an eagle or monkey. Eagles can fly, are strong and like to fish. Monkeys are smart, agile, can climb trees and that would be great to be able to do that.
Booking Bob for a day of guided fishing
To book Bob or one of our other excellent guides, please give us a call at 800-669-3474 during business hours any day of the week, or email us at bryan@theflyshop.com or chris@theflyshop.com anytime. We can give you the answers you need, detailed explanations to questions you might have, or check on availability and confirm your reservation in minutes.