由 John-Paul Duff “Flytastic: From Culinary Arts to Fly Fishing Mastery – A Swiss Angler’s Journey”
A Lifelong Passion for Fishing
From a young age, I was captivated by the art of fishing—mastering intricate knots blindfolded and trying my hand at fly fishing by 14. Even as I navigated secondary school and trained as a chef in Appenzell, my love for fishing never faded. After my culinary career, I discovered joy in bartending and connecting with people, but it also marked the start of a deeper personal quest.
At the Crossroads: Passion vs. Profession
In 2015, armed with a vocational high school diploma and culinary apprenticeship, I embarked on hotel management studies. A life-changing summer internship in 2017 at a Canadian fishing lodge, where I served as a “Lodge Assistant Manager,” deepened my passion for angling. Returning to Switzerland, I faced a pivotal question: What path should I take? Doubts about my studies grew, and I knew I needed a change.
Answering the Call of the Wild
By spring 2020, as I completed my studies and the COVID-19 lockdown unfolded, I found myself with endless hours to devote to my true love—fly fishing. I realized I didn’t just want to fish; I wanted to share my knowledge and inspire others. This epiphany led me to guide fellow enthusiasts into nature, blending my culinary skills with unforgettable outdoor experiences. Soon after, FLYTASTIC was born—a free website where I began documenting my adventures and insights.
From Hobby to Career: The Birth of FLYTASTIC
In the summer of 2021, I took the leap and turned my passion into my profession. Through workshops, I now teach fly fishing techniques, share my deep understanding of aquatic ecosystems, and instill a profound respect for nature. My mission? To inspire fellow anglers and bring joy to their fishing journeys. After all, life’s too short not to do what you love—and for me, that’s fly fishing.
Workshops to Elevate Your Fly Fishing Game
- Fly Fishing for Beginners & Pros – Master the essentials or refine advanced techniques.
- Custom Rod Building – Craft your perfect fly rod with expert guidance.
- Fly Presentation Mastery – Learn the art of the perfect cast and presentation.
Target Species Expertise
At FLYTASTIC, I specialize in fly fishing for these prized species:
- Brown Trout
- Grayling
- Pike
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned angler, my goal is to help you unlock the magic of fly fishing—one cast at a time.