Our May AFFTA Member of the Month is Tony Royal at South Carolina’s Bay Street Outfitters. Here’s what Tony had to say about the shop’s business:
“We are in historical Beaufort, S.C. on the Intercoastal Waterway, about 45 minutes north of Hilton Head Island and an hour and a half south of Charleston. We opened on Bay Street 21 years ago, and have four charter captains and put on numerous fly casting schools. We also helped start the local Sea Island Fly Fishers Club.”
How did the shop start?
I opened in 1995 after retiring from the banking Business in Atlanta. We had two employees and one guide. Now we have twelve employees and four guides. We’re all flats boats and sight casting primarily to redfish, year-round.
How has AFFTA membership benefitted you?
Good connections and helps us stay up to date on issues.
When you’re not in the office, what are you most likely to be found doing?
Quail hunting, and fly fishing in the Everglades, Montana and Wyoming.
Someone is coming to visit Beaufort. Where would you send them to get a true taste of Beaufort’s cuisine?
The Old Bull Tavern, 1770 Anchorage, Breakwater and Saltus River Grill.
Redfishing 101: What’s your top tip?
1. Listen to your guide.
2. Use an 8-weight.
3. Strip set!! Not rod set.
4. Learn how to cast in the wind.
Thanks to Tony for being our May Member of the Month! If you’d like to see your business featured, please email jess@affta.org.
