MEET CAPE: CHASING WILD TROUT AND WILD PLACES
From the cold, clear streams of the southern Appalachians to the quiet, reflective moments shared around a campfire with his daughter, Cape’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep-rooted connection to the outdoors. We sat down with him to learn more about what drives his love for fly fishing, fatherhood, and the wild waters he calls home.
Let’s start with your general back story. Who are you? What defined you in your early days — what defines you now?
I’m Cape — born and raised in the southern Appalachians, where a love for the outdoors and a strong work ethic shaped me early on. I’ve walked some hard roads, but getting sober helped me reconnect with purpose and lean into the things that matter: creativity, community, and being of service. These days, I’m a full-time guide, dad, and outdoorsman — driven by a passion for the outdoors and a desire to help others experience it in meaningful, respectful ways.
Tell us where you call home and what kind of water you spend the most time fishing — lakes, rivers, salt, or wherever the bite is hot?
I call Gainesville, Georgia home — right near the southern edge of the Blue Ridge. I spend most of my time wading small mountain streams, chasing wild trout in cold, clear water. There’s just something about remote pockets of river in the Appalachians that feels sacred to me. But honestly, if the bite’s good and the water’s moving, I’m in.
If you could only fish for one species for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Appalachian brook trout, no question. They’re native, wild, and tough as hell — surviving in some of the most rugged, untouched waters we’ve got left. There’s a kind of reverence that comes with chasing them; it’s not just about the fish, it’s about where they live and what it takes to reach them. Every one feels earned, and to me, they represent the soul of these mountains.
What got you into fishing in the first place? Was it family tradition, dumb luck, or something else entirely?
Fishing started with my grandfather — he was the one who first put a rod in my hand, and we fished together my whole life until the day he passed. After losing him, I couldn’t bring myself to pick up a rod again. It just felt too heavy without him.
Years later, my girlfriend — the love of my life — convinced me to give fly fishing a try. I was hesitant, but something about it cracked the door back open. It brought me a new kind of peace, a new connection to the water, and in a way, back to him too. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Give us your most unforgettable catch story — the kind you might need to swear on a tackle box to prove.
Easy choice — the most unforgettable catch was the first fish I ever landed in front of my daughter. It wasn’t the prettiest fish, but it was the biggest in that moment. Her eyes lit up like I’d just reeled in a monster, and the way she jumped and cheered made it feel like the most important catch of my life. That memory outweighs every trophy and every perfect cast I’ve ever made.
When you’re not out chasing fish, what else fills your time outdoors? Hunting, camping, hiking, grilling? Napping in a hammock counts.
When I’m not fishing, I’m usually deep in the woods hiking, guiding others to waterfalls, or camping with my little girl. I love slow mornings at camp, cooking over a fire, and chasing sunsets from high ridgelines. And yeah — a good hammock nap is always on the list.
What’s one piece of fishing gear you’d never leave home without — even if it’s more superstition than necessity?
Easy. Polarized sunglasses.
Why did you want to join the Trxstle team? What about our gear or our vibe made you say, “Yep, these are my people”?
Joining the Trxstle team felt like a no-brainer — your gear is built for people who live life outside, not just visit it. It’s smart, durable, and made by folks who clearly get the lifestyle. But beyond the gear, it’s the vibe that drew me in — that mix of determination, creativity, and a deep respect for the water. It felt like home — like people who just get it the same way I do.
What’s your best advice for someone just getting into fishing? Or better yet — what’s something you wish someone had told you sooner?
Don’t worry about having all the right gear or knowing everything from the start — just get out there and enjoy the process. The fish will come, but the peace, the challenge, and the places it takes you are the real reward.
If I could go back, I’d tell myself this: it’s not about catching more fish, it’s about being present for the ones you do — and the moments around them. That’s what sticks with you.
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Cape’s story is a powerful reminder that fishing is about more than just fish — it’s about connection, resilience, and finding peace in wild places. From chasing native brook trout in the Appalachian backcountry to creating unforgettable memories with his daughter, Cape brings heart, humility, and a deep respect for the outdoors to everything he does. We’re proud to have him on board and can’t wait to see where the water takes him next. Welcome to the team, Cape — from all of us at Trxstle
Follow Cape's adventures on Instagram here --> Outdoors With Cape
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