Born and raised in Texas, John grew up fishing for spotted seatrout and redfish on the flats and developed a passion for saltwater fly fishing. His passion led him to Florida in 2001 to chase the fish that inhabit its Southwest Florida coast. Before becoming a full-time guide, John taught high school marine sciences and worked as an ecological consultant. Preferring the classroom of the backcountry, he replaced his chalk with a 22′ push pole.