OUR TEAM

Carrie Copithorne – Owner

Carrie was born near Miami, Florida. Her Dad, John Koger, was a member of the Miami Sport Fishing Club where notable fly fishing pioneers included the likes of Flip Pallot and the incomparable Lefty Kreh.

Carrie and John were inseparable during her formative years and more often than not, Carrie opted for fishing as the weekend father-daughter activity. They explored local lakes as well as the prevalent mangrove estuaries, flats and reefs found throughout this part of South Florida. After moving out west, with her family, she ultimately moved to Northern California to purse a Bachelor’s degree from Pacific Union College in the Napa Valley.

It was during those college years that she ventured into the Sierra Nevada’s and caught her first trout on a fly rod.

Carrie stayed in the Napa Valley for her career and started a family. When inquiring visitors to the valley asked about fly fishing options in the area, the idea of starting Off the Hook Fly Fishing was born. Off the Hook’s current vision on conservation and providing the very highest quality fly fishing experiences for our friends and clients sprang from Carrie’s love of the outdoors and her expanding fly fishing horizons.

She has traveled throughout the North America, South America and Europe catching a myriad of species. Her favorite methods of fly fishing are casting dries for trout in the western United States, or stalking elusive bonefish on the warm sun drenched flats of the Equator. She is sponsored by Sage, Patagonia and Smith.

Click here to send Carrie an email or call (707)225-2366.

Dr. Ryan Hawks - Guide

Ryan grew up in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California where life in the outdoors was the rule and fishing and other shenanigans happened every day after school untill it was too dark to see. In college, at the suggestion of good pal Mike Copithorne he picked up a fly rod and began a life long love affair with the sport. What officially began at local ponds in the Napa Valley and Putah Creek in College has led to a passion pursuit that has taken him all over the planet. On top of serving in the United States Air Force and a member of AFSOC as a trauma surgeon, he is a fantastic and innovative tyer and fly fishing guide. Ryan currently guides for Red Fish and other in shore species in Louisiana and near his home in the Florida Pan Handle and hosts fly fishing travel to far off destinations. When not guiding, he can be found fishing Homosassa for Tarpon, fishing New Orleans for Reds with family and friends or scuba diving to help eradicate invasive species like the Lionfish. Ryan enjoys traveling with family and often journeys to far off destinations with his fly rods and dive gear in tow.

Ryan is a great story teller, patient instructor, dedicated guide, loyal friend, doting husband and fantastic father. He is one of the best people we know and incredibly adept at talking anyone within ear shot into trying something new. If you happen to be lucky enough to be spending time with him, you had better prepare for an epic adventure! And just FYI the words “no” or “I can’t” are not in his vocabulary so be prepared to operate outside your comfort zone. But don’t worry, it WILL be fun! Trust us! We have been luck enough to be on just a few said adventures since 1991!

Call (707)287-2939 to connect with Ryan

Joshua Schwartz - Guide, Chef

Began guiding with us in 2008!

Since Joshua was a little boy he was fascinated with fishing. As a child he used to spend his summers exploring the local ponds of his neighborhood in Pennsylvania. Catching bluegill, sunnies, and small mouth using jigs and bait became an obsession. When visiting his Grandmother on Long island she knew she could entertain him with fishing for flounder off a local pier. As he grew older Joshua set his sights on following in his late Grandfathers footsteps as a Chef. Career driven he worked his way through some local restaurants on weekends and after school. After High school Joshua set out to sew his wild oats in Colorado. Winter was occupied with Snowboarding while summer was spent mountain biking and trout fishing. After receiving some pressure from his parents Joshua took the next step in his culinary career by applying to the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont. The next few years were crucial for Joshua’s path to becoming a Chef. He worked at some of the finest restaurants in the country starting out at the bottom and diligently working his way up.

It was while waiting for a kitchen build out for a new job that Joshua was permanently introduced to fly fishing. Joshua accepted an invite to fish Hat Creek and the Pitt River here in Northern California. He was so taken with the experience that he purchased his first fly outfit on the ride home from The Fly Shop in Redding...and the rest as they say is history. He has been chucking bugs ever since! 

Josh did his first trip for us way back in 2009 and our guests and staff have many great memories on the water with him.

