Community Member Spotlight
Jaime Pinto
Community member spotlight AZ Fly Shop is a community fly shop. We exist to contribute to the fly fishing community and the community beyond the fly fishing community. I love to see community members that freely give back by contributing to our community. Our Spotlight community member this month embodies contribution, and we are proud to recognize Jaime Pinto.
Jaime is a Phoenix native with a deep appreciation for Arizona and its diverse wildlife. He enjoys fishing in the Rim or White Mountains as part of his Arizona Wild Trout Challenge, and you might also spot him expertly catching grass carp in one of the SRP canals. If you encounter him while fishing, you can be assured that you’re in great company. In addition to his impressive fishing abilities, Jaime is always willing to share advice and techniques with fellow anglers while browsing through the fly bins.
Jaime is a gift to the world and the Arizona fly fishing community is lucky to have him as our community member spots this month.
– Jeff Swanson & Chris Rich
What does fly fishing mean to you? What about fly fishing offers you most satisfaction?
Being able to take fishing to the next level, top tier. I would’ve never ever considered being able to catch a fish in the smallest areas where water rushes. The smallest flies have been catching the biggest fish 🤯
What does having AZ Fly Shop in the community mean to you? What do you like about AZ Fly Shop?
It’s always a good time just going in to say hi. I have been able to meet the shop crew and I always appreciate feedback and being heard when I rant about my adventures. My personal favorite experiences is always testing new flys and always being challenged to see if I will have a successful turnout.
Tell us your most memorable fly fishing story
This year has been overwhelmingly amazing with non stop memorable times. I’d say my first backpacking adventure to catch the big brown trouts that I’d only seen in videos. It was surreal. Like I was in the video for the first time.
Is there any advice you would share with the fly fishing community?
Fly fishing has brought me the some of the most beautiful places that I would have never experienced. When I catch my target fish, on my quest to Mordor, it is way to much to absorb the beauty of the fish and the location. Overwhelming is the word.
To the Arizona Fly Fishing Community: “Thank you for being a part of my experience.”
