Meet the Makers: Galen Kipar & Anthony Esposito

In our “Meet the Makers” series, we’ll introduce you to local personalities from each of the towns where Nest offices are located. These makers enrich our communities and color the landscape of our towns. For this installment, we travel to the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina to meet two Fly Fishermen and learn more about the art of tying flies.

Galen Kipar, Fly Fisherman

As the sun begins it’s slow summer evening descent, Galen Kipar and Anthony Esposito’s boat slides quietly into the French Broad River. I watch artistry in motion as they gracefully navigate the water, one steering the boat as the other casts. The two met years ago on a fishing trip and have been friends and fishing companions ever since. “You have to match your ability as an oarsman and a fisherman,” explains Esposito, “putting the boat in the right spot is vicariously fishing through one another.” Their timing, rhythm, and finesse are mesmerizing.

Originally from Georgia, Kipar has had a lifelong love affair with the river. Growing up on the water, he developed a respect and admiration for its natural beauty. In 2000, he moved to the Asheville area to study music composition at Brevard College, and spent time fly fishing on the waters throughout the region. His desire not only to fish, but to share that experience with others lead him to launch Asheville Fly Fishing Co. in 2015. He now guides fly fishing trips three to four times a week during fishing season. He appreciates the therapeutic qualities that the experience offers. Beyond the catching and release of the fish, the quiet time to calm your brain, connect with nature, and be present in the moment, is invaluable.

Anthony Esposito, Fly Fisherman

Esposito guides part-time alongside Kipar at Asheville Fly Fishing Co. He developed a passion for the sport of fly fishing early in his childhood, exploring the rivers around West Virginia. After college, he spent nine years in Colorado, honing his craft, and guiding tours in the Roaring Fork Valley. When he decided to return to the east coast, the rivers and mountains in Asheville were calling. He now guides three to four times a month, and finds joy in teaching others. “It’s fish therapy—phone off, just being on the river,” he shares.

The craft of tying their own flies became a necessity for both Kipar and Esposito. Having spent so much time on the water, their understanding of aquatic entomology grew, as did their desire to create their own flies. Being able to customize flies allows them to be sensitive to the geographical area and adjust for the conditions. “Our goal is to match the hatch,” Kipar explains.

Different species of fish are drawn to different types of flies, depending on the time of day, water current, light, and temperature. Kipar learned to tie flies from the hundreds of patterns found in books, then added his own twist. The method of tying ties has changed little over time, but the materials used have evolved. Natural feathers and fur were commonly used, where synthetic materials are now more prevalent. Polypropylene, for example, is a reflective, light-refracting material that draws fish to the bait, and isn’t found in natural materials.

For Esposito, “There is a level of gratification that comes from creating the fly, going out and using it, and catching a fish on it.” Kipar prefers to create Frog pattern ties and Esposito prefers the Bait Fish pattern. While their method of tying may differ, they are both passionate about honoring lessons from the past as they forage new waters. To book your guided tour, visit ashevilleflyfishingco.com

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

We ask each of our makers to share what’s in their toolbox—the five things they can’t live without:

1. Bodkin, used for teasing out the material.