Adipose Outfitters - Montana

Don’t take our word for it…
Ask these guys, they row our boat every day.

 

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Montana

Eric Adams: Montana Fly Fishing Guides
Dante Bonanini: Bighorn Trout Shop
Matt Dodson: Dodson Fly Fishing
Brock Long: Montana Drifter
Pierce Oja: Bighorn Trout Shop
Mark Raisler: Headhunters Fly Shop

Eric Adams: Montana Fly Fishing Guides

I’ve been rowing drift boats for almost 20 years and guiding full time for 17 years.  I was fortunate to get one of the first Adipose Boatworks skiffs in June 2010.  After a 100’s of guide days in this boat, I can state unequivocally that this is the finest rowing drift boat available.  
 
The weight distribution is ideal, it crawls great – tracks even better and pops up on plane when you need it to. I also enjoy watching other Western/McKenzie/Dory style boats fight the big winds common in Livingston, Montana while the Adipose Skiff is remarkably easier to row in the same conditions.

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TELL US YOUR STORY…

Who got you into fishing and how long have you been fishing?

I’ve been fishing since I was a young boy under the influence of my Dad and Grandfather. I suppose it’s been most of my 16,000 days…

Where is your 4th favorite place to fish? (we definitely know you’re not giving up your top 3)

I would say my personal favorite would be the backcountry of Florida Bay outside Islamorada in the Florida Keys chasing Tarpon or Bonefish.

If you could take any one person fishing, who would it be?

The first choice would be my beautiful lady, Nicolette. However, if I had my wish in guiding someone it’d be a tough choice between Thomas Jefferson, Ernest Shackleton, Meriwether Lewis or William Clark. If you don’t know them pick up a few books and you’ll want to spend time with them as well.

What haven’t you accomplished that you still aspire to do in your lifetime?

I’ve spent a long time discovering the fishing in and around Montana and the West. While I’ve traveled to a number of fishing destinations, I still have numerous fly fishing journeys to mark off my hit list.

What would be your day job if you weren’t currently doing what you’re doing?

I’ve never really thought of other occupations, but it would definitely be self-employed as I am now. Regardless, there would definitely be more time built in for my personal fishing.
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Dante Bonanani: Bighorn Trout Shop

“You can’t expect to meet the challenges of today with yesterday’s tools and expect to be in business tomorrow. Best boat on the water. Great people to at Adipose. I’m really glad to be able to buy a boat from Helena — the town I grew up in.  Go Bengals!!!  I could say more but it’s not needed.”

My wife and two sons and I live on the Bighorn year round. We all love fishing.

TELL US YOUR STORY…

Who got you into fishing and how long have you been fishing?

I’ve been fishing as long as I can remember. Thanks Dad 

Where is your 4th favorite place to fish? (we definitely know you’re not giving up your top 3)

The Bighorn River, Canyon Ferry, The Mo and about anywhere in Montana. 

If you could take any one person fishing, who would it be?

I would love to take my Grandfather fishing now that I’m a guide. I never got the chance, but he sure did take me fishing. Thanks, Grandpa!

What haven’t you accomplished that you still aspire to do in your lifetime?

Watch and teach my boys Bridger & Daniel to fish and row. I would also like to find ways to give back and protect the river.

What would be your day job if you weren’t currently doing what you’re doing?

At this point in life, I’m doing exactly what I want. I fish, hunt and snowboard about 300 days a year — half work, half family time. The other thing I’m passionate about is ways to protect the Bighorn river, this is truly a special place in the world. Arguably the best trout stream in the world.

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Matt Dodson: Dodson Fly Fishing

“My Adipose is the perfect tool for my home waters of Southwest Montana. Responsive, stable, roomy, and comfortable to fish out. The shallow draft allows me to access spots other boats can’t and the hull is burly enough to take the daily abuse we experience on swift and shallow rivers. Hands down, the best boat I’ve owned.”

TELL US YOUR STORY…

Who got you into fishing and how long have you been fishing?

My dad and Grandfather taught me how to cast a fly rod at the age of 7.

Where is your 4th favorite place to fish? (we definitely know you’re not giving up your top 3)

The Florida Keys.

If you could take any one person fishing, who would it be?

My wife, Maggie

What haven’t you accomplished that you still aspire to do in your lifetime?

Catch a grand slam.

What would be your day job if you weren’t currently doing what you’re doing?