Currently Joshua lives in Windsor, California and holds the position of executive winery chef for Del Dotto Vineyards and owns Travel Creel Hospitality to bring together fine dining with fly fishing travel. When not presenting food to guests he busies himself presenting flies to fish. He is a knowledgeable fly fishing guide and his passion for food and wine is rivaled only by his voracious appetite for chasing Coastal Steelhead and salt water species like Tarpon and Permit. You will thoroughly enjoy, and never forget a day spent on the water with Joshua Schwartz. You better come ready to fish and eat good too!

Click here to book Josh Schwartz or call (707)287-2939.

Ryan Williams - Guide, Fly Tyer, Instructor

With us since 2007!

Born and raised in Vacaville CA, Ryan followed in his dads footsteps into the outdoors. Early on, he became a student of fly fishing, cutting his teeth on Putah Creek at a young age. He began fly fishing and tying in 2003 and guiding in 2006 and while working at Sweeneys in 2007 he guided his first clients for us.

After settling down right next to Lake Oroville, he now focusses on both warm water species like bass on his home lake, Clear Lake and Lake Berryessa. He is also equally gifted guiding for Steelhead and trout on the Feather and Lower Sacramento and will mix in some Shad and Striper fishing when they come within range for his clients. 

Ryan pioneered in bringing the “float and fly” technique to fly fishing on Sierra Foothill lakes for Bass. He is not only an innovative guide and tyer, but someone we have come to respect over the years! He is super knowledgeable about his craft but also very humble and is a blast to spend the day on the water with due to his positive personality and winning attitude fish catching prowess!

Ryan guides Lake Oroville, Clearlake and Berryessa for Bass, Feather for Steelhead and the Lower Sacramento for Trout.

Click here to book Ryan or call (707) 287-2939.

Captain Bryce Tedford - Guide

Guiding with us since 2015!

Bryce grew up on Bainbridge Island Washington and it was here during these formative years that he learned to fish for Silvers, Cutthroat & King Salmon off the beaches of Puget Sound. He began guiding in 1997 right out of High School and in the years since fly fishing has taken him to far off destinations. From various rivers and lakes in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, to Argentina and Chile. He has also fished extensively in Montana, California, Fiji, Cuba & the Bahamas to name a few.

Bryce has been learning, enjoying and teaching the art of fly fishing for over 25 yrs. He truly enjoys the opportunity to share my knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm and obsession for chasing fish on a Fly Rod.

Since moving to Northern California 4 years ago, Bryce has focused his attention on Stripers, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass in the CA Delta and its surrounding tributaries. Stripers and Bass are a unique freshwater game fish Bryce passionately pursues; these fish are predatory hunters who will attack a fly vigorously! We highly recommend spending a day in his boat chasing these guys! So much so that we have hired him to personally guide us and our family members when they are in the area! He is a very patient instructor and works great with young anglers as well as with all types of people and experience levels.

Bryce is fully Licensed, Bonded and Insured. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential, CA Guide License and First Aid/CPR/AED certification. 

Captain Bryce guides the Delta for Striper, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass.

Click here to book Bryce Tedford or call (707) 287-2939.

Peter Santley - Guide

Peter started doing trips for us on the Truckee back in 2016!

Peter Santley is the epitome of a passionate professional fly fishing guide. He has a wealth of experience and a deep knowledge of various California rivers like the Sacramento River, Trinity River, Truckee River, East Walker, and West Walker Rivers, Peter's expertise shines through in every fishing excursion. His love for the art of fly fishing is evident as he leads anglers to the best spots, offering an unparalleled experience fishing for trout and steelhead. He came to us back in 2016 as has become a trusted guide and friend. Peter's dedication and commitment to providing exceptional adventures on the water make him the go-to choice for those seeking the ultimate fishing experience in the beautiful rivers of California. He is a master of his craft. With his extensive expertise honed over years of experience, Peter has become a trusted authority in the field. His deep understanding of fly fishing techniques, knowledge of various fishing locations, and keen sense of fish behavior make him an invaluable resource for Off the Hook guests seeking an exceptional fishing experience. Peter's passion for fly fishing is contagious, and his ability to impart his skills and insights to others is a testament to his expertise. Whether guiding beginners or accompanying seasoned anglers, Peter Santley's unmatched proficiency in fly fishing ensures that every trip is filled with excitement, learning, and unforgettable moments on the water.

Peter guides the Truckee, Little Truckee, Lower Sacramento for Trout and Trinity for Steelhead.

Click here to book Peter Santley or call (707) 287-2939.

Mark Antaramian - Guide

With us since 2017.

