Jonesboro, Arkansas Project

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Jonesboro, Arkansas Project

Project Mentors

JUSTIN YANCEY, LEAD MENTOR

Jonesboro, Arkansas

I was born and raised in Arkansas. I have been fishing since I could hold a pole, but I was first introduced to fly fishing in 2017. I found out firsthand how relaxing, and simultaneously, invigorating fly fishing can be. It has brought me calm when I have needed it. I have been constantly shown kindness by the fly-fishing community. It is a community of support. I am a Pediatrician in Paragould Arkansas, and I know very well that children in the foster care system often are missing a community atmosphere. I am happy to be a mentor to these children and introduce them to this wonderful sport. I hope it provides them a hobby to enjoy and introduces them to lifelong friends.

JASON MACDONALD, CO-LEAD MENTOR

Paragould, Arkansas

Jason MacDonald is a northeast Arkansas resident who has an amazing wife and two kids. I am extremely passionate about all things fly fishing. I enjoy teaching others about the intricate details of fly fishing and fly tying. Chasing all different species of fish on the fly rod has been an adventure. Watching my kids learn how to fly fish on the famous stream known as Dry Run Creek (I wish I could fish it) has been some of our best family memories. Helping children in foster care is something important to my wife and I and when I was introduced to the Mayfly project during Daly’s Streamer Love Fest in 2020, it was an easy decision to make on getting involved. What better way to help kids then teach them a lifelong skill!

NICK SALMON, MENTOR

Jonesboro, Arkansas

I originally grew up in Iowa until the age of 13. I moved to Mountain home and picked up a flyrod basically right when I got there. I grew up fishing dry run Creek and learning from people around me. I struggled at a young age with addiction and landed myself at John 316 when I was 24. Through going there I’ve developed a personal relationship with Jesus and have never been the same. I stayed on staff there for Three years, I met my wife there and we now live in Jonesboro. I am a welding during the week and a fly fisher on the weekends! Fly fishing is what I love to do and am grateful for the opportunity to help these kids learn!

MICHAEL AMES, MENTOR

Harrisburg, Arkansas

My father introduced me to Fly fishing when I was young child we were living in Miami, Florida. It wasn’t until I was around 40 years old, but I had the opportunity to go fly fishing for trout. This was my favorite as flyfishing for saltwater fish are larger and much more aggressive. One of the most enjoyable things about trout fishing is the location it’s always in someplace beautiful. I’ve been teaching fly fishing for over 20 years to both youth and adults, and I’ve been a certified casting instructor with Fly Fishers international for approximately 20 years. I’ve had the opportunity to teach casting in a variety of places from schools, major fly-fishing shows, and personal lessons in somebody’s backyard.

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