Carter Lyles

Carter has spent over a decade working in the fly fishing industry with retailers, manufacturers, media, reps, lodges, and travel agencies. Originally from Atlanta, Carter spent much of his time fly fishing the Chattahoochee River, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. Carter has also fished throughout The Bahamas, Hawaii, Cuba, the Yucatan, Baja, Canada, and Belize.

What is your favorite species (or hatch) to fish for and where?
I love PMDs on the Henry's Fork, tricos on the Missouri River and hatches of baetis in the fall on the Madison River. I also have many fond memories of great evening caddis hatches on the Madison and Henry's Fork. 

Favorite Rod/Reel combo and why?
In terms of the beauty of a fly rod, Thomas & Thomas does a phenomenal job. They spend an extraordinary amount of time looking into the detail of a fly rod and crafting a beautiful piece. When it comes to performance and my personal casting style, I think the team at Scott is exceptional. I own Abels, Lamsons, Tibors, and Hatch reels. There is something about a Tibor that just hits different. There's so much rich angling history and stories behind the Tibor brand. 
 
Favorite Fly Line(s)?
I lean toward Scientific Anglers. I've always love the textured lines because I can hear my cast. That may not make sense to a lot of people, but I love to see, feel, and hear my casting. 

Top Flies?
For trout, I have caught fish in every major river, minus the Smith, in the U.S. West on variations of these three flies: Sparkle Dun, X Caddis, and Film Critic. Always have rusty spinners or beetles in your box to break a hatch. 
 
Preferred Waders and Boots?
It's very rare that you'll see me put on waders and boots as I'm more of a flip flop guy. When I absolutely have to wear them, I go with Patagonia because they make a great product and I appreciate how involved they are in conservation in many of the places we all know and love. 

What do you use for leader and tippet and why does it work well for you?
I've always fished TroutHunter leader and tippet for trout. When it comes to the salt, RIO is perfect. 
 
Favorite Luggage and Pack System?
In my personal opinion, nobody does this better than the team at Fishpond. I own their Teton luggage, rod/reel case, and Thunderhead Submersible Backpack. I've tried sling packs, hip packs, and chest packs, and have found that a simple vest is the best system. It's old school, but sometimes old school is the way to go. Their Fishpond Ridgeline Tech Vest is all you need and more. 

Favorite Accessories or Must-Have Pieces of Gear?
By far sunglasses. BY FAR. I have owned several Smiths and Costas, and now I wear Bajio. You may think I'm crazy, but I can tell a noticeable difference in my Bajio sunglasses versus other lenses. I do a lot of saltwater fishing in South Carolina where the water visibility isn't great, so having a good pair of sunglasses is essential. I believe I can see more defined and clearly with my Bajios versus other brands.

If you were forced to incorporate one piece of tying material into all of your flies, what would it be and why?
Antron. If you've ever read "Caddis" by Gary LaFontaine, you'll develop a strong appreciation for antron. I do not see it incorporated in a lot of saltwater flies, but this may be interesting to try.

What are your favorite destinations you've traveled to and why?
I love Mexico for its culture and the fishing can be lights out. I can go there and get humbled by permit, and still have the time of my life. The Bahamas is a vibe - conch, gorgeous flats, palm trees, cold Kalik, and plenty of happy bonefish. Canada is the best trout fishing I've experienced in North America. 
 
What's on your bucket list?
I am that part of my angling career where I'm pursuing "that fish." So, I want to catch a 40" snook on the fly and a 10 plus pound bonefish. I will go where that affords me the best chances. After that, I want to do the roosterfish on the beach deal. That looks like so much fun it should be illegal. For trout, at the very top of my bucket list, is the South Island of New Zealand. 

What lodges do you really want to visit outside of your territory?
Yellow Dog represents so many wonderful lodges in great locations. If I'm going to a lodge these days as a vacation, I will want to take my wife with me. Any lodge like South Fork Lodge, Ruby Springs, Silver Bow Club, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, etc. where we both can have a wonderful time would be ideal. 
 
Which destinations would you want to travel to from a cultural perspective?
I love Europe! I've been to France and England, but never to Spain and Italy. How cool would it be to catch a trout in any of those locations? I've seen pictures and they look like they're AI generated! 

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