New Kids On The Block

-but without the boy band and hair gel

Hello! Thank you for paying our site a visit. We are the new kids on the block here in Waynesville, but we are old hands when it comes to the fly fishing industry. Josh, that’s me, has worked/been deeply involved in the fly fishing industry for the last 25 years. For the last 6 years, I have been guiding full-time in western NC, and guided up here intermittently for the last 21 years. Prior to us moving here, I guided in Charleston, SC and managed The Charleston Angler in its heyday.  Needless to say, fly fishing is my passion and I have been one of the fortunate few to call it my profession. 

Having our own shop has been a dream since I walked into a fly shop for the first time. I thoroughly enjoy guiding, but after a lifetime of surfing and chasing big waves, healing from a lumbar fusion, and worsening arthritis, we decided the time is now. Full time guiding in the mountains is very hard on the knees, hips, and back since you’re climbing over slick boulders, standing on uneven riverbeds, lugging around a heavy pack, and the occasional client. I have known many guides that retired from guiding that have crippling knee issues or horrible arthritis in their shoulders from rowing a drift boat or raft, or poling a skiff on saltwater flats for decades. They suffered through the aches and pains purely for the love of the sport and the satisfaction that they helped bring a smile and lasting memories to people over their tenure. 

Our goal at Shining Rock is to provide a place where a community can grow and knowledge can be shared. One of the most important aspects of opening a shop was to create a place that had premium gear, but price tags that didn’t scare people away. The fly fishing industry is full of legendary companies that have been around for decades, or in one case, over 150 years. However, many of these companies sell equipment that is far outside the range of affordability for the average angler. Additionally, 90% of shops carry these companies. Not to say the equipment isn’t top notch, but you can literally walk into any shop in this region and find the same, old tired brands. Not at Shining Rock. We are proud to showcase brands that the competition doesn’t carry, with prices that you don’t require a law degree to afford or the need to take out a second mortgage to get yourself into the game. 

We are also obsessed with conservation and education. If we’re not taking part in conservation causes, and most importantly educating folks on best practices, we will have nothing left to fight for. Nothing for our children and their children. Being a part of as many conservation organizations as possible is one of our hallmarks. We intend to host meetings and impromptu banquets and events any time the opportunity presents itself. Keep tabs on our social media pages for updates on these fun events, and our grand opening

Thank you for being here with us, and I wish you the fishiest days on the river.

Josh Whorton- Head Honcho