Gary Dubiel
Fly Fisher, Guide, Fly Designer
Captain Gary Dubiel began fly tying and fishing at the age of eight in Western Pennsylvania, inheriting these skills from his father. He fished rivers and streams for trout, as well as lakes for bass and panfish. His interest in saltwater fly fishing sparked in the late 1970s during visits to the Outer Banks, eventually leading him to relocate to North Carolina and begin his career as a guide. His service, named Spec Fever; after his passion for speckled seatrout, also offers specialized trips for redfish, stripers, false albacore, and other local species. Gary boasts over two decades of experience in guiding.
Listen to Gary Dubiel's Show...
Fly Fishing for Trophy Redfish
Captain Gary Dubiel, has been guiding the North Carolina waters for over 20 years. Gary is renowned for his expertise in light tackle and fly fishing, In his home waters, catching redfish up to 50 inches is not unusual. Join us to learn Gary’s secrets to locating and hooking up with these trophy redfish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Can you tell us about your background and how you got started with fly fishing for redfish?
- What makes redfish such a sought-after species for fly anglers?
- What types of water do you fish?
- Can you describe the ideal habitat for finding trophy redfish?
- What is the best time of year for trophy redfish in your area?
- How do the weather conditions affect your approach to fly fishing for redfish?
- How important is line selection, and what type of fly line do you prefer for redfish?
- What types of fly patterns do you find most effective for redfish, and why?
- What is the Pop-N-Fly rig?
- Do you normally sight fish to one fish or to a school?
- What techniques do you use to spot and stalk trophy redfish in shallow water?
- How do you present your fly?
- What type of retrieve do you use and is it different depending on what type of fly you are using?
- What does a typical full-day guided trip entail, and what type of boat do you operate?
- Can you share a memorable story from your guided trips with clients catching trophy redfish?
Always looking to improve his techniques, Gary pioneered the popping cork craze for NC giant red drum, turning what was a nighttime bait fishery into a daytime artificial lure fishery. Progressing one step further, Gary invented the Pop-N-Fly rig and revolutionized fly fishing for these giant reds in North Carolina. He has more
recently started developing an artificial lure and fly fishery for tarpon in his home waters.
Captain Gary is renowned for his expertise in light tackle and fly fishing, having written extensively on the subject and delivered lectures. His knowledge has been showcased on various angling programs across ESPN 2, WFN, UNC-TV, NBC Sports, the Sportsman Channel, and Discovery Channel Europe. He's a regular presenter at fishing shows nationwide, such as the Saltwater Sportsman's National Seminar Series, the Fly-Fishing Show, and the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival. His innovative fly patterns have gained recognition in numerous leading sports fishing publications and books. Additionally, Gary holds an IGFA Fly Rod World Record for silver salmon, caught using one of his unique fly designs.
Gary has collaborated with Rick Pope at TFO rods for nearly two decades, serving as a Regional and National Advisor before recently transitioning to the rod design team at Sawgrass Rods alongside Collins Illich. Additionally, Capt. Gary is the innovator behind the Pop N Fly, which is currently produced and marketed by the Flymen Fishing Company. He has also entered the pro program with Ahrex, focusing on new product development. His extensive professional network includes roles as Brand Ambassador for Florida Fishing Products, Pro Staff positions with Rapala, Storm Lures, Sufix Fishing Line, and Regal Vise, as well as a professional guide associated with Scientific Angler, Costa Sunglasses, Columbia Clothing, and Simms.
Gary's enthusiasm for fly fishing and exploration has led him to various destinations across North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. He has recently channeled this passion into a secondary career as a travel advisor, focusing on both hosted and independent trips to Europe, particularly in Poland, Ireland, and Croatia.