I struggled with what to write about myself. So, here's an interview that I did with a fishing magazine recently. It basically covers everything.

Name:

Steve Hoovler

Address:

West Yellowstone , MT

Email:

stevehoovler@aol.com

Date of Birth (D/M/Yr):

01/06/77

How long have you been fly fishing, and how did you get started?

I started fly fishing when I was a young kid, probably 10 years old. I grew up fishing with my father in Pennsylvania .

What’s your current profession? If in current position for less than a year, what was your prior profession?

Currently, I’m making a run at being a fishing bum. Previously, I was the co-owner of a fly shop.

What’s your primary and/or favorite home water?

The Madison River

What notable destinations have you fished?

Montana , Yellowstone , Idaho , Wyoming , Washington , Pennsylvania , Florida , Mexico , Belize , Bahamas

Is your preference freshwater or saltwater?

Freshwater, but it’s a close call somedays.

What’s your favorite place you’ve fished (and what was it that made it memorable)?

The Madison River . Nothing has ever been able to match the Madison , for me, in overall experience; the scenery, the variety of fishing situations, the fish, the sense of place.

What’s your favorite species to fish for, and why?

Yellowstone Cutthroat. While there might be other fish that offer more interesting or challenging fishing situations, none live in more wild and unique places than the Yellowstone Cutthroat.

What’s your ultimate fly fishing trip (assuming time, money and practicality were not issues!)?

I feel like I’m living my ultimate fishing trip.

What’s your primary rod and reel?

A Winston 9' 5wt with a CFO reel.

What is it that draws you to the sport of fly fishing (imagine you are explaining it to a non-angler)?

Fly Fishing can be a very involved sport that revolves around the natural cycles of fish and bugs, and takes place in amazing environs. To become a good fly fisherman, you need to become intimately familiar with these cycles and environs. It’s that familiarity that gives you a certain level of appreciation, as well as the opportunity to play a part in these cycles as an actor plays a part in a play. Fly Fishing gives me the chance to live the life of a pale morning dun or a rainbow trout for a little bit each time I fish.

What do you consider your most outstanding achievement (in fishing, or otherwise!)?

Becoming a partner in Blue Ribbon Flies in 2001.

What’s your best “fish story”?

I’ve made my living listening to other people’s fish stories, and sharing mine with them. I have dozens of stories about big fish and special circumstances, but none are anything more than a day-to-day occasion. I’m still waiting for that “best fish story”. I think that’s part of what sends every fisherman out to the water each time.

What other interests/hobbies do you have?

Hunting, skiing, camping

What is something people might be surprised to know about you?

I hate to eat fish.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Spending four years in college back east, after realizing in High School, that what I really wanted was to be doing anything else out west.

Who is your hero?

Thomas Hudson

What else would you like us to know about yourself?

I listen to Uncle Tupelo, drink Jack on the rocks, eat my steaks medium rare, drive a Chevy Pick-up, drink too much coffee, would rather be at $3 Bridge at 8:00pm any night of the summer than anywhere else in the world, have a soft spot for dogs that point and my wife’s brown eyes, travel like a dirt bag, spend as much time in the back country as possible, and dream of someday living on a sailboat.