Our Fly Fishing Team - Hunter Banks Co

Our Fly Fishing Team

Hunter Banks relies on our fly fishing team of staff members to assist the customers that visit our shop. Even with innovative, new inventory and constantly changing fishing conditions, our fly fishing team is prepared to help every customer that we meet. Each team member has a distinct background and their expertise influences the way we operate. Learn more about each of our team members listed below.

	Frank Smith - Store Owner & World Angler Frank is the owner of Hunter Banks. He is an avid fisherman and you can often find him in the shop helping customers. When away from the shop, you can find Frank fishing for trout in Kamchatka and Argentina, chasing a variety of fish in Jupiter, Florida, or stalking bonefish on the flats of the Bahamas. He is always assisting customers, answering phone calls, and sharing his knowledge.
	Shane Buckner - Shop Manager & Staff Wrangler Shane is the shop manager for Hunter Banks. Born and raised a few miles up the road, Shane has fished many of the rivers in our area. With his local knowledge, he tailors the shop's inventory for the WNC angler. He also offers fly tying classes and enjoys teaching beginners the nuances of fly tying.
	Steve Newsome - Saltwater Guru Steve is a native of Asheville, NC. After fishing for trout during his youth, he has converted himself into a seasoned saltwater flyfisherman. Steve is a shop veteran and is available by appointment only. He hosts our saltwater excursions and would be happy to share his experience, expertise or answer any questions you may have about saltwater flyfishing.
	Forrest Marshall - Head Fly Fishing Guide - Tailwater Specialist Forrest is a native of Western North Carolina. He spends about 200 days a year on the water - he say's he pursuing a master's degree in freshwater fish psychology. He is equally at home chasing the finicky trout of the South Holston and Watauga tailwaters or stalking the wary fish of the WNC backcountry. If you see him in the shop, it's either freezing outside or he's tired of rowing his driftboat.
	Reba Brinkman - Program Director, Fly Fishing Instructor Reba Brinkman, known as our Social Chairperson, manages all of the Hunter Banks Co.'s events, public relations and fly fishing education. You'll find her behind the counter on days she's not teaching or hosting one of our many events. She is as genuine, knowledgeable and friendly as they come. Reba moved here from Boulder, Colorado . After spending nearly a decade chasing trout with a fly rod all over the west she settled down here in Asheville in 2005 and is enjoying the year round fly fishing diversity. Ask her what she thinks of Redfish on the fly.
	Thomas Weldon - E-commerce Manager Thomas Weldon manages the vastly growing website and online business of Hunter Banks Co. Along with Shane, they are responsible for the purchasing of major product lines such as Simms, Fishpond, Sage, Orvis plus more and making sure we have the best selection we can offer. Thomas has cultivated a passion for fly fishing and is eager to share his knowledge of techniques and gear.
	Jason Van Dyke - "The Best Fly Fishing Guide on the Planet" Jason is one of those guys that upon meeting him, you feel that you've known him your whole life. He is one of the funniest and hardest working guides we know and has a strong desire to see his clients succeed while having a great time when fishing with him. Like most guides, you can find Jason on the water when "not working", chasing anything that swims. A day with Jason will be unforgettable and will provide a belly ache from laughing so hard. Ask him about his levitating fish trick!

Simms Fly Fishing Waders & Boots	Asheville Fly Fishing Guides	Fly Fishing Alaska
Fishpond Fly Fishing Gear & Luggage	WNC Fly Fishing Guides	Fly Fishing Argentina
Sage Fly Fishing Rods & Reels	East Tennessee Fly Fishing Guides	Fly Fishing Crooked Island
Orvis Fly Fishing Rods & Reels	Fly Fishing Davidson River NC	Fly Fishing South Andros Island
Abel Fly Fishing Reels	Fly Fishing French Broad River NC	Fly Fishing Jupiter
Lamson Fly Fishing Reels	Fly Fishing Tuckaseegee River NC
Scientific Anglers Fly Fishing Lines	Fly Fishing South Holston River TN	Fly Fishing Instruction
Ross Fly Fishing Rods & Reels	Fly Fishing Watauga River TN	Fly Tying Instruction