Mark is a second generation Lake Almanor fly fisherman who cut his teeth on this fantastic Northern Sierra lake in the early 80’s. He is a consummate professional who spends more time honing his craft than most people we know. He has been fishing and guiding on Lake Almanor, Eagle Lake and Lake Davis since 1984 and is a wealth of knowledge on these fantastic big trout lakes. His approach is part science, part years of trial and error with a huge dose of curiosity. Mark fishes year round and catches some pretty unbelievable fish for our guests every season.

Mark guides Lake Almanor for large Rainbows, Browns and Smallmouth and Lake Davis for trout.

Click here to book Mark Antaramian or call (707) 287-2939.

Mike Curtis - Guide

Mike has been rocking Truckee guide trips since 2017.

MIke is one of the rising stars on our team and is currently one of our top guides at Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River and all the surrounding streams and rivers on both the Nevada and California sides of Lake Tahoe.

Mike was born in Livermore California in 1982 and moved to Reno Nevada at age 5. From an early age he was spending time in the outdoors hunting, fishing, skiing and riding horses. He got his first fly rod when he was 13 and started tying flies soon after. Mike was an accomplished skier and after high school he accepted an offer from a college in Colorado to join the Ski Team. Mike spent the next two years studying Biology in school and eventually took a job working on a ranch there. Soon Mike once again relocated to Reno to continue his studies and changed his major to Equine Science. Mike was introduced to the working side of fly fishing in 2007 Mike took a job at Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters as a fly-fishing guide. He spent the next 8 years taking people fishing around the Reno Tahoe area, all the while honing his own skills and keeping up with new technology in the fly-fishing world. Mike left the fly shop to take a few chances on his own as an independent guide and a key member to our team in 2017.

Mike is what we refer to our “Work Horse” which is a fitting nickname in so many ways. Mike takes on all comers and rarely turns down an opportunity to be on the water, both with clients, friends or by himself. Not only do we keep him pretty busy at Pyramid Lake but we also feature him for Truckee float trips on the Nevada side. Mike currently resides in the Reno area and is married and has a three wonderful daughters. We are lucky to have Mike as part of our crew and look forward to see where his path takes him in the years to come.

Mike guides The Truckee on both the California and Nevada sides for Browns and Rainbows and Pyramid Lake for huge Cutthroats!

Click here to book Mike Curtis or call (707) 287-2939.

Rob George - Guide

With us since 2018.

Robby came to us through us back in 2018 as a recommendation of local Putah Creek legend Jordan Romney. Jordan was absolutely spot on when he told us “this kids a stud, we need to get him on the program”! Rob actually started started fly fishing long before that at 13 years of age, and has been on the water virtually every free moment since. He is patient and laid back, but a very skilled guide. He enjoys teaching guests about being a successful, responsible and ethical angler. His home water is Putah Creek near his home on Napa, but he also guides the Lower Yuba, Feather, Lower Sacramento and Trinity Rivers. He is the perfect guide for anglers of all skill levels and offers excursions to some of California's most pristine fishing locations. He can tailor a trip suitable for your experience level and specialized needs. With his expertise in fish spotting and catching strategies your sure to have fun on the water with him but also leave a better angler.

Rob guides Putah Creek and the Lower Sacramento for Trout and Trinity River for Steelhead.

Click here to book Rob George or call (707) 287-2939.

Tommy Shaw- Guide

With us since 2018

Tommy started fly fishing 25 years ago in Alaska where some members of his family still live. He began guiding 6 years ago and loves teaching people to fish as much as catching them himself. He is a great guy to spend a day on the water with. He is a guy we can always count on to show our guests a great time.

Tommy guides Putah Creek for some of the largest trout in the state.

Click here to book Tommy or call (707) 287-2939.

Captain Gregg Holland - Guide

Started doing San Francisco guide trips for us in 2018.

Off the Hook Fly Fishing is happy to have Captain Gregg Holland on our team. We connected with him in 2018 and he has been doing trips on the San Francisco Bay for us ever since. 

Gregg grew up on a tidal marshes of the San Francisco Bay and got his first skiff at ten years old. He’s been hunting and fishing Northern California for over forty years. His dad was a waterman and operated tugs and ferries on the SF Bay starting in the early fifties. From him Gregg learned respect for the Ocean and commitment to safety. He has fished and guided from Alaska to Baja and several points in between. Fishing with a guy as dedicated and experienced in fishing the Bay as Gregg is, often leads to some exciting action and unforgettable memories! 