Whatever job that would replace 200 days of guiding with 200 days of fishing! Until then, I’ll stay right where I am.

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Brock Long: Montana Drifter

“Montana fishing guides will argue long past sunset on what makes the best drift boat.  However when I have a client, that has been fishing Montana for over 30 years, say that this is the easiest drift boat to fish from, that kind of settles things.  My clients love it, stays out of the wind and the easiest to fish from.”

TELL US YOUR STORY…

Who got you into fishing and how long have you been fishing?

My father and grandfather got me into fishing early.  Fishing small farm ponds in the mid-west to running jet boats up warm water rivers for smallmouth bass.  I have been fishing since I was old enough to walk.  I have been fly fishing for 17 years now.

Where is your 4th favorite place to fish? (we definitely know you’re not giving up your top 3)

My 4th favorite is the upper Bitterroot River in the fall.  Big flies and hungry fish.  Number 1-3 might all be on the Missouri River.

If you could take any one person fishing, who would it be?

My son Finn.

What haven’t you accomplished that you still aspire to do in your lifetime?

Go fly fishing in the southern hemisphere.

What would be your day job if you weren’t currently doing what you’re doing?

I would be working in the Information Technology field.

Pierce Oja: Bighorn Trout Shop

“I love my Adipose. It’s the Rolls-Royce of drift boats. Adipose has created a superior platform for boat fishing whether its carp or trout, the boat gets it done. Every single aspect of the boat is well thought out and executed. The Adipose team is exceptionally professional and skilled at their craft.”

Pierce Oja grew up in Billings, Montana and has been chasing trout on Montana’s legendary waters his entire life. Pierce learned to fly fish at a young age on the famous Smith River in central Montana. He spent his pivotal years of development working the counter at East Rosebud Fly and Tackle. Upon retirement from his “shop rat career” Pierce began guiding for the Bighorn Trout Shop in sunny Fort Smith, Montana. He has also recently become involved with Einarsson reels and the Jerry French Renegade rod series.

TELL US YOUR STORY…

Who got you into fishing and how long have you been fishing?

Like most people my dad got me into fishing and I’ve been fishing most of my memorable life.

Where is your 4th favorite place to fish? (we definitely know you’re not giving up your top 3)

The Blackfoot River.

If you could take any one person fishing, who would it be?

“The Most Interesting Man in the World” he may have a thing or two to show me about fishing.

What haven’t you accomplished that you still aspire to do in your lifetime?

I would love to own a fly shop someday. Hire a younger kid, teach him to appreciate the finer things in life like rock and roll and the effectivity of a well tied woolly bugger. It would truly be a full circle experience for me.

What would be your day job if you weren’t currently doing what you’re doing?

I would probably be a card shark or a politician.

Mark Raisler: Headhunters Fly Shop

Mark has been fishing Montana’s Missouri River for 25 years. It is his favorite place on earth. Loves to float fish with his Adipose Flow. Comfortable, clean, easy to row. That is all that’s needed in a modern drift boat. Co-Owner of Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig MT, Mark enjoys guiding and spending time in the shop. The plan for the next 25 years? More of the same!

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TELL US YOUR STORY…

Who got you into fishing and how long have you been fishing?

My first fishing mentor was my father. He loves to fish and still is an avid angler in the NW. My second fly fishing mentor was Pat Ward. A fly fishing eccentric that introduced me to fly fishing as a lifestyle. A daily routine. Tying flies, improving my cast, and how to get really deep in the sport! Since then many people have influenced me and my fishing addiction! I’ve been fly fishing for better than 25 years and have no plans to stop.

Where is your 4th favorite place to fish? (we definitely know you’re not giving up your top 3)

My 4th favorite place to fish is the Yellowstone River outside of Livingston. Love to fish for those scrappy Cutthroats on the upper river. Always a fun time throwing the big Chubby!

If you could take any one person fishing, who would it be?

Jay Buhner of the Seattle Mariners. My favorite baseball player. Jay is a crazy fly fisherman too. Since retired and does some time in the booth. Would love to fish with Jay, the bat, Buhner sometime here on the Mighty Mo.

What haven’t you accomplished that you still aspire to do in your lifetime?

Would like to catch more Bonefish and Redfish. My two favorite saltwater creatures. I am working on improving my left-handed cast. Would love to cast equally as well with both hands.

What would be your day job if you weren’t currently doing what you’re doing?

Pro Baseball player. World Cup Skier. But achievable jobs would be a content writer for the web.