Jerrod Vila
He stems from generations of avid outdoorsman. From a very young age, Jerrod began his journey rock hopping pint-sized Adirondack blue lines in onesie feet pajamas while in pursuit of four-inch brook trout, he never looked back. An old beat up fly rod and an Uncle’s farm pond full of largemouth bass started a self taught infatuation at 6 or 7 years of age, that to this very day, some 35 years later still holds the dearest place in his heart.
Jerrod is member of the New York State Outdoor Guide’s Association (NYSOGA), Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW), and a board member of the New York State Outdoor Writer’s Association (NYSOWA.) He has authored the weekly outdoor column for the The Daily Gazette, Amsterdam Recorder and Leader Herald going on 10 years. He is also a multimedia sales representative for Outdoor News and writes for the publication as well.
Aside from writing and flyfishing, he also finds true passion within the confines of the kitchen exhibiting an appreciation of eclectic cuisine from all around the globe; and taking the phrase, “From Field To Fork” quite literally.
Gabe Lopez
Gabe’s journey into the world of fishing began in the most unexpected way, at a wine tasting event his Wife made him attend. What started as an unwelcome conversation introduced to him by a stranger, who now is one of his best friends, was the idea of ice fishing. Reluctantly accepting an invitation to fish in sub-zero temperatures, Gabe found himself surrounded by the stunning views of the Adirondack mountains. Catching his first fish, a comically memorable fallfish, ignited a passion for fishing that would change his life.
This enthusiasm quickly grew, leading Gabe to embark on numerous fishing adventures. From frozen lakes in the Northeast to serene Adirondack ponds, his interest expanded into the art of fly fishing that took him across the country to target species from the coast to coast. Despite starting without proper gear, he caught his first brown trout on the Ausable River near Lake Placid. That moment marked a turning point, transforming his initial apprehension into a deep love for the sport.
In his early twenties, a near-death experience changed Gabe’s perspective on life. This pivotal moment drove him to reevaluate his priorities, moving away from destructive behaviors toward a path of self-discovery and personal growth. He embraced the outdoors, overcoming his aversion to insects and the outdoors and immersing him into fly fishing and entomology. Through self-education and learning from seasoned mentors, Gabe quickly honed his skills and deepened his connection to nature.
As an entrepreneur and community servant, Gabe plays a vital role in his occupational medical business, serves as president of the board for his local Habitat for Humanity and a dedicated advocate for the American Heart Association, an organization that played a crucial role in saving his life. For Gabe, the outdoors has become a sanctuary, providing balance, mental clarity, and a deeper appreciation for life.
