T: 226 383 3474
GRO is product of three partners, each bringing a different element to the business. Together, we bring over 50 years of experience to the table in retailing, sales and the fly fishing trade. This is important to our customers as our breadth of thinking and application is broader than most. We will ensure to you that we not only stock what we believe in but also what you, the customer requires. We promise to provide you with what you need and not what just what we have.
Rob is a third generation fly fisher that got his start on Canada’s east coast. Even from the youngest age, he has aspired to take that love and turn it into a vocation. As a professional guide of 15 years, Rob’s work has taken him across the country and as far away as Patagonia. Rob has appeared on television and in magazines and has written several articles for national and regional publications.
As part of the natural evolution of a trout bum and after 20 years of guiding, he Scott and Tania have taken the plunge into the retail world. Rob’s promise to you, the customer is simple: “You won’t find better service anywhere and all though we can’t stock everything, we will have something for everyone.”
Scott received his fly fishing baptism on the Sackville River in Nova Scotia and like so many, was addicted to the game. He possesses a skill set that goes along with the passion and is one of those annoying individuals that can hook a fish in a mud puddle. He’s taken Atlantic Salmon and brook trout in Nova Scotia, rainbows in the Sierra Nevada’s and has tangled with most of the major species found in the Gulf of Mexico.
To say that Scott has done it all is an understatement. He owned his first business when he was 15 and spent several years in the sporting goods trade in Halifax. By the age of 25, he had traveled much of the world, gaining that kind of life experience that few get.
He spent over 20 years in the U.S. travelling and fishing from California to Florida before making his way back to Canada where he resides now with his wife Tania. Scott has owned successful businesses in both countries and brings a very fresh and invigorating look at fly fishing retail in southern Ontario.
Tania is the glue that binds and keeps the engine running on all cylinders. You will find her working the floor, but mainly she will be keeping Scott and Rob in check. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo and has an extensive retail background in merchandising and brings a very fresh look to the business with our ladies apparel and antiques.
John discovered his passion for fly fishing over 35 years ago and since then has chased fish from Alberta to the Gaspe and south to the Caribbean. John and his wife Cathy now live on the banks of the Grand River in Fergus and we are delighted to have him back on our team! When not guiding, teaching or in the shop, John can be found with a cane rod and a box of his soft hackle flies fly fishing the upper Grand River.
Nick grew up on The Grand River in Fergus Ontario and was drawn to fly fishing at the age of 14. Like so many others, tying flies and fly fishing quickly became a passion and at 15 he began working for the local fly shop where he was mentored by some of the best anglers in the East. He continued in the business part time through his years at the University of Guelph where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree.
Currently, Nick has established a career as a project manager for an engineering consulting firm in Fergus, however his passion for fly fishing has brought him to pro staff level with R.L. Winston fly rods, Bauer reels, and Simms. He continues to hone his skills in all aspects of fly fishing and his relaxed style of teaching and guiding make him a sought after instructor for all skill levels. Nick can be contacted for guiding/instruction through Grand River Outfitting and Fly Shop.
Living near the banks of the Saugeen River and having fished it for over 20 years, Keith Blair would have to be considered one of the preeminent specialists on that system. That does not limit his breadth of knowledge though as he frequently fishes and guides on every major system in the region.
Keith’s knowledge of fish and their behavior augments his skill with a fly rod but he is equally comfortable with conventional tackle making him our go to guide for the non-fly fisher. He targets all major species in the area and is one or our two “go to” muskie hunters.
When Ethan first began frequenting the shop several years ago, we knew he was someone we wanted working with us. Mature and skilled beyond his age, Ethan never fails to deliver and impress. Living within walking distance of the Grand River tail water, he spends more time on it than most, constantly honing his skills both as an angler and guide. Ethan has been guiding, instructing and working in the shop since 2014 and has become a regular face throughout the trout water.
Jacob began working with us several years ago as a high school student and we immediately recognized his merits as a potential pro-staffer. Since then, he has worked with us on corporate projects, assisted with clinics and gradually morphed into a part time guide. Now, Jacob splits his time between studies at Sir Sanford Flemming and guiding with us. As a Fergusite, he has been fly fishing the Grand River for most of his life and knows it top to bottom. His relaxed approach to fly fishing and teaching his trade makes him a sought-after guide and instructor by all skill levels.
If there is a fly fishing gene, Jason King has it. There really isn’t a weakness in Jay’s game and be it on the water or at the fly tying bench, he strives every day to improve and become a more accomplished angler. Despite his success though, Jay remains humble and friendly and is an absolute joy to spend time with.
His passion has taken him across North America to search for trout, where he has learn with some of the best anglers on the continent. These skills and experiences bring a wealth of knowledge which he is more than willing to pass on to students.
Grand River Outfitting is very pleased to have Jay joining our team for 2017.
Mikey Metcalfe is a staple in the Southern Ontario Fly Fishing community. He is a certified casting instructor with the FFF and a Fly Fishing Guide in Southern Ontario. Having travelled the world fly fishing from Argentina to the Carribean, the Rocky Mountains to the Adirondacks and right across Canada. Mikey now calls Fergus, Ontario his home right on the banks of the famous Grand River.
