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Ethan Stone, our Lead Guide since the summer of 2019, has become an essential part of Team NROC. A Charlottesville, VA native, Ethan graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in National Security and Foreign Affairs, and a minor in Russian. He was president of the Virginia Tech Bass Fishing Team and a former high school bass fishing team National Champion runner-up. Over his six years of guiding, Ethan has developed a true passion for targeting giant river smallmouths, constantly experimenting with new patterns to stay ahead of the fish. His easy-going demeanor makes him a natural with anglers of all skill levels, particularly young anglers and their families. Ethan excels at introducing clients to new techniques and fishing strategies. |
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Randy Fuqua has been guiding with us on and off for years, but in recent years, he’s become an integral part of our team. Known as a true smallmouth fanatic, Randy is a go-to guide if you’re looking to land big river smallmouths. He spends countless hours on both the New and James Rivers, constantly refining his skills and sharing his knowledge with clients and friends. In 2016, Randy earned a spot in the prestigious "6lb Club" with a trophy New River smallmouth, a notable achievement for any river angler. We’re proud to have him on our team, even if we have to overlook his loyalty to the Tennessee Vols (Leigh, a Florida Gator alum, might not always agree!). |
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Mike Delp, originally from southwest Virginia, has returned to the area after spending 20 years living in Pennsylvania. Throughout his life, Mike has been an avid smallmouth angler, fishing rivers from the New and James Rivers in Virginia to the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania and the St. Lawrence River in New York. Over the years, he has honed his skills on a variety of waterways, gaining invaluable experience that he’s now applying to the New River with great success. Mike’s diverse fishing background and wealth of knowledge make him an essential member of our guide team, and we’re fortunate to have him on board. |
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Matt Tuggle joined our guide team in the spring of 2024. A native of Bassett, VA, Matt grew up fly fishing the Smith River for trout and spin fishing Philpott Lake for bass. He attended Averett University, where he played baseball, covering the outfield and pitching in weekend series, while earning a degree in Biomedical Sciences and Coaching. Matt is a local high school Biology and Ecology teacher, as well as the head baseball coach. He brings an educational approach to his guide trips, teaching clients fishing strategies and techniques they can use in future outings. In his free time, Matt is passionate about all types of fishing, from fly to spin and everything in between. |
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Britt Stoudenmire, our Lead Guide Emeritus, is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech and The Citadel. During his time at VT, he had the honor of pitching for the legendary Hall of Fame baseball coach Chuck Hartman. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Britt has been hunting and fishing for as long as he can remember. As a dedicated catch-and-release angler, he is passionate about preserving our watersheds. Britt has a particular love for big fish, and much of his winter and early spring guiding is focused on targeting mature river smallmouth and musky. He enjoys teaching his clients the specialized techniques needed to pursue these prized species. To Britt, every day on the New River is a privilege, and he lives by the words of Psalm 118:24: "This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." |
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Publications that we have had the opportunity to contribute to, or have written for, include VA & WV Game and Fish, Bassmasters, In-Fisherman, American Angler, Fly Fisherman, Cabela's Outfitter Journal, Musky Hunter, Coastal Angler, and many more. A special thanks goes out to all the amazing writers that have visited us namely Bruce Ingram, Darl Black, Jeff Samsel, Dr. Rob, and all the others I am sure I am forgetting. Thanks so much for giving us a voice in this crazy business. |
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These fine companies have supported us over the years, and we use and trust in their products; G.Loomis, Shimano, Power Pro, Gamma, Ross, Scientific Anglers, Frog Hair, Royal Wulff, Patagonia, Chaco, Smith Optics, Kast Extreme Gear, Llungen Lures, Stealth Tackle, Drifter Tackle, and Simms. |
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