Jump on his boat, grab a rod and hang on!

Gregg guides the San Francisco Bay for saltwater species like striper, halibut and kelp bass.

Click here to book Gregg or call (707) 287-2939.

Ben Thomson - Guide

Started with us way back in 2019!

Ben is a Northern California native and grew up in the country catching bass and bluegill on farm ponds with conventional tackle. As a teenager he dove headfirst into the world of fly fishing and never looked back. He cut his teeth on the local rivers chasing trout, steelhead, shad and stripers. As his passion grew he began to travel in search of adventure and new waters and species to target. At age 19 he took on the trout bum lifestyle and spent an entire summer in Montana camping out of his vehicle throwing dry flies trout every day. This quest for adventure and new species to challenge him has takin him to to far flung locations such as New Zealand for large trout, the Amazon for peacock bass, Hawaii for bonefish, and South Florida for tarpon, along with trout in many other states including guiding at a premier lodge in Alaska. He incorporates information gathered from different areas to improve his local fishing game and maximize the experience for guests in his boat.

Now in his thirties, Ben spends most every day year on the Lower Yuba, Sacramento, Feather, American or Putah Creek or a couple other other local waters. He is another one of our guides with private permitted access to do float trips on the Lower Yuba. The variety these rivers provide keeps things interesting for him and his guests. By keeping it to five main fisheries, he feels he is better able to keeping current on what is going on on each unique fishery and provide the highest level of service for our guests. Ben is a very passionate and genuine individual, he has a strong work ethic and cares deeply that guests have fun and success on the water. He has the ability to adjust the day even out on the water to meet changing conditions or guests needs. Regardless of whether you want to focus on learning, catch as many fish as possible, go after a new species, target a personal best, or merely want to just have a laid back day on the water, he will tailor each trip accordingly. This results in many happy guests and repeat customers. See why he is so highly sough after and often booked up months in advance!

Ben guides the Lower Yuba and Lower Sacramento for trout, Lower Feather for Steelhead, Lake Oroville for Bass and Striper on several California Rivers.

Click here to book Ben Thompson or call (707) 287-2939.

Clayton Ono - Guide

Started guiding with us on Putah Creek in 2020.

Born and raised in Vacaville CA, Clayton is a local Putah Creek expert. Growing up about 15 minutes from Putah and fishing pretty much his whole life he knows it very very well. Consequently "the creek" has always had a very special place in his heart, and it shows on his trips. A very passionate angler, Clayton is a top notch river steward. All this with an easy-going laid back demeanor make for a very pleasant, memorable and productive time on the water for Off the Hook guests going back to 2019. Having literally run a fly through every nook and cranny Putah has to offer hundreds of times, he has the creek absolutely dialed and is more than ready to put his guests on some real solid trout!

Clayton guides Putah Creek for big wild trout.

Click here to book Clayton Ono or call (707) 287-2939.

Mat Squillante - Head Guide, Instructor

Started with us in 2021.

Mat Squillante was raised in a small town on the Rhode Island coast. From an early age, he showed a genuine love for fishing, both salt and freshwater. Any free time not spent on the sports field, was spent chasing bluegill, perch, pickerel, striped bass, bluefish, tuna, flounder or trout. If he wasn’t home or at sports practice, his parents knew he was fishing a local river or pond. At age 12, he received a fly rod and a fly- tying kit, which lit a fire that still burns intensely today, 36 years later.

Volunteering with disabled veterans, guiding friends and some prompting from a fly shop owner, led Mat to Clearwater Lodge’s guide school, where he finished first in his class. He made the choice to trade his office space and computer screen, for wild California rivers. We trust you will agree he made the right choice! Since he started with us in 2019 Mat has been a big part of the behind the scenes work for Off the Hook and someone we can count on.

Mat is well versed on waters like Putah Creek, the Feather, Lower Sacramento, Deer Creek, Hat Creek and Lower Yuba where he holds one of a handful coveted private access permits above highway 20 to float the river.

Guests on the water with Mat will experience his passion, excitement, knowledge for the sport and love of the environment. Chasing wild fish, whether walk and wade or float, Mat structures each day based on the experience that best meets your needs. The river "runs deep" with him and your day with him will be full of great conversation, skills honed, plenty of laughs and full of memories!

Mat guides the Yuba, Upper and Lower Sacramento, McCloud, and Hat Creek for Trout and the Feather for Steelhead.

Click here to book Mat Squillante or call (707) 287-2939.

