Community Member Spotlight

Craig Culloton

Meet Craig Culloton: Good Fishing, Great Stories & a Little Patagonia Glamping!

Some of the best things about fly fishing have nothing to do with the fish. It’s the places it takes us, the friendships we make, and the stories we collect along the way. This month’s Community Member Spotlight, Craig Culloton, is a perfect example of all three!

Craig has been fly fishing for just four years, but he’s certainly made the most of them. From chasing trout on the Salt River to traveling with AZ Fly Shop on two hosted adventures, most recently to Alaska in pursuit of big rainbows and grayling, Craig continues to embrace everything this sport has to offer.

When asked about his most memorable fishing experience, Craig took us to Patagonia, where a day of catching more than 20 big trout was apparently just the beginning! After pulling the boat onto the bank, he was greeted by a roaring fire, the smell of beef and sausage cooking, a gourmet dinner, and a full bar tucked beside a dining tent complete with a chandelier. Now that’s what we call roughing it!

Of course, Craig was quick to point out that the accommodations weren’t all luxurious. The tiny toilet tents left a little something to be desired, but even that became part of the adventure. After a night of great food, cocktails, and even better fish stories, it was back on the water the next morning for more trophy trout.

Beyond the adventures, Craig appreciates what fly fishing does for the mind and spirit. As he puts it, “Whether you catch fish or not, you have the ability to center your mind, body and spirit into some fantastic nature experiences.”

We’ve had the pleasure of running into Craig on the Salt River and sharing the water with him in Alaska. His enthusiasm, humor, and willingness to explore new places are exactly what make the Arizona fly fishing community so special.

Craig says one of his favorite things about AZ Fly Shop is the community it brings together, the friendships it creates, and the opportunities it provides to learn, gear up, and experience new fisheries.

And if you happen to spot a convertible cruising around with a fly rod hanging out the back, there’s a good chance it’s Craig. Be sure to give him a wave and a big “You Bet!”

Craig leaves us with a thought that captures the spirit of fly fishing beautifully:

“The charm of Fly-Fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions of HOPE!”

Thanks for being part of the AZ Fly Shop family, Craig. We’re grateful for the stories, the laughs, and the adventures, and we’re looking forward to many more.

As Craig would say, “Tight lines baby :)”