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SERVICES: PROFESSIONAL GUIDES
Tom Hawthorne, Owner
In 1979, while working in the helicopter industry as a certified mechanic, a close personal friend and pilot introduced me to fly fishing for trout. Oddly enough, the friend's name was Ted Angle.
Ted and I spent many hours fishing together in Utah, Wyoming and Montana during our time off. After several years of fishing and working together we went our own way, me to Arkansas and Ted to Sun Valley, Idaho near the famous Silver Creek. Our lasting friendship and the passion for fly fishing still brings us together every couple of years.
 The Ozark Angler opened in 1989 in Little Rock, after some coaxing by friends. We started with a very modest inventory and just afternoon hours of operation.
After just four months, I gave up the helicopter business to devote all my energies to the fly shop. Later that next year, I went west to guide for Bud Lilly's Trout Shop in West Yellowstone, Montana.
The three summer seasons spent guiding fly fishers in Montana helped establish creditability for our growing fall and winter guide business back in Arkansas. Through some good fortune and the fact that we have trophy rivers in Arkansas, the guide service grew so rapidly that I had to give up going to Montana.
Today, after 10 years, we have grown into a two shop operation with shops located in Little Rock and Heber Springs, Arkansas. With all that is involved we are still having a great time. After all, isn't that what it's all about?
Arkansas has many fly fishing opportunities within its' boundaries. The White, North Fork and Little Red Rivers are becoming popular destinations to many trout anglers across the country. While not as popular as fly fishing for trout, angling for panfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass in the many lakes and Ozark mountain streams provide countless hours of fun for the fly fisher.
The next time you think of fly fishing, I hope Arkansas pops into your mind. We would love to share our fishing time and experience with you.
Best Fishes,
Tom Hawthorne, Owner
The Ozark Angler
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