Jeremy Wright - Guide

Guiding for Off the Hook on the Truckee and Pyramid Since 2021.

Jeremy has been guiding for almost 2 decades now on the rivers of the Eastern Sierra/NorCal and on Pyramid Lake. Never one to turn down an adventure, Jeremy has fished on just about every creek and stream in the area. If you want to focus on throwing dries, nymphing with an indicator, tossing streamers or tight-lining, he can show you the way. Ask him about floating the local rivers too! Jeremy is a very patient instructor and a great teacher, Jeremy is ready to get you on fish and make your day a memorable one!

Jeremy guides the Truckee on the California and Nevada sides, East and West Carson and Walker Rivers for Trout, and Pyramid for Monster Cutthroats.

Click here to book Jeremy or call (707) 287-2939.

John Feaster - Guide, Northern California Fly Fishing Reports

Jumped in back in 2023 to guide for us.

Johnny Feaster is a one-of-a-kind fishing guide with 25 years of experience. He has a reputation for catching big fish and showing his clients a really good time. 

Born and raised in Vacaville, Johnny is a 12th generation Californian who grew up fishing the rivers and lakes of Northern California, rivers of Alaska, and the coast of Baja, Mexico. In college at Sac State, Johnny played football, but his heart was always on the river! 

As a local to Winters, he is just minutes from some of truly epic fishing spots. His specialties are Bass fishing at Lake Berryessa, and Wading in Putah Creek for Trout. He’s also well versed on the American River, Feather River, Sacramento River, Yuba river and Coastal surf Perch. 

For the past 10 years, Johnny has spent part of the summer seasons in Alaska honing his techniques for catching world class Steelhead and Salmon. He hooked up with us in the Spring of 2023 and quickly became popular with our guests and someone our staff can depend on!

John takes pride in showing clients new techniques in hopes that when they’ve completed a guided trip, they leave with skills that last them a lifetime. 

He looks forward to sharing his passion with you, and helping you pull out the catch of your life! 

Johnny guides, Putah Creek trout, Lake Berryessa bass and the American River Steelhead and Shad.

Click here to book Johnny Feaster or call (707) 287-2939.

Maciel Wolff - Guide

Started guiding for Off the Hook in 2023.

Maciel Wolf (Mossy) has been an avid fly fisher about as long as he can remember. He grew up in Santa Cruz CA but quickly fell in love the trout rivers and mountains of Northern California. His summers are spent chasing trout in many of Nor Cal’s premier fly fishing destinations in and around Redding. Come wintertime he dedicates his time to chasing steelhead across the length of their Pacific Coast. Maciel graduated at the top of his class from Clearwater Guide School so he has all of the knowledge and tools to make for a great day on the water regardless of skill level. Outside of fly fishing Maciel’s biggest passions include archery hunting, and foraging for wild edibles in the mountains he calls home. 

Mossy guides the Fall River, Upper and Lower Sacramento, Pit, McCloud, Hat Creek for Trou and Trinity for Steelhead.

Click here to book Maciel Wolff or call (707) 287-2939.

Porter Simonis - Guide

Started guiding for us in 2023
Born and raised in Northern California, Porter Simonis has always been in love with the outdoors. At a young age, he started spin fishing all the local fishing spots. It wasn’t until high school that he was introduced into fly fishing by good buddies. It was game over when he hooked his first fish on a fly rod. As he fell in love with the sport, he began to realize that the true adventure lies within the places it takes you and the life long friends you meet along the way. Catching fish is the bonus! Becoming a guide in 2020, he spent 2 years guiding at the Clearwater lodge near Fall River. He is proficient in guiding all the great waters Northern California has to offer. Porter’s contagious smile and easy going personality will have you enjoying your day from start to finish, while in search of those fish that will create a lifetime memory. 

Along with the Fall River, Porter also guides the Pit River, Hat Creek, McCloud, Upper and Lower Sacramento and Trinity.

Click here to book Porter or call (707) 287-2939.

Dana Vargas - Marketing/Social Media

With us in 2010!

We are very thankful to have Dana as part of this team! She helps us with social media content creation and marketing efforts. She is a lifelong outdoor lover and travel enthusiast. She loves adventures with family, friends and her pup Samson. Hiking, fly fishing, camping, sky diving are some of her favorites activities. Click here to email Dana or call (707) 287-2939. Follow her on Instagram here @dana_wanderlust and Samson at @samsons_spoiled_life