The Fish Hawk Team

GARY MERRIMAN

The Owner of The Fish Hawk, Gary Merriman  began fishing at an early age and expanded his passion from hobby to business in 1974 when he opened The Fish Hawk.  Gary has pursued his fishing dream to all corners of the globe; his crowning achievement being in Kona, Hawaii when he landed the largest Blue Marlin caught by a single angler (1,649 lbs).  Gary also won the Mercury Bonefishing World Championship in 2002.  His knowledge of saltwater and freshwater angling is unparalleled.   From tarpon to trout, Gary knows where to go, what to use, and how to make it all come together.


BOB MERRIMAN

Bob Merriman has been with The Fish Hawk for over 20 years.  Bobby, like his brother, has an extensive knowledge of both fresh and saltwater angling.  His true passion is bonefish, especially in the Bahamas.   In addition to chasing the elusive silver ghost, Bobby enjoys all types of angling-both conventional and with fly.   Bobby's friendly nature and boundless knowledge lends him to be a favorite among many loyal Fish Hawk customers.


HENRY WILLIAMSON

Henry Williamson runs our Sage fly fishing school, a position he has held for nearly twenty years.  In addition to the school, Henry is one of the first true modern fishing guides in the southeast.  Henry is not only acknowledged as being a master fly-fisherman, but also as an unparalleled  instructor and one of the south’s premier wildlife specialists.  He has also been featured in several magazines and books, which includes "WATERMARK".  Henry's affable nature and infectious personality are as much a signature of his contribution to the outdoor community as his ability as an instructor and fishing guide.  Any time you spend with Henry is sure to leave a lasting impression.


ROB ROOKS

Rob has been with The Fish Hawk for 11 years and serves as our on site fly-casting and fly-tying instructor.  Rob has fished throughout the United States, Belize, the Bahamas, and Chile (which is his current favorite destination).  If you have a question about fly tying, try to stump Rob.  I bet you can't.  Rob is a dedicated and patient instructor. His fly casting and tying classes are always in high demand. In the shop, Rob is helpful and extremely knowledgeable regarding all facets of the sport. He's also a fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants with his "Berry" nymphs being his latest creation to hit the fly bins.
Email Rob - rob@thefishhawk.com


BOB "SARGE" SHUMAKER

Bob "Sarge" Shumaker has worked at The Fish Hawk for 20 years and has never had a bad day in his life.  After retiring form the United States Marine Corps, "Sarge" finally settled at the shop after a few years out and has been here ever since.  His easy going nature and jovial personality compliment his knowledge of both conventional and fly fishing tackle.   If he's not in his favorite chair at the front of the shop, he's rigging or helping customers.  You can bet, if he's not in the shop, he is pursuing some outdoor interest.  


Rob is the newest addition to the shop. An avid outdoorsman since a child, he is well versed in all aspects of angling, from spin fishing for crappie to fly fishing for large trout on local rivers to Alaska. If he's not in the shop, you can bet he's somewhere on the water or in the woods.


BRIAN STOUT

Brian Stout is our resident rod repair man and rod building expert, Brian is a true craftsman. In addition to turning graphite blanks into works of art, Brian also guides on many of our local waters, bringing with him years of knowledge and a true desire to put his clients on fish.  Brian has fished since an early age, traveling the United States in search of both fresh and saltwater angling challenges.
Email Brian- Brian Stout


PAUL PUCKETT
 

When Paul Puckett is not at the shop, he is busy fishing, playing music, or painting his Catch and Release paintings. Paul's artwork has been featured in numerous fly shops, auctions, and benefits across the country. Before moving to Atlanta, Paul was a resident of Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a number of years. An avid fly fisherman, Paul has fished all over the western U.S., the southeast, and the White River system in Arkansas. You can check out some of Paul's work at or stop by the shop and see him in person. email Paul Puckett


                                    Rocky Rooks
                            ROCKY ROOKS


Rocky, official mascot and floor cleaner, can be seen lounging around the shop, eating cookies (and tomatoes), or sleeping. Don't let his grey hair fool you, he can rip the bumper off a Hummer. Rocky is in the shop 5 days a week and off on Fridays.....he likes dog biscuits.