Huntsville, Alabama Project

 I grew up in Southern California ocean fishing the jetties, and surf beginning at age 6. I loved it.  Summertime I would ride my bike with my rod and gear 7 miles to the local jetty and fish. That led to fishing for tuna and many other species as far south as 100 miles south of Cabo San Lucas.  

At 16, I was introduced to trout fishing by a family friend and I was hooked immediately.  I love fishing a river, stream, orcreek.  After retiring, I travelled full time in a RV with my fishing equipment fishing in a number of states. Then in 2019, living in the hill country of Texas, I was introduced to fly fishing and tying, I was an immediate convert. I now travel and fly fish all over the world. 

I have been fortunate and blessed to have had a number of wonderful mentors in my own life. I know what a difference they make. Part of my purpose in life is to give back and make a positive impact on kids thru fly fishing and discovering the beauty of nature. 

I believe it’s better & easier to raise a healthy kid, than to fix them later in life. I consider an honor to be a mentor with the MayFly Project.  

I am a native of Huntsville, AL and was fortunate enough to be introduced to fishing before being able to walk. I grew up fishing the Tennessee River lakes and as an adult have been lucky enough to flyfish all over the country in both fresh and saltwater. The best part of flyfishing for me has been sharing time on the water with my wife Susan who always catches the bigger fish. I look forward teaching the children who particpate in the Mayfly Project and also learning from them.

A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jeremiah developed a love for fly fishing as a teenager, wading the streams of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He left his East Tennessee home to pursue higher education in other states around the southeast, until he settled in Alabama with his wife and two daughters, first as an assistant professor at a regional state university and now as a private school administrator in Huntsville. You can find him on local waters about every weekend. He is honored to serve as lead mentor for the Huntsville Mayfly Project and share the wonderful gift of fly fishing to area children in foster care!

Brandon Jackson is married to Mary Carole, and together they have two daughters. They make their home in central Alabama, where Brandon enjoys fishing for rainbow trout in the cold waters of the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, just below Lewis Smith Lake Dam. Since 2005, Brandon and his wife have owned and operated Riverside Fly Shop. He has a passion for teaching—whether it’s casting lessons, fly tying, or guiding clients toward a deeper love of fly fishing. Brandon is eager to bring his experience and commitment to service to benefit those involved in The Mayfly Project.

I was born and raised in Augusta, GA where I took up kayak fishing in 2017 and ultimately learned to fly fish.  Most of my time fly fishing has been spent in western NC and TN (GSMNP) fishing for trout.  In October 2023, I moved to Double Springs, AL which is my husband’s hometown.  I now very much enjoy wade fishing local creeks and rivers.  I am an all-around nature nerd and find the most joy being outdoors hiking, birdwatching, photography, camping and generally exploring.  I hope to inspire kids to love nature as much as I do and learn to reap the benefits of connecting with the outdoors.