West Virginia native Bubba Holt has fished all over–but his passion for angling always brings him back to the Mountain State, where he has fished more than 650 streams. In 2013, Holt survived a near-fatal car accident, which required that he relearn how to walk. His best friends knew the remedy: get him back on the water. (Holt’s story is featured in the book Healing Waters: Veterans’ Stories of Recovery in Their Own Words.) Striving to give back, Holt is part of a team organizing the annual Trout Unlimited-sponsored veteran fly-fishing outing at Thornwood (WV) 4H Camp. He also spent several years organizing the state fly-fishing school for the West Virginia State Council of TU. When he isn’t at home in Parkersburg with wife Sarah, children Brett and Emma, and hounds Maggie, Jazzie, and Rosie, Holt may be found in the mountains, at the Outer Banks, or chasing musky on the fly. Bubba Holt’s life is a testament to the healing power of water, the deep camaraderie of fellow anglers, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Don’t miss Holt’s new specialty limited seating class being offered this year. Wine & Woolly Buggers co-taught by Shannon Horton owner of Horton’s Vineyard. This class combines education of the most effective trout flies in the Mid-Atlantic and combines it with a wine tasting 101 class. Stay tuned for more details on this new class.