Baja Flyfishing Staff
Your Baja Flyfishing Co. hosts are veteran working fly fishing guides with over 30 years of experience fly fishing saltwater, including trips to the Baja since 1974. In addition, we're avid fly tiers, rod builders, and have taught numerous classes/seminars on various aspects of fly fishing. First and foremost we are fishing guides dedicated to full filling your vacation expectations.
Fishing with the Baja Flyfishing Co. LLC is more than a fishing trip, it's a full on Baja experience that you will remember for ever. We know the Baja after 30 years of traveling its back roads, kayaking its shore line, surfing and snorkeling while pioneering the fly fishing techniques used today. All of our guides are well versed in fly fishing the beach, kayak and panga and are versatile in all tackle types. We truly enjoy sharing our years of experiences with you our guests, both on and off the water.
Mike Rieser, Partner and Guide: Mike founded the Baja Flyfishing Co in 1998 out of a deep love for the Baja and the Sea of Cortez. His first fishing experience in the Sea of Cortez dates back to 1974 in the days of fiber glass rods and Phlueger Medalist reels. He has kayaked and camped extensively along the Baja’s remote coast line, always with an eye for new fishing adventures. Mike has guided hunters and fishermen since 1974, starting as a Mule Packer/Guide in the Eastern Sierra Nevada near Bishop California. Mike is an innovative fly tier and fly designer and has demonstrated his patterns at Sport Shows including the International Sportsman’s Expo. Mike has appeared in numerous television shows and is currently writing a book on fly fishing the Sea of Cortez. Mike is a teacher at heart and greatly enjoys sharing his experience with all visitors to the Sea of Cortez.
Bob Dettmann, Partner and Guide: Bob is married with two children and is a lifelong angler. He’s is a retired forester/wildland firefighter of 35 years with the US Forest Service. He and his wife Chris split their time between their home on the Animas River south of Durango, Colorado, their beach house at Pescadero, Baja Sur and the East Cape of the Sea of Cortez. Bob, a long time friend of Mike, started hosting fishing groups with Baja Flyfishing Co, LLC in 1998. After six years of hosting trips, Bob become a partner in 2005. He enjoys the great fishing of the East Cape but also sharing the whole Sea of Cortez marine experience with BFC guests.
"If it were lush and rich, one could understand the pull, but it is fierce and hostile and sullen. The stone mountains pile up to the sky and there is little fresh water. But we know we must go back if we live, and we don't know why." - Steinbeck, Log from the Sea of Cortez
Toby Uppinghouse, Fly Fishing Guide and Manufacturers Rep: Toby started fly fishing at the early age of eleven, his passion becoming incorporated into his everyday life. Toby grew up on the North Coast of California chasing steelhead and salmon. In his early twenties Toby worked for a rod manufacturer/fly shop and by the age of twenty eight owned his own fly shop. Toby advanced his experience, becoming a manufactures rep for TFO Rods, Bauer Reels, Korkers, Pacific Fly, William Joseph, and other reputable manufactures in the fly fishing industry. Through all these years Toby has managed to fit time into his busy schedule for guiding clients on his treasured waters, including Northern California Montana and Idaho. Toby started hosting trips to Baja in 1998, a place that has captured his heart. Toby enjoys sharing his passion and experience of the sport with friends and clients of all ages and levels of experience.
Merry Waugh, Fishing Guide: Merry turned fish crazy at the tender age of two, equipped with a cane pole and bobber. The passion to fish stayed with her through the years as spin gear replaced cane poles, till she discovered fly fishing in her late twenties. She has not been the same since. Merry began guiding in the early nineties, rowing drift boats on the North Platt of Wyoming. Hunting season found her bugling bulls for hunting clients in the high country. Guiding lead Merry to Colorado and eventually hit the road ran south to the Baja. Merry enjoys introducing beginners to the sport, is a skilled casting instructor, demonstration fly tier and has a passion for teaching.
Adam Grahm, Guide and owner of the El Gallo. Adam joined the Baja Flyfishing Co. last year and brought a panga with him. Adam hails from Colorado when not on the Baja, where he has fished for trout since he was a smolt. Adam is an enthusiastic guide with excellent teaching skills.